Overview & Reviews

They say that in the event of Armageddon, the only thing to survive will be cockroaches. Well, there's a good chance you'd see some old Ford Rangers cruising around, too. This compact pickup truck soldiered on with relatively few revisions for nearly three decades. Of course, there were styling and interior overhauls over the decades, but the platform and most mechanicals underneath it all were practically Jurassic. Even those styling and interior updates dated back to the 1990s.

Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age. And given its wide choice of trim styles and lower pricing than comparable Japanese rivals, a well-maintained late-model Ford Ranger could be a good choice for a used pickup, provided you don't need a lot of passenger capacity or horsepower. But if you're looking for a relatively new used compact or midsize pickup, the Ford Ranger pales in comparison to other trucks with their more powerful engines, roomier crew-cab body styles and greater overall refinement.

Used Ford Ranger Models
The most recent generation of the Ford Ranger was produced from 2001 through 2011 and typically came in four different flavors: XL, XLT, Sport, and the off-road-oriented FX4. Depending on the year, there were also the monochromatic Edge, sporty STX and sound system-centered Tremor. Only standard and extended cab body styles were offered, as there was still no crew cab version.

Engine selection consisted of a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6 (until 2009) and a 4.0-liter V6. Output of the smaller engines varied slightly depending on year, with the 2.3 making 135-143 horsepower and the 3.0 making 148-154 hp. The 4.0 made 207 hp. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic for all engines, though initially the 4.0-liter V6 came only with the automatic.

Although nimble on- and off-road due to its true compact size, even this latest version of the Ranger was seriously dated in terms of features and available body styles. While its midsize rivals offered roomy crew-cab (four-door) models, more modern features and much more powerful V6 engines, the Ranger made do with standard and extended-cab configurations only, and relatively low-tech power plants.

The second generation of the Ranger ran from 1993 through 2000. Styling was less blocky than the first-gen truck and the cabin was likewise updated with less angular forms. Standard and extended cab body styles were offered, but they were joined by a stylish, flareside bed version dubbed the Splash. Under the hood was the expected choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine. Notable changes throughout this generation are the availability of four-wheel antilock brakes in 1995, a five-speed automatic transmission (versus four-speed) for V6 models in '97 and freshened styling for '98.

Introduced for 1983, the Ford Ranger started life as a standard-cab, four-cylinder compact pickup truck with a choice of two bed lengths. The mid-'80s saw the introduction of the extended-cab body style known as the "SuperCab," which offered jump seats that were best left to kids. The Ranger continued through the early '90s with minor upgrades to the powertrains and small cosmetic changes.

User Reviews:

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  Best truck made in America - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - February 26 - 7:09 am

  I bought this truck in 2009 and so far have put 1000 miles on it. So far so good havent had a problem with it yet. Im not sure about fuel economy though, I have the 4.0L V6 and I get 14 in the city. Im suposed to get 17 in the city and 20 on the highway. Other than that i love this truck. Its the best one That you can buy for the money. I wouldnt reccommend this truck unless there is only two people in your family.

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  Cool Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Colt - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  Very Cool Truck

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  Ill never get rid of it! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Jennie - February 21 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this truck used in 1999 with 19k miles on it. Ten years and 85,000 miles later, I still love my Ranger. Its never left me stranded and its still fun to drive- despite the lack of technology I enjoyed with my Nissan 300ZX and 03 Acura TL. Performed well on my cross-country moves from San Diego to Philadelphia (though doesnt do well in snow). If youre on a budget, definitely consider this car. Its reliable, good MPG, safe, and a much better value than the competition.

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  Last US truck I will ever own - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By LA24 - February 20 - 5:05 pm

  I got this truck with only 6000 miles on it. It has been nothing but problems here are some. Wheel bearings 10000 miles, endless ignition problems nobody can get it to run right 4 different shops, hubs 29000 miles and i rarely use 4 wheel, front u joints 60000 miles, steering wheel locked up, electrical problem, brake seal 65000, sensors relaced, heater stuck on hot, always some sort on electrical problems. This truck is junk. Dont buy.

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  Mostly happy, but want 3.0 Liter not 4.0 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Bluesideup - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Im generally pleased. Gas mileage with the 4 liter is 16.5 to 17.5. Having come from a Toyota 4WD, Im used to 22mpg, and would have prefered the 3 liter engine. Unfortunately, Ford stopped offering the 3 liter in 4WD. No problems in 8 months, but the heater/AC still smells. Fords bedliner needs rework on the rear slots for 2x6 partitions. The rear ones are completely enclosed by siderails and stiffener ribs. If the 2x6 is short enough to clear the ribs, it will also fall out. Changing the oil filter is a pain. Bucket seats are great. Upgraded stereo better than expected. No recirc option on the heat/AC. 2002 model.

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  Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Tough? - February 11 - 10:34 am

  I was skeptical to buy a Ford at first, but the salesman convinced me that Fords are built as well if not better than ever.and for the first "3 years or 36000 miles" we loved our truck. Got lots of compliments and it was fun to drive, other than the squeeky brakes. Then mile 36001 came along. Alternator, wheel hub. I do not abuse my truck. It is kept clean and has only been off road 2 or 3 times. I didnt think alternators went bad anymore. Not only do they go bad but they cost a bunch! I thought ok...$100?...nope $500!..Wheel hub...ok....$100....nope $300. Cant wait to see whats next...I am afraid to drive my Ford lately! Hate to see a U.S. company struggle...but "Quality is job 1"

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  My Ranger is no more - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By heeler - February 10 - 12:56 pm

  This was my second Ranger. My first was a 1992 single cab XLT with a then 100 h.p. weak 2.3 engine with a 5 speed manual. Very good truck for what it was. Bought my 02 at the end of the model year and paid 14,000 before tax for a loaded supercab. Very reliable truck that in its life only needed front brakes at 73k,two serpentine belts,two batteries,and finally at 92k the power steering pump started leaking and was replaced. Oh yea and at 65k one of the rear turn signal bulbs burned out. Usually would get 18-19 mpgs going to and from work and 21 mpg with the cruise set on 77 mph. The 3.0 liter engine coupled with the 5 speed auto is great. Last week I totaled her. So sad.

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  Under Rated - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Tiny - February 8 - 12:54 pm

  This truck doesnt receive the credit it deserves. Any online review you read bashes its dated design and powertrain. But they never take the time to think of why.The Ranger works! It has to be one of the most reliable trucks out there, and its design is tried and true. Ive owned two, a 93 XLT 4X4 fully equiped standard cab 4.0, and my current 04 XL 4X2 standard cab 3.0 5spd. Both were well built, rugged, and fun to drive. I beat up my mostly stock 93 and only broke a radiator mount (which was rusted anyway). The only thing I wish is that the Ranger had more support from aftermarket companies. The truck has a lot of performance potential, it just needs more people to notice.

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  2001 Ranger XLT 2WD Short Bed Standard C - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mugrb - February 7 - 12:03 am

  Bought this truck used. It has been a good runner - so far. Awesome on gas mileage. During this winter Ive been getting easily 24 mpg with 400 lbs of sand over the rear axle. Summer Ive been getting very close to 30 mpg, 28 to 29 is common for me. Tricky in the winter months being rear wheel drive. The rear end always goes to the right sending me heading into oncoming traffic driving up an icy slope. The 3.0 liter Vulcan V-6 is starting to get a bit noisy with being almost 110k miles. It rides quiet for a small pickup. Cruise control button on the left side is loose. The EGR system could be upgraded too a more reliable system.

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  just bought a sweet ranger with 83k on it in 2016 - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By chip mcclanahand - January 30 - 6:08 am

  this little truck looks like it has been in a time capsule its perfect and for 2550.00 a steel. what a shame ford make such inferior products these days. this truck doesnt even have door dings. cannot wait for it to snow every single thing works on it and i am stolked (at 52 yrs old thats sayin something)