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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Transmission Trouble - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By BudZ - January 8 - 10:04 pm

  I have had pretty good luck with the truck until it hit 34000 miles. The tailgate handle broke and the transmission began slipping on the auto. Luckily it is under warranty. The dealership had to rebuild the transmission at a cost to them of $2500. I hope this is not a sign of things to come. My warranty runs out at 36000 miles.

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  Pfffft - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Ramndomguy32 - January 6 - 7:59 pm

  Lots and lots of never ending electrical problems from year 1. Constantly needed tune ups about every other oil change.

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  One Super Neat truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jim Mac - January 1 - 9:01 pm

  Have been looking for a Ford Ranger for a present for my wife as she was wanting one. Was very lucky to find a Ranger extended cab step side 4x4 Off Road package for the money and black to boot. She is absolutely thrilled with it and intends to keep it for a long time.

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  The little truck that could do anything - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By midnight_stang - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a great all around vehicle. A daily driver to work, trips to home depot, cargo hauler, contractor truck, off-road fun, this truck can do it all! The design is tested and true, the interior and exterior look and function great. Cant complain about anything. My second Ranger, and each one is as solid as the next.

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Terry - December 28 - 9:34 pm

  I love the little truck. With a 4 cylinder engine, I can only wish that it had more torque. I shouldnt complain when Im getting about 29 miles to a gallon on the highway.

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  2nd Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By eng21 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger. I loved my first ranger and kicked myself after I got rid of it. Now, Im back in the saddle with a new 03 Ranger. Rides nice (for a truck), smooth engine, smooth shifting transmission, decent cabin space. Some things havent changed hardly at all, like the climate controls are practically the same as my 1991 Ranger. But as long as its functional, who cares! Ive read the 60/40 bench seat is uncomfortable for long trips. Its not a Cadillac. Im sure the bucket seats are better, but the 60/40 arent uncomfortable at all.

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  Keeps on truckin - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By woods860 - December 24 - 1:17 am

  Great off road. The fx4 upgrade is a good platform to build an off road weekend warroir like mine is. Fits 33x12.5x15 with little rubbing the 3" lift help with tht. Found tht back jump seats pretty much useless unless your verticaly challenged. The 4.10 gears are tourqie and helps me pulls damn near anything. 4.0l motor has tons of power. Chiped mine tho little better fuel mileage that way plus the extra hp didnt hurt. Although my F-150 is better on fuel. Very solid feeling truck. Well built. Upgraded fx4 interior is sharp and functional. Light aregood and bright. Easy to drive and hardly any blind spots. Built Ford tough!

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  A truck for all-time - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Hedgehog437 - December 20 - 10:45 pm

  Bought the truck from a pal with 11,000 miles on it in 1995. Its loaded 4.0L V-6, PS/PB/AC/cruise/tilt/Captains chairs, the works. I now have 74,000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new. My wife loves it because its big enough to haul her annual landscaping supplies, but small enough for her to be comfortable driving. People still offer me hard cash for this little gem, but I couldnt replace it for under $20K. It gets about 20mpg consistently, the A/C will freeze you out, and its tough! This would be a perfect truck for someone who doesnt need to tow large trailers, etc.

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  Long Term Review - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cclewis - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 1999 3.0 V6 Ford Ranger for about 3 yrs and 62K mi. No major problems, and it is still running great. I like everything about this truck except the ride after 25K miles. After about 25K miles the front shock went out on the right side, then out on the left. Both were replaced under warranty, but in the next 25K miles went out again. I asked the Ford mechanic why this is happening and explained that I do not do ANY rough driving (ie, off road). He said that Ford uses cheap car shocks in their Rangers and my best bet would be to replace them with some good aftermarket truck shocks. An excellent, reliable truck, at a good price (especially used, since there are so many).

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  yep yep - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By pawn_81 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  its a great truck but option for the step bars and 4.0 liter v-6