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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  I love this truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By rednecker1 - October 30 - 4:19 pm

  I havent had many problems with this truck. It off roads great, it tows a lot and it looks great. I have a friend with a Tacoma and it has nothing compared to my truck. The difference is a go cart and a real truck. I have 31" tires and a 2 lift and abuse my truck like you wouldnt believe. But it takes it and wants more. I would strongly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Great little reliable truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Hatch - October 28 - 12:41 pm

  This was the second Ranger I have owned and both were very reliable vehicles. If were not for the rough ride and the need for a larger vehicle for a new baby I would definitely hold onto it. Ive never had any problems when driving it in the last six years (90,000 miles) and got my clear through college. That is if you dont count the time I had to go through the fuel system thanks to my wife putting diesel in my fuel tank on accident.

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  1997 Ranger XLT king cab - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By ranger guy - October 27 - 2:33 pm

  This Ranger has the 2.3 liter engine.Very reliable, good mileage, great handling truck. Truck does not have much power, however engine works good with 5 speed manual. Excellent truck for city or highway driving, does not like hill climbs however, you will have to gun it. I have had a few Rangers, liked the 97 2.3 liter the best. Stay away from 4.0 liter Ranger unless you are hauling or hill climbing. An absolute gas guzzler, motor is too heavy for truck

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  Great little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Preston - October 22 - 3:20 pm

  Awesome truck! I bought it used and lost it in a bad wreck today. Truck I found out the hard way was built incredibly well, and it truthfully saved my four-year-olds and my life in a head-on collision. Over the years, I would maintain the truck and it just kept putting down the road. Gas mileage was about 20MPG and served as a great lightweight utility and commute truck. Overall, it was an amazing truck and will be missed.

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  Great Little Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By PAS - October 20 - 12:34 am

  The greatest thing about the Ranger is it just flat out works. Yes there are other newer trucks out there, but for the money it is hard to get any better than the Ranger. I have had no problems with it.

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  Micheal Myers of trucks--just wont die. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Lil Mule - October 19 - 1:54 pm

  I bought this truck brand new in Feb of 95, and havent looked back since. 335,234 miles (original engine and tranny) its safe to say this truck has paid for itself three times over. With only two clutches replaced (working on my third) and regular maintainence, this truck has never given me a problem- -even after smashing a full grown deer, two rear-end collisions and a steel reinforced pole that inconspicuously jump out in front of me. All this, and doesnt drip any oil.

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  Nice Starter Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jbushnel515 - October 11 - 7:32 pm

  I bought the truck completly stock with a 3.0L V6 2 wheel drive with 56,000 miles on it. I then turned around put an American Thunder series flowmaster exhuast system on it with a K&N air filter on it. Later on I put a 3 inch lift kit keeping the same rims but putting 31 inch BFG Mud-terrians on it and the stance is really nice. Before all the add ons were put on it, I got great gas mileage on the truck but afterwards, the gas mileage stinks. But other than that, light towing and going around town isnt bad. But if you are looking for strong performance in a small truck, look elseware.

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  Feel the power... - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Buzz - October 11 - 7:41 am

  Ive had the truck for almost one year now and I love it. It has all kinds of power with the 4.0, but will suck the tank dry very quickly if you dont take it easy. It is capable of 20mpg on the highway, but I find myself unable to drive slow enough to achieve that very often. The only other complaint I have is the 6CD changer. It likes to jam up after it gets good and hot on long trips. The truck is pretty easy to work on, so I have no complaints. I only wish I had bought a 5-speed and not an automatic trans.

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  2008 Ranger Review - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By The Wanderer - October 10 - 5:31 pm

  I have the 3.0 liter motor and its getting 20mpg in town and 25mpg plus on long trips. Its not as strong of the line as my older 4.0 liter was, but the 3.0 is no slouch. The ride is much improved over my older Ranger ( late 90s). The Sirius radio is a must for those long commutes to work. The seats are very comfortable and in general, the truck seems built very well. The 5 speed automatic shifts very easily. This is my third Ranger ( all 99,000 miles + on each) and I hope Ford continues this line in some form as it is a winner

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  Its a blast - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By shorty6 - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  I looked at Toys but design is quircky. Im 63"& easily fit behind wheel in Ranger. I run 30K/yr. When I need to haul heavy, this is the truck! Ride is very good with 100# or more in the bed, kinda choppy without a load but it is a truck. 4 cyl. is 143hp, yahooo! It gets on the hiway fast, stops on a dime, 27-29 mpg, blows away other trucks ie Nissan, Chevy Colorado, Toys in price!, in value!, in economy!, in performance!, in maintanence cost! My 98 Ranger gave me 218,000 miles. The difference in price to competition buys an awful lot of fuel and repairs if any. At 100K, I only have standard maintainence. Ford will lose me if Ranger gos away. I love its big hp in small package, blastoff!