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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Value - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Salem Boy - September 29 - 1:16 pm

  Just bought a new 08 Ranger XLT Reg. Cab with 4cyl automatic. With the current $3000 rebate, nothing else could come close to the price. Even with GMs employee pricing, a similar equiped Colorado was $1500 more. The chome trim on the XLT and the chrome wheels that my Ranger has make it a sharp looking truck. I couldnt find a used truck that didnt have a ton of miles for much less than I paid for this truck new. With the great gas milage 19 / 24 this truck should do everything I need it to do, which is drive back and forth to work and to haul the occational home project supplies.

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  2005 Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Brian - September 27 - 2:03 pm

  I bought the truck used about a year ago. Very nice truck, the ride is a little stiff, but I dont mind that. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that it rides nice. Its only been in the shop once, a friend of mine kicked the inertia switch and broke it, so thats nothing to blame on the truck. Plenty of torque, Ive towed a 4000 lbs box trailer with relative ease. Fuel economy is not great, 19 MPG was the best I got, going 60 on mostly highways using cruise control, but its a truck. Stereo sounds good. I like the overall look of the truck. If you get the sport mirrors, a set of blind-spot mirrors might help they dont show a wide enough angle to see.

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  Great MPG with lots of Utility - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Rockdoggy - September 21 - 9:27 am

  Got this little truck last week and it handles great. Nice shifting 5 speed manual, great gas mileage and lots of utility. If you need a reliable truck for everyday hauling and the occasional large item haul this fits the bill perfectly. Solidly built 2.3 liter engine has plenty of power. Sits up high where you can see clearly. The design is dated but still looks great. Ford decided to stop the 3.0 next year. Should have retooled the 3.0 like they put in other vehicles. I think Fords marketing team needs their heads examined. Instead of tying to sell options, sell trucks with options people want without all the extras people dont want. Can you say plastic wheel covers for $190 or Sirius!

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  I like it like that - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Cobalt Blue - September 17 - 9:25 pm

  I bought the truck in February (2008) from a private seller -- only 65000 miles. It has 16-inch wheels, a 3.73 rear-end, 4 liter V6, and 5-speed manual. I dont drive it all the time, but in driving it back and forth to work its been getting 22 mpg, average. Ive gotten as high as 24 mpg. The drive to work is 20 miles one-way. Part is through town and part is open highway. The AC quit working after operating oddly about a month after I got the truck. I still need to have checked. The truck has good power, but I wouldnt want to tow much with it, because if feels like its geared pretty "tall". I really am satisfied with it. The bed is small, but what do you expect with a short-bed?

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  A sad farwell to a old friend - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mechaicsville Steve - September 15 - 7:09 pm

  After the years of abuse today I finally retired my old friend the Ranger. (190,000 miles) Bought this truck with 80k on it and never had any major problems, only repairs were basic repairs, leaf springs and a alternator. This truck has been through a lot, multiple deer strikes, a guardrail or 2 and more and still kept on going. Sadly though the list of problems that started to build up on it at 180K have taken its toll and I had to junk it even though it still runs. Amazing is all I can say after the hell I had put it through. Never burned one drop of oil. It was so good on oil that I would only change it every 10,000 miles!

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  This truck is awesome - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mike C - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  This truck has it all. Great engine (4L), great looks (flareside bed), great interior (bucket seats), great ride, and great dealer. Metallic Ice Blue paint gets comments everywhere. Fit and finish is superb. 6-CD in dash stereo rocks. This is a REAL truck for people who love trucks. Only negative is gas mileage (17mpg avg) - but hey- its 4WD and was no surprise. Got a great deal too (bought at invoice)!

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  Cool little truck but mine gets problems - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Danger - September 15 - 3:18 am

  From what everybody says on here, they love their Ranger and theirs is reliable. Mine on the other hand is already on its third clutch and I baby this truck like no other. My idle valve control keeps messing up and im on my fifth one already thats starting to fail(revs when I come to a complete stop). My back window leaks when it rains, engine idles rough sometimes, suspension squeaks loudly but its probably normal for it having 140,000 miles. Im the second owner and the previous owner (which was my good neighbor so I saw the truck first day they purchased it.) They babied it as much as I did so I must have gotten a lemon from the factory but it wasnt always like this.

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  Great used truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Captain - September 12 - 3:22 pm

  Its a great truck. I paid less than 6500 for it and am very satisfied. Only problem to date is a airbag warning light. Right doors rattled a bit but tightening them resolved. Great styling, great looks. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Avoid the 2.3! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By superbird_71 - September 8 - 12:41 am

  Bought truck from original owner, now has 278,000 miles on it. Burns no oil. Idles rough, check engine light pops up at random, has electrical problems - if you turn the wipers on they dont turn back off. 2.3 has no power at all and gets lousy gas mileage - 20 mpg average, even with the five-speed. It has 8 incredibly hard-to-change spark plugs - why 8 spark plugs on the 4 cylinder? rear spring hangers rusted off, even though there is not a spot of rust on the body.

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  I like it very much - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Travis - September 8 - 12:12 am

  Just bought this truck, Red Supercab automatic 2.3L I4 Engine. Traded a Jeep Wrangler 6 speed manual. Have wanted a Ranger for years, finally decide to get one. Only 200 miles so far but Im pleased with it. Got it for basic commute to work, to get good gas mileage, have more capacity than the jeep to do stuff. Access to supercab area is only gripe I have. Some here critical of ride, this is much better than the Jeep! When I test road I was surprised how smooth it was. For what it is, this is an excellent truck. Ford should keep making it as long as it sells well, it doesnt need "fancy" upgrades when most folks are looking for a good basic truck. I found mine!