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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Ranger
By NV travlr - August 23 - 6:37 pmFit, finish, and paint are great. Engine powerful, auto transmission flawless. Quiet ride (I had mine undercoated). Pulls pop-up trailer (2500 lbs)without effort. No rattles, wind noises, or other problems. Had Nissans in the past, but I love this Ranger.
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Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By rubydist - August 20 - 11:04 pmNow approaching 120,000 miles, and all Ive had to do is brakes, clutch, and 2 iac valves for repairs. It has very comfortable cab, seats and controls, with lots of creature comforts. It handles well and rides well - as much like a sporty car as a truck, yet it can haul a good-sized load. Im getting between 19 and 20 mpg in mixed use driving. The 4-door cab is an excellent feature, making it much easier to get stuff in and out of the back of the cab. Overall, an excellent small pickup.
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Ford, some mods and keep going. - 2000 Ford Ranger
By Dragon Fly - August 20 - 11:00 amI brought it on 2000 no major repairs, just regular maintenance and every 60k miles timing belt service and plugs. They are not fuel savers but extremely good machines. Imagine 6 years running on nitrous once a week without breaking anything.
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Ranger Reliability - 1997 Ford Ranger
By Lone Ranger - August 20 - 10:12 am11 years old with 234,000 miles with only normal repairs, brake pads, alternator and battery. The 4 cylinder is not powerful but is reliable.
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Great Little Truck! - 1998 Ford Ranger
By Olen - August 18 - 2:38 pmI am 16 years old and this is my first car! I can not say how pleased I am with this vehicle. Performance: a 3.0 liter V6. Can move the truck but is not an engine you can dog all day long. Comfort: Seats are very comfy and have great lumbar support. Back seat is fit for cargo only but my 8 yr old brother can fit back there. Fuel economy could be better. I get 18 city/22 hwy. Fun to drive, easy to drive. Shocks could be better but its a truck! What do you expect? Interior design looks alright but Im going to pimp it out soon! Exterior design looks awesome. Looks way better than S10s. Build quality: built to last...built to love. Reliability: very few problems!
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Where are the automatics? - 2008 Ford Ranger
By Zolar1 - August 16 - 8:47 pmMine is not listed. 2.2l 4 cyl, automatic w/air I strongly suspect that the vehicle was seriously wrecked before purchase. Clicking noise in the steering, rubbing noise in the front, bad mpg, painted masking tape behind the front grille, hood not aligned on ds with fender, missing rubber flap inside ds fender, erratic rough shifting, squeaking rear brakes, front of bed too flimsy to strap an appliance on it (you can push it in with your hand), near deaf service writers/mechanics cannot hear noises, 17 gal gas tank (should have been a 20gal), other problems.
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Daily Driver - 2007 Ford Ranger
By Eric - August 4 - 1:30 pmIve owned 2 Rangers do far and loved both. Bought my 07 with 250 miles on it, and have put 38,000 miles on it with out a single issue. I would buy another Ranger at the drop of a hat. My Ranger gets 22 miles per gallon, only after some aftermarket parts, but I love it!
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Back on Top Again - 2007 Ford Ranger
By Ford Family Man - August 4 - 8:36 amI bought this truck used. I had a 1991 Ranger that was pretty worn out and would finally start needing some repairs so I bought this one. Previously a fleet vehicle I was impressed with all that I got for 11,500 dollars. XL truck, but with 5 speed auto, and 4.10 axle ratio, extras were A/C (necessary in Ohio) and an under-rail bed liner. It had a little over 18000 miles on it. I work in a scrap yard and needed a solid truck. Thats just what I got with fuel economy averaging 23-28mpg combined city/highway. Drives like a bigger truck and so quick too especially for a four cyl. engine. Much stronger than my 1991s 2.3liter. No serious rattles, and white so scratches are not an issue.
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The best truck anyone could ever buy - 1994 Ford Ranger
By Gold Ranger - August 2 - 6:13 pmI bought this truck with 105,000 miles on it just to drive to work and take the trash out. It lacks in the power department, mine has an auto trans and it shifts perfectly. I love the truck. Ive taken it to the beach, up the mountains, pulled campers, horse trailers. So far no problems other than the AC had a leak cost like 3.00 to fix. Would recomend to anybody! I would like a console and a seat that laid back a little more.
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1994 Ford Ranger - 1994 Ford Ranger
By thedog - July 31 - 10:02 pmI bought my 1994 Ford Ranger for a steal at 1000 dollars. When I bought it, it had 328,000 miles on as far as I know the first engine. I have only replaced the starter and the fuel pump and soon it will need a new clutch but other than that it still runs great at 337,000 miles.
