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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Love It! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rgattic - July 31 - 9:03 am

  Bought is two years ago and so far so good! I get about 26 MPG (mostly highway miles on the 2.5L engine). I also use often for home improvement. I built a deck with it and have carried some heavy loads for my landscaping and the truck is holding up great!

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  Very Fun - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Chris R. - July 27 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased my 99 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 in the summer of 07. Its been pretty good, all things considered. A 4.0L OHV (245 CID) V6 makes this truck take off very well with the 5 speed auto. Its been a very fun daily driver / project truck for me. This is probably one of Ford better products by far. The "Sport Package" really gives this truck a nice edge by replacing the cheesy chrome body accents with painted accents that match the body. This truck is just what I need, not too big and not too large. Id say the pound for pound use you can get out of the truck is much better compared to the full size truck on the market. The Ranger is a very great value!

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  Its a good small truck. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - July 22 - 11:30 pm

  My Ranger is an awesome truck, except for the gas mileage (its a truck, what do you expect). I have the 4 door (2dr with two rear hinged drs), its also a 5-speed manual and has the 4L V6 engine (heard that the 4L was the better of the two engines), 4x4 off road pkg and tears through the snow. I bought it at 46500 miles and put 20500 miles on it so far, and also halled a 630 lb load of scrap steel with now problems what so ever in the bed. With the truck being 8 years old now, the only prblems are the power locks are going out and the cd and cassette player is also going out. Thats great for an 8 year old truck with 67000 miles. Have no regets here!

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  Ford Ranger 2008 Supercab 4x2 I4 Auto - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - July 22 - 10:52 am

  I have driven 2186 miles and have averaged 20.48 miles per gallon with the AC on all the time in Florida. Its a fun truck to drive. The interior is well designed but, the back cab area is hard to use. If one side of the rear cab area opened the interior of this truck would be perfect. The truck has average power. I dont feel like other drivers are pushing me from red lights and stop signs. I am an average driver, not very agressive and not very slow. The cloth seats and carpet are nice. The steering wheel is positioned very well for long drives. Overall I am very happy with this truck and I am sure that I will keep this truck for a long time.

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  Rangers lead the way - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By easyv - July 20 - 11:20 am

  My third Ford Ranger, a 2008 XLT, upholds the proud tradition of its ancestors. Great mileage 28 MPG. Unbelievably affordable. Unmatched reliability single key turn start in sub zero weather, and I dont have the engine block warmer. Safe in a collision. Low maintenance. Great resale value-try to buy a used Ranger, you might as well just spend the extra $1000-2000 and get a new one. If you need an affordable, low-maintenance, reliable commuter vehicle, the Ranger is it

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  Good Purchase - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - July 19 - 5:31 pm

  V6 5 speed. I bought this used in 2001 with 50,000 miles on and have put 135000 on it still running strong. Had to replace the clutch at 130000 miles. Other than that had no mechanical problems. Truck has not been babied at all. Missed oil changes, driven hard, and still always starts and runs.

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  I love it - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jeff 1 - July 15 - 9:54 am

  I have owned an S10, a Dakota, and a Ranger. The Ranger is by far the best I have owned. Other than oil changes I have just bought 2 sets of wiper blades. This is a great fun truck. It looks great, is great on the highway. I will deffinetly get another one. I love driving on the highway to college with this. Drives real easy. Manual transmission shifts real easy and is geared well

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  Will Live Forever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Kent - July 11 - 9:55 pm

  I love this truck. I bought it in October of 2007. It currently has 264000 miles on it and its still on its first engine and transmission. It has many many more miles to come. It hasnt given me hardly any trouble at all and I havent done any repairs besides ordinary preventative maintainance. Still runs and drives like new and has no mechanical problems.

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  OK, but better out there. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Andy - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  Not a bad little truck, extended cab has come into handy with putting hunting and fishing stuff right behind the driver seat. Stepside gives a trendy look but doesnt do much good with the Tanoe cover. Got the 3.0V6 with the 5speed automatic and it has little trouble hauling half a ton and towing 3/4 of a ton which is pretty exceptional for a small truck. Only problem I have had was the master fuse blowing and the alternator not charging the battery and the truck dying while driving through town. (Not fun at all.) Overall 8/10.

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  Never stops - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By -stanky - July 2 - 11:10 pm

  So good. I love the power it has off the start, after popping into second youre gone. Its definitely the most comfortable ride, super smooth like butter.