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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Best small truck on the road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By srhudgens - July 2 - 3:16 pm

  I bought a new Ranger this year, spurred on by the crazy rebates Ford offered on this truck earlier in the year. Replaced a 1995 Ranger XLT with over 220,000 trouble-free miles. These are the best small trucks on the road. Funny thing, I drove off the lot paying just $9,800 for a loaded 2008 Ranger XLT. The dealership gave me $2,000 for my 1995 Ranger. What wonderful trucks these are. Ford is making a huge mistake discontinuing the line. Leave it to an American auto company to discontinue the most fuel-efficient line of trucks in production just as gas prices set new records...

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  We need a Ranger Hybrid - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Hank - June 29 - 4:02 pm

  I love this truck. I purchased it brand new with 8 miles on it. Now I am somewhere near 35000 miles on it. It is a 4 cyl, I am getting 26.5 miles on average miles per gallon. I think Ford should make these trucks in a hybrid version with 4 cylinder engine. In fact an electric plug in Ranger would be ideal. My next vehicle and my wifes will be a hybrid or somehing more efficient. If I have to I will build my own electric Ranger

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  nice ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By leader - June 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought this new with all the options for a good price. actually paid less than buying a nissan with 4cyl. car is solid. drive very well. i expected a cheap cat and got a gem. for has come a long way in quality. so far no problems and hope i have none.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mgf - June 26 - 9:07 am

  I purchased this truck new in 2001 - over 108000 miles later - I have treated the truck well - and it treated me well in return. This is a solid well built vehicle that I would recommend to anyone. I am impressed and a believer in the American car. If you think American car quality is sub-par - drive the 2001 Ford Ranger

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  Tough little truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By myrating2008 - June 23 - 1:00 pm

  My Dad bought this truck new in 1992 in Washington state. Its been all over the US from Arizona to Ohio. And from Georgia to Ohio back numerous times. Now the truck is mine as my dad bought a new Ford Ranger. We live in Ohio with some pretty bad winters. Even on the coldest of days truck runs great. I will never buy anything other than a Ford!

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  My Little Beast! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fatjoe2003 - June 21 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this truck in March of 03, and I ordered the Edge package! I own a landscaping company. I always get better mileage than my friends in their Chevrolet Colorados, and my Ranger can pull more. This truck averages 21mpg on the freeway at 75mph and loaded with the o/d off, it gets 17mpg at 65mph. The 3.0L is a fantastic engine, and has a lot more pep than I suspected. I love my truck, and I love the fact that without the extended cab how easy it is to park and turn around. If you are long legged the super cab is a must! I am short so it doesnt bother me. I would definitely get the Edge package again, as I love sitting up higher in the air, and the ground clearance. I love my truck!

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  Go Ford or go home - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By my_07_ranger - June 16 - 5:29 pm

  I have the 2.3l 5spd standard and I love driving it. It has good take off for a 4 cylinder truck. I have 21,000 miles on it and the only time it see the shop is for its regular oil changes. I get well over 34 miles to the gallon. Overall I like this truck and to think I was going to buy a Cavalier

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  Great Value - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Felix - June 12 - 9:36 pm

  I was planning to buy a Tacoma but after driving both vehicles and with the rebates and sales incentives from Ford, I got the Ranger and I dont regret it. I got it with the automatic, cruise control, & a sliding rear window. After 2000 miles I am getting 27 mpg on the highway with two passengers and camping gear & I expect the mpg to improve when I put a lid on the bed and as I put more mileage. I like the ride but it rides like a truck. The performance is good but it takes patience driving up mountains. It runs well to excellent on most roads & highways. I get the best mileage when I tach between 2000-3000. I added a Sony FM/AM mp3 CD player with an aux i-pod input & the music sound great

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  Average, simple truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeremy m - June 12 - 11:13 am

  I got his truck from my dad back in 05 when it already had about 50k miles. He used it to tow his boat out to the docks and he works at a paper mill, so he got a Ford Ranger. Rugged, tough- a get-the-job-done kinda truck. Well I own a Dodge Stratus now, so this truck wasnt the best for me. The "check engine" light came on around 60k (apparently the EGR valve wasnt doing its job- a minor malfunction and it lights up the "check engine" light?) and there was a national recall on the cruise control. Brakes were numb, engine sluggish, suspension was rough. Not really what I was looking for. Got me from point A to point B though. Good for people who like simple.

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  Miracle worker - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Mr Bill - June 12 - 1:16 am

  Bought new 2.3L inline 4 cylinder ext cab in 95, it has held up amazingly well inspite of my repeatedly loading it down with tools and materials to build decks and kitchens. Other than a clutch rebuild Ive never had a problem!