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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  It is a truck, not a car - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By bob - May 6 - 12:36 pm

  If you want a reasonably decent small truck for hauling stuff around, the Ranger is a good choice. If you want a passenger car, buy one of those instead of a truck. BTW, the 3 liter engine is plenty powerful enough.

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  The Last of a Breed - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Jim J - May 5 - 9:29 pm

  Being the last year of the Ranger I`m glad I ordered one when I did. I`ve been extremely pleased with this vehicle. It works exceptionally well in off-road conditions even with the factory street tires and gets me about 20 MPG on a trip. Regular gas is still the cheapest and it works well to deliver all the power I need.

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  1994 Ford Ranger 2WD SuperCab 4.0L - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By idrivearanger5 - May 4 - 7:34 am

  Even though I have only had it for a few months, my Ranger has proved itself to be a reliable, tough and fun to drive truck. With the odometer nearly touching 150,000, this Ranger is a true American workhorse. The city MPG is really pitiful(12-16), but the highway is pretty good, I calcuated 24 mpg. These Rangers can take a beating Ill tell you what! I am 100% sold on Ford vehicles and I will never buy anything else. We also own a 2005 Ford Freestyle AWD and we love that too. Kudos to Ford!

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  My Ranger is the best - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jnmrb - May 3 - 12:01 am

  I got a great deal on my used Ranger 4 years ago and have replaced 4 tires and brakes and wiper blades and thats all. There is no broken trim etc. like you would expect on a 5 year old vehicle. It is very confortable ride for a truck. It gets about 18 mpg city and 22 highway. Not the best but ok for a truck. My teenage boys arent embarassed to be seen riding in it and even want to drive it. This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. My mechanic told me to let him know when Im ready to sell it.

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  Update after 3 years. Even better. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JDP - May 2 - 7:03 pm

  I wanted to give an update after owing the Ranger for 3 years. I am even more impressed with this little truck than earlier. Mileage is still great for a truck (4cyl,5spd) I still have the original tires. No squeaks or rattles, and it is a truck. Moved from Austin to DFW with a full load and a trailer load behind. Probably 2000lbs total. I thought it would be a slow 4th gear go. Not a bit of it. Got out on I35, shifted up to 5th gear and away we went. I love this truck. I have met several owners that have owned more than one and now I know why.

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  1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By good truck - April 27 - 7:42 pm

  Has been a good truck. Have not had any problems engine wise or with the transmisson. Body and paint have held up really well. 3.0 v6 is under powered for the truck.

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  First truck and lovin it! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By richardheppner - April 27 - 2:11 pm

  This is my first pickup and Ive enjoyed it. I have a 2000 that I picked up from the inlaws for little to nothing. It only had 30,000 miles and was hardly driven for a couple of years. So I got what I considered a super deal, and a great truck like brand new. Ive had nothing but just a serpintine belt go bad and replaced. Super reliable!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Rick - April 26 - 6:50 am

  Its a truck & rides like one. I can live with that. Terrible gas mileage. Average 19 mpg under the best circumstances. Wish it was better. Considering trading it in for a VW or something that gets some mileage.

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  Nice truck for couples - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JJJohnson - April 22 - 9:27 am

  I traded my F150 in for the Ranger hoping to get above 20 MPG in which I barely get 19 with the 3.0. Other that than this is a nice small truck which handles well. It pulls my 14 tandem trailer with ease.

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  Great truck...but - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Chandros101 - April 16 - 11:34 am

  I have not had a problem with my Edge 4wd. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage. If Im lucky Ill get 13 mpg hiway! If I had known mileage was this bad I would have bought an F150 or F250. Other that that it is a great truck. I have had for 6 years and the only thing I had to put on were brakes and front rotors. It now has 128,000 miles on it.