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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:

• 

  One sweet little truck. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Gene - April 16 - 1:54 am

  I selected my 4 cylinder stickshift Ranger to serve as a daily driver, as a vehicle to drive on my 100 mile daily, 5 days per week school commute, and to be able to hold its own at Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. The handling, ride, and highway gas mileage is almost unbelievable! Ive often seen 30+ MPG, and one week it actually delivered 35 MPG. The seats are surprisingly supportive and quite comfy for a small truck. I cross-shopped Chevy, GMC, and Toyota, but the Ranger beat them all for interior comfort, durability, fuel efficiency, reliability, appearance, and especially, price.

• 

  Ranger Birthday - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas Kenny - April 14 - 11:18 pm

  Bought myself a new 08 Ranger for my birthday. It is the XL Supercab with the 2.3l I4 engine with 5 speed automatic overdrive transmission. I love the torch red color, and I did get A/C, tilt/cruise, stereo with CD player that is MP3 friendly, buddy seats, privacy glass and sliding rear window. I am looking for some good gas mileage and am told that I can get between 24 and 29 mpg on the road after the engine loosens up in 2-3 thousand miles. I love to drive it, it is very quiet, handles predictably with good road feel and steering. This is probably the last year of the Ranger so this truck should keep the Ranger memory alive for many years.

• 

  Last of a breed - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Don - April 11 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this truck used when my beloved 86 F150 finally died. I bought the Ranger as I only have a 6ft garage door on the new house and the new full size trucks just dont fit. I love this truck. No its not flashy like the current trucks out there, but it slugs it out with em all. Fuel mileage imprived by 1-2 mpg when I installed a KN filter. The stepside bed doesnt hold much,but when I need to haul crap I borrow my brothers chevy (afterall isnt that what chevies are for?) It still looks current I dont like the grille setup on the new Rangers. I put Micheleins on it and the wet handling went up a 100%. This truck is gonna stay in the fleet for a long time. A shame Ford is dropping it.

• 

  Excellent Truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Ecotec02Cav - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is My second Ranger....Coming from a 86 2wd 4cyl 5 spd to a 03 4x4 4.0l 5sp auto........Very comfortable and powerful!! as it says it is built FORD TUFF....I would reccomend this truck to anyone!

• 

  3rd Ranger in a row! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Wayne D. - April 6 - 10:47 pm

  3rd Ranger in 15 years. This the newest a 99 XLT Extended Cab, SB. Bought used w/ 92K at a local truck dealer. I love this truck, but the 3.0 does lack power and for such a small engine, and for that, the fuel economy stinks. It is built for a small truck however. I put new heavy duty leaf springs from JC Whitney, which lifted the rear and fixed the load droop, fixed up numerous minor wear/tear and tune up stuff (brakes, water pump, tires, plugs, shocks, etc.) At 145K, developed a lifter tick which 2/3 quart Marvel Mystery oil solved. Overall, I love it regartdless and will keep it until it dies, cause its not worth enough to part with anyway!

• 

  Great Ford product - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By John - March 31 - 10:43 am

  I purchased with 8 miles on it and have loved it ever since. I wish it had a larger cab for a family. Ive preformed regular maintaince on it and it keeps running. My wife owns a 4 year newer Chevy and we put more repair into it with a lot less miles. Ive been able to repair any issue myself.

• 

  Good Buy! - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By 3ABirdMan - March 27 - 4:34 pm

  I traded in a 03 F150 FX4 SuperCrew Lariat (14.4 MPG). I didnt need 4 doors anymore, and needed better fuel economy. I looked at the Chevy/GMC and Toyota before deciding on the Ranger. I am very satisfied. At 63" & 255 lbs, I couldnt fit in the Chevy/GM due to lack of leg/knee room (I have no problem in the Ranger because of dash and console design!) and the Tacoma was too much money. I love the "feel" of the seat - it is firm and comfortable, with a good ride. The 2.3L 4-cyl engine is great for economy, but lacks power IF you have to haul alot of cargo or pull a small trailer with the A/C on! Empty, acceleration and power are fine. I really like the Ranger, despite the small size!

• 

  Yum, I like to eat tires - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - March 26 - 7:45 pm

  I bought my little 4 cyl. for about 10k. It has nothing but ac, spray in bedliner, and a cd player. I like the interior and the seats okay. My problem is it always eats the tires. I have the tires rotated, and the alignment check over and over and yet it still eats the inside of the front left. Ford says there is nothing wrong with it.. You get what you pay for. I want something new but my wife wont let me get anything worthwhile and we dont have much money so 10k is 10k. Stay away if you arent poor like me.

• 

  NEW RANGER - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By E A MCMAHON - March 23 - 2:00 am

  FOR THE SHORT TIME IVE HAD IT ITS EVERYTHING I HAD WANTED

• 

  Nice fun ride - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Parlett - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a truck before. My Ranger is surprisingly quiet and peppy. I got the super cab and the extra doors are a big plus for putting items inside for protection. There are little features like cup holders and storage pockets I did not expect. I got the 4.0 engine to pull my boat-the fuel economy could be a little better. get the 3.55 axle if you care about fuel economy.