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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  I love my Ranger Edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AnikaSevenOfNine - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Ranger Edge and I love it. The only drawback is that it sucks up gas every time it passes a gas station. Other than that one little flaw, its a wonderful truck.

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  Good Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wolflane - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been very reliable. Its fun to drive and does great in the snow. Its comfortable but this may be the weakest point in this truck when driving long distance. The shoulder harness does not go low enough for a short person and hits me in the side of the neck. Its the only thing I dont like about this truck.

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  Would buy it again. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Roady - March 20 - 12:04 am

  My third Ranger. A dependable truck, gets maybe 21 on the highway, never had a problem with it and has 68,000 miles now. I would buy it again.

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  2nd Time not as good as the first! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 8point - March 19 - 8:22 am

  This is my 2nd Ranger, 1st was a 95 4.0 STX. I like the extra room in the super cab and overall styling, but not the performance. 18 mpg highway (and I drive easy) and no low end hp or torque. My 95 was 10 times better in low gear off road and got 23+mpg to boot. I dont feel the extra hp (47) from the new engine and gas mileage flat out stinks for a V6 of this size. Ive got friends with big diesels that get almost the same mileage with twice the performance! As stated by Edmunds, the trucks strong point is off-road, so why give it an engine that produces its power above 3,500 rpm?! Have had no mechanical/service issues with the truck in the first year of ownership.

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  Basic truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Kinney - March 16 - 10:21 am

  This is a basic no frills truck. Have had no real problems except for the rear window. This leaks and I have tried everything and cant seem to get it fixed. Not a race car. Small 4 cyl. does not have the poop to haul or tow much of anything. It is a basic, small utility truck. Mileage is nothing to be proud of. Factory tires stink. On wet roads the back end has lost traction and sent me into all three lanes of traffic on the freeway. I spent $400 and got better tires! No more problems. Dont drive these small trucks on snow or ice! Youre asking for trouble. They are too light in the rear unless you load something heavy into it..

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  Junk - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By chuck - March 14 - 12:01 pm

  Nice looking truck inside and out. It now has 118,000 miles on it and most of the front end components have been replaced more than once. The 3.0L v-6 with the automatic is greatly underpowered. It gets bad gas mileage less than 15 mpg. It also has a poor ride. It does not like to go up hills. It has had endless problems with the ABS brakes. The frame is starting rust out

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  440000 miles and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By ranger lover - March 10 - 9:52 pm

  This has been an awesome truck. I now have over 440,000 miles on it and still drive it everyday with no problem. I have installed two clutches, 2 water pumps, air conditioning, and 2 alternators. Not bad for many years and miles of use. Nothing major and never any engine work.

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  Great Trucks (20000 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By brabber - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third ranger. And I have only had one little problem with a oil pressure sensor (with 62000 miles). The trucks are solid and never seem to have problems. I have driven thousands of rough miles in Baja Mexico and not had any problems, which is a very good thing when I am in the middle of no where. I have read complaints about dealers fixing problems but I havent had to take any of mine in.

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  O.K. vehicle - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Somewhat Satisfied - March 2 - 12:33 am

  Ive had my Ford Ranger 4X4 for almost a year and a half now and it has been ok to me. The engine, even though its a 93, still runs well, just a little rough on idling (probably from cheap gas and the ethanol theyve started adding to fuel). It is reliable in the sense that it will move me around, but there is a serious lack of space. Im 60" and I feel like Im in a clown car when I drive. Theres no way to lean the seats back enough. I enjoy driving my truck but I have to say that there are plenty of problems running around in it. I take care of my first car, but theres an oil leak I cant fix, an a/c that will cost half what the truck is worth to fix (after compressor), and a bad fuel guage

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  08 New Ranger - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By bill - February 27 - 9:41 pm

  I bought a 08 XLT supercab 4x4, with all of the goodies in and out. It is nice in regards to the ride (have owned othere 4x4s, beats all. Gas mileage is ok, stereo is great. 4x4 smooth. Just an all around nice ride.