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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Truck! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By cabuco2006 - February 25 - 10:01 am

  I love the way this truck rides and handles. It can take a beating and the 4x4 is something you need, especially in New England winters. Ive gotten as high as 25.6 mpg in the summer. Its preety good on gas for a 4.0 v-6 compared to other competitors 4.0s. I reccomend this truck for some one that want a truck that can get low to moderate jobs done.

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  Best small truck on the road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Richard - February 24 - 3:02 pm

  I decided on a small truck for ease of parking and economy. To me the Ranger provided the best value by far and the ride was as good as any of the other small trucks. The fit and finish on the new 2008 was equal to and better then the others. I think it is the best looking small truck on the road, and my friends agree. The only downside is the 3.0 motor is not up to competers v6s and the gas mileage is below par

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  Still trucking - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By stone - February 21 - 5:25 pm

  Bought used in 01 w/ 70K. At 204k now. avg 22mpg! std 2.3L dual plug version. Still runs great, but engine is fially tapping on hills now.

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  Nice - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By 03 - February 20 - 5:48 pm

  I bought my truck about a year ago and I do a lot of driving. This has to be my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. The power is there when you need it and I love trying to push it as much as possible. Gas miledge is nothing to write home about but getting about 18- 19 with heavy city driving and traffic isnt too bad. Love the visibility, much better then sitting on the ground with my old Tercel.

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  Awesome little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Doug - February 20 - 4:42 pm

  I love driving this truck. I would have liked to have a 5 speed, but circumstances at the time dictated that I take what I could get. My last truck was a F-250 with lock out hubs. I love this truck that all you have to do is turn a switch and youre in 4WD. With the off road package, its a little rough on fuel, but not the worst that Ive seen.

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  Transmission woes & more - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Disappointed - February 18 - 1:33 pm

  Since delivery the transmission has not functioned properly. Its been to the dealer 4 times in 3500 miles. Upon delivery shift from "R" to "D" and it might take 3 seconds to engage. When it did finally engage it slammed so hard that I thought something might break. Same would happen at a stop light. Dealers made progress. The big bangs gone, but it still disengages when decelerating at slow speeds so then when you accelerate it bumps back into gear. Rear passenger supercab door is bent and thats why it doesnt close properly. Its again back to the dealer to see if they can fix the tranny and the door. This is my 7th Ford vehicle and the first with any problems. Yuck!

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  E-Z on the wallet - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Jim - February 16 - 8:29 pm

  Just got it, sold my gas hog Dodge Ram 2500. Tired of putting 100$ in gas, so bought the little Ranger where can you spend under 12,000 on a new truck and still have fun in a 2008 model. Keep up the good work Ford...if it aint broke dont fix it.

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  Awesome Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By PaulThePianoman - February 4 - 6:41 pm

  I bought it used with 30k miles on it. I have 81k now with no problems. I did all the standard maintenance. I hate to sell it but I need I need more seats with a growing family. Was rated a best buy by Edmunds when I bought it and they were right

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  Great truck for price - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By superswitchks - February 4 - 12:35 am

  The 2.5L motor provides great gas mileage and a decent amount of power when you need it. If you keep your right foot out of the firewall you can easily achieve 25+ mpg on the highway. However if you plan on using all 120hp plan on getting less than 17 in the city. But the handling of the truck is good for a truck you can sling the rear around if needed, or stick the front for some decent corning out of a truck.

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  Great Truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Paul - February 2 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this truck right when I got my learners permit. I bought it for $2000 with 130000 and now it has nearly 145000. I have not had a single problem with this truck. It runs like a champ with great gas milage. It has the 2.3 with a 5 speed. I love this Ranger. It does great in the mountains and on the high way. For a 4 banger it accelerates great. If you hit the gas hard it will kick up some sand. It has a little bit of trouble going up steep hills. Ive had to replace a brake caliper bolt and I need new shocks in the near future. For the price it is a great running, sharp truck. I wish I would of got the extended cab as it is a little cramped.