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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Trusty Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Mattalicious - February 1 - 2:18 am

  I have never had any major issue with this pick-up and it has met or exceeded my needs all the time. Drove it from east Texas to Colorado and back and never had an issue (except me driving in the snow!). Would have preferred a V6 for more horsepower, but for my basic uses and the gas prices lately I am happy with my 4 cylinder engine. Road noise isnt the best but with a good CD playing, the sound system can drown it out pretty well. I will always prefer to drive around in my Ranger than any other vehicle (including full-size trucks and any car) just for comfort. Easy to drive because it isnt too big, but it is able to do light-duty hauling and other work.

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  Drive it, youll like it! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By hal jolly - January 29 - 10:51 pm

  I got it to save fuel. It gets 24 to 29.5. Most of the time I get over 26.5. Runs out good,rides good and handles great. Only holds 4 quarts of oil. Saves money going and coming.

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  What a Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Murphy - January 25 - 6:36 pm

  Damn this truck is fun to drive. I love everything about it except the 13.6 miles to the gallon but hey small price to pay for sucha truck.

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  Awesome little truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By timri - January 22 - 1:49 pm

  My Ranger has been one of, if not the most, reliable vehicles I have ever owned. In the 6 years of ownership, have done nothing but oil changes to date. Handles heavy loads easily. Tows my boat with ease. I have been a Ford fan for many years and between this and my 2002 Lincoln Continental I dont foresee needing to buy anoother new vehicle for many years to come.

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  Why? - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Justin Walker - January 20 - 12:30 pm

  Everything about my Ford is excellent, everything except the gas mileage. My beautiful blue Ford Ranger Edge, single cab, is the talk of my street, and the chicks dig it. I do not blame them but the only problem is the gas mileage, I am a conservative driver and I only get 13.7 miles to the gallon. Hey ford do you think you could fix this problem, if you can I will have a new Ranger!!!!

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  Second one in four years - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - January 20 - 11:38 am

  I traded in a 2004 Tremor 2 door Supercab for this 2008 Sport 4 door Supercab because getting to the storage behind the seats was such a pain. The 4 door is the way to go! I also wanted the 4.0 V6 engine this time. The 3.0 in the older truck just didnt have any guts for passing on the highway. The reliability is great, not one trip to the dealer in 60,000 miles w/the first one.

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  Good old reliable truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By AZSoonerfan - January 19 - 3:50 pm

  I have owed this truck for 8 years now. I have not had any major issues with the truck. My only issues with the truck are that the interior light will sometimes say on after the driver door is closed and the brakes are a little weak. Other than that, the truck has been great. I would recommend the truck to any of my friends.

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  Very Nice Little Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - January 12 - 7:21 pm

  I bought a 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5 liter I4 for $2400 for my first truck back in February of 07 and it was a great little truck. I had very little problems with it, I did have to replace the exhaust and the rear leaf spring shackles and mounts. I had dual exhaust put on and it sounded very nice. Not like a Honda or a weedwacker on steriods. For a four cylinder truck it was very quick, and reliable. Never broke down or any engine problems. In the winter all you need for the snow with the 2wd type is good tires and i put four 70 pound sand bags in the bed and it went through anything. I absolutly loved this truck up until the day someone t-boned me and totaled it. Awesome truck overall.

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  Ive owned three in 15 years. - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By john - January 6 - 12:05 pm

  The 4.0 V6 is impressive. Lots of power but they could have improved the fuel economy. Id rate the pickup of this truck equal to any small V8. I get about 20 mpg highway. I expect a slight increase when the truck bed cover is installed and I do something about the air intake system ( K&N). This pickup replaced a 05 f150, Interior room took a little getting used to but still its not bad. Mine is the Sport version with a 5 speed. It pulls my 18 foot boat without even struggling.

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  Like Appearance and Driveability - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gordon - January 5 - 12:24 pm

  Highlights: Reliability and looks. Disappointments: Lack of power. Center consol breaks if you lean on it. Steering wheel pattern disappears with wear. Believe mileage suffers from 4w drive, but dont check that much.