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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Best value for money - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By SurfCity - January 4 - 11:32 am

  I bought an 06 Ranger sport model which my son uses to go surfing, camping, and I use when I need a truck. No problems after 2 yrs. Sharp styling, and is priced considerably below Toyota, Nissan. I bought the truck for the price listed in the newspaper. Good handling, no frills, but good functional truck and best for the money on the market. Sport model with extended cab is very popular with younger crowd.

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  Nice little truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By PDEARBORN - December 30 - 10:31 am

  This is a very reliable truck, looks great, runs smooth, drives comfortably even over rough roads - no rattles. I have had the same issues as the other reviewers with the rusty brake lines, door jam WD-40 fix and the intermittent wiper ghost. Mine has a automatic and has not much power but the gas milage and reliability make up for that. Get good snow tires for the 2wd or you will go nowhere.

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  1997 Ford Ranger Review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By richfax - December 27 - 12:15 pm

  I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later Im approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and dont regret it. I havent had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I dont recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!

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  Best little truck I ever owned - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ludwig - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  Bought this truck new in 1994 because I liked the way it looked compared to the competitors small trucks. I always get compliments on the looks and even after owning it for over 13 years and racking up 240,000 miles it still runs great,no engine or transmission problems, it still has the original clutch and exhaust system. The 4.0 v6 has plenty of power, engine is very responsive, Im still getting around 20 mpg, the 4WD great, but when the factory hubs went bad I replaced them with manual locking hubs, a lot easier on the wallet and more reliable. I cant say anything bad about this truck, its been the best truck I ever owned

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  Nice truck, Terrible Fuel Economy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By maxlessca - December 24 - 3:56 pm

  Ive been looking around for my first vehicle for the last 2 years. I really wanted a car, which could tow a 2000lb trailer. I eventually gave up the struggle and bought a Ranger. It was the 4.0L with every option except 4wd. All my friends/ family love it. I was so happy with my purchase... until I started filling it up. It has terrible fuel economy. Im very light footed and I average 11mpg city and 18mpg highway with cruise on 60mph. (Worst fill-up so far was 9.5mpg) Also, the 6-disc CD changer went on me the first time I put a CD in it. It jammed up on me. I love the towing capabilities and the features (air, cruise, power everything, strong engine), but the fuel economy is terrible.

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  But forgien! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By MT Man - December 20 - 5:18 pm

  I inherited it from an elderly relative who bought it brand new. When I got it it had only 27K miles on it. Its noisy, it looks and feel cheap both inside and out. The fuel milege is terrible. If I drive it 65 I can squeeze 17mpg out of it. The electric door locks quit at 30K miles and the transmission gave up at 33K miles. Now they want $3K to put in a replacement. when I asked if the new transmission would last longer than the old one, the dealer just shrugged. I cant beleive what a piece of crap this truck is. Ford should be ashamed!

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  Good, not Great - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By TruckMan92 - December 19 - 3:49 pm

  All in all, a pretty good truck. By no means the best in the mid- sized/compact class. The truck is a lot of fun to drive, and gets the job done. The seats are comfortable, the extended-cab is functional. The towing/payload capacities are about as good as anything else in its class. I have used this truck for everything. Its reliability is great, never had a problem. The interior design is very plain, nothing special at all. The exterior is nice, but again, nothing special. The quality is good, everythings sturdy, its a Ford. The performance and drive are great. It handles turns well, breaking is nice, acceleration is suprisingly good. The fuel economy is terrible, 14 MPG!

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  Not the best out there but... - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fordguy1212 - December 16 - 3:17 pm

  These Rangers are great work horse trucks. Ive had the bed absolutely loaded with asphalt, concrete, stone etc. and the Ranger handles it well. The 4.0L motor seems good enough for the trucks size, not very peppy though and drinks gas like no tomorrow(comparable to a newer silverado 5.3L). My complaint is the front brakes. They constantly squeal, and have a ridiculous amount of brake dust coming from them. Even on replacement with after market parts the problem has not gone away. I find it to be a serious design flaw. Overall its a reliable truck that I use often and it seems to be holding up well.

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  New to Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By new2ford - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Ford Truck before. I have always purchased GM products. I decided to try a Ford and now I must say that I am pleased with my decision. The Ranger Edge Supercab is fun to frive although it is a little sluggish and slightly underpowered. I would definitely recommend the 4.0 L V6 versus the 3.0 L V6 and you might as well forget about the 2.3L 4 Cylinder. The vehicle is much better than anything GM has to offer on its class as far as ride and comfort. I feel that this is probably one of the best light trucks in its class.

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  Great Little Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By bisjoe - December 12 - 7:42 am

  Very reliable so far, comfortable, plenty of power for hauling yet easy to park. Decent gas mileage getting 16/22 better than advertised.