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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Transmision Woes - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By fujiman_nb - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im on my third, yes third transmission with this vehicle. I had approx. 1200 miles on it when the cap on the transmission cracked and leaked fluid. Ford replaced the whole transmission with a new one. 1000 miles later the same problem again. This time the dealer rebuilt the unit, $1624.00 in parts, and upgraded the cap. I should note that I was not the only one with this problem. Another truck came in the same day as I did with the original problem. They got the same fix and they were back within a week of my second repair for the samething. Gas mileage is poor poor. It is rated for 28 on the highway. I do nothing but highway driving and my average mileage is 20.4

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  Great Little Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Pelonio - November 8 - 1:24 pm

  Its been close to a year now and 10,000 miles, with no problems at all. With the 4.0 and automatic I just got 22mpg on a recent trip, regularly getting 16 around town. Thats not bad for as much power as it has. Handles like a truck, not a car, and thats how a truck should handle.

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  One fun truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ben - November 8 - 7:46 am

  I bought the FX4 because of the rugged look. Its a fun truck to drive but gets horrible gas mileage. Then again what do you expect with 31 tires and 4.10 gears.

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  Tall, Dark and Strong - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Organicj - November 7 - 5:19 am

  I just bought this truck used to get me around while I finish customizing my 01 Chevy S-10. It is such a nice truck that I am now thinking of customizing it too(just a little). While the Ranger doesnt have the initial pickup that my dime(S-10) does it is strong and can pull way more than my dime ever thought about. I like the Rangers styling and is very fun to drive. I wish it got a little better gas mileage but you cant have everything. There really is no comparison so I am glad I own both.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - November 2 - 7:03 pm

  This past week I took delivery of a loaded 2008 Ford Ranger XLT. On the trip home from the out-of-town Ford dealership where I purchased the Ranger, the driver’s side suicide door developed a rattle. I took my Ranger to a local Ford dealer to correct the problem. While the local dealer did make substantial improvement in eliminating the door rattle, I was informed that body work would be required to fully correct the problem.

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  Dont Buy this Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By suckerfish0 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had a mechanical problem with my truck since the day after I bought it new, and Ford will not take responsibility for the defect. My truck shakes and rattles in idle, so much so that you can see it moving from outside the vehicle. I have had four different dealerships tell me four different reasons for the problem, and ever single one of them refuses to make a repair attempt, even though it is under warranty. I recommend everyone that is thinking of buying a truck to steer clear of a company that will blatantly refuse to take responsibility for a defect that is so obvious.

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  Gas Guzzling Monster! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ablosrosarito - October 23 - 8:40 pm

  Very great truck. Youd think by 2001 the 3.0 would be DOHC not an inneficient OHV but oh well. Goes through a gas tank very easily which is not good. The 4x4 system is very good, it has gotten me through sand and mud with no problems. Engine electronics are sealed well, I can wash engine without triggering CEL. Cabin is very quiet and comfy. Maintenance costs are very low and there are still no leaks after 150,000 miles.

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  My Tweety Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By reinasoleil - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this truck so far! It has all the power a truck its size would need. It has a classy look, but will do its work. The ride is quiet and the suspension gives a feel of sturdiness without being rough. The front seats are extremely comfortable. Its pleasing to drive & it makes me smile just looking at it. I think Im in love!!

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  Good Solid Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - October 13 - 3:25 am

  I needed a new vehicle for driving to work and back and decided to get a lower cost pickup so I could haul stuff if I needed to. This little truck feels bigger than it is and runs great. I have averaged 29 mpg just driving it around the area and to work and back and have gotten as high as 36 mpg on longer highway/freeway trips. I cant complain about anything in this vehicle.

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  Stay away! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Aaron - October 6 - 8:53 pm

  My 2005 Ford Ranger was as close to being a lemon as a vehicle could get! Between the choppy, whining ride, to the rediculous plastic interior, this was definately a vehicle I regret buying. I had to take the vehicle in for service twice in the first 2 months. Once for it switching to 4WD Low on its own (and I couldnt get it out of 4WD!), the second when the inertia switch failed while I was driving at 70 on the freeway. All systems shut down: ABS, powersteering, transmission, everything! I nearly wrecked on that one. STAY AWAY FROM THE FORD RANGER!