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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By eaglesdude00 - October 2 - 10:45 am

  The Ford Ranger is an awesome truck to buy. It looks good, and has plenty of power to go offroading with. I love my Ranger, and drive it everyday. If you have the choice, get 4-wheel drive, it makes a huge difference!

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  Go Go Power Rangers - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Red Ranger - September 28 - 8:03 am

  I purchased the edge because I needed the utility of a truck. I have been very pleased with the truck. It drives nice, on and off road, it hauls what I need, and gets me where I need to go---thats what a truck is for. It isnt fast with the 3.0 though, but it is enough.

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  Good truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By jeff brown - September 22 - 5:10 am

  Second one that I have owned. Looking to buy my third. Disappointed with the 3.0 like the 4.0 better

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  Edge - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Cary - September 21 - 10:35 am

  Nice little truck. The only true compact truck on the market. I am a little disappointed with the acceleration of the 3.0 V6. I took it to the drag strip. 17.80 at 76 mph. The manual shifter is a little stiff, so I replaced it with a Hurst shifter. I am pleased with the gas mileage. it matched the EPA estimate.

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  Battle Tested - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By John - September 16 - 4:31 pm

  This car gave me no probelms ever. Once it was parked in front of my house and someone crashed into it at about 30 head on and my car was fine, his was totalled. The car did not survive its second accident, it was t- boned by a Ford Econoline going about 50, but no one in the Ranger had so much as a scratch.

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  3rd and Love It - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By CDJ71 - September 15 - 10:50 pm

  Third Ranger and love this truck. FX4 option well woth the price. Great off road and good in town. Interior is perfect for a off road truck.

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  Gas economy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By gokee - September 8 - 10:34 pm

  Driving the Ranger is very comforable. The only thing I hate about it is the fuel economy compared to the one I had before. I had a 1995 Ranger before with a 4 cylinder motor and a 5 speed manual transmission. After I got it I wish I would not have traded. I tried to sell it quick and buy my 95 back but I did not have any luck that quick. The 95 always averaged 26 miles to gallon while this thing is only doing 19 to 20 miles. After I got it I had new spark plugs put in which he said 2 were bad which i seen because my mechanic brings them back to show. The fuel filter he could not even blow through it. I tried it to when he brought it back.

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  Sweet 99 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Ray - September 8 - 8:03 pm

  I had a major problem with the transmission and it needed to be replaced. I had bought the extended warranty and Ford bought the tranny, a u-bolt and rear section of the drive shaft. No hassle, no problems. This is one of the best looking and best performing trucks I have ever had. I will probably keep it till the wheels fall off and cant be put back together.

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  Very good truck - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By George Dibble - September 1 - 6:29 am

  Very good truck. Ive had this little ranger a little over two years and Ive had no problems with it whatsoever. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small pick up. The only downside is that its towing capacity is Limited by its four-cylinder engine.

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  Great small truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By JC - August 22 - 11:25 pm

  Cant say much more than the title. Have owned this truck for about two years now and the one thing that stands out is that it will go just about anywhere. Have taken it up 45 degree hills with no slippage in mud and snow and it tows my 16.5 bass boat as if it was not even there. Have experienced some of the normal, minor problems of this model but all of the info available on the web makes fixing hem a breeze.