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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Low Budget 4x4 - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John - July 17 - 9:19 pm

  I bought this truck used in 2005 with a 3.0LV6, with 68K miles on it. It provided me with a 4x4 at an affordable price for a Highschool student. Now, two years later, I have 86K miles and have had nothing go wrong with it other than normal wear and tear. For the price, you are getting a well-designed vehicle inside and out! Definitely a must have for any highschool student that has a parent willing to help them finance. Definitely not for anyone who needs to do heavy hauling or drives more than one other person in it though.

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  Life with Ranger - Part III - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - July 16 - 11:53 pm

  Nearly 16,000 miles on my 07 Sport Supercab, and alls well. Even after that many (abusive L.A.) miles in only 7 months, my truck has yet to so much as rattle! Without any exaggeration, it feels as though this truck was assembled for military duty so perfect"is the build quality. Granted its still the most dated appliance in its genre, but certainly that 1,000 years of production history has served to iron out any bugs from the system. For anybody looking for a classic compact truck, without pretense, of just right"size and certainly impeachable build quality - Ranger warrants a solid look.

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  Love my Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By brad - July 15 - 11:33 pm

  This truck does everything I ask. Great gas mileage, excellent room inside. I only have 2 problems with it. 4 cyl. needs a little more power and the jack and tire iron rattle, but going to fix that. When I bought the truck never thought I would get compliments on how it looks but it seems every where I go someone tells me how clean or good it looks, its completly stock, I guess its just a good looking truck.

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  Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Lyle - July 15 - 3:51 pm

  Very relaxing vehicle to drive. Payload is more than expected. Has plenty of power and good fuel mileage. A friend of mine drove it half way across the country and she has 3 herniated discs in her back and she did fine.If I was going to buy another pickup ,this is what I would purchase.

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  Not too bad - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John - July 11 - 9:52 am

  Bought a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0L V6 4wd. The one word that best describes it is reliable. Bought it with 68k miles on it, and other than regular wear and tear, I have never had any problems with it. This truck is best for anyone who mainly drives by themselves, wants 4wd, and is looking for something newer at a lower price. I wouldnt reccomend it if you drive more than just you and one other person. No more room (even with the extended cab.), or if you have heavy hauling to do.

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  Just Ok - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By RC - July 8 - 6:39 am

  Nice truck for the money. I like the styling and the super cab is great. Lots of nice standard features for a truck in this price range.

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  Test Drive Them All - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Mediocre - July 7 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my Ford in 2005 when they had the employees discount promotion. When I test drove the truck things were OK. The ride was better when I bought the truck than it is now. Every once in a while there is a creaking noise from the right side when you go over something crooked. The 4.0L engine is enough to do anything I need but the interior misses with quality. The dash plastics on the drivers side dont come together right, and there are varoius rattles, squeaks, and creeks that everyone tells me are "normal operating noises"-yeah right! The 150s ride better but are too much money. Why not put that quality into the Ranger series of trucks Ford? I mean quiet is nice in a truck too.

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  Good, simple truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By martinjmpr - July 6 - 10:36 am

  Bought it new in 1999, sold it in 2003 with 94,000 miles (almost 25k/year.) I deliberately got the simplest vehicle I could, 2wd, 3.0l V-6 and 5-speed, with the XLT package for the cloth seats, AC, and 15" wheels. I drove this vehicle all over Wyoming and Colorado for 4 years and it never had a serious problem. Only minor problems were with the stock seat, rear leaf springs, and a "check engine" light that came on at about 64k. Very rugged, and surprisingly comfortable for long distance trips. Build quality was impressive - this was my first American manufactured vehicle in 15 years. No unusual rattles, no difficulty with the engine or tranny. Gas mileage was 19- 20 city, 24-26 hwy.

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  Good truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By B. A. B. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The power of 4.0 liter engine makes this feel like a big truck. I have no complaints with this vehicle other than the fuel economy, which with the automatic transmission has been between 17-18 mpg, no better than my old F-150 with the discontinued 4.9 liter 6 cylinder engine.

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  All over again - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jaydub02 - June 26 - 12:59 pm

  This is my second Ranger. The 4.0 is a huge improvement in power and still gets 20mpg on the highway. I love the 5 speed auto its smooth and quiet. I towed my wifes taurus and had a motorcycle in the bed 350 miles. With the o/d off I still got 13mpg at 65mph on the trip with no problems. 4.0 hauled the 4500+lb payload with aplomb. I am very pleased with my Ranger and would recommend it to anyone who needs a smaller truck.