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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By FordFan - April 9 - 12:29 pm

  I have worked for Dodge and Toyota, both of there trucks cant compare to the quality and performance in my opinion, to a Ford. Im a Ford guy and there really is nothing better. I love the 4.0l, lots of torque. Yea it eats gas, but I didnt but a truck for gas mileage. I love it. Excellent job Mr. Ford

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  The Best Compact Pickup Out There! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jordan - April 4 - 4:54 pm

  I really love the Ford Ranger because it goes forever on a tank of gas. I bought this truck used and it was in excellent shape. It is great acceleration with the 5 speed transmission. I would recomened this vehicle to a friend.

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  263,000 miles, Wow - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By NE Oklahoma - March 31 - 12:17 am

  This is a one owner vehicle. It has 263,000 miles on the original and untouched motor, which was built in Ohio, USA. It still starts easily and goes smoothly at 75 mph. The manual transmission has been difficult to shift at times since 60,000. But, it is still the original transmisssion, having been worked on twice. I just keep changing the oil. Nothing fancy, not synthetic.

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  Best Truck Ever!! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:01 am

  I am 18 and this is my first car. I have the manual tranny and it is great. It is ten years old and has never broken down. It gets great gas mileage which is good because I have to pay for everything in my car. The engine is good and has a nice kick but if you dont have the manual I think it will not be as much fun. I do take it off road sometimes, but only on small easy courses. It handles fine on and off road. Overall great first vehicle or farm vehicle, which is what it originally was used for.

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  one of the best trucks ever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By MIGHTY ranger - March 28 - 10:15 pm

  This ranger could be the Johnny Cash of trucks - "its been everywhere". I have my own complaints about it - but given that all its owners have treated it really bad. I have the crazy 4 cylinder (8 plugs), I am on the 3rd transmission, 2nd clutch, second starter. all of which I robbed from $25 parts trucks found locally. I have hit deer, bridges, barns, small brush trees. I have hauled tons of everything - car parts, cars, and wood. And even though the fluid clutch leaks, I can count on it 100% - do not use ATF as suggested by Ford - it rots the seals, causing the input shaft to break at the best possible time (250 miles from home) LOVE THE MIGHT-Y RANGER.

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  tough little workhorse - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Tim - March 26 - 12:23 pm

  We use it on the farm, to and from town and for an occasional commuter vehicle. The 2.3L and manual transmission move it quite well. It has enough torque to use in the fields (with real AT tires added) and still gets 27+ MPG on the highway.

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  Ranger PU - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Skip - March 24 - 7:53 pm

  Bought 1 yr old with 10K - I think the Ranger feels more solid than Japanese trucks or the Chevys and a bit larger. Still no rattles 8 years later. Paint stayed good as did interior. Only two significant repairs. This was our 2nd Ranger - the other a 94 - the 99 was far better.

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  Best truck I have ever known - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Matt - March 21 - 2:59 pm

  Put 110K miles on it over 5 years and never had a problem. Most of the miles were city miles and the clutch wore out at 165K. The mechanic did a compression check and said it could easily go another 50K before an overhaul. There were some off-road and harsh miles in there too. The 4 cylinder was always great on gas (I routinely averaged about 29 mpg) and was adequate to keep up with traffic but would not win a drag race.

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  2007 Ranger XLT - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Porter - March 20 - 8:59 pm

  This is my second Ranger and I am very pleased with my past experience (1993) and my recent purchase. These trucks are tough and well built. My 93 never left me beside the road. I gave it to a family member and they are still driving it every day. Thanks Ford, I love my Ranger!

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  2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 4x4 Extended Cab - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Scott D - March 19 - 2:11 pm

  I am very impressed with the Ranger. It drives very well and handles well also. Seems to be very reliable with little upkeep. Only improvements would be better fuel economy and the stepside bed does not allow much room to haul things. Overall, very happy and would definitely suggest someone looking at Rangers to get one. Very affordable.