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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Ranger is rugged - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By William - March 17 - 10:15 am

  Bought this vehicle six weeks ago from original owner whod put 82,000 miles on it. Had it tuned up (new plugs, serpentine belt, engine coolant, etc.) and it runs great. Has 4.0 V-6 with 5 speed automatic. Ideal for hauling off yard debris, clipping or the occasional piece of furniture, etc. Excellent for towing my motorcycle. Gas mileage isnt great, but thats because of 4.10 rear end. So far so good.

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  Life With Ranger Part II - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - March 13 - 10:09 am

  3 months, 6,500 miles and alls well! Thus far my Rangers been as regular and reliable as an atomic clock, and L.A. traffic what is I drive the heck out of my little truck. I still couldnt imagine myself in any other vehicle - Rangers "perfect fit" size, tossable handling, excellent ergonomics and (so far) bullet-proof quality make this truck a clear winner for me! While far from the most modern or refined choice on the market, for anyone looking for a "real" and wholly usable little pick-up that, well equipped, wont break the bank - Ranger certainly warrants a look.

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  solid truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By FORDBYFOUR - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I got my ranger in December of 2002, its a 2003 fx4. Rangers Ive had (all new): 1987, 1990, 2000, and now the 2003. The only problem Ive had with this truck is the transmission was leaking after about 1200 miles. The dealer replaced a good portion of it, has had no problems since. This is a solid, fun to drive truck. I have yet to do any serious "wheeling" in it, but have been happy with its handling in deep snow. Id recommend this truck.

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  mountaingoat - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Preston - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  I purchased this truck as a replacement for one that was totaled in a wreck. It is a daily driver to and from work mainly but in the fall and winter this little truck really shines when we go through the mountains here in VA hunting for deer. If the tires could get traction on a tree I think it would climb it. The 4-wheel drive system has never let me down and I have been in some pretty bad places.

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  Great Truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By steve - March 6 - 4:29 pm

  I bought my Ranger new in 1993. I now have over 200K miles. I learned how to drive a manual with it and it still has the original clutch and tranny. I do most of the routine maintenance myself. Most of it is fairly easy except for the spark plugs (the engineers must have had very small hands). The only real problem I have had was the computer would randomly open the fuel pump relay. New computer, problem solved. The engine doesnt leak oil, but Ive been going through some coolant. It doesnt show up in the oil, so it must not be a real problem. The gas mileage isnt as good as when I got it, but its still better than most other trucks (20-25 avg).

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  Excellent Ford Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Rochester, N.Y. - March 2 - 9:49 am

  Purchased as a no frills work truck package. Love the dark grey color. It sits high so I can see above the traffic. I love this truck and its American soul. It drives like a truck, it sounds like a truck, it handles like a truck. I wouldnt have it any other way.

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  A tough little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Engineer - February 28 - 8:10 pm

  My Ranger with the 3.0 V6 Auto trans now has 240,000 miles. I follow the 3k oil changes and keep it serviced. It is as tough as nails. It averages 19MPG. It lacks on tow ability but will tow a 4x8 box trailer without any issues. The heater cores are prone to leak, mine has been replaced twice. I have also had to replace the radiator. If youre tall, the cab is a bit cramped. But for the money...you cant go wrong. These are tough trucks. It has never leaked any oil nor has it ever knocked. FYI... these little motors run hot, if you buy one with miles on it, be sure to replace belts and plug wires as they heat crack quickly and this is often overlooked.

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  Overall Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  This is my first Ranger. I wanted a full size Chevy but this was cheaper. I bought it used for less than $5000 in 2002. I put 110k miles on it and it now has 175k. It has been a good truck overall, however I have had to replace the engine and transmission. It has the 4 cylinder and auto. They both went out, the transmission first and then the engine. In all fairness I pulled a boat with it which may have caused it. I think it should get better mileage for a 4 cylinder. It only gets 20-22mpg no matter highway or city. Other than that maintenance has been very minimal, Ive done the brakes a couple of times and replaced the tires and a some light bulbs.

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  I like my Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Walter - February 23 - 11:49 pm

  I am very pleased with my Ranger. It easy and fun to drive and I really like the styling. The suspension is firm but not harsh and the steering response is excellent with good feedback. The automatic transmissions shifts are smooth and precise. The I4 engine has plenty of power and has no problem keeping up with 75 mph traffic. The ABS provides excellent straight line stops. The instrumentation is laid out well and all of the controls are within easy reach. The cloth bench seat is comfortable with good support. Fit and finish on my Ranger is good. There are no rattles or squeaks and wind noise at 75 mph is low. The fuel mileage is good at 26 mpg in combined street/highway driving

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  Not bad for the price. - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ben - February 23 - 12:27 pm

  I got the 2 door SuperCab XL about three months ago. The Ranger is really not that bad a truck for the price. My biggest complaint would be that something has come loose between the headliner and the trim on the right side of the truck, and it makes a buzzing sound right in my left ear. Im gonna have the dealership take a look at this. I think the interior could use some more attention to detail, too. This truck has SEVEN different intermittent settings for the windshield wipers, but has exposed bolts holding the radio/fan control console onto the dash. Do we really need seven different wiper speeds? That aside, the truck really runs well and the gas mileage is great.