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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Very Pleased - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rngrownr - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Probably paid a little much for this model but Im glad I did now. The interior is very nice and pretty much every feature ranger offers comes standard.

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  Cheap Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Danny - February 11 - 10:35 am

  OK, I purchased a Ford Ranger in the worst year for Ford. I previously owned a 2003 Ranger XL. I liked the little truck, but it just would not move. I moved to big truck, but found the gas mileage to be too bad. I went back and found a used 2006 Ranger XL with 2500 miles. This truck is much better than my 2003. It has the same motor, but the gearing must have changed. It still gets moderate gas mileage (I hope it gets better after 10,000 miles and the motor breaks in.) Ford did a much better job with the seats. I still have vinyl, but they sit much better. The transmission shifts smoother. Overall the 2006 is much better than the 2003.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Blackheart - February 9 - 9:30 pm

  I need both a commuter vehicle and something I could haul things with and found the perfect vehicle to do both. This truck gives me great gas mileage while allowing me to do the numerous weekend chores that require a pickup bed. The 2.3L engine is responsive and well suited for a vehicle of this weight. The 5 speed manual tranny adds a bit of fun as well. The price was very reasonable, under $13,000 with A/C. Great value.

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  4.0 SOHC ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Harry Tasker - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my second Ford Ranger. I test-drove many different models of ranger from the edge to XLT to the FX4 Level II. The level II was the best buy for the money I paid just under $20400 for it by purchasing online. After reading the other reviews it is pretty obvious that you have to buy the 4.0 Liter SOHC SC engine has more power then you need for a compact truck. The sport bucket seats are far more comfortable then the bench seats.

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  Ranger provides basic transportation & utility - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Scott Cormier - February 5 - 8:47 pm

  Overall Im very pleased with my new Ranger XL. I owned a 98 model previously and my experience with that truck was certainly a determining factor in this purchase. Admittedly, the performance of the 2.3L I4 is a bit sluggish however, what it lacks in pickup it more than makes up for in fuel economy, especially when paired with the stick shift (Ive actually averaged 30 mpg a few times). The exterior is more business like than beautiful which suits my needs. Rugged stout build provides a less than smooth ride but reassuringly capability (hey! its a work truck!). Excellent reliability so far and as a mechanic I can say its all a matter of proper maintenance and not abusing the vehicle.

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  Disappointed with new truck. - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Colby - February 4 - 8:12 pm

  I special ordered this truck with all the options I wanted. I waited about 6 weeks for it to come in. After a few weeks I noticed light spots in the paint on the cab sides while in direct sunlight. I did not notice this before since it had been overcast. The problem was pretty bad so I let warranty handle it. Now, the metallic in the paint does not match. The dealer and Ford think this is acceptable and not noticeable but everyone else notices it without me pointing it out. Now, I have a new truck that I do not even want. The dealers response is that is the best the paint match will be. No more Fords for me. I am considering taking a hit and buying another product. I am extremely hacked off.

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  Not Ford Tough - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By I hate Ford - January 31 - 8:34 pm

  First off the gas mileage is terrible. I am averaging about 14 miles to the gallon. We had to replace the transfer case motor at 75,000 miles. It was a 500 dollar part. Then 15,000 miles and a year and two weeks later it went bad again. It was over the warranty and that was $1000 in one year! We have had very very bad rear brakes. They are drum brakes and should last at least 50,000 miles they have lasted less than one thousand miles. No wonder that Ford is losing money. This truck was not even close to built Ford tough.

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  Driving a 1995 Ford Ranger P/U - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By paul cowan - January 27 - 9:26 am

  This is my first Ford Ranger truck and I like it in every way, especially the mileage and performance. I would recommend it to purchase.

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  Disappointed in Ranger build quality. - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By DJ - January 21 - 8:51 pm

  Purchased 4 cylinder with automatic 07 Ranger based in part on positive reviews. Found truck to have poor build quality with little support from Ford. Makes excessive vibration from exhaust and very loud transmission whine in low gear. Dealer and Ford customer relations say this is normal for this type vehicle. Vehicle in shop 4 times within first month of ownership. Paint on tail gate and bed sides has large metallic runs. Door out of alignment. Ford fix for exhaust vibration is to install clamped on weight on exhaust pipe aft of converter. Fixed door alignment problem. Im afraid to have paint work fixed as the color wont match. Buyers, better due your due diligence before purchase.

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  My Ford - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wingnut - January 18 - 1:11 am

  This truck has been a good, solid means of transportation. It is good for hauling standard cargo (though the back suspension is a little soft for heavier loads). However, as a daily driver it has mediocre power and lousy gas mileage (17mpg mixed!). If you need to haul light cargo, get the 4cyl. If you need to pull things, get a big diesel. As for myself, my next purchase will be a good hatchback. However, I wont be buying anything until my truck dies. Admittedly, with a Ranger, that could be a very, very long time.