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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Why cant Ford build a reliable transmission - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Why Fords suck - January 17 - 3:25 am

  This is a vehicle that is rarely used, particularly over the last two and a half years since I drive a more gas thrifty 1999 Nissan Sentra. The vehicle has received regular maintenance per warranty, and yet at 58,000 miles is diagnosed with a failing third gear on an automatic. We had the same type of trouble on our 1991 Ford Taurus Wagon. Its transmission was replaced under warranty at 29,000 miles, and failed again about 50,000 miles later, at which time we all but gave the vehicle away as a trade-in on a reliable 1997 Honda Accord. The Ranger never got better than 20 miles to the gallon, and required premium fuel in the summer or when hauling any load. I hope Ford goes bankrupt.

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  1FTYR10U71PA80634 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ed Grey - January 12 - 2:00 am

  2001 step side Regular cab Ranger XLT Toreador Red. Power steering, cruse control, remote Keyless entry. Single CD radio AM/FM bright crome wheels, 15 inch wheels 225 tires. V6 three liter engine five speed auto 3.73 rearend. 60/40 split bench seat, leather wraped steering wheel, power windows, power locks, power mirrors

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  FX4 Level II Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - January 11 - 6:31 pm

  I bought this to replace an 04 Suburban 2WD. I love the look of the truck and it seems to be VERY solidly built. I wish Ford would get their act together and improve the gas mileage of the 4.0 V-6. I have to say it is the worst thing about the truck. Also, I havent owned it long enough to know about its reliability, but at least I have a warranty!

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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By SKINSFAN - January 11 - 6:28 pm

  I must have a rare breed, I have a 2wd, auto, 4.0, XLT extended cab SB. I can never find this style when having to choose. This is my 2nd Ranger, my 1st one was a 1995 SB, 3.0 manual. I would still have it but was tired of shifting. Great dependable truck,. Looks good, simple design, excellent power, just simply put, I love everything about it. I traded in my 95 for an 02 F-150, had that less than a year before I realized I wanted to get back into something smaller and easier to drive.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Citroen - January 8 - 1:27 pm

  I bought this truck for light towing and general pickup use. I have had it since June of 04 and have had no problems with it. It is a small truck so if you are 6 ft. or over you may want to go extended cab.

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  problem child - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By eric dahl - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i dont like the 2001 ranger because i cant keep it out of the shop as soon as i get it back something else goes wrong with it i might just have a lemon but for any one looking its very quick for a compact truck and you gotta love the styling

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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Lemon - January 6 - 3:55 am

  Purchased 4 cylinder with automatic. Idle is very rough with vibration through steering wheel. Returned to dealer 2 times. Dealer said motor mounts and exhaust needed alignment. No help. Checked this vehicle against other similar vehicle at dealer and found other vehicle to be smoother. When idle increased 25 to 50 RPM, smooths out to normal. Dealer says Idle can not be adjusted. Had several 4 cylinder vehicles and all idle smooth. Dealer says thats the way Rangers are, it can not be fixed. Looks like I am stuck with rough running new vehicle. Should have purchased Japanese.

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  2001 Ranger Edge 2DR SB - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Todd - January 3 - 2:51 pm

  I have the 3.0L V6. I get decent gas mileage, averaging between 19 and 20 MPG. It truly is a pretty truck when it is driven through town, and gets a lot of attention. Ride height and ground clearance is great, but ride is extremely rough. Great 5-speed manual transmission, and the only problems I have had after 84,000 miles was an emissions problem (EGR flow problems). Other than that, this has been a great truck to drive, and very enjoyable.

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  Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bob9876 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  93,000 miles has yet to see a service dept.

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  Not to Shabby. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CPW - December 28 - 12:48 am

  My first truck, reviews from friends and family helped decide to purchase a Ford. Plenty of power down low, sometime you have to really get on it to get up to speed on the highway. <11mpg in town and 18mpg highway>. Its practical for the region I live in. 4wd. The Goodyears arent too bad but I havent really heard anything good about them. The windows fog up really fast and that disturbs me. Overall I couldnt be happier with my first truck, hope to have it for many years.