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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Poor Brakes, poor quality! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ken - December 26 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this Ranger for almost two years. I have faced continuous problems with the braking system. Continued maintenance required that is charged to "clean, adjust, lubricate, inspect" the brakes. Pad on disc brakes continue to hang up. Too many issues with the entire braking system for me to be satisfied with this vehicle. If you live in a climate where there is snow and/or road salt, do not buy as you will have to pay for the brake service at least once a year ($80+). I have had mine done three times because normal driving on highways with snow, road salt, sand causes brakes to hang up. Would recommend looking at foreign made trucks such as Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma instead!

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  Great small truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Brian - December 25 - 11:05 pm

  I love this small truck. My first tank of gas got 31mpg. My second tank got 34mpg. With a $14,100 drive out price its a great deal.

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  Ford Sucks! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Suckerd 02 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This 3.0 L engine runs ruff... When you go to buy a truck take a GOOD LONG test drive. It gets worse with more millage! Its not too bad when the engine is brand new! Now it just shakes and dealer(s) say its NORMAL! Dont buy a ford, Crappy Quality Sadly... Now I got to either dump mine or suffer with it.

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  I like the gas mileage - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Bigticket42 - December 15 - 11:43 am

  I like this truck. I am 66" and 250 lbs and I fit in the truck pretty well. I would like to have the size of a full size truck but with gas mileage fluctuating between $2.19 - $3.19 this is the best 4X4 to own. I get an average of 16 - 17 mpg both highway and in town combined. These trucks are reliable. The have there little glitch like door switches especially in mine which is a 4 door. I have the 3.0L V6 with the 5 speed so I think that explains the good gas mileage. I like the looks of the stepside but for practicality the regular bed is much better. It holds my 3 wheeler though.

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  A sporty truck... - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By mike surf - December 13 - 3:22 am

  Wonderfully comfortable seats, good handling, and I like the "trucky" styling. My 3rd Ranger.

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  1995 Ford Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By glennwood - December 10 - 2:01 pm

  My Ranger has been a reliable vehicle. However, it is gutless. Barely gets out of its own way. A/C and heater work great. Never overheats. Dont feel safe in it going over 70 MPH. Does not track well.

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  review of 98 Ranger XLT - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Max - December 9 - 9:39 pm

  I have had many years of service from my Ranger and have had no problems with it for the first seven years I owned it. This year however, I have had some small problem and one major repair. My total repair cost for the Ranger is less than $1000 dollars over the past eight years.

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  Life With Ranger Part I - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - December 6 - 9:11 pm

  Just purchased my shiny new Ranger Sport Supercab this past Sunday. Traded in a Mercury Sable for whatll be my third Ranger - and hopefully not my last! Mine is well equipped with the power package, tilt/cruise, 6CD, etc. Certainly there exists, and I could have chosen, a roomier, more powerful and even more efficient truck, but few of these (if any) would have offered Rangers combination of just-right sizing, proven safety, and long term durability. For me, for the money, and for the long haul, Ranger fits like a pair of old shoes. Trading in my second one a few years back was about the stupidest thing I ever did, and I couldnt be more elated to once again own my "dream truck."

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  One tough little truck!/Ranger Edge S. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Willie Blackwell - November 30 - 4:26 am

  This nice little truck is a joy to drive, very responsive handling capabilitys,and the tow package is top shelf, It seems happy to pull a loaded tandem trailer. The truck is a 2003 Ford Ranger Super PU 4x2 Edge S 3.0 L V6 Auto., Overdrive. Everything works great, Doesnt use or leak anything, the engine and undercarriage are completely dry, Well...., it does use some gas, you can expect about 19 town and 23 hyway M.P.G. Truck looks good in and out, has some fading on top of fender flares.Milage is approaching 190,000. Very well maintained ,And if thats not enough...., Its Red!!!!!!

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  Keeps On Truckin - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jim - November 29 - 9:31 am

  I drive a lot, usually about 40k per year. I have had great luck with the Ford Ranger. I have the 4.0L with a 5 speed manual (special order) and love it. It has plenty of power and torque. I also do a lot of off road driving. The off-road package handles great and is very comfortable on the highway also. This is the 5th Ranger that I have had. Other than replacing the clutch at 120K I have had not maintenance issue. I have 160k on it now and do not plan to trade it for at least another year so it will close to 200k. When I trade it will be for another Ranger!