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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  2000 XLT Ranger Is Very Reliable - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Julie G. - October 30 - 10:47 am

  I drive an average of 45,000 miles per year in my 2000 XLT 2WD Extended Cab Ford Ranger. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Regular maintenance and service is all that I have invested in this truck and my Ford Ranger just keeps rambling right along. XLT with all power package makes everything easy to use. Good stereo too. I would certainly recommend a new Ford Ranger to any one looking for a comfortable and durable ride that can put in a good days work and still clean up nice too. A perfect light truck!

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  Very Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By MREd - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand what some of the other reviewers are talking about bad gas mileage? mine is better than my friends toyota. Quality? it is great. Recalls what recalls? Ive had one service bulletin. 4wd might had some problems but not 2wds

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  Next time it will be a Toyota - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mad dog - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am waiting for the second left rear shock to be replaced due to the first two leaking (it only has 8400 miles). The auto trans shifts poorly between the top two gears - dealer says it is O.K.? The engine runs much smoother since I switched to Mobil 1 at 8,200 miles. The 98 S-10 ZR2(53,000 miles)I traded in to get this was a much better truck!

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  good reliable truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By julia - October 13 - 6:28 am

  This is our 3rd ranger. 1st ranger was a 4x4 XL 93, great truck, sold it at 136k, body was perfect as was the motor. Then got a king cab 4x4 1999, gas mileage was only ok and there was the 3.0L ping, not super happy with that truck although no problems. Now, the standard cab XLT 1999 truck is great. Seats are comfortable, paint/body is solid and runs perfect. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for mostly city driving. Interior is nicer than a Toyota imo, and the truck sits up higher for a 2wd. Only issue we have had is a wiper switch, (phantom on/off wipers)which should be a $50 fix. Its got 70k and we have done nothing to it but change tires and oil. Thumbs up.

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  Love My Ranger/ Very Nice - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Brogan - October 11 - 8:38 pm

  This has to be the the best truck I have ever owned. It gets great gas milage, and is very Comfortable.

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  2006 Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Dhill - October 11 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this truck because I needed a long bed truck that would offer good fuel economy. After driving an F150 for a few years and paying too much for gasoline, I found the opportunity to purchase this automobile. My gas mileage, mostly highway, stays around 28 mpg. This is summer driving with the a/c running in Texas. I drive highway speed of about 68 mph and sometimes I leave the tailgate down. The truck offers plenty of room for carrying my loads, and Im pleased with the overall performance. I bought because I needed the 7 foot bed. No other economy truck has a 7 length. The dealership had to travel 450 miles to pick up the truck, and I paid, walk out the door, $14K.

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  Horrible vehicle - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ted Parks - October 10 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned eight Ford vehicles, but this 2002 Ranger had more problems than I could list here, and they were repeatedly worked on by the dealer and seldom resolved. The Company Customer Service was non-existent, and I will never, NEVER buy another Ford vehicle

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  Little Giant! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 08naja - October 3 - 10:27 am

  I have always wanted a small truck with great looks as well as guts. When I saw the 2007 Ford Ranger I fell in love. It does everything you need it to do and more. I was looking around at other trucks to haul my bikes and things. The 3.0 V6 option is worth it! Its great on gas and performance and is fun to drive.

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  The Lil Ranger that can - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 68CudaGuy - October 2 - 8:24 am

  Since this is the 5th Ranger Ive owned Id have to say I really like them. Had a 85, 88, 91, and 97 before this 04. Still have the 91 with 280,000 miles so far. Ive got the 3.0l and 5 speed manual and even going back and forth to Birmingham AL last week for classes I got 26+ mpg at some crazy 75-80mph speeds. Shes no speed demon but as far as trucks go but I feel confident enough to drive her on any interstate. I do plan on doing a few things to improve horsepower and mileage as I can afford them. My wish list includes a cat back exhaust system, Edge Performance piggyback chip, K&N Fuel injection setup, 180 degree thermostat, and Im considering replacing the fan with an electric unit.

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  Tacoma to Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By jrob - September 29 - 8:59 pm

  I am sure Im one of the select few who have "traded down" from a 2006 Tacoma to a 2007 Ranger. My brief 2.7 5M SR5 Taco experience included two trips to the dealer for a bad rear end (in which the whole "pumpkin" was replaced) and two trips for a clutch/shift problem that wasnt resolved. The Tacoma is vastly over-rated. My 4x4 was bone jarring on the road, had no torque, shifted like a bucket of bolts, and got just 20-21 mpg. But so much for Yota bashing. My 2.3L XLT gets GREAT mileage (31 mph), shifts smoothly, and has enough power to get up about any hill without downshifting. Yep, the platform is dated, but it still looks good, works hard and is really worth what you pay.