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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  01 XLT 4x4 4 door stepside - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By RayO - September 21 - 8:10 am

  This is my fourth Ranger, and all of them have been good reliable small trucks, but the quality has noticeably improved each time. This one is solid, and quiet, enough power with the 4.0 V6, and serves me well for what I want. It is no speed demon but great at what it was meant to do.

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  Fuel Efficient Ranger Does the Job! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By ranger rick - September 18 - 9:51 pm

  Ok i admit it I love big trucks. In fact I almost bought a Sierra work truck for $11,900 this summer but couldnt get past the 17 mpg Id be getting. So I went to the Ford Dealer and looked at the Rangers. I bought an XLT long bed 4 cylinder 5 speed model and its been great. Great on gas, great on performance and great on usefulness. The 2.3 liter motor is torqued down well and the size of the bed for a compact truck is great. A real 7 foot long bed tops Toyota and Chevy. The exterior of the Ranger is a timeless well executed design. It is a truck so you do feel bumps, however tooling around town getting 28 mpg is fine with me. The inside is nothing new but there has been some updates.

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  # 3 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By victor cavagna - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I have 2002 edge plus i towed a 6x12" uhaul to my property load and also bed of the truck good test for torque climded 4000in 4th in the auto and also the 4wheeler of it is asome

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  2006 4X4 Ford Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Warren Silverwood - September 12 - 2:53 pm

  I wanted a plain truck that was good on gas with a lot of aftermarket parts available. The 2006 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 Vulcan V6 has been perfect. This truck was very affordable so with the money saved I was able to upgrade it to my specs. It is fun to drive and is very reliable.

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  Great truck - almost 30mpg a BLAST! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By deeman - September 6 - 2:39 pm

  With rebates this $19k truck came in around $15k. I worked with the dealer to find a SuperCab - 2WD - 4cylinder automatic. I dont plan to haul a lot but like the capability, and the ability to tow things. The acceleration on this truck is really good, never had too little power. With only 1,900 miles so far, I am getting 27mpg in a mix of highway and city driving and every tank shows a 2mpg improvement. I love this truck.

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  Avoid - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trbgensmoke - September 6 - 4:57 am

  Avoid at all costs, transmission had to be serviced 5 times in 2 years, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine has many problems. Owned for 2 years, 19,000 miles. Will NEVER buy another Ford again. I wouldnt take one if they paid me to.

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  Like a good friend - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Dentpipe - September 4 - 1:48 pm

  Ive owed this vehicle new from dealership driven it hard and regular. Ive never experienced a problem - Just semi-regular maintenance. Id buy it again. The only thing Id change is adding a console.

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  best small truckhad my 03 - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jerry berte - September 2 - 2:00 am

  have my 03 edge supr cab 4wd now for 10 mos 12000 mi no problems ride kinda choppy on rough streets it will break loose if you go to fast over these type surfaces have since installed helweig sway bars f r end of problem cost under 200.i love the looks. much bettwr than buck toothed and rounded front fenders on tacoma and the 4.0 is very ballsy.great compact truck rangers rule

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  most dependable vehicle i have ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jd willey - August 31 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this truck new in 99 and have put 105,000 miles on it. Dependability has been outstanding, fit and finish has maintained extremely well for a daily driver. The suspension, and pretty much all the mechanicals are showing almost NO signs of wear. The only things that I have ever had to replace on it is a brake rotor, the manifold pressure sensor, 1 set of plugs and wires and normal wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, and 1 fan belt. Thats it! If this truck ever wears out I will replace it with another Ranger, no doubt.

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  Built Ford Tough - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Ranger for almost a year now with zero problems. Im up to the 60,000 miles mark, and the truck drives like brand new. At times, the 4.0L V6 can be sluggish, but it suits the truck very well. My only major complaint is the horrible fuel economy for a truck this size.