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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Squeaky high MPG - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Lock - August 28 - 2:12 pm

  My heart sank as gas prices rose and my 01 Ranger XLT 4.0L got only 16-17 mpg. My 1998 Ranger XLT has stayed at or just below 20 mpg. I had to get a 4X4 but the 01 would squeak loudly wherever I drove regardless of weather.

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  Ranger Edge plus 4.0 4x4 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mark Palmer - August 26 - 10:00 am

  The Ranger Edge plus 4x4 is my first new vehicle in ten years. I was attracted by its looks, features, and price. Thus far I am very happy with just about everything on this truck. It is a good value and financing through Ford was 0%. I have not been back to the dealer with any troubles yet and it seems to be built quite solidly.

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  13 years of lil red - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Dave Stewart - August 21 - 1:58 pm

  This Ranger was purchased new right off the truck. It had 9 miles on it in 6/93. Its now 8/2006 and it has 185,674 miles and still going strong. It still has the original motor and transmission. The V6 3.0 is great, the only thing its needs is a new paint job, no rust on it.

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  FX4 level II - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Matt - August 18 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my 2006 FX4 II about a week ago. I have never been ashamed of myself for doing so. I have a five-speed manual and the 6-cd MP3 system. It goes right up to speed, runs around 2500rpm at 75, and has one heck of a sound system.

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  Good lil truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CJ - August 16 - 11:31 am

  My ex-wife bought the Ranger in Dec of 02, and decided she didnt like it. I got it in the divorce, and I loved it! With the 4.10 rear axle it pulled like a full size pickup, and with its lighter weight it was quick off the line empty. The only downside was that the 4.10 rear end made it suck fuel like a full size pickup. It took me through mud, snow drifts, and I could pass going uphill with a trailer attached. Im 64" and there is enough leg room for me to be comfortable.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger XLT - August 15 - 9:42 am

  I was looking for a small truck that would tow my boats, haul my diving and camping equipment, ride easy on the long trips, get decent gas mileage, and still fit in small parking spaces. This one does it all, and looks good doing it. We even used it to tow a loaded car from Iowa to Oregon, and it did it with ease.

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  Growing out of my truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By M. Thoma - August 9 - 6:56 am

  My family is growing so unfortunately my truck has to as well. I have said many times that if I did not HAVE to get a new truck I would keep this until it falls apart. And at the rate things are going that could be a long time. I will go through 3 feet of snow while every other full size SUV is spinning their wheels. I have taken it through ditches, over curbs, across the country twice (both times fully loaded) with no problems. It is a truck and the best I have ever driven. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a serious, no frills, no luxury vehicle that will get the job done every time. P.S. Im 64" and it fits me fine.

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  Excellent truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - August 8 - 10:04 am

  I bought this truck to haul motorcycles and go camping in the deep woods. This truck is a little monster and is capable of outperforming some of the larger full-size pickups when it comes to off-roading due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The larger wheels, Torsen rear-end, 4 wheel drive, and Bilstein shocks make this truck fun to drive. It performs well in the city as well. It can get between 250 and 400 miles on city or highway roads. It drives really smooth on the highway. The interior and exterior styling is excellent and I would recommend getting the Pioneer sound system as the stock radio and speakers are a little weak. Overall, an excellent truck for the adventurer.

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  Another good Ford - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Meana - August 7 - 12:31 pm

  This is my third Ford Ranger. I upgraded with the options each time. The current vehicle i am driving has the 4 liter engine with the towing package and it handles my 2000 lb boat very well. I will definitely buy another Ford.

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  Great Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Gety - August 4 - 6:35 pm

  Love the truck overall, exterior design is great looking, like the interior, nice horsepower and torque for the little hauling I do. Get about 17 mpg in town never tested it on HWY but Im guessing its about 20-22 mpg. My uncle claims he gets 24 mpg with the 4.0 but I dont believe it.