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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:
Showing 621 through 630 of 1,516.00-
Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By emailjwl - August 3 - 10:00 amTraded my 2000 Focus this spring for a Ranger. Had heard great reviews on the Focus and had nothing but troubles and recall notices from the start. So much for the "best new car in its class." I needed a truck, but having owned compact cars all my life I didnt want anything too big. I am able to use the Ranger for what I wanted it for; light hauling. It is easy to drive. For a truck it is not an uncomfortale ride. The gas milage has been great (26 mpg). And has already been more reliable than my Focus. The Ranger has been around for many years. It has a good track record. After the Focus fiasco, give me the tried and true.
-
Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By J Kelly - August 3 - 10:00 amI bought a 5 speed 3.0 V6 and I love this truck! I owned a 91 nissan truck and I thought I would never find a better truck. The ride is very comfortable, the instrument panel and controls are perfect. This is a really fun truck to drive, and I like that the truck sits high, unlike the other truck companies. More truck companies need to learn from Ford and get thier trucks up off of the ground and bring them up a little bit. This truck gives me the power I need when I need it. She has no problems when climbing mountain roads or passing others on the road. I hope I can get 200,000+ miles out this truck like I did with my nissan.
-
Ranger Ranking - 2007 Ford Ranger
By rangero - July 29 - 6:09 pmWe just bought this vehicle and I must say it is much more stylish than some of the previous years...love the new front. The inside is a little narrow widthwise. Headroom is just okay. Plenty of leg room. Wish seats in the extended cab were standard. Very cute little truck...hope it lasts a good while. Ford does offer an undercoating for rust protection for $299 but I elected not to get it. I would recommend this truck over Chevy, Dodge, GMC, etc. It is not a bad value for the price. The dark gray looks very sporty.
-
PLESANTLY SUPRISED - 2004 Ford Ranger
By popeye222 - July 27 - 10:00 amI bought this truck to use as a work truck. I might change my mind. This sporty EDGE crewcab has been fun to drive. I can zip around town with the V- 6 and still get over 300 miles a tank. It is quiet and handles like a car. The other carmakers beware, Ford is changing for the better !
-
still new - 2006 Ford Ranger
By akalogan - July 26 - 10:55 amI have had my Ranger for about a month now. And so far it is one tough little truck. The highway mileage is about 22-23 mpg. In town only about 15. The a/c will make my ears go numb. The 4.0 has more than enough power for my needs. This truck is a keeper. It is still too new to judge it completely though.
-
Love my Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
By Mark - July 18 - 4:32 pmMy little 4 cylinder Ranger has moved me from NC to NY and back to NC. Hauled everything from couches (2 at a time) to camping gear to just me with no problems. This pickup is so easy to work with and on that it is a joy to own.
-
Gas mileage Isnt Close To The EPA Rating - 2006 Ford Ranger
By michael - July 15 - 12:17 pmIve found our truck to be a fun and nice looking vehicle. The interior is spacious and all gauges/controls are well within reach. Im very happy with the styling and performance of the truck. The only real drawback is the 14-15 MPG which Ive experienced. Im getting this MPG on the interstate with the cruise on!
-
Good Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By MacDisciple - July 15 - 7:19 amThis is a good little truck that does what I ask of it. It is not comfortable, it is underpowered, and there are few amenities, but if youre looking for something inexpensive to do your light dirty work, it is a good choice. I wouldnt purchase it for daily driving or heavy towing.
-
FX4 Ranger more capable then Hummer H3 - 2006 Ford Ranger
By mazzy - July 12 - 11:14 pmAwesome Truck! Easily competes with Jeep Rubicon, Hummer H3, Toyota Pre-runner 4x4. Very compact but full size room inside, Jump seats are too small, though leg room is plenty. Very low weight per horsepower/torque. Fast acceleration. Decent tow capacity with Class 3 tow package. Stereo is good for factory (Pioneer 6 CD mp3).
-
been a great truck - 1991 Ford Ranger
By justin - July 9 - 8:31 pmI bought my Ranger with 139,000 miles on it from the original owner. At 170,000 the over drive went out in the transmission had it rebuilt, Ive got about $2000 bucks in the truck and have been driving it for 5 years and put almost 100,000 miles on in and its been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its now got over 230,000 miles on it.
