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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Red Power Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Fred - May 30 - 3:53 pm

  My Red Power Ranger Edge is a trip! I added a carpet bedliner, camper shell, and step bars. Although it could use a bit more power, it never lags on the I95 raceway. Best addition, engine wise, was a K&N air filter (which I also use on my 95 Ranger and motorcycle). I have no major problems and would buy another Ranger.

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  2006 Ford Ranger XLT - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Drew - May 26 - 2:53 pm

  Including the $3000.00 rebate, this truck is absolutely the best bang for the buck. If youre looking for something a little more stylish, go buy something else. If youre looking for a good quality, small size pick-up that rides and handles like a truck, and actually looks like a truck, this is your best bet. I love my new Ranger.

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  Inexpensive not Cheap - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JDP - May 24 - 11:22 pm

  I bought my truck to serve as a "chore" vehicle so I could quit carrying things back from Home Depot in the car. I bought it from one of the Ford special sales for $10,950. 4 cylinder/5 speed stick A/C and radio. Very much a base XL. As it turned out I use it everyday and it is my primary work truck/transportation. I drive from Dallas to Austin every Monday and after working my contract for the week, I drive back Friday night. I have grown to like this truck very much. I get between 26 and 30 mpg week in and week out doing 70 to 80 mph hwy. It does all I ask and when I spill a coke or knock over the fries I just hose it out when I get home. And I still haul stuff for my wife from Home Depot weekends.

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  Heads Up - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By John - May 24 - 3:39 pm

  Ive had a lot of fun with this truck. But heads up on a few of the things listed below. I have owned it for 5 years and now have 120 thousand miles on it. I guess I cant be too hard on it.

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  2002 Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 2002 Ford Ranger - May 22 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned my 2002 Ford Ranger since August 2002, and overall I am extremely happy with my purchase. I dont know why so many of the automobile trade magazines and even you Edmunds put down the Ford Ranger as being obsolete! I compared the Ford Ranger against the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet S-10 at the time and I choose the Ford Ranger. My Ford Ranger has been reliable 100% of the time. It is easy to do the routine preventative maintenance. The price was right. I get better gas mileage (28 mpg in town driving and 34 mpg highway driving) than what the sticker showed for estimated expected MPG. If I were to buy another truck, I would definitely buy a Ford again.

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Edge Ranger - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned, it looks, rides, and sounds great. The 4.0 has allot of power and has been very helpful. I bought this truck in may 2001 and have not had any problems with it. I recomend this truck to who ever is thinking of buying a small size pick up.

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  "97 XLT Ext Cab 4x4, 4.0V6, 5 Speed Auto - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - May 14 - 8:22 am

  I have had this truck for nearly 9 years and have driven it 78,000 miles. Some drive train problems which can be expensive to repair at a Ford dealership. Not the greatest truck but fairly reliable and functional. Very stiff suspension which was softened in 1998 model year. First year for 5 speed auto which has worked fine. Gas mileage is poor at 15-20 and it only gets 20 out on the road. It has been great for hauling dogs and hunting. Seats are not all that comfortable. Even though it has a 4.0 liter engine it only cranks 160 HP and 225 lb/ft torque. Dismal compared to the newer engines.

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  Nice little truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By TM - May 12 - 4:31 pm

  The truck drives well and handle adequately. It does lean a little too much due to the stiff suspension. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. I have the large engine with the 4:11 rear end, but the mileage is less than 17mpg. Pretty bad for a little guy. Also the base cost of the vehicle is a little high.

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  My Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By socha818 - May 11 - 10:03 am

  Well gets awesome gas mileage for a truck. A cover over the bed added about 3 mpg more. Disadvantage: not very good traction in snow or rain. Not a lot of weight in back of truck, even with 140lbs extra. Just had some rear brake problems. Advantages: Again the gas mileage is great. Fun truck, 5-speed manual, good response. Easy to do self fix-ups, oil and filters. Dont need a jack to change oil and oil filter. Overall good, sometimes troublesome but nothing a little loving cant take care of.

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  tops - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By maytagman - May 10 - 6:29 pm

  Just a fine truck, works and plays hard then drive it to dinner. Mine has 75,000 miles - nothing but normal maintenance, i.e. oil, brakes, tires.