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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  A good truck at a good price!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By trs - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for 3 weeks now,and I am loving it more and more everyday!! The truck handles wonderfully, and is easy to drive. The handling of this truck is much like that of a cars. But has full capacity of a truck. The accelleration is quick, and the 5- speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. And the a\c is ice cold!! Last, but not least, I love the mp3 stereo system. You can burn hours of music on one disc.

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  Still Lovin It - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jessica - May 8 - 4:26 pm

  I havent found any problems with any Ford truck. My Ranger has 153,000 miles and still runs great and really no other problems. Before this I owned a 1990 Ford Crew Cab dually man that was a great truck all around, towing was great. I have also owned other makes and models in Ford and cant complain!

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  The Best! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By G - May 5 - 9:20 am

  My Ford ranger is built in Edison NJ. The Truck was put together very well. Have had no problems at all with it. The rear window is solid. The 5sp. manual works very well, if your towing things around, like in upstate NY. This is my first ranger, and I will keep on buying. My Ranger came with Goodyear RT/S tires on. Good tires. Also in the interior, there is almost NO noise. Unlike in the other Manuf, you get alot or road noise.

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  Greatest Truck in the World. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Van Langford - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The Ford ranger has an amazing compatability with any one in the world, this midsize truck is one of the greatest to buy.

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  great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By kyle - April 30 - 1:10 pm

  I like the truck overall. Love how it rides higher than most other smaller trucks. Never had a problem with anything on the truck. Buying products off eBay has made maintenance very cheap. I have a 5 speed and it is very fun to drive. Only problem I have noticed is the plastic in the door feels cheap. It is becoming loose and the center seat/compartment is broken. The seat has a few tears in it but it is no problem and looks to be from a knife or other sharp object before I got it. Overall a great truck, but only 23 mpg and I drive mostly highway.

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  1999 Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Frank Aaron - April 24 - 5:19 pm

  Best compact truck on the market great fuel mileage will buy this truck again.

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  A Very good truck. Great for starting offroaders - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By d.miller - April 18 - 12:56 am

  I bought this truck for $3500 used and was previously fully submerged in water. ( Yeah last owner didnt take care of it very well) Only 80k miles. Had for 4 years now and runs like gold. Lift kit, new exhaust system, and redone interior has made this a great handy down. I own this truck for one year now. It was handed down to me. 4x4 works great. Love it.

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  Wore Out at 26,000 Miles - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By nic - April 12 - 8:54 pm

  My 2001 Ford Ranger extended cab 4x4 was pretty nice until it reached the 26,000 mile mark. At that point things started to go bad. It would not start one day. I had it towed to a local dealer. It started for them but they hooked it up to see what the problem was and found nothing wrong, $160.00. A few weeks later when I turned on the four wheel drive, the switch was bad. $500.00. I had used it 3 or 4 times. A few weeks later, again it would not start, fuel pump, $730.00. The bed must come off to replace this. This is when I gave up, and for the first time, bought a new Chevy truck. I waited 30 years to use my Sisters GM discount.

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  Best Lil Truck 4 Me - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By This1wrkd - April 11 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased my 4WD Edge new in 2002. Its going strong in 2006. Ive been all across the country, and commute from Houston to Crockett 3 times per month. You may think its a chick truck, but 4 wheeling is terrific, and it carries everything an artist/remodeler needs (for a chick). Ive owned a lot of vehicles, this one is just plain fun!

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  Great little big truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Sheldon Metler - April 8 - 10:11 pm

  My 2003 Ranger Edge is the first Ford I have owned. I have to say it has been a great truck. I have 29,300 miles on it and have no complaints or problems to report. I do take great care of it and it is a garaged vehicle. I have added many extras to give it an added EDGE. It is definitely an eye catcher and I get many compliments on the truck. My only gripe would be the 15 miles to the gallon I get but that is with an added supercharger. It originally got on average 17 to 18 but for an extra 75 horsepower its worth the extra trips to the pump. I plan on owning this truck till the wheels fall off. I will buy another probably in 2007 but I will always have a special feel for my 2003. GREAT TRUCK!