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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Durable Truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
By yellaranger - February 22 - 12:40 pmI really like the look of this truck. This is my first truck and American vehicle and I have to say I like the look of the Sport model. So far its been very reliable. Coming from owning many Japanese makes, I feel that the engine doesnt feel quite as smooth as the Japanese however I feel like my truck has character. A lot of cars nowadays are all computerized and dont really give you much pleasure. I like the sound of the V6 and the seats are really comfortable. I just wish I could get a little better gas mileage.
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I want another one, it is so great, fun, - 1999 Ford Ranger
By sandra - February 20 - 8:06 pmThe best vehicle Ive owned fun, reliable, economical. People think my 99 model is brand new. I spend hours taking care of it and it shows. No big problems. Couldnt even wear out the tires. I love my Ranger. If not for a disability I wouldnt part with it. Not suitable for wheelchair conversion. Too bad for me.
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Happy but not thrilled - 2001 Ford Ranger
By Bill S. - February 17 - 12:11 pmThis is a great truck for someone like myself. It is my primary vehicle, but comes in very handy for hauling things from the hardware stores. This is my first truck and I can see how folks get hooked on owning a truck. I still have to get use to the heavy jittery ride of a truck. I cant throw it into a corner like a car. Way too much understeer. Especially in the wet.
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Crash Test Dummy - 2004 Ford Ranger
By kevo71 - February 13 - 1:03 amI really liked my truck. It drove well and got fairly decent mileage (20MPG). If you noticed I have been referring to my truck in the past tense. I totaled it last week. The front wheel was knocked off, the cab was warped (drivers door would not shut) and the frame was bent in two places. The car that hit me was a Dodge Intrepid that hit me while sideways in the front left corner of the bumper and continued through the wheel. The truck held together well and I and the other driver walked away without any serious injuries. I had it for a year and a half and received from the insurance company about $1000 less than what I paid for it. Im buying another just like it. I also have an 88 w/250k miles.
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Satisfied original owner - 14 years - 1992 Ford Ranger
By atnfmc - February 11 - 1:23 amThis Ford Ranger is my second in a row. I purchased this one because it has air conditioning and I need it here in South Florida. I have maintained it on schedule and have garaged it whenever possible. The only large expense has been the clutch. Because of the position of the slave cylinder it is impossible to service the slave without removing the housing for the master cylinder, too. So, clutch work is expensive. All else is original and works well.
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an ok buy - 2003 Ford Ranger
By zachary - February 9 - 9:36 pmIm a Toyota man, but purchased the Ranger whenI was tight on cash. Ive had the truck almost three years and have had 2 problems. At 13k, a water hose burst. At 55K the inertia switch shorted out. At 71k engine is still running strong, interior is comfortable, all electrical is functioning properly. My biggest criticism is the brakes. I had the original set replaced around 50k and ever since then they have given me problems. I had three new sets put on between 50k-70k and each worse than the set before. The dealership says they need to be "worn in" but after my extended warranty expired, Ive taken my chances and dealt with seems to be a cheap design flaw or careless mechanics
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expensive transmission repair - 2001 Ford Ranger
By dave king - February 9 - 8:29 pmRan good for the first 40,000 then $2300.00 transmission repair due to electronics. Lifters rattle under small hills. Oil pressure guage broken. I have towing package but only towed a small boat three times. Glad it wasnt more -- a lot more would be broken. I WAS a FORD nut. No more.
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Awesome - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Ford4v460 - February 6 - 1:50 pmLoved this vehicle since the day I bought it, had no problems with it. I live in an area where a 4x4 is a must and it doesnt miss a beat in mud or snow. The 4.0L is not as powerful as some of its competition but it fits the trucks size. A better pick than a full size pickup if you dont have a family.
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Battle Tested - 2006 Ford Ranger
By Ed T. - February 6 - 1:34 pmYeah, its not the new, high tech, BIG Tacoma, or the high powered Frontier. Its just a time tested, classic looking, reliable truck, which very quietly still holds its own with a very dated platform. It does everything I ask of it, for about $3500-4500 dollars less than a comparably equipped Toyota or Nissan. Its comfortable, relatively quiet, and the 4.0 has plenty of power and torque. Ill stick with the battle tested American classic! Fully loaded for just over $20,000! Please, next question.....
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my Ford Range - 2002 Ford Ranger
By jim - February 5 - 1:54 pmLike the ride. Fuel economy could be better. Do drive country roads with lots of hills and stop and go from work. But overall I love the yellow color and flames.
