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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  My Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - February 1 - 6:00 pm

  This is the 2nd Ranger that I have owned. My 99 4x4 has been a great truck. I love to drive it and she performs great off road. I take her hunting and sometimes sleep in the back (has a shell). I put on a set of B.F.Goodrich All Terrains and the off road performance got better! I also utilize a K&N air filter and with my 4.0 I get 24mpg. Great Truck, I Love It!

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  Ford Ranger Centennial Model - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Woody - January 31 - 10:25 am

  This truck has been excellent, in all conditions. It has been in the deserts of Arizona, the mountains of Utah, and winters in western New York. It has never had a maintenance problem, is fun to drive, and delivered on the promises by Ford. Its gas mileage is not a plus, but it has a 4 liter V6. The engine is German-made and rock solid. The truck now has over 100,000 miles and still looks and runs like new.

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  Ford Ranger High Mileage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By John - January 30 - 11:07 am

  This is my third Ranger in 20 years. All of them have been very durable and low maintenance. My last truck had 386,000 on the original engine and was driven over 100 miles a day up to the day I bought the 2001. The only issues with the new truck have been: 1) Replacing a sensor at 30,000 no charge. 2) Replacing original tires at 68,000. 3) Replacing the transmission valve body at 90,000 - $600. Front brakes $155 4) Replacing a seat belt sensor at 120,000 - $200.

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  outdated - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By cheap deal - January 29 - 10:39 pm

  Price was the main reason for purchasing. Good deals on outdated size and style. Back seats only good for small children or putting cargo in. Ride isnt bad for small truck, but when empty very choppy on rough roads.

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  2003 Ranger: A GREAT LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Don Carson - January 29 - 8:13 pm

  I have rented these trucks for years and finally bought one in 2003. It is a great vehicle. I use it as a daily driver and to pull a 15 boat. It gets a good workout hauling lumber, trees and furniture. I am six feet & six inches tall and the extended cab gives me great leg room for long trips. The truck cruises comfortably at 75-80 miles an hour and gets about 20 MPG. I have had no problems with this truck. I do my own maintenance & it is easy to change the oil and filter. I just changed the serpentine fan belt and it was a 5 minute job. Ford has been building this truck for years and it is very reliable and comfortable. I highly recommend it. My wife also enjoys driving it.

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  Great truck, great value. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Grimtrek - January 25 - 9:08 pm

  If you need a full-size pick-up to haul big loads, then the Ford Ranger isnt for you. But if you want a fun, fuel efficient little pickup with moderate hauling ability then look no further. My Ranger gets about 24-26 mpg, in mixed highway/city driving. Being in a warm climate, I run the AC quite a bit and of course that reduces mpg. I have automatic transmission on mine and I enjoy driving this truck a lot. I would recommend this truck to a friend if they were looking for a truck thats inexpensive, looks good and is fuel efficient. This is my first Ford vehicle, but I suspect its not going to be my last, or my last Ranger either.

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  This is alot of truck for little price - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Steve M - January 24 - 5:29 pm

  I bought this truck for work and have used it for work. I have hauled cars from 3000 pounds up to 6000 pounds. I have had 1800 pounds in the box and begs for more. This trucks gives 100% when it works. It loves to work. I paid $13,500 for it and I love it. I just have the 3.0 with the 5 speed auto torqueshift. I have 3.73 gears. The gas mileage hurts but what do you expect. If you want gas mileage buy a dang Honda. If you want a great truck for work buy a Ford Ranger.

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  Great pickup! - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Brad Potter - January 21 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this Ranger used with 70,000 miles on it. It was a commuter vehicle and also used to haul firewood, gardening supplies, etc. Its been a super vehicle.

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  Buy Something else - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By ekarlw - January 19 - 2:34 am

  "Minimal at best". Most irritating is that for 2005/6 Ford removed the rear wheel well splash shields to save a buck and now on wet roads the wheels throw water, road oil, spilled chemicals etc. up through the seam under the lip of the bed rail and into the bed - with a shell on the back everything inside still gets wet. Once again Ford has found it acceptable to lower the overall quality to save about three dollars in plastic. I have to wonder what other corners were cut. I remember when car makers would make improvements every year. Shifting linkage is clunky and the 4 cylinder engine vibrates more than most. Also the bed does not fit the width of the 2 door cab and looks awkward.

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  Ford Ranger Splash X-cab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Roger - January 12 - 9:49 pm

  Owned this 8 years with few problems, but Ive been living with flaky stuff like mirrors adjusting only one way, radio cuts on and off, many mystery things. Good truck to drive, but Splash model has a low tow capacity. Looks good. Paint along door and rain gutter peels, discolors easily. Looking back Im happy it has lasted this long but not happy with the little things. Hardly used the rear seats but the space in the back is useful. Shakes a bit much "sometimes". Quite mysteriously flaky. Pulls a small 2000lb boat OK.