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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 97 ford ranger xlt 2.3 automatic tranny single cab - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By coltay69 - February 5 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the truck in june of 2011. It was a decent looking truck , i have put brakes,tires,shocks,fuel pump,sending unit. timing belt,cam shaft seal,cam seal,rear main seal, oil pan seal, valve cover seal, water pump,all dashboard lights,AC asymbaly line, still has leak somewhere in AC, door switch due to inside light stayed on, new battery,new cataylac converter, i have put so many parts on this truck, its cost me over 17,00 in parts alone. Friend did work, when will it end. I know i am forgetting many parts. when is it going to stop, suspension on truck is horrid. front end jumps when hits small anything in road, nothing wrong with it. its the way it was built,now needs window regula

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  garbage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By j433r - January 30 - 5:31 pm

  this truck is absolutely awful, everytime i drive it there is something breaking on it. Just got the heater valve repaired along with all the ball joints when i noticed a hole in my vacuum and also a strange loud creaking sound coming from my front wheels. Truck is very prone to rust, and should be checked thoroughly before purchase. Not to mention, very low cosmetic appeal when compared to tacoma or frontier. Suspension is very stiff and leads to a very uncomfortable ride Also horrible on gas. Just plain a nightmare like experience, I will never buy a ranger ever again in my lifetime, or simply any American made vehicle. My uncle just hit 320xxx in his toyota which is a real truck.

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  Built Ford tough! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By nitewish21 - January 11 - 1:38 pm

  I purchased this truck in Feb. of 2011, it currently has only 131,000 miles on it. I have had no problems at all with this truck.It started out as a commercial lease vehicle, im the first private owner of this truck.Its still in "Like-new" condition and i keep the maintenance up on it regularly.It came with a 3.0L V6 and automatic transmission. You can tell the quality of workmanship through and though, there is no better mid-size trucks out there than these Rangers.

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  New 2011 Ranger owner - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By jmmtn - January 7 - 1:18 am

  Cant speak from experience yet. I have been driving 02 Explorer for 8 years and love it. I like the excellent ride, handling, braking, and feel of this new Ranger. I have driven my sons Tacoma and I fail to see the inferior handling and braking of the Ranger spoken about in the Edmunds review. It has Sirius Radio,MP3, PW,PDL, so I dont see the deficit here either. I also dont look to a truck for sports car performance. The criticisms I have mainly read are mostly superflous fluff. So they havent changed the styling. BFD! I look for a truck to haul/tow my stuff reliably through 0 degree weather 30 miles from nowhere and not guzzle gas. I think the Ranger will work for me.

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  Gotta love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mrfilter2u - December 30 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 2001 extended cab 4x4 (fully loaded) for my daughter, after she had about a year behind the wheel. She had been driving a 2009 Mazdz 3 and was scared to drive the taller 4x4. I am hoping that she will soon learn to love this truck as much as i do. I runs really well, has every option, well kept extended cab with the 4.0 motor. CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT. WHY WANT SHE DRIVE IT? SHE WANTED A JEEP AND A 4X4 PICK UP IS THE NEXT BEST THINMG.

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  Better than my S10 - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By kwuerfl - December 23 - 1:53 am

  Love the stiff suspension and handling. I love driving this little truck lots of fun in the dessert.

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  Recommended - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By tabbies - December 21 - 6:24 pm

  This is my dads ranger. He fxed it up so its like new, had an enourmous amount of problems(refused to start, worn everything, severe loss of fuel efficiency/performance etc, etc, etc, etc,) Now the brakes work like a charm, brand new engine, trans, tires, etc. main problems=BODY ROLL IS INSANE, my dad could not drive it after a short drive, he had a bad knot in his neck and I drove him home. fuel economy is on avg. 17mpg. you have to keep in the 2-3k rpm band for tiptop perfor/fuel effici. It has decent power. Its a bit loud but I like to hear the engine. overall, if you can find one, and fix it up, buy it. Its a good choice, unless your old and experience frequent joint pains. -_-

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  2011 Ford Ranger Supercab Sport 4x2 - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By 4ranger - December 18 - 2:08 pm

  Just purchased my 2011 Ranger Sport Supercab in November 2011. This is my 5th Ranger, 1989,1997,2000,2006 and this 2011. Ive not had any problems and most had over 100K miles on them when I sold them. I hate Ford is ending the production, thats why I bought my new 2011. Im 62", 285lbs and I have plenty of room.

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  Love my ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mapplema - November 1 - 10:38 am

  I purchased my 97 Ranger in 2004 with 75,000 miles, in 2011 it now has 145,000. The clutch needed replaced when we bought it, also had the slave plate fixed in 2009. Those were the 2 biggest expenses. Being in Ohio, rust has been my only enemy. Ive replaced rusted broken parts as needed, and this thing still runs like a champ. You will be in the shop 2-3 times a year as it gets older, but theyre not expensive trips. Gas mileage is excellent around 23-24 with mostly city driving.

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  Perfect.. Well almost perfect. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By josh77 - October 29 - 4:23 pm

  I bought mine used with 123,000 miles. It could idle better and the automatic transmission jumps a little (I heard that is because I use Wal-Mart Murphy gas). AC and everything are great but dont need it much since its small cab. The seats are comfortable, but im 61" so my legs could use more room. The inside looks nice. The outside is my favorite part. Everyone tells me what a nice truck I have. It runs good. Feels strong, though not the best acceleration. Its everything you can ask for in a small pick-up and more. Also very easy to resell. Fuel economy is great because I dont need the A/C as much as a car or suv. It cools down fast!