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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  good truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Gary - January 7 - 8:24 pm

  Base model with manual transmission & no extras, which makes me very happy now with the price of gas. My fourth small pickup, and the best by far for comfort, fuel economy and handling. Have not missed the 4 wheel drive at all.

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  All around good truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By KaiserM715 - January 4 - 4:47 pm

  I bought this truck new and have really enjoyed it. I have not had to make any repairs other than routine maintenance (truck has about 61k miles). I have used it for off-roading trail riding frequently and it has performed well, going any place a stock Wrangler can go. I have hauled over 1000 lbs in the bed with good results (went 65mph and got 20mpg!). The seats are comfortable for long trips and the interior has held up very well (seats still look new). The jump seats are not really good for much, however. 4.0L fuel economy could be better (avg 14-15mpg city and 18-20mpg hwy).

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  01 Ford Ranger - Amazing Pickup - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeff bertino - January 3 - 7:33 pm

  Proud owner of 01 Ranger. Always runs great and never had ANY problems with it. Running dual exhaust on it with a great sound. Handles great on road and also great off road. This is a truck that is noticed for its great looks. I do not like the newer body styles from 2004-2006 the 2001-2003s look the best. Cant complain on this truck. Plan to keep it until the day she dies. The way it runs now I might be gone before this truck is.

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  Very Good Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Leroy - December 31 - 12:37 pm

  I have owned this truck for a year now. It has been very dependable and I have not had to have any major repairs done. My truck is a swb regular cab, 2WD, but has a V-6 with a 5-speed manual transmission. One of the best trucks I have ever owned. Good gas mileage. Very comfortable interior, but a little cramped. Fun to drive.

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  Great truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By good_truck - December 30 - 4:59 pm

  I have had this truck since new, and abused it a lot. I almost never change the oil (about every 7-8,000 miles), and have done NO other maintenance on it. Brakes lasted over 100,000 miles, clutch is still good, engine runs like a top. The 2.5 is really a strong, bulletproof engine. I have really been impressed with the truck. Its not nice (Sport model with vinyl floorboards - the only option I have is A/C), but great basic transportation. Good thing I like the truck, because I dont think I could kill it if I wanted to!

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  Good Starter Car - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Adam - December 29 - 5:22 pm

  Great for a light/work truck. Never any mechanical problems in first 60K miles. CD changer went out in first 20K. Some dash instruments cheaply assembled, e.g. knobs broke off/snapped. Fuel economy was not as efficient as expected. Poor for V6.

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  Repeat buyer - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By William C - December 29 - 12:29 pm

  If this is a "tired design" Ill take more. In fact I did, this is my second new Ranger, the first one gave me 18 years of good service. The 2006 XLT is solid and powerful, fun to drive. The Ford OHC 4.0 has plenty of punch and the 5 speed shifts well. The Tacoma and Dakota are too large to be considered a compact truck. I drove a GMC Canyon, its OK but it didnt impress me.

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  Cab Interior bad - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Lworth - December 23 - 11:42 pm

  Cab is a smaller confined area than 2000 Ranger. You cannot see over the seats to observe traffic coming from your right kinda behind you. Rear view is mirrors only very dangerous with a closed high seat back area.

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  My Ranger in review - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bruce - December 22 - 11:27 pm

  I first took possession of my 1994 Ford Ranger XLT on 3/3/04. Overall, the truck has been quite reliable. In the almost 2 years Ive had it, I have replaced the starter, idler pulley, fan belt, (broke when pulley seized), and rear leaf spring mounts. It currently has a power steering leak, and needs brakes, thats it. The total amount for all my repairs is about $300 over 2 years not bad for an 11 year old truck.

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  Watch Out For Later - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Matthew... - December 22 - 12:17 am

  This is my third Ranger. I bought it, I have loved it, I have taken care of it, and had fun with it. Now I have 65,000 miles on it and problems are getting bigger and more expensive. To start at 30,000 front windows not lining up and had tracks replaced by dealer (still having same problem), next at 40,000 miles, dash light goes out. $2.00 bulb + some absurd amount to install (still not fixed), next drivers side unlock button works when it wants (who knows), now O/D Off light flashes, told transmission needs rebuilt and it wants to skip gears, $1500.00 and this appears to be a known issue. I am now looking at a Nissan and Toyota.