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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Ranger Supercab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - October 3 - 11:01 pm

  Great truck for back and forth to work, The 4 banger gets great gas mileage and has plenty of power with stick. A little light in the snow, needs sandbags over the wheels or you will slide.

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  If you live out of the city - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Hank Jr - September 25 - 4:44 pm

  I got this truck in Feb. 05 with 179,800 miles, after I got my license. Im not really a truck person but it was the only thing my dad would let me drive for insurance purposes (the insurance is kinda cheap even with full coverage). After driving it a month I had to get the brakes checked turns out it was nothing, no major problems. I worked at Six Flags which is about 20-30 minute drive from my house. With the 3.0 engine you dont get much pick up until 2nd gear. Not for long trip, after 4 hours of driving brakes smoke when stopped even if you dont use them that much.

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  I love my baby - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By alicia - September 24 - 1:23 am

  This is the first brand new vehicle that I have bought and I love every bit of it.

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  Good Ole Truck---FOR A FORD - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JARHEAD - September 17 - 11:25 pm

  Good overall for recreation use, farm use, work use, but not for trying to raise a family. It is a compact truck, but sometimes I feel 2 people in the front is too much. Overall it is a good truck, strong power on the low end, but lacks oomph above 65. Suspension is a bit stiff, almost like driving a solid front axle. I would recommend this truck. Wanning, for a compact truck the gas economy stinks! 16/20.

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  Hate to admit its this good... - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Convert - September 15 - 4:05 pm

  Ive owned and been around full size GM trucks for a long time - a true Chevy guy. But I needed a truck (1st house rehab) recently, and couldnt afford a new one. A friend of mine offered me his old 1994 Ranger with 150K on it for cheap money, so I figured "why not?". Well, Im glad I did! This comfortable little truck (2wd Extended Cab 4.0 5-speed) runs beautifully, is great on gas (20/24), has no problem hauling whatever I need, and has no rust after 150K of Rhode Island winters (road salt galore). It does need an Idle Air Valve, and it probably needs a new A/C compressor, but it has been good to its previous (original) owner, and its forced me to change my opinion of Ford.

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  Love my Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Spanky - September 11 - 2:45 am

  Ive found the Ranger to be a nice little truck. It has decent towing capacity, good road manners, and shines off-road. It definitely feels solid.

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  Bullet Proof - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Wayne Halladay - September 10 - 2:10 pm

  Second Ranger had a 97 with 73,000 miles on the original brakes with 25% left. 02 had an oxygen sensor go at 25,000 covered under warranty. Getting 20 mpg on the highway with cruise set @65+ back doors are still tight at 40,000 miles. Fun truck to drive. Will probably buy another in a few years.

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  Truck Drivin Gal Trades Ranger: Why? - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By writerdianalee - September 10 - 4:00 am

  Well, "I Luv My Truck" but Im tradin it after 2 years. It looks GREAT, mowed through snow with the 4WD, CD/FM/AM radio pretty good, but all this comes with a price. Steering wheel column started smoking when some wire went haywire ($200 @82K) fuel injector went at 84K ($300), serpentine belt (all 3 of them) scream in damp weather (embarrassing) lag in tranny, brakes grab bad when wet, gutless on steep hills with a load, (3.5 liter) using E85 is great, but the price is that hot alcohol cleaned out remnants left from gas use (new fuel injector) fog lights come on when they feel like it, power window feels like its going. Still, its been reliable, it is sturdy and it looks good.

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  Ford missed a few things... - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jon renner - September 6 - 2:00 am

  ...Like lighted power window and door lock toggles, light for interior of console between seats, power adjustable lumbar seats, headliner console with compass/temp displays. Come on Ford... there are many of us outh here who actually want and use this stuff and will pay for it - just make it available. Also, the seats are not at all comfortable. I may sell this unit just because I spend so much time in these crappy seats.

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  review - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - September 6 - 1:40 am

  Very nice auto, smooth ride, radio should not be so generic -- it looks cheap. Needs better speakers.