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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  This is a catchy review - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Inigo Montoya - August 4 - 5:27 pm

  I think Ford interviewed the wrong people when they decided to quit making the Ranger. If you dont need a full size truck the Ranger gets the job done with little fuss and muss. Ive put 225,000 miles on the truck and other than needing some basic maintenance it has been a good little truck and done everything I needed of a truck. For the price it was perfect, now if I stay with Ford I have to buy an F-150 that will be more expensive to drive and maintain. Part of me wants to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of this truck instead. Updated: Sadly a kid decided to bend the frame on my truck and the bumper while he was at it. I barely noticed the hit but was enough to total the truck. Final mileage was 237828. I just wish I could have kept her longer but I guess it wasnt in the cards.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Bob L - August 2 - 11:24 pm

  1st truck I ever owned. Bought to make trips to Home Depot. I love the truck, never had any problems. Ive loaded this truck to its limit with mulch and fertilizer and the 4 cylinder engine had plenty of power.

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  Great value, no frills truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By bRIAN - August 2 - 6:27 pm

  I purchased this truck in 2002 for a short distance commuter vehicle. I was looking for an inexpensive truck and the Ranger Edge fit the bill nicely. The truck has had no problems so far, is comfortable, reasonably powerful, and performs light duty hauling nicely. The interior is functional and makes no attempt toward luxury. Its a truck through and through. The A/C and heater perform very well, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the hydraulic clutch is like butter. The brakes are also very good, never showing signs of fading or warping rotors like many others do. After I replaced the stock tires with Michelins, the ride improved greatly as well. Overall, I am extremely pleased.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Larson - August 1 - 10:22 pm

  I choose to buy a Ranger over the newer completion, mainly because Im a Ford guy, and I just simply like it. I recommend it to anyone.

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  Its improved - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By george - July 30 - 10:33 pm

  Replaced a 94 4.0L Ranger with 175,000 miles on it with this one purchased used from a dealership a year ago. This one has the same excellent build quality as the 94, and the 4.0L engine power is much improved. I would not own one without the 4.0L engine. Mileage was a surprise, easily averaging 22/23 mpg on trips and 17 in town. The rear doors creaked over bumps, but a simple single wrap of electrical tape over the hinge connection points eliminated that.

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  2000 Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jenni Latza - July 30 - 2:34 pm

  GREAT truck. First ever owned. Only problem we have run into and has had to have periodic fixing were the pillar doors (?) that lead the A/C and heater air to the cab. They sometimes jam open or shut. The dealer says this could be because of the salt used in the winters in Ohio. Lubrication helps. Replaced upper control arms once, as roads are very bad in the Cleveland, OH area. Otherwise, a very good vehicle to buy.

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  99 Ranger - a piece of junk - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jukenukem - July 28 - 2:53 am

  Not satisfied with this truck and will never buy a Ford again. Too many mechanical problems where do I start? Poor performance with regards to hp (155). Mileage isnt too bad for fuel economy, but can be improved. Hate the flareside (step) bed. The bed lacks enough room for a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its width is only 41 inches. Dont waste your money on this one, unless youre looking for a toy because thats what this is. With the split bench seat in front, it lacks any storage. The two seats in the back can only seat a child, but still not enough room for safety. Suspension is stiff with Off Road option.

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  perfect for a college guy - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By DK - July 26 - 3:20 pm

  I recently had the transmission go out in my Chevy. I was looking for something new and I found the Ranger Edge. Its awesome in every aspect. It has great power, and is fun to drive. I have to commute to college so its perfect. Its not a 4 banger car with no power or a gas guzzling V8. Its one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Another Great Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Jon - July 25 - 10:17 pm

  This is my second Ranger, and I have loved both of them. I upgraded to the Edge and love all of the additional bells and whistles (especially the sound system). My only complaint would be the gas mileage. I do more than the average driving, so I spend more time than the average at the pump.

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  MY EDGE - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By asnakebite - July 19 - 2:01 am

  This vehicle has been trouble free mechanically. The plastic bed rails were replace twice during warranty because they cracked. The second replacement set has remained good. This vehicle has stiff suspension, but it provides corning that is better than any pickup I have ever had, and I have had five. The 4 liter V6 is big power for this size truck, and gets 20 mpg with mixed freeway/city streets driving.