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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Total Recall - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By PGW - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The only reason I went to the Ranger, after having so many excellent Toyota FWDs, was cost. Ive put only 25,000 miles on my Ranger, and it has performed well. It does well in the snow and offroad, and is very comfortable on the highway. My biggest problem is with the gas mileage, but I knew that before I bought it. Shame on me! Also, I have grown tired of the various recalls. They do make you wonder about the quality of Ford products. (My Toyota pickups had nary a recall in 30 years.)

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  Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By clayton - June 22 - 1:04 pm

  Pretty reliable. Only had one instance of "down time" when a wire to the oil pan came off and truck wouldnt start. Cost $300 to fix because the local repairman charged $80 to say "I dont know". Took to dealership who fixed it in one morning. Only other problem is with ABS brake light coming on when it rains but ABS braking system is still working.

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  Long Term Review - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Todd - June 20 - 12:05 am

  This is the first Ranger Ive ever owned and has been reliable since new. It has lots of power with the 4.0 and manual trans. The 2500 tow rating is a little underrated as Ive pulled a 5000 lb boat and trailer on occasion for a friend. It had a few quirks when it was new such as the squeaking clutch and clunking drive shaft but the dealer has fixed it with out repeat problems. My kids also love riding in the truck and hauling all kinds of stuff. I bought this truck after looking at all the others and couldnt find a better utility vehicle for my familys needs. It does seem to eat brakes quickly but they are very easy to replace. It has been a great truck and I will be sad when it has to go.

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  Desert Rat - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob H - June 19 - 11:39 am

  I purchased this vehicle to explore the Southwest deserts. As I can afford only one vehicle this truck perfectly meets all my personal and recreational needs. It is small enough to be quite maneuverable yet large enough to handle all my traveling requirements, including sleeping in the rear. Thus far it has gone everywhere I have pointed it without a hitch or complaint.

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  Best Truck Made - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Angela - June 18 - 6:16 pm

  I wanted this truck for a long time and finally came up with the funds to get it. It is wonderful! I am a very picky person and I can not find anything wrong with it. It is the best truck ever made!

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  Ford Tough At A Reasonable Price. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - June 18 - 2:34 pm

  The 2005 Ranger XL 2WD Reg Cab with the 2.3L EFI 4 cylinder engine is a fun and reasonably priced package. While Id like a little better acceleration, I find what it delivers adequate. I have the 5-speed automatic O/D transmission and its very smooth. The A/C works very well (important in Florida) and cools the cab quickly even on hot days. The dash and instrument panels are laid out well and all the controls are easy to reach.

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  Wonderful Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By madmaxoohhh - June 17 - 1:57 pm

  Surprisingly good build quality and great off-road capability.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mike Hughes - June 10 - 2:32 am

  Absolutely stellar. This was the first vehicle I have ever purchased new and it did not disappoint. I owned it for 3 years, only needed a tensioner replaced. Runs perfect and shows no sign of stopping. People knock the Ranger for its outdated style but I could not disagree more, I believe it has the look of a real pickup with the most important modern improvements (i.e. engine, transmission, interior, electronics etc.). In fact I am trading mine in for a new 2005 Ranger soon.

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  My First Ford Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By F. A. Hicks - June 5 - 8:58 pm

  My Ranger is a fine vehicle, smooth ride, excellent handling & power to match. The exterior design is also a plus factor, having conformed to the changing times by having that sleek look but maintains the distinct Ford body style (a manly style). Only Ford & Chevy have been able to keep their trucks the way I like em! I must add however that the Ranger was sort of a poor choice for me. I am 61" & 240lbs. I am not uncomfortable in my Ranger but I still, after six months, cant seem to get to seat adjusted right and my head is .25 of an inch from the ceiling. I am comfortable even driving for long periods. Recommend 2004 Ford Ranger. But us "Big Guys" need "A Full Size Baby".

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  Last Ford Ill Own - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Allen Sackett - June 1 - 12:18 pm

  I purchased the Ranger XLT longbed new in 1990 and wish there had been a lemon law in place at that time (there is now). After a few thousand miles I had to have the dealer install a new rear axle as the old one was being worn in two! I purchased the Ford rust protection. At 270,000 miles it is now pile of rust in spite of regular waxes and washes (it was showing signs of rust at 150,000 miles)! At 133,000 miles: installed rebuilt engine: I have now put more miles into the rebuilt than the factor engine! The check engine light continues to come off in spite of having dealers look at it.