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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 Reliable Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By dball - May 29 - 1:13 pm

  This is my third Ranger Truck and by far the nicest. I like the new two-toned high back seats and interior design. This truck is small enough for decent gas mileage yet is roomy inside and has enough power to get you where you want to go.

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  FX4 Fords worst truck built - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By hwbw - May 20 - 7:32 pm

  Since 2002 I have put in two master cylinders for the clutch. had the engine blow at 38,000 miles and got no help from Ford at 2,000 miles past warranty. Had poor performance and reliability. Replaced clutch pressure plate and slave cylinder at 43,000 miles due to the slave cylinder welding itself to spline. Also, I have had many problems with the electrical system. You are probably thinking that I beat on this truck and the answer is not at all. I drive less than 2 miles to work and 97% of drive time is on highways on trips around 500 miles. Unless you know how to work on cars plan on a lot of money in maintenance.Think about another brand!

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  Buy one! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By nuendo84 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have driven rangers simlar to mine at work everyday for 2 1/2 years. I blew one up (it was a 4 cyl) at 256,000 miles...these trucks last! I got the 3.0 which I also used at work...the one at work has 190,000 and is strong. Never had a major problem! I wouldnt blow smoke to you, these are awesome trucks!

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  Great litle truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jaxmo - May 19 - 2:12 am

  I bought this truck used in 1996. It had 15,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has 117,000. This truck has done everything I asked of it and gave me nine years of trouble free service. The only items I replaced were the battery, brakes, temp gauge sender, tires and a $15 sensor. Still has original clutch, starter, exhaust, etc. Still not a spot of rust on it (Cleveland area) Parked in the same spot every day and not one drop of oil on the floor. The most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. I still like driving it. Cant say enough good things about it.

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  I like my Truck. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Ford Ranger brand new. I currently have 139,000 miles on it. I have always changed my oil before I hit the 3000 mile mark. I have not any major problems. I tuned it it myself at 100,000 miles. I have had the cooling system flushed 2 times and the transmission flush 2 times as well. This is just maintenance items that I personally like to take care of. My front brakes lasted well over 100,000 miles and the rear drum brakes I changed at 105,000 miles. It is a great truck. I wash my engine every 2 months at the car wash (I cover the electric parts and so forth of course). My paint still looks nice, shiny and clean. Next time I will get the 4x4 for winter driving.

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  Love my RANGER - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By MadMax - May 16 - 1:41 pm

  Very impressed with the build quality, and ergonomic features of the vehicle. Great support and service from my local Ford dealer (surprisingly). Former BMW and Porsche owner, so I know how service and fit and finish should be.

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  Ford Travel Machine - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By "Glenn Alford - May 12 - 6:34 pm

  The Ranger is used daily for city transportation and occasionally for vacation travel. I have only one complaint and that is the gas mileage needs to be improved for highway driving. I ordered the 4 door Super Cab 4.0 V6 with the 5-speed automatic and 4:10 gearing so I could pull a small travel trailer. The truck has more than enough power even when used in the Colorado Mountains. The tachometer shows 2600 RPM in 5th gear at 70 MPH, it just needs another gear for empty highway crushing.

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  Build to last - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Armbruster - May 9 - 12:49 am

  I bought my Ford Ranger when it was one year old in 1995. My truck had 40,000 miles on it then. 10 years later it has 227,000 miles on it! I still love this truck. Last summer I replaced the transmission and thought of getting another vehicle. I didnt need to here it is another year later and it is still driving fantastic. Through the years I have replaced one water pump (at 160,000 miles) 2 batteries, the clutch at 190,000 miles, the oxygen sensor, brakes, tires, and the faulty emergency brake recall item. I cant think of anything else. (oh, I did replace the serpentine and timing belts as a precaution at 120,000 miles). A FANTASTIC vehicle. This is my third Ranger and I will buy another.

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  Best Bang per Buck! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By MadMax - May 6 - 3:47 pm

  Impressed with build quality, and ruggedness.

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  My Baby - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jogle - May 3 - 1:42 am

  My first and only vehicle. Bought in 1997 with 9K. The seats fit me perfectly, I am 6 ft 240lb. I have 2 kids and four of us can ride fairly comfortably (my wife is 52" 115lb). I have changed the brakes, rotors, plugs and plug wires. Daily driver on average 30 miles per day. Another kid on the way may mean I have to purchase another vehicle. No matter what, I will not sell my Ranger.