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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 Overall - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By loulicker - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Good Truck Overall. My front end keeps going out of alignment and I do not go off road. My other cars are driven on the same roads and do not have problems. It irritates me. The gas mileage is poor. I like the 5 speed automatic transmission because it shifts into the power curve of the next gear and also runs right up to the red line when asked to do so. I did not get a limited slip and that was a huge mistake. Without it, I squeal tires off every stop.

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  A great truck, power, price and looks. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Phil mac - April 21 - 11:39 am

  This is my second Ranger. The 4.0L is a nice upgrade from the 3 liter. I have never had a problem with either truck and it is ten times more dependable than my Dodge Dakota.

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  like my 2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By cookie - April 20 - 11:52 pm

  I had a "98 4 cylinder manual Ranger before this. It had 135k on it but decided to purchase another Ranger after test driving other brands. This truck drives tight, very GOOD suspension. Nice engine response. Extended cab & CD player. 15" tires are an improvement MPG is around 20-23. A main reason to buy was that my wife said the seats were comfortable to her back (she is picky) & she could view the road well.

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  Great Ride with problems attached - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Chad - April 20 - 7:37 pm

  I loved my Ranger when I bought it. It had under 65,000 miles. It was great to drive and was great off road. The rear doors would rattle a lot even though they were closed very tightly. Only problem is after a week of owning it, I had to take it into the shop already. The rear wheels constantly lock in place. A problem for most owners of the Ranger. It was in the shop at least 3 times for that issue. A few months later it was in the shop again for the transmission. Out of the blue the transmission blew a gasket so I lost third gear. Apparently another common problem.

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  My favorite Ford - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By BT - April 17 - 6:19 am

  Previously owned a 1999 Ranger 4x4 Supercab,the 2005 is quieter, has more power for passing and merging on the interstate, and the 4 wheel ABS brakes have excellent stopping power without grabbing or being noisy.The color I got was Sonic blue very nice color.

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  I Love my Ranger! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By madmax - April 16 - 3:56 pm

  After owning a Volvo, BMW, Porsche, and Nissan, I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish, comfort and reliability of this Ford Truck. I cannot comment on their sedans which I have read extensively they are horrible. If your looking for a inexpensive and reliable pick up truck. Ford has it!

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - April 12 - 7:51 pm

  I have used my truck for recreation, work, and general daily duties. Is perfect for trip to hunting due to size and weight. It was preferred by my co-hunters for it compact size and ability. Worked well when building my deck, performed well when loaded with construction supplies. Has been a reliable and efficient vehicle in going to and from work.

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  Ford Ranger XLT 4WD 2 DR. LB w/4.0 V6 - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Kenny Barker - April 12 - 9:01 am

  I kove this truck.Great gas mileage and the engine has a lot of zip.Very fun to drive.

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  Ranger ext cab worth the money - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By mbls - April 11 - 12:11 pm

  God handling, excellent paint and body especially with the 4-door model. Jump seats a bit cramped but local commutes not bad. Good all around track-record no major repairs as of yet.

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  2002 Ranger 4x2 Supercab 3.0 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mongo - April 7 - 5:57 pm

  Bought this with 3,000 miles on it, now has 41,000 miles. Except oil and filter changes Ive had to do no repairs. Bought a Ford Extended warranty - may have wasted $800.00 on it. Has a manual transmission which shifts effortlessly. Only thing I wish I had was a tilt steering wheel as Im 64" and sometimes my knee knocks the turn signal on.