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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  My last Ford Purchase - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JRT1 - April 7 - 12:21 am

  I have had the clutch replaced because of a loud squeaking sound. Took 9 trips to dealerships to get fixed. Vehicle does have problems when trying to start. Have to continuously grind it to get started. Will never buy another Ford. Ford Motor Company refuses to do anything with the problem I have with a fender that is dulled off and has lost its metallic finish. Also, they say there is nothing they can do regarding the paint overspray on the left front fender. So much for help from the home office!

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  I love it.. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Joel - April 3 - 1:39 pm

  I have had fun driving this truck. My only complaint is the gallon/miles for gas. I love the hinged doors, gives you plenty of room. The 2 things I do not like are the rattling around the glove box area, and it is a little sluggish with only a 3.0 V6 in it.

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  good to very good - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wayne rollison - April 3 - 1:28 pm

  Ive had very good traction in 4wd with this truck off road on log trails and in mud and snow but it lacked a little in 2wd. Also it does not lack for power as the 4.0 v6 is plenty for what Ive needed.

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  2004 Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Randy Tribble - April 2 - 11:15 am

  Had a few problems but nothing major. I love the truck. Have always had a 150 and stepped down to a Ranger and love it.

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  White Ford Ranger Edge 03 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By dduffe - April 1 - 3:24 pm

  This vehicle has plenty of power (210 hp) and reasonable fuel economy. It rides smoothly like a car down smooth roads. The stiff suspension makes the bumps felt however and if you hit a pot hole, you are reminded that you are in a truck. It has pulled heavy trailers without making a noticeable difference in the acceleration and performance on the interstate highways, even in mountainous terrain. The only thing which has gone wrong with my truck in the 18 months Ive had it is the CD player/ radio, which my dealership replaced for free.

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  2004 Ford Ranger SuperCab 4Litre 4x4 - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By FMD - March 31 - 8:51 pm

  I bought this truck after looking at vehicles for about 2 months. It was the best deal out there. Anyways, so far I really like it. Goes great in the snow even with the open rear. Shift on the fly is cool for 4WD. Also awesome handling offroad. On the road, has good handling. Although, the truck shakes a lot when you hit a medium sized bump at any speed above 30MPH. A little weight in the bed does a good job dampening that down though. Gas mileage leaves a bit to be desired. I average about 17MPG mostly city driving. Not the greatest, not the worst either. Dependability has been good, always starts. Had a transmission problem at 5000 miles. Dealer fixed. Other than that love my truck! :o)

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  Killer Sounds - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - March 31 - 5:22 am

  Only 7500 miles but so far very reliable. No dealer nightmare stories to relate. Fuel rated at 18 to 23 but 14 to 21 mpg is more like it. 16 in.wheels a big plus, 3.0L plenty of pep. I looked at S-10 and Tacoma but for the cost verses what you get, no contest. Lots of pros but only negative would be fuel mileage. I am sold on it so far.

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  My First NEW vehicle - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Rick - March 31 - 12:22 am

  As the first new vehicle I have purchased, I have liked my Ranger immensely. Everything about the truck has been good. I have made a couple of improvements (new stereo, fog lights, bed liner, bed cover) that have helped make the truck better. For a small light pickup, I would recommend the Ranger to anybody who needs one.

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford Trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice