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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  No Stranger to the Ranger! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Glen Gaboury - March 27 - 11:32 pm

  I am very pleased overall with my 2004 Ranger. While it isnt the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, it is one of the most dependable by far. Maintenance/repair costs have been much lower than previous vehicles and at 150,000+ miles it is still going strong. I hope FORD decides to bring back the Ranger in an affordable package with a crew cab option. The back seat in the Supercab is pretty much worthless unless for some light storage. But, overall this is a great little truck!

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  best small pickup Ive ever owned - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By stoshu - March 26 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the truck new. No options except CD player and a/c. I had a few problems with the engine skipping/sputtering a bit, all under warranty, and they fixed everything! The tray under the radio rattles, but thats about my only complaint. Gets great gas mileage , I got the 4 banger, and the radio is great. Handles very well for a small pickup, Ive put 60,000 miles on it and the original tires still look ok. The last new pick up i bought was a 92 Chevy S-10 Tahoe loaded with a 2.8 v-6. I drove the wheels off it for 8 years and the only thing that didnt break or rattle was the engine. I will never buy a GM product again. Ford is the way to go, Ill give this 1/2 ton to my son & buy another.

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  50,000 miles with my FX4 4WD Ford Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Fred - March 26 - 12:14 am

  I have put 50,000 miles on my truck, including some serious low range 4WD on old mining roads. The original shocks stink, I replaced them with Rancho Adjustables which vastly improved the handling. I use my Ranger for work and play. The truck with the lumbar adjustable seats is reasonably comfortable for a long days drive. I have had no problems what so ever with it. Would I buy another one? Probably, its good value for the money.

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  Car Persons Review. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - March 24 - 12:39 pm

  The ranger is a nice truck for certain people. I like the truck but really did not fall in love with it like I thought. I should have stuck with a car or looked around more. The truck has a lot of interior room and a lot of power, great sound system, great high seating compared to other trucks I seen on the road. If you want to stick out though I would not get this.

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  My 5th Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By fugitive - March 23 - 8:26 pm

  Have owned Rangers since 1983. The only real problem I have had with the 96 was the automatic hubs went out, I had them replaced with manual hubs for $260. As of today I have 98,000 miles and the body and finish are still excellent.

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  97 Ford Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Sonny - March 21 - 4:28 am

  150,000 miles plus! Engine going great, body stays in superb shape. Fun to drive and still looks great. Folks confuse it with a newer truck all the time. Great light duty truck.

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  Love this truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By love this truck - March 17 - 4:48 pm

  I have had 2 Rangers. Over 8 years have had 1 problem with the O2 sensors that cost about $200 dollars and have been places that 4 wheel drive had problems going. This is a good truck.

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  Im going to miss ol Blue - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Philip Nolan - March 14 - 5:25 pm

  The Ranger is one the best vehicles I have ever owned. We are keeping it for our 13 year old to take over when hes 16. He cant wait! Other than usual maintenance and changing tires, nothing major has gone wrong. My father-in-law borrows it all the time for anything he has to haul. The 4 liter engine has great acceleration in city traffic. I would recommend a Ranger to anyone in the market for a mid-sized truck.

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  1999 Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By 1999 ranger - March 5 - 2:22 pm

  Im really unhappy with this truck. Transmission went out at 37,000 miles when it was out of warrenty and cost me $2,500 to repair. I bought a new truck so I wouldnt have to incur expenses like this. Again at 89,000 miles I put yet another transmission in at $2,500. Ill never by another Ford and Im stuck with this one till I can save up to replace it, shoveling out huge amounts of money to keep it running makes that hard to do. Beware of Ford trucks.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By nanolazer - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Sits high. Handles like a sports car. Hauls like a truck. Everything you would need in a vehicle. Comfortable seats, good fuel economy, nice view of the road, great sounding stereo, A/C works good. The EDGE has great ground clearance and looks good with the raised hood and grill.