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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Too bad they dont make these any more! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Riverguy99 - March 1 - 4:07 am

  I bought this Ranger (my 4th or 5th, cant remember) 5+ years ago (2011) with 82K miles on it. I paid $7000 for it at that time. It had been owned by a maintenance fanatic and was absolutely as-new. Every service had been performed on schedule. It now has 113K miles on it and the maintenance has been kept up in the same manner. Ive had no problems with it at all. The 4.0 engine has had full-synthetic oil since the first change. Other than regular maintenance, my only expense so far has been for a new battery and a set of spark plugs. My only non-routine-maintenance costs so far have a set of spark plugs and coils (an engine miss triggered a code telling me an ignition coil had misfired), and a new battery soon after I bought the truck. Its five years old now so will probably not last much longer. I installed a 2" Flowmaster exhaust system soon after I bought the truck. For fun; not expecting any great performance gains here. This truck has all the toys: power windows, locks, automatic transmission, A/C, cruise-control, the Pioneer sound system etc., and everything has always worked as it should. The Ruby Red metallic finish still looks new even though the truck has been parked outside for the last 5 years. Driving impressions: I love driving this little hauler! It has a heavy duty lumber rack, the first thing I do to any truck. I regularly haul 500 pounds of beams and other long items on the rack and another 500 pounds in the bed, and the truck never complains. It gets 20 mpg all around driving (very little city) and 22-3 on long trips. My only complaint, and thats a small one, is that compared to my last Ranger, a 91 with the 3.0 engine, I can feel no better performance from this 4.0 engine, the 3.0 engine was physically smaller and far less complicated so easier to service, and the 91 got a consistent 24 mpg. Nice and quiet, handles well, the ride is great considering the hauling capability. I have a heavy-duty lumber rack on the truck and it often gets some amazing loads on it, which it handles fine. When I bought the truck, it had gone about 5000 miles on a set of new tires. Now, 30,000 miles later, they still look good, like at about 50%, with no uneven wear. This speaks well for the trucks suspension design. Low-speed acceleration is impressive. Highway acceleration, not so much. It surprised me that on a regular trip I do which includes many miles of 50-65 mph mildly curving highway up and down mountain ranges, the truck has a hard time keeping up with traffic. Then I finally figured out to lock it out of overdrive! That way the performance is fine, although certainly not impressive. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints about this truck. Oh yeah, one little one. The seat cushions are really hard, but I fixed that with a foam chair pad. The backrests are great for me. That 4.0 SOC engine gets 18-19 mpg in mixed highway/town driving and 20-22 highway. For a truck, Im happy with that. I do use premium gas, however, and the mileage is enough better to offset the cost of the gas, plus it performs noticeably better all around. The transmission is terrific. Shifts solidly but smoothly and always right when it should. On a Ranger Forum I subscribe to, there are complaints about timing chain issues on high-mile engines, and getting to the rear timing chain (yes, the right one is at the back of the engine) means removing the engine, as in expensive. Im hoping that my oil-change diligence and that I keep the RPMs to a reasonable level will make this a non-issue. I really like the convenience of the rear doors, although as other have mentioned, theyre cumbersome in a parking lot with skinny spaces. Bottom line: I cant think of a truck I could buy for this money that Id rather have.

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  Ford Tough - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By cb_spiering - February 28 - 1:46 am

  Great truck. Much more pleased than I thought I would be. Extremely pleased with this purchase.

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  Ranger XLT 2wd 5sp 4cyl - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Vaughan - February 21 - 4:37 am

  Very good, reliable, comfortable basic truck. Kind of like pick-up trucks used to be. Not a huge, oversize gas and road hog. Wife says most comfortable seat she has been in. Gas mileage is great, always high 20s to 30.

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  2004 Ranger Edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mike - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  Bought it used from original owner with 2700 miles on it. Paid $11,000. He had to pay the bank an additional $1500 to get out from under it. This is an example of letting someone else take the depreciation. Tough market for used trucks as the dealers scoop them up and resell them. Hard to find one owner, low mileage trucks. LOVE THE EDGE! High ride height is what I need more than 4 wheel drive. Very stylish interior, seats are awesome. Rides and handles great. You will get good mileage on highway (and around town IF YOU HAVE A LIGHT FOOT). Would like to have the bigger engine but 3.0 is OK for me. Shifts very smooth. Super sharp looks with alloy wheels. Very happy with my purchase.

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  fool me once, shame on me, twice shame.... - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By not job one - February 12 - 7:57 pm

  For a small truck (4.0L) the mileage is too low. Full size GMC small V8 is near the same. Like all Ford pickups the front brakes are junk. Rotors rusted apart in less than 60,000km, $100 CAD each to replace. The front wheel bearings BOTH went at 107,000Km. $800.00 CAD to replace! Ive never known these bearings to fail in other trucks past 275,000km. GARBAGE! Just waiting for the $500 ball joints next. Dont buy this truck, get a Toyota instead.

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  Only 1 regret - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jcd302 - February 11 - 11:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Ranger and my last one lasted to 182,000 miles. I sold it 4.5 years ago and he is STILL driving it. I have HAD to do nothing to her, but I did convert the 3.08 open differential to Traction-Loc & added a trailer towing package. 146,200 miles and only done 1 wheel bearing. I get 22mpg in the summer and 17/19 in the winter. I love it and will buy my 4th Ranger when this one finally dies, but my 9 year old daughter is planning on it being around when she gets her license, so maybe in 7 more years. I should have over 300k on it by then. Ford only rates it at 1200# towing capacity, but I have towed my 2000# pop-up camper with no problems and even taken a trailer w/ 2800# of trash to the dump!

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  After 150,000 miles - Still runs like new - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Justin - February 10 - 12:39 am

  Bought this little truck brand mew, and after 150,000 miles it still runs like new. Everything original, even the clutch, and I pull a 2300 lb boat every summer, and thats with the small 2.5l 4 cylinder. Small, but extremly reliable. Grade~ A++++.

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  I love this truck. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By steepndeep - February 6 - 6:16 pm

  This Ranger is a great vehicle. It shows that Ford has really stepped up their products since the 80s. I could have paid 1000s more for a less powerful but otherwise equal Toyota. But why would I? Good handling, quiet ride, plenty of power for towing and handling medium loads like jet skis and medium trailers with considerable weight. The only thing I dont like is that something in the interior rattles when I play a song with much base, but I just turn up the music a little and then I dont even hear it.

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  It aint broke so,,,,,,, - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By hutchG. - February 3 - 12:11 am

  Last month I bought my fourth ranger. Ive had such good luck with these small trucks, I just keep coming back. Ill have to admit that the smaller engines didnt have much pizazz, but the 4.0 engine meets my every need. If Im traveling, towing{I dont use it for work}or just going to the super market the ranger is perfect for my needs. If you have a family of four or five I suggest you look elsewhere. since 1988 I can count on my one hand the number of times the trucks have had to be in the dealers shop. So they are a little dated. Unless you want to spend an arm and a leg for a foreign truck{I checked before I bought the ford]I would consider the less glitzy ford. If it aint broke dont,

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Steven - February 2 - 9:22 pm

  Performance is great. 207 HP engine will get you anywhere in a hurry. Fun to fly through the gears like a sports car. Put oversize BFG 32 inch All Terrains and it will still spin them easily. Great reliability, no problems, even after warranty is up. A little thirsty, but a lot better than a full-sized truck. Plus Im a little lead footed. Can be uncomfortable on long road trips, but you wont fall asleep at the wheel. :)