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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  most reliable truck ever - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rnttheriot - January 29 - 1:43 am

  This truck just does not fail to impress. It is the most reliable truck I have ever owned. It has never been in a shop. Regular maintenance I do myself, change oil every 4000 miles, add oil treatment and fuel treatment at every oil change. This truck made me a true believer in Fords, since I owned Chevy and Dodge previously.

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  Garbage - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Peter - January 27 - 10:13 am

  My first Ford Ranger I got 247,000 miles out of it with out a problem. The only expense was a transmission oil leak. When it was time for a new one I bought another Ranger. The worst mistake of my life! The truck had a valve problem from day one. The dealer said they did not see it? The transmission went at 73,000 miles (band 2). The engine died at 82,000 miles. Yes, I know how to take car of a vehicle. I taught automotives for 10 years and have been a shop/technology teacher for 19 years. Stay away from this truck!

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  Great little truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Dave C - January 24 - 5:33 pm

  I have 170,000 miles on my Ranger and only had to replace the clutch and water pump. It is a 4 cylinder and I used it to deliver pizza of several years. Great on gas and reliable. I love it!

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  Good value... - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Atlanta_Ranger - January 16 - 10:13 am

  This is my second Ranger. I had 2000 (4.0L) I leased for 2 years and it had a couple of minor warranty issues. This one has the 3.0L and while not as powerful, it seems to be a more refined engine. I bought it because I get X- Plan plus the other incentives were great. Ended up getting it for $3500 below invoice. That makes it tough to beat. It is a good looking truck and it rides nice. Gas mileage could be better. However, I have had the vehicle at the dealer 5 times for rattles all came from front-end or suspension problems. It still has rattles and given the fact that I never take the vehicle off paved roads this seems unreasonable.

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  This is one bad truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By TINY MARTIN - January 14 - 5:02 pm

  Man, I owned a 1988 Ranger XLT for 13 years and loved it. Decided to try another Ranger. Got me an Edge 4 dr and love it. It is one bad truck. Powerful engine, smooth ride and great look. I love the styling and the way it sits up. It turns heads and I have really fallen in love with it. The gas mileage is actually better than advertised. I would put this truck against a Toyota Prerunner any day for durability and styling.

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  You get what you payed for. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mykl - January 14 - 4:57 am

  I do like this truck it rides well, especially on the highway. One problem is that the rear is so light. It doesnt handle well if the rode is even slightly wet, never mind snow. The 3.0 engine is all right a bit noisy, and the pick up is just OK. But i never had one single problem with this truck in 18,000+ miles. I would definitely get the 4x4 next time, but I got a great deal on this 03 leftover and couldnt pass it up.

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  My little blue truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Hudson - January 13 - 4:34 pm

  So far I have 34,000 miles on this one. Sharp looking truck. Love the styling and sturdy ride. Several issues have been addressed (under warranty, luckily). Fan belt idler pulley, drive shaft, power mirror switch, rear door problems to name a few. Fuel mileage is pretty decent. 18.50 city - 22 hwy. Overall I love my Ranger and intend to keep it for a very long time.

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  My truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Tina Ashworth - January 9 - 6:20 pm

  I like the reliability and fuel economy. However, I notice that tire traction could be better and the styling is a bit dated.

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  My 99 Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By nascarlar - January 5 - 11:33 pm

  My 99 Ranger is my second Ford Ranger my first one was a stick and Idrove it 110,000 miles with no major repair besides the general maintenance. Also never replaced the clutch. I am going on 5 years now with this one and no major repairs besides the general maintenace. Thank you Ford for the Ranger. i am looking at a Ford f-150 as my next purchase but the problem is I do not know when because the Ranger is still going strong.

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  Great truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By David - January 5 - 1:58 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Reliability has been excellant. Very convenient getting objects out of bed and easy to get in and out. While my new 150 Supercrew is more fun to drive on the highway, the Ranger is a better everyday useage vehicle.