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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 Green Babys The Best! - 1994 Ford Ranger
By Allwomenneedpickups - January 3 - 7:04 pmIf someone had told me Id be driving a pickup truck 10 years ago I would have thought they were crazy. This baby has moved my friends, transported refrigerators & freezers, helped me transport all that Home Depot stuff to renovate my house, picked up those finds along the curb on garbage day, and much more with just regular oil changes and tune-ups. Only problem has been a need for fuel pumps every 2 years! Everything else is regular maintenance. I hate to sell it, but now I need an extended cab.
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How is this outdated?? - 2005 Ford Ranger
By tim E. - January 2 - 12:13 amI dont understand the words outdated. It is a great truck with all the power and style a truck should have. It rides like a truck. I didnt buy it so that it with expectations of riding like a car. The dashboard is great for reaching all controls and everything is simple and clearly understandable. One of the first vehicles I have had in a while where I didnt need the operators manual to set the clock. The turning radius is also very good. I do have some issues with the GVW and do wish it would hold a heavier weight load. But for the most part it is a great running truck
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oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
By judy - January 1 - 8:18 pmi have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again
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oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
By judy - January 1 - 8:18 pmi have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again
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my review - 2001 Ford Ranger
By kim - January 1 - 4:38 pmGreat little truck, never had any major problems with it, good gas mileage.
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repair problems - 2003 Ford Ranger
By woody - January 1 - 11:49 amThe truck has to many expensive repair problems. Brakes $950.00, Cluch & slave cylinder $935.00, poor performance engine repair $600. note truck all 3 times was down for 2 to 3 days.
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A Great Truck! - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Spencer - December 30 - 10:00 amSince owning my baby, Ive never had a problem. I love my truck and have taken it just about everywhere. For a small truck, it can pull quite a bit. The only drawback I have noticed is the fuel economy, but there is a price to pay with everything! After driving a Toyota with no power at all, I knew that this was the truck for me!
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Tee hEeee hee hee - 2004 Ford Ranger
By TriciA - December 27 - 3:44 pmMy brother has a ranger, my father has a ranger. Never thought I would buy one but when the Edge came around somehow I couldnt resist so now I own one. Not only did I have a good buying expierence at the dealership the driving expierence has been good as well. Best value for the price I would have to say. Its multifunctional and reliable so far I havent any problems at all and niether have my fellow family members who owns one. My father has put a little over 10,000 miles on his edge already and hasent complained about a thing. Waiting for a good snow to see how it handles...
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A few problems - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Kyle Brashear - December 27 - 3:24 amFirst the engine I havent had any mechanical problems with the engine, it has 130,000 miles on it so far. I had to replace the bearings. The door ajar light used to stay on. The dome light has some issues. My speedometer cable currently isnt working. I get about 25 miles a gallon, with the 4 cylinder, which is pretty slow to me.
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The Tippy Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
By chage - December 23 - 4:31 pmRolled the same vehicle twice. Although Im still alive to talk about it (the roof is capable of withstanding a rollover), the vehicle is way too light in the rear. Even with sandbags, the vehicle is too prone to losing traction, breaking loose and rolling over while skidding. Although there is plenty of important legroom, the ground clearance and approach/departure angles are great (allowing you to go places with it), the body is too light and theres no weight and traction in the rear end. Ford really needs to redesign the Ranger to overcome those major setbacks.
