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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  some things have been better - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Kelly - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  Owned a 2002 and now a new 2004 Fx4 II off road package on both trucks. The brakes are an improvement from the 02 in 03 and up you can feel and tell the difference in stopping with the bigger drums and rotors. The new gauge dash cluster is trendy but a step down from before loss of real oil pressure gage and volt gage 02 had. Now just idiot lights, not a good trade off. Mid speed vibration in chassis is still there. Empty passenger seats vibrate. With new leather seating option I lost the lumbar seat adjustments had on the 02. Also they dropped the driver, passenger side map lights from the over-head door light, which is a must for off roading. Good truck, expect better from Ford.

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By koprowskif - December 22 - 4:39 am

  I bought my 2003 Ranger in August of Last year and it has been a superb truck, I only have had one problem with it but it was also -30 degrees, and it started hard and didnt idle, which the dealer said was unfortunate but normal and the replaced some parts and has never happened again. I have 2 snowmobiles, and i use this truck to pull them and it does very well. I have gotten 2 speeding tickets in it and never realized i was speeding. I couldnt ask for more, it was a great year end special, and i got the 0% interest. i love my truck. by the way, i now have 45,000 miles on it. the only thing ive had to do to it was oil changes, and a new set of tires.

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  My First Ford Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - December 19 - 9:35 pm

  This truck was built with for quality making it affordable and reliable. I use it for my landscaping business and it has never failed me the past 8 months it has not been in the shop for a single mechanical defect! Comfortable and enough power, but still gets about 21 MPG. This truck is my first car and I would advise anyone who wants a truck for work, buy a Ford, you wont be sorry.

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  I love my Ranger. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Brammell - December 19 - 6:46 pm

  The title says it all. I LOVE MY RANGER.

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  Supercab Facts - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Lee Luna - December 16 - 5:10 am

  This is the third Ranger I have owned, have never had to bring them in to the dealer for anything whatsoever, I know some of the vehicle reviews have stated that the Ranger is outdated in several areas, but why meddle with success? it always starts, takes me where i want to go, never quits while running and is very good on gasoline.

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  Just fun to drive - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By myranger77 - December 11 - 1:35 pm

  The 04 FX4 package is awesome it has no problems with offroad driving and in Vermont you can really test it out and rides smooth on the highway too.

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  good truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By joe - December 10 - 9:03 pm

  For the many trials I have put my Ford through, it has passed all of them with a A+. From climbing sand dunes to hauling its maximum weight, it has done it all for me. Some electrical issues have been a problem, such as the door chimes have a mind of there own, but no really big issues. I could not ask for more out of the 4.0 V6. No, I repeat, No problems over the 100,000 miles I have put on it. I bought it with 90,000, and now have 190,000 on it and its still running strong.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By LTrNr050 - December 4 - 12:02 pm

  Not ever a problem! Great truck to drive. I pull my boat and my four wheeler all the time without even knowing its back there. You get the same use of the Ranger as you would with a F-150 but with better gas mileage.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mslrep - December 2 - 1:51 am

  Honestly, I was out looking at a Tacoma but just couldnt get over that front end and I found the Toyota dealers were just too proud of their trucks. Went by the Ford dealer on the way home and set my eyes on a loaded Ranger Edge. I got more serious when I found out my brother-in-law had a 2000 Ranger with 87,000 miles and the only problem hes encountered has been a sensor replacement, $34.00. I was really sold when the dealer came $4000 off the list. Drove it back to St. Louis that same week end and by the end of the trip, I noticed the truck really coming alive with personality, looks, handling. Matched with the auto and 4.10 ratio gears you c

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  This Truck is great - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wrongway - December 1 - 5:24 am

  while I was shopping for a truck I came to the conclusion that this is one of if not the last true compact truck left, that comes with a compact price. Most other makers are moving there compacts to a more midsize level, and the price is moving north as well. I drive it like a truck and it performs well, offroad or onroad this is a good truck and I got a great deal. With all the rebates I came in well under invoice and I am more than happy with my purchase.