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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
By eex_heywood - November 30 - 5:03 pm98 Ranger XLT x-cab stepside. Love this truck! Never more than an oil change and a brake job into it. Bought it used with 15k on it, and have never regretted buying it. Actually good on gas. We travel in it a lot, without any issues. Id get another one, if they had a club cab model,but now its Sport Trac for me. Got kids, and need more room, but cant give up the truck bed.
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rust bucket - 2010 Ford Ranger
By william calhoun - November 30 - 3:34 amthey rust ot in 6 years
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12 years and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
By xlt - November 24 - 8:19 pmThis is my second Ranger. The first was an 83 that had over 150k and as far as I know is still going. The 93 has been a real work horse for me and now has 100k on it. Basic mechanical wear with very little rust. I live in the Boston area and the winter conditions are hard on all cars. The Ranger has performed well. I am now looking to buy a 2005. Only because I would like some extras this time.
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great truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
By knox - November 24 - 12:12 amFord Rangers are simply the best light truck to own. I recently just got a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT supercab 4x4 off- road. I have gone off roading with it. The truck is very dependable, in the woods. Its definitely a must buy.
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Takes a likcing and keeps on ticking! - 1993 Ford Ranger
By Ranger919 - November 23 - 7:00 pmI bought this Ranger with 65k miles on it. I never intended to have this many miles on the truck, but it just keeps running. I had a pin hole in the radiator at 165,000 replaced the transmission, water pump, clutch and ball joints at 185,000, (nothing was broken I just thought it was time to replace before they broke. My next vehicle will be a Ford Ranger! But not until I am done with this one.
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xlt - 2005 Ford Ranger
By kevin krash - November 16 - 12:37 pmgreat truck. good on gas, gets me where i want to go
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Quality - 2005 Ford Ranger
By Luckyjp - November 13 - 6:38 pmI have owned 2 Rangers now and I myst say for a small pickup there is no other value for your money. The ride, the handling,and the all around Quality and performance is second to none Thank you Ford Motor Company
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ranger danger(for competition, that is!) - 2005 Ford Ranger
By zitro - November 9 - 5:59 pmi previously owned a chevrolet S-10. i couldnt be more dissapointed. it had to be the worst vehicle i ever owned. i went to ford and bought a ranger. i couldnt beleive the difference. everything about this car is great and much better than the S-10. engine refinement, power, handling, ride, and the overall vehicle beats chevy in every way. i would list it all, but its too much. its just that good.
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suprised - 1998 Ford Ranger
By twogood41 - November 9 - 4:25 pmI have enjoyed this truck from day of purchase. The way it rides, drives, looks. Was skeptical of mileage when purchased but it runs like brand new.
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2004 Ranger is a great value - 2004 Ford Ranger
By DucRider - November 9 - 4:06 pmI drive a mix of heavy freeway and city streets, about 70 miles/day, and have averaged a very consistent 19.5 MPG in this truck..Im pleasantly surprised given the great acceleration with this truck. It has a 5 speed, and 4.10 rear end with traction lock. Overall, Im very happy. Even the paint job was flawless from the factory. Ive noticed that for 2005 they got rid of the Value package. Thats too bad, it was a great deal in 04. You should know that the engine has a limiter at about 95 miles/hour. In areas where the speed limit is 75, and many drivers are going 80 to 85, that limit was scary the first time I reached it.
