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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Truck Overall - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Zach M. - November 4 - 1:36 am

  Bought this truck as my first new car. Best compact pickup, overall am very pleased with everything. Opt for a 6 cylinder, cause the 4 has no power and lacks great gas mileage. Paint quality isnt very good either. But am overall pleased with the vehicle is fun to drive and looks great with the XLT Appearance package(chrome grill and wheels). Still too new to tell overall reliability!

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  Tested TUFF - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jeffjax - October 27 - 2:00 am

  VERY GOOD TRUCK 107027 mi ADD OIL GAS AND GO

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Chilly Willy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger in the last 14 years. They are a great truck for the price. I have had the 2.3, 2.9, and now the 4.0L engines. The 4.0L is by far the most powerful. I love the looks of the truck, both inside and out. I only have 885 miles on it, but if the reliability is anything like the last two, I will be happy. Be sure you you get the 4.0L. Keep an eye on the speedometer, because this truck will fly down the road.

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  Blacksplash - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By blacksplash - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. No maintenance problems. Beautiful.

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  Terrible Gas mileage - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By ChasBmn - October 23 - 2:00 am

  If I knew the gas mileage was going to be so bad I would have bought a Full Size Truck.This truck is going to make be go broke buying gas!!!!!!!!!

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  A Great Compact Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By 4x4RangerGuy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great! 3.0L V6 is incredibly reliable, and powerful enough for all basic tasks. Off Road package really helps when four wheeling. Front grille looks tough, just like a Ford should be. Rear hops around a little bit, could use a little more weight. 4x4 works seamlessly, but is overcomplicated, expensive to repair, and not incredibly strong. Auto tranny is alright, could be beefed up a little, but it keeps the engine in the right RPM range. Mileage is great with the 3.0, and it is an incredibly reliable little engine. Overall, Great truck!!!

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  2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Carl Tudor - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger. I had a 1984, 1989, and now a 2003. I have had very little problems with any Ford Ranger including this one. I would buy another Ranger as my next purchase.

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  2002 Ranger Edge 2DR - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jeff_N - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking truck - one problem I have noticed, and it is wilh all 2000 Ford vehiles. The outside weatherstripping around the windows has "mildew" growing in/on it - every single Ford I see of this age has this problem. I keep my vehicles immaculate, so I consider this to be a nuisance. The truck is fun to drive, and with an overdrive transmission gets pretty good fuel mileage. Plugs are easy to change, as is oil, filter and air filter. Some "squekiness" on start up - sounds like a belt slipping, but I cant figure out where the slip is. Biggest problem - OE tires are junk - Goodyear which develop knots in them just for fun, I guess. Ride is good.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By spudcav - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 7500 mi in 2003 for $7000. Ride is harsh and some bumps will cause the rear end to jump. However, I am extremely please with the gas mileage that has increased from mid- 20s at purchase to 31 mpg at last fillup. Have owned the truck for 14 months with absolutely no maintenance problems. Very dependable -- this summer did a trip from VA to WI and back with no mechanical problems. The ranger is the best looking little truck out there. Will consider another one in the future.

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  A Great Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mx98ranger - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is what I actually have, but Edmunds.com doesnt have it as a choice. lol. Oh well. I have a 98 Ford Ranger XLT, 4Dr Extended Cab, 4.0L V6, Automatic Transmission. 2wd.(i wish it was 4x4). This is a great truck, and if you can get the 4.0L V6 I would DEFINITELY recommend it.This truck is extremely reliable, and Ive not had nay MAJOR problems since it was bought. Just regualar Maintenance.