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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  mine - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By 56 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  this was and is a beautifull car. if i had enough money to buy any car id want it would only be a brand new ford ranger. I love fords and the ranger is deffinently my favorite of the fords. thank you very much

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  awesome truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rhthunder - October 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck

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  Second Ranger Owned - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jiffyw - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Ranger 4x4 that I have owned. I like the looks and the way it performs.

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  Keeps on rolling - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By BlackStackin - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I had my Ranger for 5 1/2 years. Only minor problems such as egr sensors, vacuum lines, and replacing the hubs. Have 112000 miles on and for the most part the truck is reliable. I squeeze out any where from 18 to 20 mpg on consistent basis. My only complaints about it are: rides like a lumber truck, engine is breathless at highway speed, seats are terribly uncomfortable, autolocking hubs are a joke-replaced mine with manuals, and the brakes are really grabby when there is a lot of moisture in the air. The paint has stood up to time and use very well and overall I think the Ranger is a entry level vehicle for young buyers who are looking for a reliable vehicle.

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  disappointed - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 52 MORE PAYMENTS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Should of bought a Tacoma. This truck is one of the most popular mini trucks on the road, and other then price I dont understand why. Ive had this truck for five months, and its been in the shop for twenty five days, at diferent times. The list is long, The computer modual that controls the wipers, the wiper motor, passenger power window, passenger door latch, fender flair, rear end rumble, and an alignment in first week. What happened to fords claim that quality is job one.

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  Just bought - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By mikeb - September 22 - 1:59 pm

  I had a 1998 Model.Cab seems to have more room.Small area behind seats is good for small items.Jumper cables etc.The truck i bought has a tool box so that helps.Someone put an earlier model bed so it was big for a small truck.Im sure there may be times where a swb will have negatives.

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  Gas Guage Drops Fast - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By sgiersch - September 22 - 2:00 am

  First of all, the truck is beautiful, and I still think it is one of the classiest looking trucks on the road. But when I first got it, I took it back to the dealer for a check because the fuel economy was about 1/2 what was advertised, and there was a noticably rough idle. The service manager put a fuel meter on it and we went for a ride. He claimed the fuel mileage was right on (19) and that the idle was normal. Three more trips back to the shop and I gave up. Other than the square tires, it has been pretty reliable. I would buy again as a second vehicle (would get one with better fuel economy for a first vehicle.

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  Terrible Ride - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew Sievert - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This Truck is good in many ways, however it has the most irritating vibration in the seat(rear end problem) between 20-50 mph the rear just shakes and vibrates. I tried to have the dealer fix it but they could not and then on my 4th visit they had a Ford engineer inspect it The conclusion was that this is how the truck is supposed to perform and there is no fix available. I just got it july 29,2004 and will be syuck with it for a long time to come. I would recommend you look elswhere if comfort and a smooth ride are important.

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  Ford Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By aew - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I saw the first time after looking at ford f-150s and higher, but when I saw this little guy it jumped right out to me. I drove it...fell in love with it!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By greenbay - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fun to drive. This is a compact truck with a full size feel. The 4.0L V-6 engine has plenty power. I have no power loss when pulling a 17 foot Searay. I love my truck. The dealer was easy to deal with and with the rebates that was offered I feel this is the best bargain out there.