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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Practical 4X4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Adirondack Color - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems at all with this vehicle since purchased, a comfortable 4X4 to drive on road (Expressway) or off. Great in snow without ballast in bed. Do get 22 mpg on expressway with cruise set at 69, 15 to 16 mpg around town and using 4 wheel drive. No problem recommending this vehicle to someone else. On main roads rides as well as my old Mercury Sable did but with a lot better visibility.

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  awsome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By fordsarebest - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Ibought my ranger in 2002 and all I have done to it besides oil changes is a new battry.I did have the transmission suddenly lock up going 65 mph but it was my fault.I replaced it and I dont hink I will ever have to but another truck for a long time .Ithas 133000 mile and still runs like new .lots of power and great gas mileage I con get up to 450 miles to a tank. the only thing is it is not too comfortable on long trips,but i can deal with it because this truck is great.

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  no test drive required - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By fastz28s - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 31k miles. Have had zero problems, aside from the carrier bearing on the two-piece driveshaft scaring me when it gave. An excellent vehicle, it is easy to see why there are so many of them on the road. And Im a GM guy (2 Z28s, 2 Firebirds and a Trailblazer in the stable now).

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  Good, Solid Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Miamiboy04 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger in 6 years. From day two the truck had an electrical short in the wiper motor that made it impossible to turn the wipers off once activated. The dealership replaced the wiper motor w/in a few hours and now everything works perfectly. The 2.3L engine is more than powerful enough w/the manual transmission for daily driving. If you plan on using the truck to tow, I suggest the 3.0L or 4.0L.

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  love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cobb - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This truck is awsome. looks great,drives great. and i got it for $12000 after the rebate from ford. the ground clearence is great also.

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  Great little work horse - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jleg - September 2 - 2:00 am

  No major recals or significant shop time on this little truck. The dealerships have been night and day from my chevy. I trade keys for the rental after I describe the problem and thats that. No arguments about weather its covered or not. I get a call when its fixed and that is that. Ford dealerships are great. I have yet to come across one in the detroit area that is bad. I have not had the same experience with Chevrolet dealers.

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  Best Truck ever - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ken black - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1986 Ranger and drove it for over 14 years. The 04 Ranger is much better and more fun to drive. Ford has done it right. The high back seats are very comfortable, visability is great, the sound system is excelent, the ease of access to the cab is effortless with the 4 doors, and the ride is much imporved over prior Rangers. I especially like the redesigned looks of the truck.

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  I Love My Ranger! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By KayK - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I own a Ford Ranger and I am very pleased with it. It is a little rough riding at times if the road is rough. I have no other complaints. It has been very reliable and fun to drive.

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  ok truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By madriver - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Was beginning to notice problems at 43,000 miles with front end noises. Did full brake job on front-end at 37,000(rotors and everything - $400!). Terrible fuel economy 14-15 mpg seeing that my new 4Runner gets 25-26 mpg. Decent truck and fun to drive but go with a toyota

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  Ford Ranger XLT - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wv_mark - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Went from a Jeep Liberty to a Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. Very nice truck.