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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  I Lost It - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By 96rangerlover - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My mom got it brand new in 96. Then my dad put a 3" lift on it. Then when I turnd 16 my mom gave it to me. I was using just to go to work and school. Then 4 months later after i got it, I was making a left turn and some people in a car T-boned me. So truck is no more. Ever since then Iv been looking for another 96.(My favrite year).

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  1996 Ford Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By anthony727 - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Low replacement of parts during maintence except common stuff like brakes oil filter, air filter, ect.

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  1992 Ranger 4x4 STX Ext. cab. SB - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By rubyshaun - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck, and have loved every moment Ive spent in it, Im 18, and I go four wheeling, and I wheel hard. This truck has held sturdy, with no modifications (No lift, stock tires, etc), and it comes off the dirt, onto concrete wonderfully. My only vauge complaint would be gas mileage, but for a 4.0 V-6, it does wonderfully, especially if you take off the tailgate, an easy removal. My only warning bout this truck is it seems that the paint flakes off alot. Buy this if you want a sturdy small work truck...Not if you want a pretty truck.

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  Ford Tuff - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Metro - August 18 - 10:00 am

  First new truck I have ever owned. I have to say I am very happy with it. The seats could be better, with more lumbar support, the turn signal needs adjusting. The gas mileage is as stated on the sticker at 16-19 mpg. No rattles or squeaks. Very quiet with plenty of power. I live in the Sierra foothills and drives beautiful on the road, highway or on off-road,and pulls my yard trailer, loaded nicely. I have the 3.0, automatic with 4.10 limited slip. I paid 17,300. Plan on having it for many care free years. Its very tight all around. I appericate how far the industry has come.

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  RANGER REVIEW - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By RANGER OWNER - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is tough. The height to width ratio is such that roll is more pronounced that with wider vehicles. Torque curve is such that powering ahead is best in the 2000 to 2500 rpm range. The vehicle has good metal some of the newer vehicles of today leave something to be desired when it comes to skin thickness. The vehicle corners well. Its twin I-beam front suspension is such that outboard front wheel tuck is well mitigated because spring compression produces an opposing angle to wheel tuck. Its 4.0 uses no oil, and supplies ample power. Transmission is a manual 5-speed, which affords great versatility. Overall, I give the truck and 8.0.

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  Love It - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By WT Trapper - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Have owned em all. The Ranger is more than enough truck for what I do. Handles great.... and looks even better.

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  Sharp Edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By vivadude - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No real gripes so far. Sweet little truck has it all. Very livable everyday driver.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By psu48187 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  One of the better pickup trucks on the market for the money. Ford has done really well working out all the bugs over the years. If you are in the market for a smaller truck, this truck more than warrants a look. Transmission is very responsive.

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  This truck rocks - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By JoeJoes - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great, I looked around at Toyotas, Nissans, and GMCs. I found this a much more powerful truck than Nissians and GMCs, and it was cheaper than the Toyota. I love this truck.

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  A fun first truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ralph49 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Its been an overall solid truck. Problems have been: sensor replacments, wildly inaccurate fuel gauge (these things have been around for 100 years, think they could get it right?), slight pinging when a/c is on and the power windows jump like hell when putting them down.