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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Alright Value - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Blake Rickels - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I think they are alright for the money. It doesnt do anything great but it does do it. It will get you there and back. If your looking for a great all around truck I wouldnt choose it as the one.

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  LOVE IT - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By DAN JONES - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck for three years now and no problems have come. I get 27 mpg with a mix of city and highway. The only thing that was ever serviced on the truck have been a set of warped rotors from me driving too fast. I installed a Tv/nav system in the dash along with full audio and sound insulation. The stock tires were just replaced at 58,000 miles but still had tread left on them. In my opinion this is the best handling, most fuel efficient and most practical small pick up currently on the market.

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  good on paper/ decent in reality - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By avesrulsik222 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  within the first month the front right headlight went out for no reason. other then that the truck runs great.

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  My 1st new truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By fsufan - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My new 2004 ford ranger is great for me and very versatile. The ride is much better than any of the other trucks i test drove. Especially the chevrolet s-10.

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  Good Litttle Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By loneranger - July 28 - 2:00 am

  129,000 on my Ranger to date. Other than basic maintenance items, the truck has been maintenance free. 2wd is horrible in snow as I anticipated even with 200 lbs of sand in bed. Gas mileage is a respectable 26mpg with the 4 cylinder engine. The truck is solid - no rattles or squeaks.

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  4.0 V6 engine idle - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Fudd - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Truck has been very good overall. One problem I have had since new is engine idles at 1500 rpm or higher for about 5 minutes until temp. guage comes up to normal operating temp. Took to dealer 2-3 times while in warranty and they refused to correct the problem! Have taken it to independent repair facility and they have not been able to fix it either. All of them say it is sealed up,and no adjustments can be made. Maybe true, but correct component could be replaced to fix the problem. The problem is amplified by the fact I live on a mountain and coming down it at half throttle can be exciting--especially in winter. Hard on brakes too.

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  First truck Ive owned...and still own. - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jim N. - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Mines only a 2WD/4cyl/5speed, but its taken me thru 4 Colorado winters. Great for light hauling around town and helping friends move. I use 85octane gas and get an average of 25mpg. If I put 87octane, I can usually squeeze out 1-2 more mpg. Im at about 98k miles now. No major work has been needed. Regular LOF changes, brakes every 30k, tires at 45k and 90k (prolly my fault for the tires). I replaced shocks, fuel filter and had tune-up at 92k miles. Only annoying thing was the cab light would stay on during the summer after the drivers door was shut. Ended up unplugging the cable in the door.

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  Trucking in style - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By flynns2u - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the truck the best purchase my husband and I have ever made now go and get one today and start enjoying it

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  I like it! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By uncle fud - July 17 - 2:00 am

  3.0 liter engine is peppy and coupled with the 4.10 rear end can lead to some surprising performance. Gas mileage hovers around 20 mpg. I am well pleased with the Ranger in all respects.

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  2003 ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sawml - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Vibration, while driving, back to dealer several time to have repaired, they blamed continental tires, but would not replace with other brand. At least 12 different tire put on vehicle. Damaaged at dealers occured twice, requiring sheetmetal and paint work. Now with 12000 miles the transmission has to be rebuilt. Will not buy any other Ford products. This is the sixth ranger I have owned and the last.