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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Not my favorite truck anymore - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By frog13 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 ranger it was a good little truck...UNTIL then main head gasket leaked then the I had to have all the belts and pulleys replaced then the gasket again and again and the most resent thing replaced was the WHOLE transmission. This truck is horrible on gas has no power and goes throw brakes like crazy and no its not my driving my husband drives it now and he goes throw brakes to at least every 3 months. Back doors dont always shut right and it isnt a pleasent ride. Fords service departments are the worst no support after purchase

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  ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By KFRASER - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck.

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  If You Like Sloppy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Yuck - July 10 - 1:10 pm

  This truck has the WORST manual transmission Ive ever driven. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is impossible to do without forcing/grinding the stick into position. Shifting down from 3rd to 2nd IS impossible unless you are travelling at less than 5 mph. I took the truck into the dealer to have them check the transmission. They said it is normal. Ive had several manual transmission vehicles in my life, and this is the absolute worst.

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  I Love this truck! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mijo - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I (We) bought this truck to replace a Nissan Wagon that we had. My mother-in- law had a Ranger pick-up (4 Cyl, SB, standard Trans) that was a joy to drive. When we went to get ours, I opted for a 6 cylinder to haul a trailer (the 4 Cyl cant handle it). We got the auto trans for my wife who can no longer do manual. We got the longest bed available because I haul a lot of stuff ( I also work in building supply and hate short bed pick-ups).

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  Useful truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Lkcalwood - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I have used this truck both in town, in the woods and on long highway trips. My only complaint is the under powered engine. Even with a 5 speed, it lacks power at highway speeds over 70 which is why I am buying a new one with the bigger 4.0 engine. I recommend it to anyone not needing the added hauling capacity of a full size truck. It never stranded me and has had very little problems. Aside from oil changes and tires, I probably have spent less than $200 in total on repairs.

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  Tranny Troubles - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By dej - July 9 - 2:00 am

  At 77k I have replaced the trans twice as well as the brakes twice. Great looking truck and the few times I have taken it off raod it has performed great. I cant see myself buying another one.

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  Ranger Splash - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By mintsplash - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a 93 Ranger Splash. I bought it in 97 with 900 miles on it. It has ran and performed great!

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  Fair Review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By hchapple - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used from Carmax to use as second vehicle with more hauling capability. Have sold primary auto now (Mercedes SUV) and find the daily driving of the Ranger is very satisfying. Great acceleration. Nice looks. Good handling and brakes.

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  Look Out - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By powerplant - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my ranger Edge supercab 4.0 for 3 weeks. I would not get black again. Everything ok except it came with no back seats. Didnt realize they were optional until purchased. Need to put out a crew cab model.Would not purchase again. Cant compete with crew cab trucks. I ended up with a 2 seater vehicle ! Would not use dealership again, they are not user friendly.

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  Hi-value pickup that fits in your garage - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By T Koester - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is a 3 liter, 5 speed auto, 3.73 rear axle ratio with limited slip rear axle. I have never been stuck even with many off-road miles. Gas mileage is l9/24. Nice ride and the 5 speed A/T is smooth.