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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Lindy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck for field service and my annual mileage is 40,000 miles. The drivetrain has performed flawlessly.The edge model allows one to see ahead many cars in front. I have a manual trans.

• 

  Rollover Risk - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By rlayton4 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this vehicle-- particularly for young, inexperienced drivers--because of the high risk of rollover. My daughter (age 17), while driving on gravel, hit a loose patch of gravel and rolled the vehicle 1-1/2 times. I personally attribute the accident to: 1 - the design of the vehicle; 2 - road condition; and 3 - inexperienced driver behind the wheel

• 

  a ranger is a girls best friend - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cjharris - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ranger!I travel the country and a dependable vehicle is what is delivered in this little truck.I make sure the oil is changed regular and the amount of driving i do, that could be once a month.Im at 159,000 and the only problem is a squealing noise that only occurs once in a while.The engine is accessible making maintanence a do- it-selfers dream.spark plugs,fluid changes

• 

  2001 Ford Ranger review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jason Finley - May 27 - 8:10 pm

  Upkeep, upkeep, upkeep...change the oil...replace filters...love them and they will last forever...my last one was built in 1993...Im 41...keep an eye on the back brakes...heads up..

• 

  !992 ford Ranger XLT - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Rod 087 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger and it has been a very good truck,the only thing i had to repair were normal wear and tear items like brakes ,tires ,shocks, the only real repiar was the intake manifold was leaking antifreeze and i had to relace the gasket in 130,000 miles.

• 

  my truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. wizard - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I own a 93 ford ranger xlt 2door extended cab. i havent found a thing wrong with it. the truck runs good after 11 years!!! I would suggest it as a first car for anyone.

• 

  2000 Ranger XLT SC 2dr 2wd - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By stadanko - May 24 - 2:00 am

  My truck handles good for a truck, more like a car. I like the styling of the body without pinstriping or door trim. Gas milage is decent for a truck. The truck is generally fun to drive. I have had no major problems mechanically or otherwise to date.

• 

  Ford ranger FX4 LevelI - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By coolhead03 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a Ranger with the level II package. I need a truck for work to haul equipment from job to job and also like to off-road some witch is the reason i bought the level II. For work and commuting I have found this truck to be on par with all the other vehicles in its catagory if not better. But the level II really comes to life when off-roading. The aggressive 31" BF Goodrich tires coupled whith plenty of ground clearance and full protective plates for piece of mind allow the ford to tackle trecherous approch and deparchure angles. The 4.0 litre powers you though deep mud and snow steadily.

• 

  Super Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dferentz - May 21 - 2:00 am

  After 213000 miles, shes still great. The only things done was oil changes, 2 sets of Tires, plugs and 2 sets of brakes, every thing else is orginal. I avg. about 23mpg.

• 

  this is my second ranger there great - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By james cramer - May 20 - 2:00 am

  great truck i use it for work