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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  The Lone Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Den - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck. Convient, solid, good on gas and fun to drive.

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  cant complain - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By cypress94 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say...Definately got my moneys worth out of this truck...extremely reliable.

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  Level II - Best Ranger Yet - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By That guy in Amarillo - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Between my wife, daughter, and I, we have owned 7 Rangers since 1990. When shopping for a new vehicle, we test drove dozens of new cars with our one and only preference being the vehicles comfort of ride (seat comfort as well as handling comfort). Only the FX4 Level II had good handling as well as the seat comfort we want for traveling 12-16 hours a day. We continue to shop for new cars (including the new 2004 Level II), but we have not yet found any vehicle that gives as good of performance, handling, dependability, and comfortable seating all in one package.

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  2004 Ranger XL 2.3 /4 w/5 spd manual - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Don Arthur - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage not up to expectations, so far about 22 (EPA rated at 24 city) for mixed city/highway. When first started engine revs way too high (2400-2500 RPM). This is annoying & cannot be good for engine. As usual no satisfaction from dealer service (they claim its all computer regulated and NORMAL). It may be computer regulated, but I doubt its NORMAL. Otherwise I like the Ranger, easy to drive, handles nicely, but 4 cylinder is anemic in top gear(s)..have to downshift too frequently. Probably should have gone for 3.0 liter V-6 and automatic (wouldnt have to manually downshift). Have only 600 miles on it, so too soon to make any lasting judgments.

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  reliable! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By luvmyrngr - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I really am pleased with my Ranger. The gas mileage is nonexistant, but the truck is solid with few problems. Great offroad!

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  My third Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By salty - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I wish the 3.0L had the power of some other 3.0Ls have, 158hp is low. Mileage is a steady 19 - 21 Average with Automatic. Great sound system, CD with Radio. Tranmission does shift poorly under a light load, OK under a heavy load. Thin gauge step bumper, much thinner than my 92 was.

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  1993 2dr 4.0 OHV V6 Extended cab 4x4 STX project. - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Tangle - May 8 - 12:29 pm

  I hear this is a petty reliable American Made truck when its kept in good shape. So I bought this faded red truck for a few hundred bucks. The engine was toast. The suspension needed work. So far, Im in the middle of the project. The old engine has been taken out and a new engine is in, with all new components under the hood. The next step was to prep the body and get it ready to paint so itl look good with those new 17 inch wheels and tires that Ive had waiting. So the bed was removed, and therein was the proverbial can of worms: The frame was rusty and muddy. The fuel tank strap was almost completely rusted off; the fuel filler hose that is between the body and the gas tank had a slit in it right where it was attached to the tank; the rear leaf spring hangers were cracked and rotted, and so were the shock bushings. I intended to replace almost everything, from springs, to shocks, to brakes, wire wheel the frame, prime and paint it. Only then can the body and bed be prepped and painted. The seats, interior carpet, detailed cab cleaning will come next and then a decent stereo system. If you are able to do this yourself, the cost would be about $3500.00. If the transmission is questionable, then cost could rise by another $1500.00. You could reduce a huge chunk off that cost if you decide to stick with original wheel size and cheaper tires.

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  Safe to wreck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ill_iterate - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I was envolved in a bad collision. A lady in a civic tried to cross the street while I was doing 55mph...So? The Civic is gone to automobile heaven, and that truck was fixed and still runs great! Just a small bend in the frame! This truck is stout, but get the 4.0 because my 3.0 is lacking power.

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  patricksrating1171 - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By paatrick - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck a couple of months, and I am 3rd or 4th party, but it is still in excellent condition, except for a few small scratches, and it runs great! I told my wife I wouldnt have another Ford after the 94 Taurus, except maby a truck, and this little truck is great so far.

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  Best car ever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By svendog - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a Ford owner but have to say my Ranger is the best car ever. In the past 10 years I have only replaced brakes and tires once and not even a tune up has been required. Only problems have been with cruise control (stopped working) and occasional leaking gas near filler neck.