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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  No less then expected - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Danos - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Been a Ford owner my whole life and didnt expect the truck to be awesoem, but it has been good to me thus far. Had it for over a year now and only had one major repair at 56k. The trans went on me and I had it replaced, but I must admit that it was foul play and my own fault. I get between 16-18mpg city with the 4.0 and 5 speed auto with the 4wd 4dr offroad pkg. My hwy mileage has been as high as 23mpg but its normally around 21mpg. Its an all out good truck, great offroad and in the snow w/ 4wd.

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  Best small truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By mycobrars - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck would buy another, I"m sure Ill make 200,000 mile no problem. Great on gas.

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  Love My Ford - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By kaleb - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2003 ford ranger fx4 level 2 and i love it. I have been driving it back and forth to work and i have done some off roading and it does not get stuck and i have tried. I does me well.

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  Best truck i have ever owned - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bridgerat04 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this truck and it is just a fun but very reliable pickup. It lives up to its name Ford Ranger.

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  economy - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By hankl77 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This little Ranger gives a big bang for the buck. I got a 3000 rebate and a dealer discount. FInal price was around 13,500, List was 19,500. I enjoy the ride, fuel consumption, and ability to haul wood. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  i love it! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By edgey1 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  ive had many trucks before but this one is my favorite one. Gas mileage is better than the 4.0 but not hardly the power though. very fun to drive this truck. it has a tight sporty feel and it has plenty of ground clearance.

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  Pyros review - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Pyroqueen13 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Well its a tough little truck, ive gone everywhere in my little ranger, and i gotta say i love it and i wouldnt have anything else, its a good starter truck. I wish it would last me forever, but sadly all good things must come to an end, i hope thats far off for my little ranger.

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  2.3L Duratec Ranger a Winner - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By wecole - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new and it has been a great commuter vehicle. The 2.3L Duratec is a super little motor. Plenty of pep and great milage to boot. No problem towing the Jon Boat on the weekends. Excellent braking with 4W ABS. I am very happy with this economical, fun to drive truck.

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  Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By LilWagon - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2000 Ranger XLT extended cab with auto prior to purchasing 2001 Ranger. 2000 model had 3.0 engine, two doors. Traded mainly for increased power of 4.0 and 4 doors. 2001 much better truck than 2000. Impressed with power. Recently towed 78 cement blocks (guessing 5,000 lb) and had plenty of power and still got 16 mpg. Impressive.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ckline - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I only owned this truck for a few short months. But right away the truck proved itself to myself and my wife. I was hit broadside by a Honda which resulted in a rollover. I sustained only a broken arm because it hit the curb. The passenger cabin fared a lot better than I would have expected in this type of accident. Had my young son been in the truck with me, I am certain he would have had almost no injuries. Certainly a tribute to Ford engineers. I will definitely buy another.