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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  2004 - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By azazazaz - April 12 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle , would recommend it to anyone

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  In Alabama you need the 4.0L - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By LilBit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a very reliable truck. I bought it used in 10/97. I love it! The only thing besides normal wear items like a battery, tires and oil changes, is that I had to replace the oil pan seal. The one thing I dont like is the lack of power(3.0L)and performance going up the hills on the interstates and roads here in Alabama

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  Ranger Sport, 4x4, Extended Cab XL/XLT - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Lisa Nunes - April 8 - 2:00 am

  At 23,000 miles the drive shaft was already replaced twice. At 40,000 miles she has a cracked transfer case and at 80,000 a new transmission. a loud engine and a constant clunking when shifting gears makes its a poor buy. I suppose the only thing to love is the price. Fords response? Its normal! Look else where.......

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  fair - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jose antonio - April 8 - 2:00 am

  needs to have better gas milege

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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Sweet_16 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck rides easy and is so pretty my mom and dad were iffy about buying me one because of my drving history but its so much easier to drive than any other truck i have driven

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  good truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jewels - April 7 - 2:00 am

  2.3L SB 4x4. I have 130,000 miles on truck, been relatively reliable in the 9 years that Ive had it, but not totally perfect. Now burns about 1 quart of oil every 5000 or oil change, not that big of a deal for a 9 year old truck. New ABS brake module at 50k, rusty radiator replaced at 100k, electrical lights came on at 24K, covered. The gas gauge stopped working at around 70-80K. Good gas mileage, just wish that they continued a 4cyl ext cab. version. overall, I have had very good luck with my first domestic vehicle. Would consider another one, but the new 4x4 gas mileage is very poor.

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  2001 Ford Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg Shattuck - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am pretty satisfied. I bought the truck new in 2001. I looked at Dodge, Nissan & Toyota compact trucks but felt they were too expensive and not as handsome as the Ranger. The only problems I have had are the rear doors rattling over bumps, also I wish the seats were more comfortable (lumbar support, head rests?). But everything else has been great: I currently have about 33,000 miles on the truck and have experienced no major problems. I like the 4.0 V6 power but the gas mileage suffers a bit (will there ever be an eletric hybrid pickup?). Have taken the truck off road a bit and it seems to do well.

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  One bad little truck. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas4X - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the engine in this model. I bought it back in December of 2002 so it was one of the 1st out there and it has been great...all except for the fact that the only color I could get at the time was black. Ugh. Looks great but only right out of the car wash. Had black cars before and swore I wouldnt do it again. But it has been worth it. It handles well and accelerates better than a lot of cars or trucks. This one is a keeper.

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  Gasaholic - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Truddster - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is 3rd ford 4x4 that i have owned. purchased this mainly for my wife to use.absolutely love everything about the truck, except the gas mileage is absolutely terrible, 8-10 city and 11- 14 highway. was told by dealer that mileage will get better after a few thousand miles, but i dont believe that.

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  Happy Hi-miler - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By holdenranger - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck has over 200,000 hard miles on it, and it still runs great. It never had much power, but it can do what it is called upon to.