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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:
Showing 971 through 980 of 1,516.00-
Great little truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
By Mdixon - March 30 - 2:00 amThis was my first new vehicle. I got it off the lot with 12 miles on it. No real complaints. this truck really is built ford tough. i hit a deer about 2 years ago. Airbag deployed and the fiberglass pieces and lights were all messed up. all messed up. got a new airbag and lights etc and got back on the road. no engine trouble. radiator was well protected. shes getting old and bouncy on bumps now tho, but shes got 170000 miles on it. check engine light has been on since i hit 50,000 miles. needs a $150 replacement sensor or something, but still runs well.
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Tremor - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Loudercrakcer - March 30 - 2:00 amThis is my first small truck Ive ever owned and so far I very pleased.
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PROBLEMS - 2004 Ford Ranger
By REIDA - March 30 - 2:00 amMY FIRST FORD RANGER AND IM NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED. I LOVE THE LOOKS AND THE COMFORT, BUT READY TO GO!! AT 6,OOO MILES THE CLAMPS ON RADIATOR BROKE. LOST HALF MY FLUID ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND. THEN THE MAIN OIL SEAL WAS LEAKING. HAD TO REPLACE. NOW THE REAR DOOR RATTLES. SOMETIMES THE TRANS SLIPS. MAY NOT BUY AGAIN. FUEL ECONOMY WAS DECEIVING. ROUGH.
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The perfect ladies truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Galley - March 30 - 2:00 amI love my truck and will always have a Ranger. Its small and easy to drive but big enough to carry my quad. Its cheap on gas yet very powerful when it comes to towing my trailer. I cant even tell I have a 20ft trailer loaded behind it. My Ranger never misses a beat!! I love it!
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Fun Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
By vgauto - March 29 - 2:00 amTruck goes great in snow using 4wd. Love the single CD player. Audio is excellent. Plenty of power with the 4.0l engine. Miss the automatic sliding forward passenger seat(when you want to get acess to extened cab)that my 1995 had.
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Ranger XLT 3.0 gets an A and dependable - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Redpikuptruk - March 27 - 2:00 amLove bumping over curves when I need to and the Ranger can certainly handle it without jolting you around in the cab. Youll love your Ranger truck and will think of it as a family member! Dependable - friend of mine has a 96 and never had a problem with it so I went to look and bought myself one as well. Rides like a car, looks good too.
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Great 4X4 Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Stoge - March 27 - 2:00 amI have owned my 2003 FX4 Level II for right at one year now, and it has been everything that I hoped it would be. If you are thinking of getting one of the two off road packages offered in FX4 trim, definitely go with the Level II. I think it is the best value compact 4X4 pickup on the market. I would definitely buy another... but maybe not black next time.
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RANGER GONE WILD - 2004 Ford Ranger
By JEFFERY HENRY - March 26 - 2:00 amI HAVE OWNED FOUR RANGER TRUCKS BEFORE AND I HAVE HAD NOT ANY THING GO WRONG WITH THEM AT ALL. THATS THE ONLY TRUCK THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH. I HAVE REALLY LIKED ALL THE Rangers that I OWNED. THE RANGER IS BY FAR THE BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD TODAY I THINK. P.S MORE THAN HAPPY JEFFERY G. HENRY
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Edge Excellent - 2003 Ford Ranger
By mapricejr - March 25 - 2:00 amRanger has long been a fairly reliable truck. The 3.0 liter is spunky and milage is a bit above average. The edge trim is eye catching and keeping up with the changing faces of autos today. I really enjoy my truck.
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1999 Ford Ranger XLT supercab - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Troy D - March 24 - 2:00 amI have had this truck since May of 2003 and have put about 25,ooo miles on it. It now has 47,780 miles on it and the only problem before now was with the battery cable. Now however my front suspension is creaking and squeaking (about to get checked) and my right rear speaker just out of the blue is busted. Overall it has been a good truck and will hopefully continue to be after these issues are fixed.
