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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 981 through 990 of 1,516.00-
Me Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
By J30rdesign - March 23 - 2:00 amI have had no problems with my truck. I was told to just keep the oil changed and I would never have a problem. Well they were right. I have driven this truck hard, beat it up and it still wants more! Great Truck
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TOO SMALL AND TOO SLOW - 1994 Ford Ranger
By DRAY15 - March 23 - 2:00 amIt has no interior space and no power whatsoever. I think my lawnmower is more powerful than this thing.
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Not a bad truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
By MacRaider4 - March 21 - 2:00 amThe 1997 Ranger isnt a bad truck, just a little on the small side. If it were a little bigger in the cab and bed it would be nice. Had to remove the heat shield from the muffler as it kept coming loose and the engine has been making a rattling noise for about 20k. But still runs great...
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Good Used Vehicle for 1st time Driver - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Nimbus - March 20 - 2:00 amThis dependable and easy to drive vehicle would be great for a first time driver. It is safe and durable. View of the road is excellent and brakes work well.
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the truck for me - 1999 Ford Ranger
By ace pilot - March 20 - 2:00 amthe 1999 ford ranger extended cab xlt is a great truck even though the 3 speed over drive is not very economic for i had the 4.0L six it was very fun to drive and i would highly recommend it for those people who want an american truck.
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Fix Or Repair Daily? - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Harmonious - March 20 - 2:00 amGreat truck so far but the chrome is already rusting with only 2,900 miles!
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No Frills Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
By James Brown - March 19 - 10:00 amNot to satisfied with my first Ford. Hood was way out of aligned when I got it. Got only 400 miles to a tank. I was hoping for at least 420. Sheet Metal is a small gauge. I can feel the hood actually buckle when I wax. Also the paint is poor quality. Interior is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Lots of cup holders, and the cup holder can hold a coffee mug with a handle. Instrument cluster is laid out in a good way. Do not like rotary headlight control. Engine very weak in 4th gear. If want to pass, cut off your AC, pop it in 3rd, and hope. Step rear bumper too small.
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Not bad - 2003 Ford Ranger
By BSmith - March 18 - 2:00 amIm not crazy about my Ranger. The biggest problem I have is that the 3.0 liter engine is underpowered. I would suggest buying the larger engine.
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Built FORD Tough - 2003 Ford Ranger
By Riverrat34 - March 16 - 2:00 amI have had this truck for a little over a year and I love it. It could be a little bigger but thats not a big deal. The truck rides like a truck should. To many people are soft these days and I am glad to see that ford didnt go soft. The towing cappasity on this truck is outstanding. For the money this truck is the best on the market.
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Reliable Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
By Arty304 - March 15 - 2:00 amThis is a good basic reliable compact truck. I own the 4 cylinder 2.3L model with a five speed. For the higher elevations of Colorado its a little underpowered, but around town and the plains its fine. A good quality truck.
