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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Good Little Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By minitruckman - November 6 - 3:23 pm

  Had this truck since 2010, bought with 150,000 miles on her. Since then Ive changed the brake rotors, pads, brake booster, master cylinder, 02 sensors, wheel cylinders, and oil. Overall this is an excellent truck, the extended cab is roomy enough for 2 at the most. Seats have held up well for a 12 year old truck with now almost 180,000 miles on it. In baton rouge city traffic, I get between 19.5 -21 mpg all city, and my best tank was 25 on the highway!

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  Absolutely Perfect Small Truck - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By shojam12 - November 1 - 10:58 pm

  This is my second Ranger. My first was a 2001 with a 2.5l and 5 speed manual which sadly, I gave to a friend in need. I had to have another one. I own other vehicles loaded with options, High Performance, NAV, Heated Seats, etc, but I love this Ranger for what it is. It doesnt pretend or try to be anything except a basic, fun hard working truck. Its small inside for a big guy, but easy to drive and easy to park, tough as nails and well built. There are enough drivetrain, transmission, cab, payload and axle combinations to meet any need. Ford kept the Ranger honest to its purpose and I am sorry to see it go.

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  Old Reliable - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By dieselcoyote - October 24 - 9:37 pm

  My Ranger was given to me when I got my license back in 2009 from my grandpa. It only had 211,XXX miles on it. Well now it has 286,675 and still going strong. Have never had a problem, gets me from point A all the way to point Z even. Couldnt have asked for a better first vehicle. The truck may not be the prettiest thing on the road but who cares, its very dependable and gets fairly good gas mileage. Cant really complain with 18-20 around town and 22-26 on the highway. The only serious thing that needed to be replaced was the battery cable which was a cheap and easy fix.

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  Dont buy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By mattm93 - October 22 - 7:55 pm

  nothing but problems with this truck, I am a fan of Ford still but this truck has its problems and is in the shop a lot so not so reliable

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  Its a truck. - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By kdub989 - October 18 - 12:39 pm

  Bought mine used off Clist. Love my truck! The 4cyl isnt fast on steep grades but neither am I. However, with the 4cyl and 5spd, Im averaging 29.5mpg combined and 32.2mpg hwy and thats running the a/c and with a Leer canopy. The truck is very quiet and comfortable that we prefer to take it on long road trips instead of our honda, subaru or dodge caliber. Our ranger is a 2wd but I installed a powertrax no-slip in the rear end and off road its fantastic. Ive pulled a small utility trailer with 2 motorcycles on it with no problems. Ive had zero problems with our truck. It handles well on windy twisty back roads and is a great truck for exploring those same roads.

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  Reliable with manual, reasonable repairs for age - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 97rangerlou - October 9 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my 1997 Ranger XLT Flareside in 2003 with about 60,000 miles. 5 speed manual. It now has 198,000 miles. The only time I had any trouble that prevented me from running was around 120,000 when the alternator went out. That was an easy repair. Other issues: Replaced original clutch two years ago around 175,000 miles. Instrument cluster lights started going out around 150,000 and are all out now. I havent seen a way to get to them besides taking apart the dash. Door chime issue hasnt been solved, but I havent spent time on it. I believe now the fuel injectors need to be replaced.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trclark23 - August 24 - 4:02 am

  To start this review, Im not sure why Edmunds doesnt have an option for the single cab XLT 2.3L Automatic, because thats what I drive. Anyways, I bought this truck brand new in 2004 from Town and Country Ford in Madison, TN. Aside from a transmission recall before I hit 1,000 miles and an Oxygen sensor going back, this truck hasnt given me ANY issues since Ive bought it whatsoever in the past 8 years. The truck doesnt drive smooth like a Cadillac but its a truck and its not meant to. The 2.3L Duratec engine (found in Rangers from 02-11) are literally bulletproof and will last 200-300-400,000 miles easy with regular maintenance. Ford screwed up discontinuing this truck.

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  I made a huge mistake buying this truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By exhaustbearing - August 15 - 6:10 pm

  I own a 2WD 2001 Ranger Edge with the 3.0L V6 and an automatic transmission with only 80,000 miles on it. So far in the year Ive had it, Ive had to replace the oil pan gasket (the 3L commonly has oil pan gasket problems, mine was pushed out from the pan/block seal at both ends of the engine), fuel pump (died), blower motor (died), blower resister pack (melted), dash lights (a few behind the speedo and tach died), and starter. And Ive still got to replace the seal around the third brake light (leaks like a sieve), and the PATS system (not aftermarket, its Fords antitheft system - it often decides the factory keys are not right and locks the truck down in theft mode) Do not buy this truck

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  Built FORD Tough - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By xrodriguez - August 9 - 2:42 am

  I got my 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L as a hand me down form my mother. with 165,000 miles. It is a very reliable truck and it lives up to its reputation. I have had many electrical problems. Dome light failed to go off and I had to take off the bulbs myself with a rag....ouch. Also, the dash lighting is starting to go out, and the trip and mileage reading went out. Took it many long trips. Had a friend in a Camaro try to take my reputation away with the ladies in High School. When we got off road I showed him out. And for a 2.3 threw a little dust and rocks in his face. Though I wish the back had a little more room in the back. It is a shame that Rangers are being discontinued. It is a mistake

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  All i can ask for - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mrfixit1993 - July 22 - 7:26 pm

  I got this truck for my 18th birthday/ graduation gift. i love it i drove a 95 s10 for a year befor loved the s10 but the ranger has more power. the only thing i miss is towing we have 2 seadoos together they are about 2300 lbs full of gas the truck pulles them good but not fun going up the boat ramp. only thing i wish is that is was the x cab im 5.10 and my head hits the roof and the seat rubs the back window. 5 speed trans could shift better. i get about 21mpgs doing 80 no ac with ac i get like 18 i miss the 20 gallon tank the s10 had. i have put mine through hell and just keeps going change the oil every 3500 miles only problem i had is the thermostat ($150) other then that fine.