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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Like betting on college football... - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Scott Hendrickson - December 4 - 8:53 pm

  I read reviews of people making it to 200 with almost no problems. I dont know if these are all people that dont use their truck as a trick or what. It sends like all the reviews of people pulling trailers, doing construction, etc. start paying out like crazy to keep their poorly built ranger barely running. Mine is at 128k and has had all scheduled oil changes and maintenance. In the last 2 years it has needed a new starter, fuel pump, fuel injector, transmission rebuild, one new cylinder, aaaaand now 5 out of 6 cylinders are all misfiring and showing codes for repair. Looking like it needshould an engine rebuild now. Transmission AND engine rebuild by 128k?!?!?! Thats insane. At least I got it used. It was a nice truck while it was a nice truck. But overall its useless if it turns into an unreliable money pit starting at only 80k with quality maintenance and regular care.

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  garbage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By j433r - January 30 - 5:31 pm

  this truck is absolutely awful, everytime i drive it there is something breaking on it. Just got the heater valve repaired along with all the ball joints when i noticed a hole in my vacuum and also a strange loud creaking sound coming from my front wheels. Truck is very prone to rust, and should be checked thoroughly before purchase. Not to mention, very low cosmetic appeal when compared to tacoma or frontier. Suspension is very stiff and leads to a very uncomfortable ride Also horrible on gas. Just plain a nightmare like experience, I will never buy a ranger ever again in my lifetime, or simply any American made vehicle. My uncle just hit 320xxx in his toyota which is a real truck.

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  Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Big John D - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I hate this truck, it is uncomfortable,unreliable, and it backfires every 5 miles, so i quit driving it.

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  Last US truck I will ever own - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By LA24 - February 20 - 5:05 pm

  I got this truck with only 6000 miles on it. It has been nothing but problems here are some. Wheel bearings 10000 miles, endless ignition problems nobody can get it to run right 4 different shops, hubs 29000 miles and i rarely use 4 wheel, front u joints 60000 miles, steering wheel locked up, electrical problem, brake seal 65000, sensors relaced, heater stuck on hot, always some sort on electrical problems. This truck is junk. Dont buy.

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  Dont Buy this Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By suckerfish0 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had a mechanical problem with my truck since the day after I bought it new, and Ford will not take responsibility for the defect. My truck shakes and rattles in idle, so much so that you can see it moving from outside the vehicle. I have had four different dealerships tell me four different reasons for the problem, and ever single one of them refuses to make a repair attempt, even though it is under warranty. I recommend everyone that is thinking of buying a truck to steer clear of a company that will blatantly refuse to take responsibility for a defect that is so obvious.

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  Too much money for this truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JIm - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Only owned it for 2 Months Had problems with ford and the dealership. Noone wants to take responsibility for the truck. Value dropped by $8,000.00 in two months

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  Avoid - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trbgensmoke - September 6 - 4:57 am

  Avoid at all costs, transmission had to be serviced 5 times in 2 years, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine has many problems. Owned for 2 years, 19,000 miles. Will NEVER buy another Ford again. I wouldnt take one if they paid me to.

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  99 Ranger - a piece of junk - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jukenukem - July 28 - 2:53 am

  Not satisfied with this truck and will never buy a Ford again. Too many mechanical problems where do I start? Poor performance with regards to hp (155). Mileage isnt too bad for fuel economy, but can be improved. Hate the flareside (step) bed. The bed lacks enough room for a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its width is only 41 inches. Dont waste your money on this one, unless youre looking for a toy because thats what this is. With the split bench seat in front, it lacks any storage. The two seats in the back can only seat a child, but still not enough room for safety. Suspension is stiff with Off Road option.

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  rust bucket - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By william calhoun - November 30 - 3:34 am

  they rust ot in 6 years

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  stuck everywhere - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By peter G. - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This "truck" come stock with a +2" lift and 16" wheels with big tires,but no matter where I go Its stuck! Little snow on the road? forget it. Pull off the road? huh! problems include, door pin sensor, the dome light hasnt shut off in 3 years even after sevice,Serive engine light comes on every other fill up,Ball joint ,brakes,tires quit running one day last year in the rain took two weeks to fix,rear "anti" locks,lock up if the roads are wet,emergency brake locks if truck sits for more than a day,drive shaft and u joints replaced at 30k tranny slips at begining of every gear,front stabilizer and bushings replaced at 26k