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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Not my favorite truck anymore - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By frog13 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 ranger it was a good little truck...UNTIL then main head gasket leaked then the I had to have all the belts and pulleys replaced then the gasket again and again and the most resent thing replaced was the WHOLE transmission. This truck is horrible on gas has no power and goes throw brakes like crazy and no its not my driving my husband drives it now and he goes throw brakes to at least every 3 months. Back doors dont always shut right and it isnt a pleasent ride. Fords service departments are the worst no support after purchase

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  TOO SMALL AND TOO SLOW - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By DRAY15 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  It has no interior space and no power whatsoever. I think my lawnmower is more powerful than this thing.

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  junk ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cobra0909 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought my 2004 ranger xlt 1-2004 within the first week,gravel guards feel off, had to have both passenger side doors removed and adjusted,drivers seat seperated between the back and the bottom exposing my tailbone to the IRON BAR which caused my tailbone to be brused,2 days ago i traded off this junk after reverise started slepping at 1000 miles.

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  A Total Shock - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kyle T. - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After coming from a Ford Stockholder Family, which has owned 6 Fords in my lifetime, I sure was surprised with the results from my Ranger. This truck doesnt hold the ground well (slides all over the place), I havent had it for 50K miles and the brakes have been repaired, the radio volume doesnt work correctly anymore, a blub behind the dash has burnt out, 3 sensors had died, The parking brake got stuck, and it occassionally stalls in the rain (yet Ford says it doesnt). Lets just say, Im never buying another Ford, and my parents have sold their/my Ford Stock!

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  Not for me. - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Eurotuner - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I actually had an 88, but I figured 2 years wouldnt be that much of a difference. Mine was a 5 speed, and it was very difficult to drive. If you want this truck definitely get an automatic. I had the 2.3 liter engine, I would suggest the V6. The truck was pretty tough. But there were so many problems all over the truck, that I put more than it was worth to get fixed. I really wouldnt suggest the truck unless youre just going to use it every once in a while.

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  Scrap yard material - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DOsborn - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I have had ABS brake issues, fuel sensor problems, transmission problems,oil pressure sensing problems, rust problems, and more stuff that would take too long to mention. The reliability of this auto is terrible and its plague with numerous technical service bullitens and recalls. You would think that a vehicle whos design has remained unchanged for the last 10 years would have all of the bugs worked out of it. If you are looking for a good truck, dont look to Ford.

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  i will never buy another Ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By John Buettner - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 ranger was a great truck, never had a problem with it and drove it for 8 years. Bought a new 2003 and have had nothing but problems, its been in the shop over 7 times this year and two of the times it needed to be towed in, i drive for my job and cant afford to have this many problems with this truck, iam in the process of trading it in on a new Toyota pick-up this weekend, thanks John/seamars1@aol.com

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  worst vehicle i have ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By unsatified ranger - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the most mechanically unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I will not purchase another Ford. Quality is not job one. I truly believe that if I truly used this vehicle as a truck, it would be in the repair shop monthly.

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  I bought a 5 year headache!!! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Sabastian - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck in 2001,I had it a week and noticed some problems, my seats kept popping of the track so they had to replace the tracks,then I noticed a noise under the truck so I took it back and they told me nothing was wrong.Well the truck needed new upper and lower ball joints,and bushings.1 month later I had the truck back in to replace the brake springs in the rear,and both rear shocks.2 months later I had the truck back in to replace the upper and lower control arm. Now I am having problems with my power windows. I had this truck in the shop 12 times in 4 months.

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  Problems with Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By amwinston - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ranger for almost 2 years and am very disappointed. The initial purchase seemed like a good on, but the quality of the vehicle is no good. I have had the truck in numerous times to have various things fixed under warranty. Some things to be fixed more than once. The service was great to have the vehicle fixed, but this does not make up for all the time it had to be repaired.