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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Rangers...they run, no matter how ugly it gets. - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By stevec81 - June 19 - 4:16 am

  I bought this Ranger as an used vehicle in 2003 since then Ive put just under 100,000 miles on it. Its a XLT regular cab with a long bed and the 4.0 V6/automatic. While not necessarily in the market for a truck, I needed a vehicle to drive, and it was the right price. For the most part, it is true that these things last forever and that these things are hard to kill. However, unless they are taken care of better than perfectly, they have a tendency to attract dents and rust like a magnet.

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  Am I the only negative review? - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By jetsfever01 - May 14 - 9:52 pm

  With four star reviews across the board, what was the reason not to buy the truck? Oh wait, I forgot to read the reviews were based on people who had less than 80,000 miles on the stupid thing. WARNING TO BUYER! IF OVER 120,000 miles, your wallet is in for a treat! i ended up purchasing this thing for 5,000 back in may 2011 with 134,000 miles. (thought it was a good buy, right?) After barely 3 years of service in May 2014 and 173,xxx as the final tick on the odometer, Im on to another car. Ive spent 4,700 in misc. repairs the last three years thinking money well spent. The head gasket has just went and refuse to pay more for what I paid for. just remember: under 120,000 good, over = bad

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  yeah I got one - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By fordward - May 12 - 7:39 pm

  well actually mine is XLT RWD Automatic. I have 162,500 miles on a 1998. Had ball joints put on, 2 thermostats, 3 sepentine belts, distributor synchronizer, 3 sets of plugs and wires, air throttle control valve, , it,s been in two wrecks, replaced 3 windshields, replaced front rotors, rear drums, AC leaks tried to repair, have to recharge Freon every two years, 4 sets or tires, 3 batteries, ReplacedFuel pump(in gas tank), replaced Catalytic Converter,I average about $1000 a year in repairs on the truck. But its still going strong after 15 years. (knock on wood) Paid $18000(new) for it in 1998. But its worth about $30000 to me ha ha.

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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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  As cheap as it gets - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By dalbunosky - March 2 - 2:13 am

  Parents got the truck thanks to house remodeling and continued house work. Ours was an automatic. Its fit and finish is seriously rough! I understand that it is bare-bones, but does the gear indicator have to be so...off? The engine is too weak and shakes the car like a manual on 3rd gear during take-off, but decent MPGs for a truck though, around mid-20s. Brakes are sensitive and effective. Feels like I am about to fall off the seat when turning. Middle "seat" is completely useless, and I dont know if the feds count it as one. Lost a lot of things thanks to a shallow pit of a door rail/handle.

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  Good for a first truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ii_jasons_ii - July 5 - 9:43 am

  Received this truck for my 16th birthday. Outside looks stylish but the inside is cramp and uncomfortable. I cant drive over 70mph because the cab starts to shake. Trade-in is low.

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  Poor Trans - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ford4me - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the second truck I have ever owned. I liked the size until now when I need a bigger truck because of family. I have had multiple issues with the Transmission, starting at 98,000 miles. Door handles broke at 120,000. Rear Tailgate handle broke around the same time. Over all a good truck.

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  Ford fan for life - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ryan Kunes - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Got my ranger a little over a year ago now and wish I would have got the third door option but for what I use it for it is an outstanding truck. Now running in to a few problems just put front brakes in and now there is still some noise coming from the drivers side so back to the shop we go.

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  17 years old and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By leftatdunkirk - July 24 - 3:17 pm

  Bought this 1993 Ranger from a friend for only $200 and have put $2,000 into repairs, including a new transmission. The truck runs great and has only a few issues. Gas mileage is OK but not great, and the clutch is pretty hard to depress. Other than that, it is great little truck for moving stuff around and saving on delivery charges. Overall, we are glad we acquired this truck!

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  10 year review - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Red - May 9 - 12:46 am

  My truck is a 2.5L manual with a 4.10 rear axle. I bought it new, and now have 39k miles on it. I have changed the oil twice. It sat for a few years, and it fired right up with a jump start. This is a very reliable truck. Acceleration is slow, but because of the gearing, it has no problem climbing hills, even with its 119hp engine. I replaced the cooling system thermostat recently because I needed to have it smoged, but it ran just fine with it stuck open. Clutch, brakes, and tranny are still fine. This is the best vehicle to abuse and neglect.