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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  1 of the best rangers i have - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By dave s - January 25 - 5:49 am

  ive owned this 2.3 standard shift ranger for 5 years now, bought in 2005,never any problems with it just minor maintenance, have a 91 ranger also ,3.0 ,somewhere over 300,000 mileson it ,had it so far for 16 years, the only money ive put into my 93 was upgrades, like the best air, ignition,fuel mods, went from 3.45 gears to 4.10 gears with taller tires,. allways dependable,cant go wronghere, rangers are the best small trucks .

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  One of the best ever owned - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Clarence Heemstra - January 8 - 8:45 am

  Solid reliable transportation, bought used 9k miles, 6 years ago, now 55K, routine maintenance ONLY cost to date, mileage averages 26 miles per gallon, not as good as wifes Prius but for a pickup great!. Am 79 years old have owned 4 or 5 new cars pluS many used including many beaters in my time over a lifetime of driving, this is by far the best ever!!!! Set of wheels ever.

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  Best Pick up for the money - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Keith Mitchell - December 13 - 5:52 pm

  Not incredibly useful when used to haul 4x8 sheets. You need to build a special carrier (2x4s work) to haul panels. Plenty of power. Good for the average truck user.

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  Good reliable truck for the money! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Slater - November 13 - 2:17 am

  Very reliable truck Ive owned 5 rangers in my lifetime when I grew up my family has owned them dad and grandfather My recent ranger Ive owned for over 3 years 2002 4x4 fx4 great truck great in the snow 4x4 works awesome I get poor fuel economy 13 city lucky if I get 17 highway but no need to complain no 4x4 midsize truck will get good fuel economy I have 93000 miles on it besides brakes and replacing the shackle springs which my 93 ranger I had to replace common Problem on all rangers if I ranked my truck Id give it a solid 9 out of 10

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  Great truck. I recommend it - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Paul Hammer - November 12 - 9:03 am

  It takes a little repair but it runs like a charm if you take care of it. My first car and now one of my favorite trucks. Had to do simple repairs like the alternator, flywheel, starter, clutch, and a sensor. All in all I recommend this truck

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  great all around (157,000 miles lifted 5 inches on 33 inch tires) - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ross44 - February 2 - 1:07 am

  Love my ranger Ive had it a little over 2 years 4x4 lifted awesome little thing great off roading truck not as much power as f-150 but gets the job done mines pushing just under 200 horse great daily driver also get lots of head turns 2000 ford ranger Dark green ext cab step side 6 1/2 foot bed

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  Totally worth it love this truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By dangerranger48 - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  i traded a newer car for this truck have to say it was worth yes its had some problems but nothing serious the biggest problem ive had is iac valve going out 40 dollar part and the tailgate handle broke this truck runs great smooth riding i would have another one

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  Solid truck- Ranger Extended cab 2006 XL V6 3.0 2WD - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By meatdowntown - August 23 - 9:38 pm

  I considered my 2006 ranger a solid truck. I am not impressed with the mileage, but I think I can live with it. I should have bought a 4x4 if I knew they were going to go out of the market, but oh well. I was ready to trade it in about two months ago and realized that the only competitors (Toyota and Nissan) have the same problems with fuel economy and dated models. They have added fun stuff like USB ports, etc but cruise control is still optional? That is kind of crazy. Pros: It handles well on the highway, low price compared to the Japanese models, cheap repairs. Cons: no cruise control, no steering wheel with positions adjustment, questionable fuel economy, clunky ride, bad brakes.

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  Drove my truck for 12 years, now it needs a clutch - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 4wdona2wd - July 10 - 6:09 am

  My truck had not been in a shop for mechanical repairs till this year, it is 12 years old, it has over 150,000 miles. Took it to the shop, to get a clutch, and the mechanic said it didnt give him any trouble, however, it is starting to jam when I am shifting gears, so I will have to take it back. It has been on dirt mountain roads where only 4wd jeeps were spotted, and it has seen a lot of beautiful country all along the Blue Ridge, Smokies, and other great mountain terrain. This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.. If not the best.

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  Good choice for first truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By fluffy500 - March 26 - 8:55 am

  I bought an 01 Ranger 3.0 XLT 2wd and love it. After I bought it, I let my dad drive it to Springfield from Tulsa, and he floored it the whole way- blowing the head gasket, radiator, and water pump... so dont drive it like a race car. But after replacing the motor, cooling system, and other things, it runs like a dream. I put a lot of performance parts in the engine when I had to replace it, chipped it and put dual straights on it with glasspacks and this improves the mileage 22city 37 highway!. The only problem is the delayed shifting in the aut trans. Looking for a new one that can handle the added torque and power. What kind of trans should I install? Im thinkin an F150 trans...