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Ford Ranger

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$3,100 - $5,350

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test
The Ford Ranger falls far short of modern pickup-truck standards. It's ungainly and stiff-riding; has a rough and noisy, inefficient engine; and a cramped, uncomfortable cabin. The interior is crudely finished. Compact dimensions and a usefully sized bed are the Ranger's only pluses. Even if you took thousands off its list price, the Ranger still would not be a bargain. Stability control and side air bags are standard for 2010. This is the last year for the Ranger.
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2002 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

$3,100 - $5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $4,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,425 - $4,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,750 - $6,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    extended cab
    regular cab
Seating
3 front, 2 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 2.3-liter 4 (143 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 (154 hp)
  • 4-liter V6 (207 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2024-
Current Generation

The redesigned Ranger may look like the outgoing model, but it is slightly larger, with a screen-filled modern interior, a wider bed, and a generous suite of advanced safety features. There is now just a single body style, the crew cab, offered in two- and four-wheel drive. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine again has 270 hp. The midlevel option is a more powerful 315-hp, 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. The new off-road-focused Raptor has a 455-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. All engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission. The instrument cluster is either the standard 8-inch or the upgraded 12.4-inch display. Likewise, the center infotainment screen is either 10.1-inch or upgraded 12-inch display with the latest Sync 4A system. The standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection. BSW, RCTW, active parking assistance and trailer assistance are available.

2019-2023
2019 Redesign Year

Ford has brought back the Ranger name with a redesigned compact truck that combines modern elements with some primitive execution. The Ranger offers the latest entertainment and safety technologies, but its ride is stiff and choppy. Handling is clumsy, and at low speeds, the engine noise is quite pronounced. The 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination makes the Ranger responsive. The optional Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use, but other controls aren't as well designed. It's hard to get in because of the high floor. There are two cab configurations: an extended cab and a crew cab. The FX4 off-road package adds skid plates, upgraded tires, and off-road-tuned suspension. Automatic emergency braking is standard. New for 2021 is the Tremor Off-Road package, which includes a lifted suspension with special off-road shocks and springs, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and other assorted interior and exterior trim bits. There's also a new STX Special Edition package, which includes 18-inch black wheels, an eight-inch touch screen, and the Sync 3 infotainment system.

1998-2018
1998 Redesign Year

Perhaps the only truly small truck still available, the dated Ranger (and its twin, the Mazda B4000) is behind the times. The rough 4.0-liter V6 isn't particularly powerful or efficient. Handling is reluctant, and when unloaded, the rear of the truck can step out on bumpy corners or washboard roads. The ride is stiff and snappy. Stopping distances are long. The narrow cabin is noisy inside and has rudimentary levels of comfort and fit and finish. Extended-cab models have two rear jump seats, useless for adults or child seats. The bed is useful-sized. No side air bags or ESC are available, but both are standard for 2010.