I’m looking to buy a Ranger, specifically models from 2011 and earlier. Which generation do you all think is the best?
That’s a tough one! Here’s my take:
Daily driver with occasional truck stuff: 2WD, 4-cylinder, manual, any year.
Daily driver but need 4WD for weather: any V6 with manual, keep it stock.
For off-roading and overlanding: any 4.0 V6 manual (FX4 Level II is the holy grail).
Full-on off-roader: Doesn’t matter, you’ll end up replacing everything anyway!
I went with manual trans because the automatics in these aren’t the best. Just my opinion though! And for the record, I think the ‘98-‘00 ones are the least good looking.
@Robert
Manual’s great unless you plan on towing. The tow rating drops a lot with the manual; only the 4.0L V6 auto gets the highest tow rating.
Vivian said:
@Robert
Manual’s great unless you plan on towing. The tow rating drops a lot with the manual; only the 4.0L V6 auto gets the highest tow rating.
Totally agree. Got a manual myself and love it, but on the towing ratings:
Manuals are actually stronger for towing because they’re metal on metal gears instead of clutch discs, but Ford lowered the tow rating on manuals to avoid warranty claims on burnt clutches. I know a few people who’ve blown automatics towing, but none with manuals.
Vivian said:
@Robert
Manual’s great unless you plan on towing. The tow rating drops a lot with the manual; only the 4.0L V6 auto gets the highest tow rating.
I had a manual 4.0 and once towed a 10,000 lb chipper in 4x4L. Probably not great for the truck, but it did the job!
@Robert
I’m a big ‘83-‘88 fan, so I have to disagree on the ‘98-‘00 being ugly. To me, ‘93-‘97 are the least attractive, but that’s just personal preference.
Hannah said:
@Robert
I’m a big ‘83-‘88 fan, so I have to disagree on the ‘98-‘00 being ugly. To me, ‘93-‘97 are the least attractive, but that’s just personal preference.
I only like mine because it’s got the Mazda front end.
Hannah said:
@Robert
I’m a big ‘83-‘88 fan, so I have to disagree on the ‘98-‘00 being ugly. To me, ‘93-‘97 are the least attractive, but that’s just personal preference.
I’m not huge on the ‘93-‘97 either, but they had a full bench seat and a little shelf above the glove box which I wish my ‘00 had.
@Angelina
The bench is tiny though, barely fits a toddler!
Luka said:
@Angelina
The bench is tiny though, barely fits a toddler!
Found one at a junkyard once… comfiest seat ever!
Luka said:
@Angelina
The bench is tiny though, barely fits a toddler!
Found one at a junkyard once… comfiest seat ever!
He’s talking about the 60/40 seats. They’re small on the ‘94 too.
@Luka
Yeah, the ones in my ‘00 are small but so am I!
@Robert
Totally agree on manuals. Had one in my ‘06 3.0 and loved it till I wrecked it. Got an ‘08 2.3 automatic now, and it’s been nothing but problems.
@Robert
Thanks for the info, appreciate it!
First gen for the looks, lol.
I like the late ‘80s to early ‘90s ones. They still had that boxy look and some even came with a diesel.
Emmett said:
I like the late ‘80s to early ‘90s ones. They still had that boxy look and some even came with a diesel.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Emmett said:
I like the late ‘80s to early ‘90s ones. They still had that boxy look and some even came with a diesel.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Didn’t notice you were in the market! I’ve got a 2010 now, and it’s great. Not much different from my old ‘91, and it’s a solid truck.
Just got my first Ranger a few months ago and was looking for 2001+. I’m using it as a backup daily and for off-roading. Went with 2001+ because of the SOHC engine, but a lot of people still like the older OHV version. Manuals are preferred but watch out for tow ratings—they’re lower on the manuals.
@Vivian
Ended up with a 2004 FX4 and love it! The 6’ bed is perfect for camping, and the 4WD handles the trails just fine.