Instead of picking the worst Ford Ranger model, our Ford Ranger rankings will help you choose the best one.
In my article, you’ll discover which Ford Ranger year is best and worst for the latest generation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Consumer Reports provide information on real owner experiences, maintenance costs, and reliability as part of our comprehensive analysis.
Also, I will tell you about the Ford Ranger’s best and worst years, taking into account performance, reliability, and owner complaints.
It’s time to get started!
Ford Ranger Generations
Since its introduction, the Ford Ranger has been a workhorse capable of handling city and off-road terrain because of its compact size and robust capability.
With its straightforward design and straightforward functionality, the Ranger has become a steadfast favorite in the pickup truck segment.
This 1998 Ford Ranger shows how it evolved over time.
| Generation | Years |
| 5th Generation | 2024-Present |
| 4th Generation (T6) | 2019-2023 |
| 3rd Generation | 1998-2011 |
Understanding these generational changes is crucial to making informed decisions for prospective buyers and enthusiasts. A unique feature, improvement, and sometimes setback can be found in every one of them.
Ford Ranger Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
The following factors contribute to our assessment of the Ford Ranger’s best and worst years:
- Reports (surveys) from owners on reliability
- An annual breakdown of maintenance costs
- Safety rating
- Consumer Reports’ reliability rating
- According to Consumer Reports, owner satisfaction is high
- Complaints, investigations, and recalls filed with the NHTSA
- Edmunds owner reviews
- JD Power ratings for owners
- KBB’s owner ratings
- Ratings on VehicleHistory by owners
- Reviews on Cars.com by owners
In the following table, Ford Ranger model years are categorized by best, neutral, and worst.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 3rd Generation | 2008200920102011 | 2004200520062007 | 199819992000200120022003 |
| 4th Generation (T6) | 2020202120222023 | N/A | 2019 |
| 5th Generation | 2024 | N/A | N/A |
Models in the neutral year perform satisfactorily but lack significant advancements or show minor inconsistencies.
Factors such as extensive NHTSA recalls may affect the reliability score of a vehicle.
We’re taking a look at the Ford Ranger’s best, fairest, and worst years.
Best Years for Ford Ranger 5th Generation [2024 to Present]
As Ford’s fifth-generation Ranger, the 2024 Ford Ranger introduces a fresh design and enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the latest Ranger is built on the refined T6 platform, which features longer wheelbases and wider tracks.
2024 is one of the best years
Along with the tried-and-true 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the 2024 model offers an optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine.
With 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the Ranger’s 5.7-liter V-8 is known for its performance in F-150s and Broncos. The Ranger’s efficient and effective performance is ensured by Ford’s refined 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission.
With its twin-turbo 3.0L V6, the Ranger Raptor delivers 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Featuring paddle shifters and a variety of drive modes, including Baja, it can handle any terrain.
Ford’s Active Park Assist 2.0 is also available along with a trailblazing trailer technology suite.
As a leader in its class, the Ranger has a number of safety and assistance features, such as forward collision warning, evasive steering assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
A dual-screen infotainment system, Sync 4A, runs on the 10.1-inch and 12-inch central touchscreens. There is a standard household outlet and wireless charging at the rear of the vehicle, despite the lack of USB ports.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Ranger 4th Generation [2019 to Present]
2019 was the first year that the 4th Generation Ford Ranger returned to North American markets.
Therefore, 2019 would be the worst year for the Ford Ranger in this generation. 2020-2023 would be the most reliable and best timeframe.
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 are the best years
Ford Ranger models will be available in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, demonstrating the fourth generation’s maturity.
It also comes with an automatic transmission for improved fuel efficiency and performance, as well as a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
This class of vehicle averages 21 city miles per gallon and 26 highway miles per gallon.
For those seeking adventure, there is the Tremor Off-Road Package as well as the well-appointed Lariat trim.
A driver assistance system called Ford Co-Pilot360 enhances safety and convenience in these models.
2019 is the Worst Year
A few teething problems plagued the Ford Ranger when it returned to the market in 2019.
There were a few issues with transmission shifting and minor electrical problems reported by early adopters despite the vehicle’s similar engine to its predecessors.
A number of these issues were quickly addressed in the following years, resulting in an overall improvement in reliability.
Consequently, the 2019 model was subject to several recalls, including one regarding an improperly secured transmission shift cable bracket that could cause the vehicle to move unintentionally.
Although this year’s Ranger is still capable, it is generally considered less favorable than previous models that have been updated and refined.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Ranger 3rd Generation [1998 to 2011]
The Ford Ranger 3rd Generation is a versatile compact pickup that was introduced in 1998. For both daily use and work-related tasks, it could be configured in a variety of ways.
Between 2008 and 2011, you should buy a Ford Ranger, whereas between 1998 and 2003, you should avoid buying one.
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 were the best years
Ford Ranger owners have reported fewer complaints and good ratings in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
A 2.3L Duratec I4 engine producing 143 horsepower was available, as was a 4.0L Cologne V6 engine producing 207 horsepower. In the city, both engines achieved 21 mpg and on the highway, they achieved 26 mpg.
Automatic and five-speed manual transmissions were both available.
It was during these years that the SYNC infotainment system was introduced for the model.
Safety was enhanced with a tire pressure monitoring system, side curtain airbags, and side curtain airbags.
2004-2007 are considered the neutral years
There were minor refinements made to the mid-generation Rangers in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
With the addition of a five-speed automatic transmission, the existing engine lineup was enhanced with smoother shifts and improved fuel economy.
It was available in a variety of trim levels, including the practical XL and luxurious XLT, while the FX4 is aimed at off-roaders.
Nevertheless, there were a number of recalls related to airbags and frame rust during these years, which should be considered when purchasing a vehicle.
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 are the Worst Years
There were many mechanical and safety problems with the third-generation Ford Ranger models in the early years – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. These years should be avoided at all costs.
Among its drawbacks were persistent spark plug ejections and oil leaks, as well as engine performance issues.
Many transmission issues were reported, including erratic transmission behavior and manual transmission failures.
Several recalls were issued for brake system failures, fuel leaks, and exterior lighting problems.
As a result of these issues and reports of excessive frame corrosion, those seeking a reliable used pickup truck should avoid these years.
Common Ford Ranger Issues
When you’re looking to buy a used Ford Ranger, you need to consider a few issues. The brand had its moments when it was perfect, and then it had its moments when it was anything but. The following critical problems may be affecting you, according to consumer reports.
Engine misfire
Ranger models have been reported to have engine misfires from 2004 to 2006. Power loss incidents, slight tremors, and stalls were reported by drivers. It was determined that the problems were caused by the recession in the exhaust valve seat in TSB 05-26-3, released by Ford.
Transmission issues
Although it wasn’t as widespread as the problems in the 2002 model, the transmission issues were still terrible. An erratic shift pattern, shift flares, and gear loss are symptoms of this condition. Transmissions were often rebuilt, but they did not always work.
High engine idle
There have been reports of abnormally high idle speeds for many Ford Ranger model years. Drivers reported experiencing this problem after disengaging the clutch of a manual gearbox or starting an automatic transmission after a cold start. Updates are usually required for PCMs (powertrain control modules).
Hard to start cold
Many drivers report having difficulty starting the Ranger from a cold start. Furthermore, the Range tends to stall at idle and hesitate when accelerating.
Steering issues
Some owners reported that the steering of their 2007 Ranger clunked and clicked. This issue reappeared even though the mileage was practically new. Ford released TSB 19844 to address this issue with an updated tie rod assembly.
Most of these problems occur after 100,000 miles, and most do not significantly affect the vehicle. If you choose a Ranger from a year with many problems or large recalls, you should be aware of what you’re getting into. Be sure to check the year and problems before buying a used car.
Read: Best & Worst Mazda CX-5 Years
Read: Best & Worst Ford Escape Years
Read: Best & Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Years
Read: Best & Worst Toyota Tacoma Years
Read: Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years
Read: Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years
Read: Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Read: Best & Worst Honda Civic Years
Read: Best & Worst Ford F-150 Years
Read: Best & Worst Ford Explorer Years
Read: Best & Worst Acura MDX Years
Read: Best & Worst Toyota Tundra Years
FAQs On Ford Ranger Years To Avoid
Is Ford Reliable?
Ford has an average reliability rating. Depending on the model, it can be reliable or unreliable. There are some instances in which Ford cars are regarded as being reliable, but there are other cases where they aren’t.
Are Ford Rangers Reliable?
While the Ford Ranger has some bad years and poor reliability ratings, it is one of the more reliable mid-size trucks. Among seven mid-size trucks, it is ranked third by Repairpal.
How Many Miles Does A Truck Last?
Trucks can travel unlimited distances, so you can expect them to last for at least ten years or 100,000 miles. Proper maintenance can extend those figures to 200,000 miles.
Is The Ford Ranger A Good Truck?
You should buy a Ford Ranger if you want a good truck. The 2020 model ranked first in its mid-size truck segment according to JD Power.
Where Is Ford Ranger Made?
The Ford Ranger is manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.
How Long Does Ford Ranger Last?
The Ranger is reliable and can last for 20 years or 300,000 miles or more if maintained properly.
How Many Miles Can A Diesel Engine Last?
After 100,000 miles or even 150,000 miles, diesel engines do not require major repairs. It is possible to expect them to last about 30 years if they are properly maintained.
How Many Miles Do Ford Rangers Last?
A Ford Ranger is a reliable and durable truck. It is possible for a properly maintained vehicle to last for 300,000 miles. Their abilities are limitless.
What Ford Engines To Avoid?
A Ford Modular engine with a displacement of 4.6L, 5.4L, or 6.8L produced between 1997 and 2004 is advised against due to the many reports of spark plug problems.
How Much Is A 2002 Ford Ranger Worth?
A used 2002 Ford Ranger should cost between $1,124 and $6,742, according to market data.
What Is The Most Unreliable Truck?
Consumer surveys and car experts consider Chevy Silverado to be the most unreliable truck. The truck is not bad despite this.
Conclusion
Ford Ranger models are not all created equal, there is no doubt about that. For the best balance of features and reliability, choose Ford Ranger models from 2008-2011 and 2020-2023.
The engines and transmissions of models made between 1998 and 2003 have a number of problems.
How would you rate your Ford Ranger’s best and worst years?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
