Ford Rangers: How Long Can You Expect One to Last?

Lauren K
Feb 10, 2021

Black 2021 Ford Ranger From Front-Driver Side

A good truck can make a world of difference, and a great model like the Ford Ranger is one that can last for years.

With proper maintenance, any car can remain in good working order, but the Ford Ranger is especially capable of running for decades.

Do Ford Rangers run for a long time?  

With proper maintenance, a Ford Ranger can last up to 20 years or more. The better you care for your Ranger, the longer it is likely to last.   

A Bit about the Ford Ranger

The first Ford Ranger was produced in the year 1983. The Ranger was first created to compete with other small pickup trucks that were rolling off the line in Japan and Asia.

The truck was originally made with only two-wheel drive until a four-wheel drive model was created a few years later after it was established that the truck was going to sell. Though the Ranger was not produced after the year 2012, it is rumored that the Ranger is set to make a comeback.

This compact truck is a fantastic one if you are looking for something smaller but still comfortable and easy to ride in and drive. Currently, the Ford Ranger is in production and is set to hit the market some time in 2020.

The new Ranger has many of the same old charms with some updated extras and new technology that make it part of a line of great new trucks that are going to work for a huge range of drivers.

How Long Can a Ford Ranger Last?

Ford Rangers can last up to 20 years and beyond if they are well maintained and well cared for. The Ranger is built to withstand up to 300,000 miles and years upon years of use. The Ford Ranger is considered the littler brother of the Ford F-150 and is a great alternative if you want a more gas-friendly truck.

The Ranger gets an estimated 22 miles per gallon on average for highway and city driving, which is far better than the 17 average that is common for full-size trucks.

How to Make a Ford Ranger Last

The best way to make sure that a Ford Ranger, or any vehicle, for that matter, is going to last is to make sure that you get the recommended services and normal oil changes as well. You should get service interval services like the 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, etc. services that include things like spark plug changes, fluid changes, filter changes, and, of course, fixing anything that has gone wrong.

You should also be taking care of any issues as they pop up. This means that if the fan starts to go out or if there is a strange noise, you take your truck to a proper mechanic immediately or in a timely manner so that it can be fixed and the problem is not allowed to get worse or to make other problems pop up.

The most important part of care for any vehicle however is the oil changes. Oil changes are typically good for either three months or for three thousand miles unless you are getting special high mileage oil changes that are meant to last longer or to be good for more miles. Oil changes are essential to keep the moving parts of your engine moving smoothly and operating correctly.

Oil changes can extend the life of your car by years, and making sure that you are having your oil changed on time, every 3,000 miles, with the right type of oil, and that the filters are being changed at the same time can make a big difference.

It is recommended that you use 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil in Ford rangers. The older the vehicle, the more likely it is that you are going to need the heavier weight oil to compensate for any possible holes or leaks that may be present in the engine.

How Can I Make My Ford Ranger Last Longer?

The best way to make your vehicle last longer is simply to treat it well. Make sure you are getting proper maintenance, make sure you keep the engine clean and in good repair, and make sure that you are taking it to a mechanic on a regular basis.

Things like getting fuel treatments can help to reduce buildup, making sure you are using good quality gas, and making sure that your engine is well cared for are the best steps to ensure your vehicle is going to last for a long time.

Having a resource where you can look up information about your vehicle can also be helpful. Vehicle History is a great site that allows you the ability to look at different information about your particular car or truck so that you can take the best care of it possible.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jeffrey Nevrotski on November 19, 2023
Bought my 99as a project vehicle
I bought this 99 off a buddy who was using it as a site vehicle for security. He told me he had alot of work done to it but it keeps having the same problems.I got it from him and am using it as a roofing daily driver contractor truck. I totally rebuilt the front suspension, swapped out the hubs for manual locking, replaced both rear axle shafts, ofcorse new drums ,wheel cylinders calipers and rotors and both bumpers and had to replace the rad supportfrom a hit before i bought it.These trucks are work mules and they will live forever if you take care of them. I'm getting mine back to its former glory and when im done with it will have a truckthat will be here well after I'm dead
accountCircle Floyd Hancock on April 22, 2023
Long lasting truck 590.000 miles
I keep.looking at chevy colorado...and ford ranger 2023 ..after reading about both of them.i keep. Going back.to.ford ..besides chevy keeps using there prices..plus my brotherin-law had a Ford Ranger new ..never had any problems with it at all .at 590.000.mil he decided to fix it...well there was nothing wrong with it ..in the first place except the stirring wheel was lose lots of play ..but when he fix it he broke it ..don't fix anything not broken
accountCircle Basil Espinosa on August 24, 2023
Basilio
I purchased a brand new Ranger in 2001. It has 310,000 miles on it. I went through tow clutches. Excellent....excellent little truck. I'm looking at the Ford Lariat maverick hybrid. I'm 77 years old. Still working because I love what I do. And it's time to treat myself to the finer things in life. Like a fine cigar, Montecristo #2. Maker Mark whiskey. And riding my 2003 Softail Deuce listening to the Gap Band.
accountCircle Jeffery Kirby on December 15, 2023
Ranger most dependable
I can't speak for the 2021 Ford Ranger howeverI own a 2005 Ranger with over 300,000 miles and counting. I get it serviced as needed and it is not showing any signs of quitting. It's one of the most dependable trucks on earth. And I give 5 stars
accountCircle Terrence Miller on January 7, 2023
326000 miles on my 98 ford ranger
Oil changes are the answer to long running and no engine trouble. This the second 300,000 mile ford ranger i have owned. Both trucks are still running, only problem on both trucks is a ground problem,otherwise both trucks are good.
accountCircle WY.Wolfer on October 22, 2023
GOOD maintenance!!
My 2010 Ranger has no problems (at least that I'm aware of) it starts, runs and drives great! 232,000 miles and it's used for hard work. Just be kind to them and they WORK!
accountCircle George on May 13, 2023
Power steering fluid smells burnt on 1999 Ford Ranger
Other then this with 119000 original miles runs and drives great on highway, and in city
accountCircle glenda on January 18, 2023
Ford ranger 2011
Still in good running.up to date on oil changes 379 800 km
accountCircle Stuart price on August 9, 2023
324,000 miles on Ford ranger
1993 Ford ranger 2.3 engine 324.000 miles
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