2004 Ford Ranger

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(4.5) 28 reviews
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2004 Ford Ranger
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Local Inventory
Compare 15 Trims View Local Inventory

Key Specs

of the 2004 Ford Ranger. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Driving ease
  • Maneuverability
  • Build quality
  • Fuel economy with four-cylinder

The Bad

  • Performance with four-cylinder
  • Resale value of regular cab
  • Fuel economy with V-6

Notable Features of the 2004 Ford Ranger

  • Two cab styles
  • Three engine choices
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • RWD or 4WD
  • Wide variety of models and options

2004 Ford Ranger Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Ford gives compact-pickup buyers plenty of choices. Last year, Ford made some new option groups available for Rangers, including an FX4/Level II option group that was dubbed the “true offroad enthusiast package.” Early in 2003, a Wheels and Tunes package built around a CD/MP3 player emerged for the XLT 4x4 SuperCab. A Tremor SuperCab audio package also was offered.

For 2004, all Rangers get a raised, powered dome hood. The new nostril grille has horizontal bars on 4x2 models and a honeycomb pattern on 4x4s. A rally gauge cluster is new, and a Pioneer Sound Package includes an in-dash six-CD MP3 player. Later in the model year, leather seating surfaces become optional and the Tremor audio system gets a boost to 510 watts and adds MP3 capability.

Aimed at young buyers, the sporty Edge edition conveys the assertive look and ride height of a four-wheel-drive Ranger — but with a lower price. Ford holds a controlling interest in Mazda, which markets the closely related B-Series Trucks.

Exterior
Rangers come in three sizes and with a choice of two cabs and bed lengths. Regular-cab pickups are available with a 6- or 7-foot cargo bed, while the SuperCab (extended-cab) version is fitted exclusively with a 6-foot bed. Short-bed pickups are available with a Styleside (smooth-sided) cargo bed or with flared rear fenders in Flareside form.

The powered dome hood leads into a painted platinum honeycomb grille on most models; the XL version has platinum-color...

Vehicle Overview
Ford gives compact-pickup buyers plenty of choices. Last year, Ford made some new option groups available for Rangers, including an FX4/Level II option group that was dubbed the “true offroad enthusiast package.” Early in 2003, a Wheels and Tunes package built around a CD/MP3 player emerged for the XLT 4x4 SuperCab. A Tremor SuperCab audio package also was offered.

For 2004, all Rangers get a raised, powered dome hood. The new nostril grille has horizontal bars on 4x2 models and a honeycomb pattern on 4x4s. A rally gauge cluster is new, and a Pioneer Sound Package includes an in-dash six-CD MP3 player. Later in the model year, leather seating surfaces become optional and the Tremor audio system gets a boost to 510 watts and adds MP3 capability.

Aimed at young buyers, the sporty Edge edition conveys the assertive look and ride height of a four-wheel-drive Ranger — but with a lower price. Ford holds a controlling interest in Mazda, which markets the closely related B-Series Trucks.

Exterior
Rangers come in three sizes and with a choice of two cabs and bed lengths. Regular-cab pickups are available with a 6- or 7-foot cargo bed, while the SuperCab (extended-cab) version is fitted exclusively with a 6-foot bed. Short-bed pickups are available with a Styleside (smooth-sided) cargo bed or with flared rear fenders in Flareside form.

The powered dome hood leads into a painted platinum honeycomb grille on most models; the XL version has platinum-colored grille bars, while the XLT displays chrome bars and the Edge features black mesh. Two rear-hinged rear doors, which are optional on SuperCab models, can be opened only after the front doors are open.

Regular-cab models ride a 111.6- or 117.6-inch wheelbase and measure approximately 188 inches long overall; however, the long-wheelbase Styleside version stretches to 199.5 inches long overall. SuperCab Rangers have a 126-inch wheel span and are about 202 inches long overall. An optional tubular cargo-bed extension adds 2 feet to the 6-foot bed’s length. A hard, two-piece tonneau cover is optional.

Interior
Regular-cab Rangers seat two or three occupants on optional bucket seats or a split bench, respectively. SuperCab models add a pair of rear jump seats. Like all jump seats in compact pickups, the Ranger’s rear seats are too small to hold adults comfortably.

Under the Hood
Two-wheel-drive Rangers are equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. A 148-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 is standard in four-wheel-drive, Edge and SuperCab models and optional for other two-wheel-drive Rangers. Topping the list is a 207-hp, 4.0-liter single-overhead-cam V-6. A five-speed-manual gearbox is standard, and a five-speed-automatic transmission is optional. A dashboard switch can engage four-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving.

Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. Child-safety seat anchors and tethers are standard.

Driving Impressions
The Ranger is pleasant to drive, friendly in personality and capable in every significant respect. It rides and handles on par with its domestic competitors from General Motors and Dodge. Each model is attractive, well designed, solidly built and reasonably comfortable inside.

Latest 2004 Ranger Stories

See all 2004 Ford Ranger articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.5
28 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.3)
Performance
(4.2)
Interior Design
(4.1)
Comfort
(4.1)
Reliability
(4.7)
Value For The Money
(4.4)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Most reliable truck Ever

by Ktford girl from Elizabeth,Pa. on October 21, 2018

Had this Ranger for 14 years. Never had any major problems. Only sold it to downsize to an SUV. Stayed with the Ford brand. It is still on the road and is being used to tow. Read full review

(4.0)

Most reliable truck I?ve ever owned

by Travis from Somers Point on August 25, 2018

This truck met all my needs. I used it for my landskaping business and even used it for pizza delivery. Then it was a reliable transport for work everyday. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2004 Ford Ranger currently has 8 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2004 Ford Ranger has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Ranger received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker