What year did Ford Ranger change body styles?
The major body-style changes occurred with three generations: 1993, 1998, and 2019, each bringing a new cab, bed, and overall silhouette that redefined the Ranger’s appearance.
In this article, we trace those changes and explain what each new generation introduced in terms of design, size, and market positioning.
Timeline of major body-style changes
Below is a concise timeline of the years when Ford introduced a new body style for the Ranger, marking the most visible shifts in its exterior design.
- 1993 — Second-generation Ranger debuts with a redesigned cab, bed, and a more squared, modern exterior compared with the 1983–1992 model.
- 1998 — Third-generation Ranger launches, adopting a larger footprint and a more contemporary, rounded styling language inside and out.
- 2019 — Fourth-generation Ranger arrives for global markets (including the U.S.), delivering rugged, modern styling, updated chassis, and interior technology.
These years represent the big leaps in Ranger styling; mid-cycle updates occurred within generations, but the three years above are the primary body-style shifts.
1993: The second-generation redesign
Launched for model year 1993, the second-generation Ranger introduced a new cab and bed configuration with a more angular, contemporary front end and upgraded interior materials. The change signaled Ford’s move toward a more modern compact pickup capable of competing with newer rivals and aligning with the brand’s broader design language of the era.
1998: The larger, more contemporary third generation
The 1998 redesign expanded the Ranger in length and wheelbase, offering a roomier cab and bed and a more rounded, current-looking exterior. This generation refined ride quality and interior features while preserving the Ranger’s rugged, workhorse character.
2019: The global revival and fourth generation
In 2019, Ford reintroduced the Ranger to the U.S. market and rolled out a new, body-on-frame fourth generation built for a global audience. The design emphasized a bold grille, sharper lines, improved aerodynamics, and modern interior technology, signaling Ford’s renewed emphasis on the midsize pickup.
Summary
Ford’s Ranger has evolved through three major body-style shifts—1993, 1998, and 2019—with each generation bringing a distinct look and updated capabilities. While mid-cycle refreshes occurred within generations, those years mark the key changes that define the Ranger’s evolving silhouette and market positioning.
What year did the Ford Ranger facelift?
2015
A major facelift came in 2015, with more macho front-end styling. The interior got a significant update, too, the most notable part of which was the introduction of a much larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen for the Sync 2 infotainment system.
What year to stay away from Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger years to avoid include the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 models due to common problems like transmission issues, engine troubles, and electrical faults. Other years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2020, which may have specific issues such as timing chain problems or first-model-year bugs.
This video discusses the Ford Ranger's issues to avoid: 59sEveryman DriverYouTube · Oct 18, 2019
Key years to avoid and their common problems
- 1999: Frequently cited as one of the worst models, with issues including engine gauge problems, transmission and engine failures, and electrical and suspension issues.
- 2001: Noted for transmission problems, rough shifting, and a flashing overdrive light. It also had numerous recalls.
- 2002–2006: This period had spotty reliability and included models with timing chain problems (especially the 4.0-liter engine), automatic transmission durability issues, and front suspension wear. The 2002 and 2004 models are specifically mentioned for engine and transmission issues.
- 2019: This first-model-year for the new generation had issues like rough or shuddering gear shifts and costly transmission problems. Other reported problems include poorly fitting rear doors and flaking paint.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems in used Ford Rangers: 54sCars.co.zaYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
Other years to be cautious of
- 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011: These years have also been flagged for various problems, including engine and transmission faults.
- 2020: Has been cited as a year to avoid due to first-model-year bugs that were later addressed, such as transmission and build quality concerns.
When was the Ford Ranger last redesigned?
Fifth Generation (2019-2023)
In response to increasing demand for midsize trucks, Ford reintroduced the Ranger to the North American market in 2019 with an all-new design. The fifth-generation Ranger combines the ruggedness and versatility of its predecessors with modern features and advanced technology.
What are the body styles of the 2019 Ford Ranger?
There are XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, rear- and four-wheel drive, extended-cab and full-crew body styles (SuperCab and SuperCrew, in Ford's lexicon). The SuperCrew is the roomiest Ranger, so it's the one that families with kids should consider.
