What year did Ford Ranger have 4x4?

The Ford Ranger has offered four-wheel drive since the 1983 model year, and 4x4 has remained a common option through its generations. This article traces when 4x4 was available and how it evolved over time.

Timeline: when 4x4 appeared in the Ranger

The following timeline highlights model-year introductions and the persistence of four-wheel drive across Ranger generations.

• 1983 model year (1st generation): The Ranger was introduced with an optional 4x4 drivetrain, available on select trims.


• 1993 model year (2nd generation): 4x4 continued as a common option on higher trims and off-road packages.


• 1998–2011 model years (3rd generation): 4x4 remained widely available across multiple trims; various transfer-case configurations appeared depending on market.


• 2019 model year onward (4th generation, US market): 4x4 returned as a widely available option across most trims, with the FX4 Off-Road package highlighting the off-road capability.

Across generations, the core point is that four-wheel drive has been a defining option for the Ranger since its inception and remains a key feature today.

How four-wheel-drive configurations evolved in the Ranger

Over the decades, Ranger 4x4 configurations evolved from basic part-time systems with manual hubs to more modern electronically controlled systems with on-demand capability. Here’s a look by era.

Early Rangers (1983–1992)

Early Rangers offered part-time 4x4 with manual transfer cases and manual locking hubs on two-wheel-drive models converted to four-wheel drive as needed. These setups were robust for light off-road use and challenging terrain.

Mid-generation Rangers (1993–2011)

Second and third-generation Rangers retained 4x4 options, with improvements in suspension and transfer-case configurations. Some years allowed easier shift mechanisms, and off-road-focused variants began to appear in certain markets.

Current-generation Ranger (2019–present)

Today’s Ranger offers multiple 4x4 configurations across trim levels, including electronic shift into 4WD and selectable drive modes, plus the FX4 Off-Road package for enhanced off-road capability, traction control integration, and upgraded suspension components.

Summary

From its 1983 launch, Ford has consistently offered four-wheel drive as an option on the Ranger. The drivetrain has remained a core feature through the model’s generations and remains widely available in the current lineup, underscoring Ford’s commitment to versatility and off-road capability.

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. 

How to tell if a Ford Ranger is 2WD or 4WD?

This. Or like this. If you don't see anything going into the center of the front or rear wheels these wheels are not drive wheels. And this vehicle is not a four-wheel.

What year did Ford start making 4x4 trucks?

Ford started making factory four-wheel-drive trucks in 1959 with the F-Series. Prior to this, Ford offered 4x4 conversions through other companies, but 1959 was the first year for factory-built 4x4 production from Ford itself. 

• First model: The first factory four-wheel-drive was introduced in the third-generation F-Series, specifically the 1959 F-100.
• Previous options: Before 1959, customers had to rely on companies like Marmon or Napco for conversions of Ford trucks to four-wheel drive.
• Significance: The 1959 model marked the first time one of the "big three" domestic automakers offered a factory 4x4 truck option.

Did the Ford Ranger come in 4x4?

Alongside the standard XL was the XL Sport, Splash, XLT, and STX. For 1995, the STX trim became exclusive to 4×4 Rangers.