1993-2000 model Ford Ranger 4x4?

Is this a good first truck? Are they reliable? Will be doing a lot of Mudding, off-roading, and every now and then hauling a couple things, not major stuff though. Please answer. If not a good truck, suggest a good truck within these year models.

Wouldn't suggest unless youre on a tight budget. If you want a smaller size truck such as a ranger, get a Toyota Tacoma. They are absolutely great reliable trucks. They are a bit on the expensive side. But there's a reason for this.

Rangers have always been known for being reliable especially models with the 2.3L 4 Cylinder engine (not available with 4x4). I'm not sure on how long one will last doing alot of mudding, depends on how well you clean it and keep mud out of crucial parts but in general those trucks don't typically break.
Specific years on which is best I don't really know, my dad had a 94 model that would never quit but it was all road miles