I would like to create an Archer. Should I pick a Ranger or a Fighter?

Originally this question came down to whether you wanted to specialize in pure damage or wanted good variety in skills and spells.

In DDO though, not only are composite bows made for higher strength bonuses not available, rangers at first level get a class feat which adds their STR bonus to bows.

The mainstream of thought seems to be now if you should pick a ranger or mildly multi-classed fighter such as a rng1/fgt9 to still give yourself access to all the feats of the fighter including the important weapon specialization while still getting the STR damage bonus.

Compared to a fighter, the ranger can have a better dexterity, as his level 8 class enhancement is for +3 dex. Level 8 rangers also get the ability to cast Cat's Grace, for an additional +4 dex, but that is actually of little use. By that level, a ranger could already be wearing an item providing a continuous +3 or +4 dex bonus, so the spell might do nothing. Due to the lack of Power Attack or melee for fighting two-handed, an archer will never have problems in hitting his target, so strength is more important than dexterity (at least in the upper regions).

You can benefit most from the free feats of the ranger if you take two levels of ranger and 18 levels fighter. The second ranger-level will give you +1 dex (through enhancement) and rapid shot (1 level for 1 feat in contrast to 2 levels for 1 feat as a fighter).

The fighter is the most versatile damage-dealer of the game, there are many feats which support ranged attacks you won't ever get as a ranger.