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The Bottom Line

The Ford Ranger hasn't been significantly updated for years, and it shows, but if dependability, fuel economy, price and utility are among your pickup truck must-haves (and creature comforts aren't high on the list) consider the base level Ranger truck.

The truck's price advantage declines as you move up the Ranger trim levels, because at higher prices its lack of features become more of an issue in comparison to other compact trucks.

Pros

• Best pickup truck fuel economy ratings (2.3L 4-cylinder)
• Available in numerous configurations
• FX4 package provides good off-road performance
• 7-foot bed is available on XL and XLT Ranger trucks

Cons

• Fewer safety features than other small trucks
• Typically produces plenty of squeaks and rattles
• Dated interiors

Description

• Ranger trucks are built in regular cab and SuperCab (Ford's term for an extended cab pickup truck) configurations.
• Ford Rangers are built in four trim levels: XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road (available for the Ranger SuperCab).
• Ranger trucks are priced from $16,395 to $25,805.
• Towing varies across the lineup, from 1,580 lbs. for the 2.3L 4-cyl., ranging up to 6,000 lbs. for the 6-cyl. 4.0L truck.
• A Class III Trailer Hitch is standard on all Ford Ranger trucks (more hitch capability than required for most Rangers).
• Warranties: 3-year/36,000 mile basic; 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain; 5 year/unlimited miles rust perforation
• NHTSA gave 2009 2WD and 4WD Ranger trucks three stars out of five in its rollover tests.

• NHTSA frontal tests resulted in five stars for the driver's position and four stars for the front passenger position.
• Ranger's compact size and suspension changes that come with the FX4 package combine to create a respectable off-roader.

Guide Review - 2009 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck Review

First Glance at the Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

Ford's compact Ranger truck is long overdue for a revamp, and enters 2009 wearing the same basic look its had for years. The lack of change was expected, since the Ranger as we know it probably won't be around past 2011 or 2012. There's speculation that Ford is developing a replacement that can be sold globally in order to reduce its overall production costs.
The 2009 Ranger's optional 7-foot bed is the longest in its class, and available on standard cab XL and XLT trucks.

Inside the Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

Ranger's interior is functional, but plain by today's standards. Front seating is comfortable, but center-facing jump seats in the SuperCab's second row are not suitable for anything other than very short trips (a number of groups, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, do not consider this a safe seating position).

Ford Ranger Safety Features

Front-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard on all 2009 Ranger trucks, and so are dual front air bags (side air bags will be available in 2010). A roll stability control system is also coming in 2010, and should help bring the Ranger more in-line with current safety expectations.
Door beams are reinforced to help protect occupants during a side impact (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the SuperCab Ranger four out of five stars for side impact safety; the regular cab received five stars).

On the Road in the Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

Ranger's ride is choppy and stiff on bumps and rough roads, and while that's typical for small trucks, an upgrade to newer suspension technology would no doubt yield an improvement. The truck's steering feels good and brakes are adequate, but a switch to rear disc brakes would provide better stopping power when towing or carrying a full load.
The Ranger's fuel economy ratings are the highest in its class when a 2WD truck is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed transmission -- 21 city / 26 highway. Choose the V6 and a 5-speed automatic and ratings drop to 16/21. With 4WD, ratings dip even further, to 14/18.

The 2.3L 4-cylinder engine has been around for a number of years, and although it's not a powerhouse, it is reliable and will get you around, in-town and on the highway. Equipping the same truck with an optional automatic transmission dilutes the power.

For better performance, opt for the 4.0L V-6. At 207 hp, the engine it is behind some of its competitors (like the Toyota Tacoma 4.0 at 236 hp), but its towing capacity is a respectable 5,860 pounds for a 2WD SuperCab equipped with an automatic transmission.

Be sure to consider standard features when you compare the Ranger with other compact trucks, because pickups are not all configured in the same way. Prices escalate quickly when you start adding options.