Review
Available as a 4x2 Regular cab or 4x2 and 4x4 Supercab the Ranger is offered in three trims: XL, XLT, and Sport. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates 143 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 207 horsepower. Available transmissions include a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. The supercab is available as a two-door or four-door with jump seats. A trailer hitch and safety features such as four-wheel anti-lock brakes and dual-stage front airbags are standard equipment. New for 2010 all Rangers include Roll Stability Control with AdvanceTrac, and Side Seat airbags. The 2-door SuperCab now includes jump seats in standard equipment.
-Model Reviews
For 2010, the Ford Ranger is mainly a carryover from 2009.
The Ford Ranger has been America's best-selling compact pickup for many years. As a work truck, the Ford Ranger offers serious truck capability at affordable prices.
Assembled In
Twin Cities, Minnesota; Edison New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Ontario, Canada.
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Comparison
Among compact pickups, it's still the pick of the pack.
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New Ranger edge is positioned between the XL and XLT and aimed at younger buyer.
Driving Impression
A pulse-vacuum hub-lock device engages the front hubs quickly, for push-button shifting into four-wheel-drive while rolling as fast as 80 mph.
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At the same time, the Ranger offers aggressive performance off the pavement, as we saw on a primitive track laced with lumps and rocks and tire-sucking mud pits.
Our Ranger SuperCab 4x4 with the 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic delivered good performance for passing, even at altitude.
The Ranger handles bumps and curves with confident dexterity.
The V6 teams with either a heavy-duty five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic with adaptive shift logic.
When equipped with the overhead-cam 4.0-liter V6 engine the Ranger has more than adequate performance around town or on the highway.
A control on the dashboard provides seamless switching from rear-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive high, or further down to four-wheel low for serious off-road maneuvers.
A high ground clearance enables the Ranger 4x4 to clear ruts and bumps easily.
A high-gear lockout switch on the tip of the shift lever enables the driver to kick down a gear with the tap of a finger.
And when it doesn't, the available skid plates shield the undersides from damage.
It could scamper up mountain grades or effortlessly pass a line of heavy freight haulers.
Its rigid ladder-like chassis, fully boxed in the front section, combines with an independent wishbone front suspension to pamper passengers with smooth ride sensations.
More important, it provides strong low-rpm torque for off-road work in four-wheel-drive, or for pulling heavy loads or trailers.
Rather than adding a taller overdrive, the five-speed automatic, in effect, adds a gear between what would be first and second in a four-speed automatic.
The Ford Ranger is a thoroughly developed product with no surprises and it does exactly what you would expect of it.
The Ranger has benefitted over the years from numerous detail improvements and upgrades to various portions of the running gear.
This provides closer ratios for better throttle response when accelerating, towing a trailer or driving off-road.
Interior
Regular Cab models get a cloth bench seat that can accommodate three persons.
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SuperCabs offer a larger interior storage bay behind the front seat, with a six-foot bed behind that.
The center pod for climate and audio systems has easy-to-use controls.
Also available, depending upon trim level, is a 60/40-split front seat and cloth sport bucket seats.
The Ford Ranger offers spacious, comfortable accommodations and convenient features.
The seats have sculpted bolsters and high seatbacks, and deliver more than adequate comfort.
There are choices in the sound systems, with available features including a six-CD in-dash changer, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input jack, and Satellite Radio.
There are two small side-facing jump seats, that fold down, in the SuperCab's rear bay; we have found one problem with side-facing seats is that, if children are sitting in them, as the vehicle accelerates and slows down their heads are sometimes tossed sideways (as they are sitting), which they may find to be uncomfortable.
Two available rear-hinged doors (depending upon trim level) allow easy access to the SuperCab's rear quarters.
Introduction
For 2010, there are only a few changes, but they are significant from a safety standpoint.
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The 2010 Ford Ranger comes in three body styles: Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCab with four doors.
Two engines are available, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6.
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control (RSC) becomes standard equipment; this system can help prevent skidding and roll-over conditions.
And, also as standard equipment, there are new combination side airbags, designed to offer head and torso protection.
Each engine is available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Four-wheel drive is available, but only with the V6 engine.
In addition to its excellent fuel economy, it also has a 7,500-mile service interval for routine maintenance, such as oil changes.
Most versions have a 6-foot cargo bed, but a 7-foot bed is available on the Regular Cab with two-wheel drive.
The 2.3-liter dohc four-cylinder makes 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque.
The 4.0-liter V6 makes 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque.
The Ford Ranger has built a solid reputation as a rugged workhorse of a compact pickup.
The four-cylinder engine with manual transmission and two-wheel drive has EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/26 mpg City/Highway, making it most fuel-efficient pickup on the market.
There are three trim levels: XL, up-level XLT, and the sportier-appearing Sport version.
Though quite dated now, the Ranger remains a good, reliable, proven truck with worthwhile features and attractive pricing.
While many of the entry-level pickups from other manufacturers have moved up in size, roominess, features and refinement, the Ranger maintains its position as a true compact pickup that offers solid value for the money.
Lineup
Options for the XL level include the 4.0-liter V6 engine ($1,600), automatic transmission ($1,000), AM/FM stereo with clock ($355), bed liner ($275), 60/40 split-bench seat ($220), tilt steering wheel ($385, a full-size spare tire ($110), daytime running lights ($45), and an engine block heater ($90).
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The Sport SuperCab is well equipped inside and out; with four doors and four-wheel drive ($25,570) the standard equipment includes all the standard features of the previous versions and many of the items that were optional.
The XLT Regular Cab with two-wheel drive ($18,580) adds an AM/FM/MP3 sound system with an auxiliary jack, interior amenities, body-color bumpers, chrome trim, rear step bumper and other features.
Options for the XLT level include an AM/FM with a 6CD changer ($240), privacy glass ($110), rear sliding window ($125), back step bar ($300), 15-inch alloy wheels ($315), remote start ($435), and keyless keypad ($95).
Options for the XLT SuperCab with four doors and four-wheel drive ($24,730) include Satellite Radio ($195) and 16-inch alloy wheels ($250).
The Ranger XL Regular Cab with two-wheel drive, the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission ($17,740) includes 15-inch steel wheels and a Class III trailer hitch.
With the four-wheel-drive XL SuperCab, which includes the V6 engine as standard ($23,395), options include a 4.10:1 axle ratio ($50), and skid plates ($175).
Model Lineup
Ford Ranger XL Regular Cab 2WD ($17,740); XLT Regular Car 2WD ($18,580); XLT SuperCab 4WD ($23,310); Sport SuperCab 4WD 4-door ($25,570).
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Model Tested
Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab 4x4 4-door ($24,730).
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Options As Tested
5-speed automatic transmission ($1,000).
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Summary
Don Fuller filed this report to New Car Test Drive from Corona, California; with NCTD.com staff reports.
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As a work truck, the Ford Ranger offers serious truck capability at affordable prices.
The four-wheel-drive system with vacuum-activated hubs works very well and you can't beat the 4.0-liter V6 for performance.
The high-level models deliver strong performance on and off road.
Watch for cash rebates and other incentives.
We like the XLT.
Tag Line
Value in a rugged compact pickup.
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Walkaround
Some potential buyers may find the XLT and Sport models more attractive, due to their higher level of trim and decoration.
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We find the door handles a bit hard to hang onto; they occasionally snapped away from our fingers when we were in a hurry.
And we think the available alloy wheels, particularly the 16-inch versions, help give the Ranger a solid stance on the road.
It’s not necessarily distinctive and it’s certainly not on the cutting edge of style, but it’s an honest look that’s clean, not un-handsome, and timeless in a way.
Otherwise, everything about the Ranger is perfectly normal and delivers no surprises.
The Ranger has a straightforward look that doesn’t pretend to be anything except a truck.
There are big windows for good outward vision, which certainly help in parking and tight quarters.
There is a family resemblance to the bigger Ford trucks, particularly at the front, and the dome in the hood gives it a rugged sort of presence.
