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2009 Ford Ranger Review

July 9, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice
Edmunds

truck desperately needs an update
MyRide.com

basic design is more than a decade old and shows it
ConsumerGuide

The folks in charge of the 2009 Ford Ranger know that one of the vehicle's draws is its longevity; this is the oldest vehicle in its class. It debuted in 1990, and despite an update to the powertrain and slight refinements, the vehicle has yet to be completely redesigned. With that in mind, most reviewers don't bother to discuss the Ranger's styling in much (if any) detail.

The 2009 Ford Ranger's basic shape has been around since the 1990s, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com report only slight updates over the years. Cars.com notes that "the Ranger's front bumper has been redesigned to cut through the air more efficiently," and "new larger fog lights improve visibility." Automedia says the look is "a tad tougher and bolder." And in certain trim levels, the Ranger does a good job of faking tougher credentials. ConsumerGuide says the "basic design is more than a decade old and shows it," while MyRide.com opines that this "truck desperately needs an update." At Ford, 2009 gets the Ranger a slight update: As Cars.com says, "The Ranger Sport conveys the assertive look and ride height of a four-wheel-drive Ranger at a lower price."

There are even fewer compliments for the 2009 Ford Ranger's interior. Edmunds snipes: "The Ranger's interior was last overhauled during the Clinton administration -- and the first term at that." The reviewer goes on to note that "due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice."

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Ranger is a classic—but that means it's pretty dated on all fronts.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choiceEdmundstruck desperately needs an updateMyRide.combasic design is more than a decade old and shows itConsumerGuide The folks in charge of the 2009 Ford Ranger know that one of the vehicle's draws is its longevity; this is the oldest vehicle in its class. It debuted in 1990, and despite an update to the powertrain and slight refinements, the vehicle has yet to be completely redesigned. With that in mind, most reviewers don't bother to discuss the Ranger's styling in much (if any) detail. The 2009 Ford Ranger's basic shape has been around since the 1990s, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com report only slight updates over the years. Cars.com notes that "the Ranger's front bumper has been redesigned to cut through the air more efficiently," and "new larger fog lights improve visibility." Automedia says the look is "a tad tougher and bolder." And in certain trim levels, the Ranger does a good job of faking tougher credentials. ConsumerGuide says the "basic design is more than a decade old and shows it," while MyRide.com opines that this "truck desperately needs an update." At Ford, 2009 gets the Ranger a slight update: As Cars.com says, "The Ranger Sport conveys the assertive look and ride height of a four-wheel-drive Ranger at a lower price." There are even fewer compliments for the 2009 Ford Ranger's interior. Edmunds snipes: "The Ranger's interior was last overhauled during the Clinton administration -- and the first term at that." The reviewer goes on to note that "due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice." ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Ranger is a classic—but that means it's pretty dated on all fronts. 2009 FORD RANGER STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice" MyRide.com: "truck desperately needs an update" ConsumerGuide: "basic design is more than a decade old and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mazda B-Series is a version of the Ranger that Ford supplies to its Japanese partner; you may prefer the B-Series' styling, but it's not available in as many specialized models as the Ranger. The most direct competitors for the Ranger are the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado compact trucks. The Ranger has a smoother V-6 engine, but the GM twins have an optional five-cylinder engine with more power and, for 2009, a V-8 option that in some respects gives it the ability of a larger truck. The Canyon and Colorado also offers a true four-door model with a back bench seat, though it's uncomfortable for long trips.

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See the Ford Ranger in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Doug lampman #1, Posted: 9/19/2009

    The ranger should not be compared to the Colorado the price offered after Ford incentives was $5000 cheaper. The ranger is less truck then the GM but they have no 4 cyl. trucks the perfect inexpensive comfortable 200,000 mile truck. I drive it to work on week days the Kids use it on week ends.

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