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2009 Ford Ranger Performance Review

July 9, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty well
ConsumerGuide

solid performance
Edmunds

modest power
Car and Driver

The 2009 Ford Ranger has a plethora of engine options. Unfortunately, TheCarConnection.com finds that its power never measures up, and handling fails to impress.

Car and Driver says the "flexy chassis and tepid powerplants reduce fun-to-drive index to almost zero" in the 2009 Ford Ranger. There are three engines—but no one seems particularly impressed with any of them. The base engine makes 143 horsepower from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder; stronger versions use a 148-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 or a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6.

ConsumerGuide has a slightly different opinion, stating, "acceleration is adequate with the 3.0-liter V-6, but we prefer Rangers with the 4.0 for its extra power." Also notable, ConsumerGuide believes 2009 Ford Rangers "handle competently, with good steering feel and directional stability." They aren't the only reviewers who feel this way. Cars.com lists "maneuverability" and "driving ease" as two of the predominant "likes" about the performance of this truck. ConsumerGuide indicates that the ride quality is "decent for trucks," reporting that Rangers "jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty well."

Ranger pickups have up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity; ConsumerGuide calls them "proven workhorses." As with most trucks reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, there are other options available on the Ford Ranger, including rear- or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive can be turned on even while the truck is moving and operates by a simple switch on the Ford.

In the Ranger, Ford's workmanlike performance can be a virtue, and its steering is not bad, but those buyers looking for a cheap economy car would be better served with a real economy car—not a pickup priced like one. Still, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven many Rangers in the past and owned one as well. The 4.0-liter V-6 is the easiest version to live with, in terms of power and engine noise; conversely, there's almost no reason to recommend the 3.0-liter V-6, since it's not much more powerful than the four-cylinder and gets considerably worse fuel economy.

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Ranger offers decent performance—but there are many better options to be had that will suit drivers' needs more adeptly.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty wellConsumerGuidesolid performanceEdmundsmodest powerCar and Driver The 2009 Ford Ranger has a plethora of engine options. Unfortunately, TheCarConnection.com finds that its power never measures up, and handling fails to impress. Car and Driver says the "flexy chassis and tepid powerplants reduce fun-to-drive index to almost zero" in the 2009 Ford Ranger. There are three engines—but no one seems particularly impressed with any of them. The base engine makes 143 horsepower from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder; stronger versions use a 148-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 or a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. ConsumerGuide has a slightly different opinion, stating, "acceleration is adequate with the 3.0-liter V-6, but we prefer Rangers with the 4.0 for its extra power." Also notable, ConsumerGuide believes 2009 Ford Rangers "handle competently, with good steering feel and directional stability." They aren't the only reviewers who feel this way. Cars.com lists "maneuverability" and "driving ease" as two of the predominant "likes" about the performance of this truck. ConsumerGuide indicates that the ride quality is "decent for trucks," reporting that Rangers "jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty well." Ranger pickups have up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity; ConsumerGuide calls them "proven workhorses." As with most trucks reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, there are other options available on the Ford Ranger, including rear- or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive can be turned on even while the truck is moving and operates by a simple switch on the Ford. In the Ranger, Ford's workmanlike performance can be a virtue, and its steering is not bad, but those buyers looking for a cheap economy car would be better served with a real economy car—not a pickup priced like one. Still, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven many Rangers in the past and owned one as well. The 4.0-liter V-6 is the easiest version to live with, in terms of power and engine noise; conversely, there's almost no reason to recommend the 3.0-liter V-6, since it's not much more powerful than the four-cylinder and gets considerably worse fuel economy. ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Ranger offers decent performance—but there are many better options to be had that will suit drivers' needs more adeptly. 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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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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