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2009 Ford Ranger Quality Review

July 9, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

capable, unappreciated small work truck
MyRide.com

acceptable unless you're of tall stature
Edmunds

all models we've tested have been solidly built
ConsumerGuide

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Ford Ranger lags behind rivals in terms of space. Many drivers will be abjectly disappointed.

In the Ranger, Ford has the only true compact truck left on the market, since the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier moved into a larger size class. With the Ranger, Ford offers SuperCab models with two rear-hinged doors and Regular Cab versions with very little space between the seats and the rear glass. ConsumerGuide criticizes the rear seat in SuperCab Rangers as "skimpy, cramped, and thus best used for toddlers or cargo," and adds that "entry and exit borders on awkward." Edmunds concurs, claiming the truck's "inward facing jump seats are a quaint reminder of days gone by, but are terrible as a seating option." Although ConsumerGuide says the truck has "good headroom and legroom up front," they also state that "three adults are a tight squeeze" for the front. The basic front seats are in truth not bad: Edmunds finds the front seat to be "acceptable unless you're of tall stature."

All versions of the Ranger sport a six-foot bed that's useful for some weekend and professional needs, but the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of plywood won't fit.

In the Ranger, Ford installs better materials than are found in many compact trucks. It may not be roomy, but Cars.com lists "build quality" as one of its favorite things about the truck. ConsumerGuide even states, "all models we've tested have been solidly built."

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Ranger is tight in terms of space—really tight. Build quality, however, is pleasingly respectable.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:capable, unappreciated small work truckMyRide.comacceptable unless you're of tall statureEdmundsall models we've tested have been solidly builtConsumerGuide Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Ford Ranger lags behind rivals in terms of space. Many drivers will be abjectly disappointed. In the Ranger, Ford has the only true compact truck left on the market, since the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier moved into a larger size class. With the Ranger, Ford offers SuperCab models with two rear-hinged doors and Regular Cab versions with very little space between the seats and the rear glass. ConsumerGuide criticizes the rear seat in SuperCab Rangers as "skimpy, cramped, and thus best used for toddlers or cargo," and adds that "entry and exit borders on awkward." Edmunds concurs, claiming the truck's "inward facing jump seats are a quaint reminder of days gone by, but are terrible as a seating option." Although ConsumerGuide says the truck has "good headroom and legroom up front," they also state that "three adults are a tight squeeze" for the front. The basic front seats are in truth not bad: Edmunds finds the front seat to be "acceptable unless you're of tall stature." All versions of the Ranger sport a six-foot bed that's useful for some weekend and professional needs, but the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of plywood won't fit. In the Ranger, Ford installs better materials than are found in many compact trucks. It may not be roomy, but Cars.com lists "build quality" as one of its favorite things about the truck. ConsumerGuide even states, "all models we've tested have been solidly built." ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Ranger is tight in terms of space—really tight. Build quality, however, is pleasingly respectable. 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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