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2010 Ford Ranger Performance Review

September 8, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

modest power
Car and Driver

jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty well
ConsumerGuide

solid performance
Edmunds

The 2010 Ford Ranger has a lineup of just two engines: a base 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline-four or a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. The four-cylinder engine is bound to impress those looking for fuel efficiency and low operating costs, while the V-6 is disappointing compared to most rival powertrains. Maneuverability is good thanks to the compact size, but don’t expect much else.

Car and Driver says the "flexy chassis and tepid powerplants reduce fun-to-drive index to almost zero" in the 2009 Ford Ranger. ConsumerGuide has a slightly different opinion, preferring the 4.0-liter engine "for its extra power." Also notable, ConsumerGuide believes that Ford Rangers "handle competently, with good steering feel and directional stability." They aren't the only reviewers who hold this opinion. Cars.com lists "maneuverability" and "driving ease" as two of the predominant "likes" about the performance of this truck.

In the 2010 Ford Ranger, simple workmanlike performance is a virtue; the Ranger’s 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. But TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven many Rangers in the past and owned one as well, and this vehicle has some redeeming qualities, especially its low maintenance costs. The 4.0-liter V-6 is the easiest version to live with, in terms of power and engine noise, but TheCarConnection.com appreciates the honest simplicity of the base four-cylinder model.

Ranger pickups offer up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity; ConsumerGuide calls them "proven workhorses." Like most pickups, the Ranger comes in 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.

Conclusion

The 2010 Ford Ranger maneuvers well and offers decent performance with the V-6, and the four-cylinder model is the choice for fuel-efficiency-minded buyers, but nearly all the pickup alternatives perform better.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:modest powerCar and Driverjiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty wellConsumerGuidesolid performanceEdmunds The 2010 Ford Ranger has a lineup of just two engines: a base 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline-four or a 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. The four-cylinder engine is bound to impress those looking for fuel efficiency and low operating costs, while the V-6 is disappointing compared to most rival powertrains. Maneuverability is good thanks to the compact size, but don’t expect much else. Car and Driver says the "flexy chassis and tepid powerplants reduce fun-to-drive index to almost zero" in the 2009 Ford Ranger. ConsumerGuide has a slightly different opinion, preferring the 4.0-liter engine "for its extra power." Also notable, ConsumerGuide believes that Ford Rangers "handle competently, with good steering feel and directional stability." They aren't the only reviewers who hold this opinion. Cars.com lists "maneuverability" and "driving ease" as two of the predominant "likes" about the performance of this truck. In the 2010 Ford Ranger, simple workmanlike performance is a virtue; the Ranger’s 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. But TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven many Rangers in the past and owned one as well, and this vehicle has some redeeming qualities, especially its low maintenance costs. The 4.0-liter V-6 is the easiest version to live with, in terms of power and engine noise, but TheCarConnection.com appreciates the honest simplicity of the base four-cylinder model. Ranger pickups offer up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity; ConsumerGuide calls them "proven workhorses." Like most pickups, the Ranger comes in 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. ConclusionThe 2010 Ford Ranger maneuvers well and offers decent performance with the V-6, and the four-cylinder model is the choice for fuel-efficiency-minded buyers, but nearly all the pickup alternatives perform better. 2010 FORD RANGER STYLING | [6 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "basic design is more than a decade old and shows it" MyRide.com: "truck desperately needs an update" Edmunds: "due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas" Although periodic minor updates have kept the Ranger's ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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 selection that in some respects gives it the ability of a larger truck. The Canyon and Colorado also offer a true four-door model with a back bench seat, though it's uncomfortable for long trips. Other rivals include the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. Both of these models offer four-cylinder base engines, though they feel significantly larger than the true-compact Ranger. Surprisingly, the Ranger’s base four-cylinder engine feels more refined than either the GM trucks or the Toyota. However, if you’re going to step up to a V-6 yet think a V-8 is overkill, you would probably be happier with either the Toyota or Nissan.

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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 (2 total)

  1. By charles #1, Posted: 9/16/2009

    4 door ranger in the u.s. "when"

  2. By Marty #2, Posted: 10/28/2009

    Look up 2011 ford ranger not only is it 4 door but also diesel option

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