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2010 Ford Ranger Safety Review

September 8, 2009

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet rated
IIHS

Not yet rated
NHTSA

Safety has been a glaring deficiency for the Ranger in recent years, but it finally gets a boost for 2010.

Thanks to Ford, several features not previously offered are now standard across the model line. Seat-mounted side airbags are included on all Ranger models for 2010, as are electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. The Ranger’s stability control system helps prevent conditions that might lead to rollover, but the safety list isn’t perfect; side curtain bags still aren’t available.

Although the body structure of the 2010 Ford Ranger hasn’t significantly changed, the new side bags should improve the Ranger’s side-impact safety scores, but other scores aren't great. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2009 Ford Ranger "acceptable" and "poor" ratings for frontal and rear impacts, respectively, in its assessments. Side impact tests result in a "marginal" rating. In federal-government frontal-impact tests, the Ranger previously earned four out of five stars for frontal protection.

You might want to keep one detail in mind if you’re thinking of carrying children in the small backseat of the extended cab models: The IIHS says “the side-facing rear jump seats weren’t tested because they are not recommended for safe transport.” That arrangement hasn’t changed for 2010, so beware.

Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are now standard on the 2009 Ford Ranger.

Conclusion

The 2010 Ford Ranger has lackluster crash-test scores, but bolstered safety features—including new side bags—should improve them somewhat.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet ratedIIHSNot yet ratedNHTSA Safety has been a glaring deficiency for the Ranger in recent years, but it finally gets a boost for 2010. Thanks to Ford, several features not previously offered are now standard across the model line. Seat-mounted side airbags are included on all Ranger models for 2010, as are electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. The Ranger’s stability control system helps prevent conditions that might lead to rollover, but the safety list isn’t perfect; side curtain bags still aren’t available. Although the body structure of the 2010 Ford Ranger hasn’t significantly changed, the new side bags should improve the Ranger’s side-impact safety scores, but other scores aren't great. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2009 Ford Ranger "acceptable" and "poor" ratings for frontal and rear impacts, respectively, in its assessments. Side impact tests result in a "marginal" rating. In federal-government frontal-impact tests, the Ranger previously earned four out of five stars for frontal protection. You might want to keep one detail in mind if you’re thinking of carrying children in the small backseat of the extended cab models: The IIHS says “the side-facing rear jump seats weren’t tested because they are not recommended for safe transport.” That arrangement hasn’t changed for 2010, so beware. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are now standard on the 2009 Ford Ranger. ConclusionThe 2010 Ford Ranger has lackluster crash-test scores, but bolstered safety features—including new side bags—should improve them somewhat. 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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