2008 Ford Ranger Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 28 Ranger reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Ford Ranger receives good safety scores in federal government crash tests. However, reviewers are still disappointed in its lack of safety equipment, both standard and optional, which pales in comparison to competitors.
The federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2008 Ford Ranger Regular Cab model an excellent five-star score for the driver and four stars for passenger safety in front crashes. In side crashes, it gets five stars for front seat occupant protection for the regular cab, four stars for the extended cab; the rear seat has not been rated. It also gets a rollover rating of three stars for all models. The Ranger fares slightly worse in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, receiving second-best scores of "Acceptable" in frontal offset tests.
Accident Avoidance
Standard on the models is a four-wheel anti-lock braking system, but reviewers are fairly disappointed that the Ranger doesn't offer more to avoid accidents. Automobile Magazine says: "With this aging truck comes an antiquated idea of what constitutes adequate safety. While four-wheel anti-lock brakes and legislated dual front airbags are standard, protection systems such as side airbags, traction control, and stability control aren't available. (Most competing pickups offer all these safety aids)."
Crash Protection
Ford's Personal Safety System includes a front passenger air bag sensing system along with dual-stage front driver and right passenger air bags.
