• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Ford Ranger - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford Ranger ranks 8 out of 9 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Ranger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though competitors are easier to live with day-to-day, the Ford Ranger offers capability for buyers on a budget.

Several auto reviewers conclude that there are simply better choices than the 2010 Ford Ranger in the compact pickup market. To a degree, it seems like Ford may agree with that assessment.  After not overhauling the Ranger for several years, it looks like Ford will discontinue the model after the 2010 model year, as both plants that build the small truck are being shut down. Autoblog says, "after 26 years, it looks like the compact pickup truck thrill is gone. For you Ranger fans out there, the tune you're looking for is "Taps."

Despite its likely demise, the 2010 Ford Ranger is an affordable option that's useful for off-roading and light hauling or towing, but its ride is too truck-like to appeal to many modern truck drivers. Automobile Magazine says, "When driven after any newer offering, it quickly becomes obvious that the Ranger dates back to a time before pickups migrated toward the mainstream; today, buyers are looking for more carlike handling, comfortable ride, four full-size doors, and quiet engines. The Ranger offers none of these attributes."  

The compact pickup that many reviewers say does offer those attributes is the Toyota Tacoma. Not only is the Tacoma easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, it even starts at a lower price than the Ranger, and it's fuel economy is only one miler per gallon less in city driving.  If you need a basic hauler, the Ranger is worth a look, but if you need a truck you can live with day-to-day, consider the Tacoma.

For 2010, the Ranger gets new safety equipment, which some reviewers say is long overdue.  Now standard on all Rangers is Ford's Roll Stability Control (RSC) system, which helps prevent rollovers, as well as side-chest airbags.

The Ranger comes in six trims -- XL, STX, XLT, Sport, FX4 Off-Road and FX4 Level II -- with a choice of two engines, two cab sizes (Regular Cab and Super Cab) and two bed sizes. The Ford Ranger shares a platform with and is highly similar to the Mazda B Series.   

• "The Ranger SuperCab models feature two small rear doors, but no crew-cab model challenges similar vehicles from Dodge, Nissan and Toyota. With no V8 option under the hood, the Ranger also falls behind the class leaders in horsepower and towing " -- Kelley Blue Book
•  -" Affordable and competent off-road when properly equipped. Due to its aged design, however, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice." -- Edmunds
• "This basic design is more than a decade old and shows it. Rivals, all much newer, offer better power, refinement, even room and comfort. Still, Ranger and the similar Mazda B-Series are proven workhorses that are attractively priced and often heavily discounted. -- Consumer Guide
• "The Ford Ranger may be withering on the vine after 13 years without an update, but the 2010 Ford Ranger is set to get some major safety upgrades. Unfortunately, it's not getting much else." -- Jalopnik

Ranger Performance - 6.2 (Mediocre)

Though it offers two engine choices, the Ranger trails competitors when it comes to performance. While reviewers say it is a competent work and off-road machine, they also note that buyers looking for a daily driver will likely be disappointed by the Ranger's rough ride.   Read More

Ranger Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

Many reviewers say the 2010 Ford Ranger's design is showing its age. Read More

Ranger Interior - 6.1 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Ford Ranger has a tight interior--and we don't mean tight in a good way. "Anyone seeking real comfort for four passengers should look at trucks with crew-cab or full-size extended-cab configurations," Automobile Magazine reports. Reviewers also don't like how sparse and dated they say the Ranger's interior is. Read More

Ranger Safety - NA

The 2010 Ford Ranger receives good safety scores in federal government crash tests. But writers are generally disappointed in the Ranger's meager safety equipment, both standard and optional, and report it pales in comparison to competitors. Read More

Ranger Reliability - NA

Ford offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty for all its pickups. Read More