2010 Ford Ranger
- 2009 Ford Ranger
- Used Ford Ranger
Based on analysis of 44 Ranger reviews and test drives.
Ford Ranger - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Ford Ranger ranks 7 out of 8 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 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.
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, and its interior lacks space and comfort when compared to rivals. 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."
Other Trucks to Consider
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 its fuel economy is only one mile per gallon less in city driving. Plus, the Tacoma is available in a four-door crew cab with a true backseat (the Ranger only has rear jump seats) and the Tacoma can out tow the Ranger by nearly 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
You also may want to consider the Nissan Frontier or its near-twin, the Suzuki Equator. The two trucks start at about the same price as the Ranger. Nissan builds the Equator for Suzuki and the two trucks are nearly identical. Both seat more people than the Ranger and can tow about 1,000 pounds more when properly equipped. The Suzuki Equator also comes with a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain warranty. That's much longer than Ford's 60,000-mile/5-year powertrain warranty.
Details: Ford Ranger
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.
If you're interested in the Ranger, you may be able to find a deal by checking out the Best Ford Deals. Interesting in another brand? Check out the Best Car Deals.
- "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 - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2010 Ford Ranger reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty for all its pickups. Read More
