2010 Ford Ranger Des Moines IA

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2010 Ford Ranger Overview

The 2010 Ford Ranger comes in three body styles: Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCab with four doors. Most versions have a 6-foot cargo bed, but a 7-foot bed is available on the Regular Cab with two-wheel drive. There are three trim levels: XL, up-level XLT, and the sportier-appearing Sport version.

Two engines are available, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6. Each engine is available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine with manual transmission and two-wheel drive has EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/26 mpg City/Highway, making it most fuel-efficient pickup on the market. In addition to its excellent fuel economy, it also has a 7,500-mile service interval for routine maintenance, such as oil changes. The 2.3-liter dohc four-cylinder makes 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. The 4.0-liter V6 makes 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is available, but only with the V6 engine.

2010 Ford Ranger Lineup

The XLT Regular Cab with two-wheel drive adds an AM/FM/MP3 sound system with an auxiliary jack, interior amenities, body-color bumpers, chrome trim, rear step bumper and other features. Options for the XLT level include an AM/FM with a 6CD changer, privacy glass, rear sliding window , back step bar, 15-inch alloy wheels, remote start, and keyless keypad. Options for the XLT SuperCab with four doors and four-wheel drive include Satellite Radio and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Options for the XL level include the 4.0-liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, AM/FM stereo with clock, bed liner, 60/40 split-bench seat, tilt steering wheel, a full-size spare tire, daytime running lights, and an engine block heater. With the four-wheel-drive XL SuperCab, which includes the V6 engine as standard, options include a 4.10:1 axle ratio, and skid plates.

Interior of the 2010 Ford Ranger

The center pod for climate and audio systems has easy-to-use controls. There are choices in the sound systems, with available features including a six-CD in-dash changer, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input jack, and Satellite Radio.

SuperCabs offer a larger interior storage bay behind the front seat, with a six-foot bed behind that. There are two small side-facing jump seats, that fold down, in the SuperCab's rear bay; we have found one problem with side-facing seats is that, if children are sitting in them, as the vehicle accelerates and slows down their heads are sometimes tossed sideways (as they are sitting), which they may find to be uncomfortable. Two available rear-hinged doors (depending upon trim level) allow easy access to the SuperCab's rear quarters.

The Ford Ranger offers spacious, comfortable accommodations and convenient features. The seats have sculpted bolsters and high seatbacks, and deliver more than adequate comfort.

Driving Impressions of the 2010 Ford Ranger

The Ranger handles bumps and curves with confident dexterity. Its rigid ladder-like chassis, fully boxed in the front section, combines with an independent wishbone front suspension to pamper passengers with smooth ride sensations.

Our Ranger SuperCab 4x4 with the 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic delivered good performance for passing, even at altitude. It could scamper up mountain grades or effortlessly pass a line of heavy freight haulers.

The V6 teams with either a heavy-duty five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic with adaptive shift logic. Rather than adding a taller overdrive, the five-speed automatic, in effect, adds a gear between what would be first and second in a four-speed automatic. This provides closer ratios for better throttle response when accelerating, towing a trailer or driving off-road. A high-gear lockout switch on the tip of the shift lever enables the driver to kick down a gear with the tap of a finger.

Summary

As a work truck, the Ford Ranger offers serious truck capability at affordable prices. Watch for cash rebates and other incentives. The high-level models deliver strong performance on and off road. We like the XLT. The four-wheel-drive system with vacuum-activated hubs works very well and you can't beat the 4.0-liter V6 for performance.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com