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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Ford Ranger Regular Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Ford Ranger Regular Cab

Overview

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2009 Ford Ranger Regular Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Ford Ranger finds itself surrounded by a number of newer and larger competitors, making it necessary for Ford to keep its compact truck competitive by offering numerous upgrades, fresh styling and rock-bottom pricing. In terms of size, only the Chevrolet Colorado, its sibling twins, the Isuzu i-Series and GMC Canyon and the Toyota Tacoma offer a regular-cab configuration, an appealing feature for those looking for a bare-bones truck. 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 capability.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a compact pickup that is inexpensive to own and operate, the 2009 Ford Ranger is one of the best. Available in everything from base two-wheel drive to highly capable off-roader, the Ranger is one tough truck.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need a pickup to haul heavy loads or transport four people on a regular basis, you may want to look at a midsize V8-powered pickup.

What's New for 2009

SIRIUS XM Radio is made standard on the FX4 and Sport trims, and a Class III trailer hitch is added to all 4.0-liter V6 series.

Driving the Ranger Regular Cab

Driving Impressions The 2009 Ford Ranger's handling and road manners have seen improvement through a series of suspension changes that include stiffer bushings, springs and shocks. As a result, the Ranger's rear...

end does not bounce around as much as it used to and the steering response remains firm. To keep the base truck affordable, Ford equips it with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. This engine exhibits good acceleration so long as the Ranger is not weighted down with a heavy load. For those not so concerned with fuel economy, the 4.0-liter V6 is the engine of choice. Although not the most powerful in its class, the 4.0-liter engine provides the Ranger with brisk acceleration and a 6,000-pound tow rating when equipped with the 3.55:1 rear axle and automatic transmission.

Favorite Features

Pioneer Sound System
The 290-watt Pioneer sound system blows away all other stock systems.

Updated Interior
The Ranger's updated interior and steering wheel give an upscale look to the compact pickup.

2009 Ford Ranger Regular Cab Details

Interior

The Ranger has gotten a bit roomier than in generations past, with front seats that have deeply sculpted backs and new fabric choices. Legroom is not as generous as in some competitors, but SuperCab models do provide plenty of space behind the seats for luggage or groceries. As for backseat passenger room, the flip-down jump seats make for cramped accommodations and are best used for shorter trips. The Ranger features a number of audio upgrades, including a single CD player that can read MP3-formatted discs and an auxiliary audio input jack.

Exterior

The familiar Ranger exterior carries over after a slight freshening last year, with a bold grille, new colors and two attractive wheel choices. A raised "power dome" hood and an aggressive front valence help keep the aging design current. The Regular Cab models feature six- and seven-foot beds, while the extended SuperCab models come with a longer wheelbase and a six-foot bed. SuperCab models also offer rear-hinged half doors, which allow easier access to the cab area.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Ranger is equipped with a 2.3-liter engine, a five-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), a tire pressure monitoring system, two front cup holders, dual side mirrors, AM/FM stereo, 60/40 vinyl split-bench seat, power steering, tachometer and 15-inch steel wheels.

Optional Equipment

Trim levels for the Ranger include XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road. You can order your Ranger with shift-on-the-fly electronic four-wheel drive, five-speed automatic transmission, power windows, power locks, sliding rear window, cruise control, 290-watt Pioneer audio system, 3.0-liter V6 engine (Regular Cab), 4.0-liter V6 (SuperCab), limited-slip rear differential, fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and leather seats. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds gas shocks, front and rear skid plates, larger all-terrain tires and sport bucket seats.

Under the Hood

The base 2.3-liter engine is fine for those who use their trucks to get around town and pull light-duty chores. For those who do serious off-roading, towing or just like the feel of a V6, Ford offers a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. If power trumps fuel economy, we highly encourage you to get the 4.0-liter, which will add to the price of most trims.

2.3-liter in-line 4
143 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
154 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 (manual), 19/24 (automatic)

4.0-liter V6
207 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
238 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (2WD, manual), 16/21 (2WD, automatic), 15/19(4WD, manual), 14/18 (4WD, automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Ranger Regular Cab vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 1125 Ratings for the 2001 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.7/10

My 5th Ranger I'll miss 'em when they are all gone

By Squib (VA) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,321

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great truck for around town service!"

Cons: "Ford needs a longer warranty for low milage driver"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Great local truck. Used it for everything. As I get older I would like a bit more luxury added to my vehicle. Just don't need the larger frame of the 150. I have had two of those. Ranger profile fits my needs. Having the 4x4 gave me the feeling I could always get to work in any weather. I added Navigation bed liner with caps, tool box, sun roof and wide tires. I use it around town and do not live far from work. Towing package means I can move anything! A C and heat could use some better directions and settings."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Solid little truck that does all I need.

By Armand (IN) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Ease of manuevering and towing/ hauling capacity"

Cons: "Cheap interior - too much cheal plastic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The ride is stiff when empty and sometimes "hops" when I hit an abrupt bump in the road, but it has pulled a 6' x 12 cargo trailer full of gear (about 4,000 lbs) with no trouble. I get 21 to 22 MPG on the highway on "summer grade" fuel. The mileage drops 1 or 2 MPG on the winter blend fuels. The center console arm rest is cheap and I've had to make repairs to it, but mechanically it is solid. The 4.0L engine is STRONG and can get away from you if you get silly. The transmission shifts smoothly (5 speeds). Overall a great small truck! I plan to keep it a long time."

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Great Pickup

By georgie porgie (CA) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very comfortable, ride in a Toyota get back proble"

Cons: "No cons, everything I want."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Ford screwed up when they quit selling them in North America, they were the #1 seller for years and still sell well in other countries. I use to haul heavy appliances and I wasn't worried because it had plenty of power and the frame is more than twice the amount of steel than Toyota and Nissan. I plan to keep it until I pass and then I am sure my wife will keep it. By the way, they do hold their value."

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Best Smaller sized truck you will ever find!

By Ford Trucks (PA) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 124,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very reliable!"

Cons: "Nothing at all"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My 2001 Ford Ranger has been through alot in the past years, and it has never ever let me down one bit. reliable, comfortable, and priced right for a very good truck. Ford is #1!"

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Very dependable, would buy a new one.

By Mustang Man (NY) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "Rear brakes require a lot of attention."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This has been a great vehicle, very dependable. If Ford still made them I would buy a new one. Instead I am updating this one, installing leather, replacing step bars and getting body nicks repaired. I have looked at the Toyota and Nissan trucks, too small to get in and out of."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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My Chief Means of Transportation

By Benjoh (MS) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 117,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "It is still dependable."

Cons: "Needs some mechanical work as well as cosmetic."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Was bought used in 2004 with 42,000 miles on it. Just now has some mechanical problems. My main problem is front oil gasket and oil pan gasket repairs, naturally needs new tires, but other than this it gets me where I need to go. It is not pretty now, but fixable. I cannot complain for an old gal."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 1125 reviews