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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Ranger Super Cab

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

Overview

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2008 Ford Ranger Super Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2008 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 2008 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 Significant About This Car?

The STX trim is dropped from the lineup, reducing the trim packages to XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road.

Driving the Ranger Super Cab

Driving Impressions The 2008 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.

2008 Ford Ranger Super 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.

Exterior

The familiar Ranger exterior receives a slight freshening, with a bold grille, three bright new colors and two attractive new wheel choices. Last year's extensive exterior reworking carries over for 2008 and includes a raised "power dome" hood and an aggressive front valence. 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 choice of two. The first is a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 148 horsepower. Though this engine offers only five more horses than the 2.3-liter, you'll find it provides a significant boost in torque. The real meat and potatoes for the Ranger are provided by the 4.0-liter V6 that produces 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. If you are going with a V6, we highly encourage you to get the 4.0-liter, which will add about $800 to the price of most V6 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)

3.0-liter V6
148 horsepower @ 4900 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (2WD, manual), 15/20 (4WD, manual), 15/20 (2WD, automatic), 14/19 (4WD, automatic)

4.0-liter V6
207 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
238 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD, manual), 15/20 (2WD, automatic), 15/19(4WD, manual), 14/17 (4WD, automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Ranger Super 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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2008 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 1132 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 first vehicle and i love it!

By FordFan (NM) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

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: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, comfortable, high quality"

Cons: "No power seats (on mine at least)"

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

"My 2004 Ford Ranger Edge Super Cab is my first vehicle and i absolutely love it. It has around 100,000 miles and still running strong, it looks brand new and when i bought it, it had no flaws and had a new paint job, still does! Its a jet black metallic paint and it looks like glass. The previous owner put the new model year grille and headlights making the truck look like it went through the body change for 2006. I absolutely love the polished alloy wheels. The interior is very clean and looks brand new as well, the cloth seats are really nice and comfortable, they are black with grey inserts. All around, this is a great little truck and i absolutely love it, so much that i wipe it down every time i come back from a drive and before i go. I would recommend any Ford Ranger truck!But keep in mind, if you're tall like me, get an extended-cab (super cab). Ford is the only american car i would drive or purchase and i recommend any Ford vehicle due to quality, looks and technology."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Good value

By Bearsgt26 (NY) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Right size"

Cons: "poor power, poor gas mileage"

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

"Bought this truck new. It replaced a 1996 4 cylinder RANGER. This truck is equiped with the 3.0 engine. Wished i had opted for the 4.0. The 3.0 has no umph and the best gas mileage I got was 20 mpg. TO get this mileage I had to drive below the speed limit, keeping the RPMs below 1500. I only this year replaced the original battery and have replaced 1 light bulb so far. Overall its been pretty reliable. Sorry to see they dont make them anymore."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great smal truck. Payload is super.

By skyking (WV) on Saturday, June 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "No problems for 130,000 miles"

Cons: "rear end whine, though never got worse"

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

"Great truck, though has had rear whine since new, never got worse 25 MPG handles great. Rear access behind seats (extended cab) is difficult. Payload is great, 1700 lbs, no problem at all. Put air shocks and premium brakes on it, run synthetic for all moving parts. Uses no oil. Wish I had 2 of them!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Good value for the money, 3.0L anemic, cheap paint

By Bubba (VA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliable mechanics, comfy seat, easy in traffic"

Cons: "Cheap paint, seat mechanism/CD broke"

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

"My 2nd Ranger has proven reliable as the 1st although not very powerful w/the 3.0L 6 cylinder. The 2004 2WD Edge Supercab suits my needs for light hauling and no off road antics. Problem areas after 78K miles and 6 years of ownership include CD player failure, failure of the seat-back tilt mechanism, and also a noticeably cheap paint job. Overall I am pleased with it and plan on keeping it a long time."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great mpg, and perfect small truck

By chris (CA) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 160,658

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "good price, great mpg, good starter truck, power!"

Cons: "small back seats"

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

"i have had this truck a week and a half now, i picked it up for an AMAZING price at 2900 dollars, needs tires and exhaust manifold and regular maintenance, ive filled up only the day i bought it and im at 260 miles and right in between empty and 1/4 of a tank, i figure i will get 300 miles by the time its empty, so im getting about 18-19 mpg, its a flex fuel v6 3.0 ltr, and i hit the gas hard and take off fast (big gas waste) and still getting good mpg, i think i can get 20-21 mpg if i drive real good, and this is city mileage, the interior is alright not built like a gmc but still good for a work truck or starter truck, outside is durable and real stylish compared to other small trucks other than the dodge dakota, but its nice, its got power compared to my friends 2005 v6 chevy Colorado, i beat him in ride smoothness, mpg, and power, its really a great truck, put a lift kit and a stereo system and you have an outstanding and attention grabbing truck, i really like it and wouldnt mind buying another if i had to."

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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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See all 1132 reviews