2010 Ford Ranger Review
2010 Ford Ranger Review
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Used Ranger for sale
Appraise This CarFord Ranger model years
Ford Ranger types
- Regular Cab
- SuperCab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good fuel economy for a truck with a four-cylinder engine, smaller size makes it maneuverable.
Cons
- Cramped interior with dated design, choppy ride, subpar handling and braking, lacks many modern-day convenience and safety features.
What’s new
The Ford Ranger gains standard stability control and side airbags for 2010, the first time these features have been offered. A Class III trailer hitch and air-conditioning are also now standard. The 7-foot bed is now only available for fleet buyers.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Ford Ranger is affordable and can offer decent gas mileage. Due to its aged design, however, it falls short in just about every other area. Any other small or midsize pickup will likely be a better choice.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$180/mo for Ranger XL
Ranger XL
vs
$240/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
"First the earth cooled. Then the dinosaurs came, but they got too big and fat, so they all died. Shortly thereafter, the Ford Ranger was introduced." OK, so the last bit wasn't part of the "Airplane II" recall of "everything that's happened up until now," but Ford's compact pickup truck has been on the market so long without a major redesign that it certainly seems prehistoric. Although it has been continuously updated over the years, its small size, unimpressive engine selection and general lack of refinement are telltale signs of its Jurassic underpinnings.
For the 2010 Ford Ranger, there are minor updates once again, but with mixed results. On the upside, stability control and side airbags are finally added to the features list and are thankfully made standard. However, the 7-foot bed option is no longer available to regular, non-fleet buyers and the FX4 Off-Road Package has been discontinued. These were two of the Ranger's few appealing attributes, and items we pointed out as possible reasons for buying one. Now that they're gone, we're left scratching our heads.
The Ranger may have some appeal to small businesses that just need an inexpensive truck that's reasonably good on gas. But as an everyday vehicle, this compact Ford pickup lags far behind its competition. Its engines are weak, and even though Ford routinely touts the four-cylinder's best-in-class fuel economy, that 143-horsepower engine delivers the sort of languid acceleration best calculated with a sun dial.
Another issue is size. Today's batch of small trucks are actually quite big, especially when it comes to interior space. The Ranger is the only truck in its class (other than its Mazda B Series twin) not to offer a crew cab body style. Should you ever need to carry more people than the front seats can carry (a three-person bench or buckets), the Ranger SuperCab only provides inward-facing jump seats that are a quaint reminder of days gone by. The Ranger's cabin design is also a veritable time capsule from the 1990s.
So unless you're the owner of a small business, there's little reason to consider the 2010 Ford Ranger. All competitors are more appealing, with the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier deserving extra attention. Luckily, though, an all-new Ford Ranger will be introduced in a year or two. The Jurassic period is about to end.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Ford Ranger comes standard with a 2.3-liter inline-4 that produces 143 hp and 154 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. This engine is only available with rear-wheel drive. EPA estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined with the manual and 19/24/21 with the automatic.
The optional 4.0-liter V6 yields 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual are standard, with four-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic optional separately. Fuel economy ranges from 15/21/17 with rear drive and the manual to 14/18/15 on the 4X4 with the auto.
Safety
The 2010 Ford Ranger comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), front side airbags and stability control. Side curtain airbags are not available.
In government crash testing, the Ranger earned four out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, the Ranger earned an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest on a scale of four). The Ranger has not been side crash tested with its new side airbags, though the IIHS noted that the inward-facing jump seats are "not recommended for safe transport."
Driving
When equipped with the 4.0-liter V6, the 2010 Ford Ranger offers decent acceleration, but competitors are more potent. The base four-cylinder returns good fuel economy for a truck, but at 143 hp, achieves only three more horses than a Ford Focus. Ride and handling characteristics on pavement are tolerable, but when the Ford is driven back to back with newer offerings from Dodge, GM, Nissan and Toyota, the Ranger's age and lack of refinement show.
Interior
The Ranger's interior was last overhauled during the Clinton administration -- and the first term at that. At least the Ranger's ergonomics are quite straightforward, with easy-to-use controls. Front seat comfort is acceptable unless you're of tall stature. SuperCabs can be equipped with an extra pair of access doors and small, inward-facing rear jump seats. As you'd expect, these seats are suitable only for children on short trips (or for people you don't like).
2010 Ford Ranger models
The 2010 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck available in regular-cab and extended-cab (SuperCab) body styles. Both are available in XL, XLT and Sport trim levels. A 6-foot bed is standard on all cab styles and trims, but a 7-foot bed is optional for fleet buyers on the XL regular cab model.
The XL regular cab is sparsely equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, a trailer hitch, a 60/40 front bench seat, vinyl upholstery, air-conditioning and an AM/FM stereo. The XL SuperCab adds skid plates and cloth upholstery. The XLT adds foglamps, upgraded exterior trim, cloth upholstery (regular cab), full power accessories, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and an upgraded stereo with CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The XLT 4X4 includes 15-inch alloy wheels, heavy-duty shock absorbers and tow hooks. Ranger Sports receive upgraded wheels, a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty gas shocks (SuperCab), skid plates, sidestep bars, bucket seats and a center console.
The Payload Package #2 is available on V6 SuperCabs and adds increased rear spring rates and heavy-duty shocks. Rear tinted glass and a rear sliding window are together optional on the XLT and Sport. Remote engine start and Ford's keyless entry keypad are stand-alone options on the XLT and Sport.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#4 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Ranger from 2008-2022.$433/yr
vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1x/yr
vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.1%
vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Ford Ranger.
5 star(37%)
4 star(52%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Not as bad as they say!
JohnRangerboy, 10/19/2010
2010 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
I wanted a small 4 cyl truck with auto transmission. I bought on price and features, 4 wheel disc brakes, 5 speed auto, air, tow package, abs, traction and stability control all standard on my Ranger. On Tacoma air was extra and only drum rear brakes, Colorado also rear drum brakes. So far I've clocked 7,000 miles, average gas mileage is 23 mpg since new. Best gas mileage was 29 mpg on … extended trip on the freeway. Handling feels very secure and traction control in the snow/ice really worked well-that was my main concern with a light weight rear drive truck. I don't carry very heavy loads but middling load doesn't seem to bother ride/handling acceleration.(although the preselect header says 5M I have 5A..
5 out of 5 stars
Update; September 2015 of my 2010 initial review.
Billy Rockfish, 09/08/2015
2010 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
If you can find a good used Ford Ranger of this vintage, buy it. The only non-maintenance item that ever gave me trouble was the fuel pump. It quit at around 38K. Ford replaced it under warranty (Honolulu Ford); no questions; no cost. Truck is getting ready to turn 70K. I have the 2.3 Litre DOHC four with the 5-speed automatic (drop down menu does not let me select automatic). Did … my 60K servicing at 57K; replaced the Continentals with Firestone Discovery tires (better quality); brake job done at 63K (amazing since I drive in the City and County of Honolulu which is well known for having heavy traffic). Replaced the Ford stock shocks with Monroe-Matics. Still a stiff and jounce-bouncey ride, but after all - it IS a truck! A/C still blows ice cold and I am VERY PLEASED with this little truck.
I will keep this forever as most people out here keep their Rangers for many miles and many years. Impossible to find a used Ranger on Oahu; there are some in lots on Maui. A drunk driver plowed into my Ranger and it was almost totaled, however an expert body shop (approved by my insurer) did a good job on the repair and is very much roadable with no degradation in driveability or safety. This '10 Ford Ranger is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned and last Sunday
(9/6/15), I got the best economy ever with 30.5 mpg. Great truck !!
4.25 out of 5 stars
2010 Ranger Reg Cab XLT
Billy Rockfish, 11/04/2010
2010 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Reliability, I'm sure,will be well above average. MANY Rangers on the streets, roads and freeways of Oahu (Hawaii) of all vintages. I've never heard of anyone having a bad Ford Ranger, hence one of the decisions towards my purchase. That, and the value of the features offered on the Ranger, it's looks (I don't care if it hasn't changed much in 12 years!) and the fact that it's an … 'evergreen' truck with a good reputation for economy and reliability were factors in selecting this truck over its competition. I am averaging 24-25mpg in mixed city/highway driving. I have the 5A. Great truck which will undoubtedly please me. Used for play, commute and work.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Not bad for an old body!
Gonzo, 08/18/2010
2010 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr SuperCab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
In the past 5 years I have owned 3 trucks, a Honda Ridgeline, a Nissan Frontier and the new Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline and the Frontiers were both 6 cyl and gas guzzlers. I don't tow, so I wanted better mileage and a 4 cyl was the one I needed. I settled for the Ranger because I can get it pretty much with everything I want on the XLT model. It is a great small/compact truck and I … like this. Mileage is very good and the 4 cyl has enough power for my needs. I was getting 14 MPG's on the Ridgeline and 15 MPG on the Frontier. I get way over 24 in the city with the Ranger and so far almost 30 on the highway. Nice truck for the price.
2010 Ranger Highlights
Regular Cab
XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,820 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $180/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 1,580 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Ranger include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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