| Like its much larger stablemate, the F-150, the 2009 Ford Ranger pickup spans a broad price and equipment range and can be equipped to suit a wide range of uses. There are 3 different cab configurations (regular cab, and 2- or 4-door SuperCab), 2 different bed lengths (6- or 7-foot, 6-foot only on SuperCab models), 2 engines with rear- or 4-wheel drive, and a diverse array of trims, many of which are available in multiple combinations.
Two different engines are offered on the Ranger. A 143-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder engine is standard on XL and XLT 2-door SuperCab 4x2 and regular cab 4x2 models. The 4-cylinder provides the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck on the market, at an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. On other models, the 207-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine is standard. Both engines have a 5-speed manual transmission standard and 5-speed automatic optional, and the V6 engine is optional for a modest amount on lower-trim models.
The base XL model comes at an extremely attractive price, starting at $16,395, but is also very modestly equipped, with manual side mirrors, wind-up windows and black vinyl flooring. The XLT is the next step up in price, at only $1270 more than the XL, and adds a more accommodating interior and improved exterior appearance with sport bucket seats, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD player and a 60/40-split bench seat. The Sport further improves the appearance, including fog lamps, mud flaps, and on some models, upgraded wheels.
At the top of the line is the FX4 Off-Road model, which brings a limited-slip rear axle, tow hooks, heavy-duty shocks, skid plates, larger wheels with all-terrain tires, and a number of luxuries inside including keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control and satellite radio. The FX4 Off-Road only comes with a 4-wheel drivetrain.
Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes and Ford's Personal Safety System standard on all models. The Ranger also has a reputation for reliability and repeat customers; according to Ford, it has won R.L. Polk & Co.'s Automotive Loyalty Awards 5 times. |
| Continuing on unchanged from 2008, the 2009 Ranger is available in four different trim levels, including the XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road. The 3.0-liter V6 has been dropped, leaving buyers the choice of a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and the 4.0-liter V6. A Class III trailer hitch is now standard on all models. |