The 2010 Ford Ranger

Coming with a load of options that make this truck highly customizable, the 2010 Ford Ranger has slipped under the radar. The biggest improvements come in the form of new standard safety features. Ford now offers the long lasting trucks with Advance Trac Roll Sensor system that actually has a gyroscope telling the vehicle how to handle so that it doesn't roll. As a truly compact truck, it one of the few left that resembles the small trucks of years gone by. Ford hasn't really changed these trucks significantly, and for good reason.

Engines available still include a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder, 2.7 liter V-6, and a 3.7 liter V-6. The smaller 2.3 liter gets an unprecedented 21 mpg in city driving, and 26 mpg highway. For the small truck class those numbers are at near industry best, even beating out small SUVs. Consumers who need a little more power can still utilize either of the V-6 engines and still receive great fuel economy. The larger engine will have around 16-17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Trim packages available include the XL, XLT, Sport, and FX4. The basic model, (XL) comes with power windows and locks as optional accessories, an AM/FM stereo, work (plastic) flooring or carpeting. As simple work truck, XL models are more than adequate for doing simple work tasks. Although none of these vehicles will be able to haul or carry substantial loads, they are quiet effective for every day truck needs. XL models commonly come with the smaller 4 cylinder engine and 2 wheel drive. Mid-level packages are the XLT models. An XLT come with standard full power accessories, either 2 or 4 wheel drive, the new advance trac roll stability system, and a choice of different interior fabrics. The new safety feature utilizes a gyroscope that feels tension through turns, while estimating the lean of the vehicle. By combining those factors with speed, the system is able to adjust making it far less likely for drivers to lose control.

Sports packages have been manufactured for performance on pavement. The suspension system has been tuned so that highway driving is more responsive, and a more powerful engine is utilized on these models, The off road packages, or FX4 are renowned for their great off roading capabilities. Whether driving on dirt, or in poor weather these trucks are ideal for getting you where you need to go. All FX4 models have raised suspensions, custom Bilstein shocks, and a superb 4 wheel drive system.

Each vehicle comes with a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab. As far as interior comfort goes, it is hard to compare one of these trucks with another small truck. Both Chevy and Toyota have enlarged there smallest trucks making them substantially larger than the 2010 Ford Ranger. For it's size however, the Ranger is able to offer comfortable seating for the driver and passengers (less so for rear passengers). The seating won't recline very far on regular cab models, but for small road trips it is more than adequate for an enjoyable ride.

The 2010 Ford Ranger is the only small, truly compact pickup left on the market. Competitors have either been discontinued over the years, or enlarged in size. For fuel economy and overall pricing, the Ranger is an ideal truck for consumers who don't need a full size pickup. Ford hasn't changed a lot in regards to the body style of these trucks, but they do offer a whole range of options that make them highly customizable to consumers preferences. Starting at $15,000 for basic models, the Ranger might just be the best all around small truck on the market.