About Me

Isn't this meadow soothing? Let's pave a road through it! I'm James Riswick and these are my random thoughts published daily.

RSS Feed

Thoughts from the Curb

Car Reviews, News and Random Thoughts from Edmunds.com Automotive Editor James Riswick

Feb 9, 2009 - 2010 Ford Ranger: More Safety Stuff, Rear 'Seat' Still Deathtrap

2010 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

The Ford Ranger (pictured above), which rides on a platform introduced the year I was born, receives more standard safety equipment for 2010. Side airbags and roll stability control are now graciously included with every Ranger.

But have you ever peaked at the Ranger's IIHS crash score? What, you haven't? Lazy ass. Any way, the government tested a Ranger extended cab with the inward-facing drop down rear seats. The IIHS chose not to even award the truck with a side rear rating because "the rear jump seats ... are not recommended for safe transport." In other words, you might as well strap down some lawn furniture into the bed. Although, to be fair, those new airbags are bound to improve the Ranger's "Poor" front passenger torso protection and "Marginal" overall score.

In other Ranger news, Ford is quick to advertise it as the "most fuel efficient truck in America" thanks to its 143 hp four-cylinder that returns 26 mpg on the highway. Bravo, the same highway fuel economy as a Corvette from an engine as powerful as a Civic. I'm not sure if that says more about that engine or the fuel efficiency of trucks in America. Either way, Ford's got to replace that dinosaur.

-James Riswick

9:11 am | Categories: car news commentary
Permalink | Alert Administrator		  
Add to:     

 
Comments
gearhead1977 - Feb 18, 2009 11:23 am
A great little truck and the right size truck, about 10 years over due for an overhaul and 5 years past replacement. The typical problem with US manufacturers, they can't keep all the plates spinning. They put all their energy into one car or one type, usually whatever makes the most money. This is fine, except the other products suffer so badly that they disappear from all but the hardcore buyers radar. For all the effort over the years on Explorer and F-150, the Taurus, Ranger, minivan (Windstar or Freestar, you pick) and Focus were left to languish, scraping whatever sales could be had and being shadows of their former nameplates or just non-starters to begin with. Chrysler is an even better example of this.
steve_ - Feb 15, 2009 9:41 pm
Until the Chicken Tax is repealed, there's really not much motivation to replace it.
Add Your Comment:

To post a comment about this blog you must be signed-in