2009 Ford Ranger Review: Dependable & Affordable Small Truck With Long-Lasting Engines

Aug 5, 2022

The 2009 Ford Ranger lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor engine and suspension vibrations. At $7,818 to $11,543, it’s a good value for a compact and efficient truck.

The Good

The V6 engine offers good power for a truck its size, the off-road performance is decent and the longer bed easily fits construction materials.

The Bad

The backseats are extremely cramped, the steering feel is loose compared to rivals and the technology is very basic.

Is the 2009 Ford Ranger a Good Used Truck?

Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Ranger. Owner reviews praise the compact size, dependable engines, and hauling capabilities.
Interior quality is below average with a lot of cheap plastic and cloth used in the cabin, and the technology is very out of date for a truck from 2009.
Reliability ratings are very good. Avoid models from 2006–2008 which have more serious mechanical issues and go with a 2009 or newer.
Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder engine, and the V6 offers average power for a small truck.
The 2009 Ranger is a reasonably safe truck, earning an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and only 3 stars in the rollover risk test.
Fuel economy is good for a truck, averaging 23 MPG, which will get you about 440 miles of range out of the 19.5 gallon gas tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

Tommy J

It is easy to drive and get around town and on the open road.

I like the ability to park like a car; with the convenience of a Truck. I have the XL which allows me the ability to take the grandchildren with me. I would prefer better gas mileage.

Brenda K

Size of a car but works like a truck.

Ford ranger has all the benefits of a truck while also having the driving experience of owning a car. Four wheel drive and hauling ability but not the size of a big bulky truck!

diane o

It is tough, durable and a long lasting ford vehicle.

I love my ford ranger it is dependable truck. I have had no problems with it. I bought it new. There was even a air bag recall, and i still love my truck.

Nicole R

Great one person or family truck.

I love my truck it has a lot of room extension cab nice 4 wheel drive it gets great mileage per gallon. I love everything about it inside and out it has. A lot of room for 4 people a lot of leg room up front. Handy gets me from point a to point b never breaks down on me I have owned another one just like this one it is a great truck for one person or a family. Great to haul big objects just so great.

charles T

It's a great truck well worth the money spent and has been a great truck

This is the perfect size truck and i have over 300,000 miles on this and no major repairs just normal upkeep

John C

It runs. It is useful. It is paid for.

No complaints, it is a little rusty on the steps, the body has not rusted. I want a bigger bed.

Andrew Campbell

Mutli-use, Compact, All-Around Dependability

Alternator went out while in the boonies after truck turned ten years old.... But, kept me going next hundred miles by driving faster to keep battery charged. Awesome vehicle, parts readily available, simple truck.

Michael K

It is extremely reliable and it very rarely has any problems.

It is very dependable. It was also very affordable. I do wish the gas mileage was better.

Negative Owner Reviews

John L

It is a truck and you can haul items in the back of the small truck.

Very small. Make a lot of wind noise. Doesn't have a lot of power.

Toma W

It has great mileage and doesn't have many mechanical problems.

It runs well, it just doesn't have enough space in the cabin for anything.

Marilyn H

Good over all to get around in. . . Just in town.

Needs more room on in side. . . Bed in back needs to be longer very reliable. . Good on gas. Not comfortable.

Lora B

It is a two seater, is extended cab, nice looking, economical.

It is uncomfortable, easy on gas, reliable, drives great, it is a five speed, it has been good mechanically, no problems with electrical or mechanical.

Thomas C

Interesting small truck to drive-very economical.

Very economical, fun to drive, almost drives like a car. Has limited towing capacity with also a very rough ride. Other than that, is a joy to own. Next time I would purchase an extended cab version. Has limited room for passengers. Other than that, I have had no issues.

Collin R

Avoid the 2009 ford ranger.

Very uncomfortable, quality issues, poor mpg, underpowered, mechanical issues, ride quality is poor, cheap parts, stiff seats, limited storage room, no room in back seat, low towing capacity. Limited engine options, stiff ride quality, poor night time visibility.

Harvey Boldt

Uses far too much oil, parking brake cables

I would recommend this little truck, gas mileage with 2.3 is great. Problem 1: uses far too much oil. Problem 2: parking brake very poorly engineered. Every 2 years brake cables rusted solid and need to be replaced.

Deb A

Airbag recall is taking a long time.

Ok vehicle but there is a recall issue that is taking an extra long time to be resolved I will probably trade the vehicle in before it is resolved it is the airbag.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Ranger?

Consumer Reports says the 2009 Ranger is compact with a useful sized bed, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Ranger a 4.4/5 and enjoys the off-road capabilities, but doesn’t like the long braking distances.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Ranger 4.4/5 and praise the overall durability, but owners don’t like the fairly low towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Ford Ranger Have?

The most common problems found on the 2009 Ford Ranger include engine vibrations, a failing catalytic converter, and suspension noise in the front end. Overall, these are fairly common problems compared to other trucks on the market and repair costs are similar as well.

Engine vibrations with the 4-cylinder are the most widespread complaint from owners, showing up in the first 3,000 miles. It’s usually caused by the engine misfiring and not getting a spark to one or more cylinders. Replacing the spark plugs and wires usually helps with the problem for about $350.

Catalytic converter failures show up on some Ranger models at around 80,000 miles. The V6 engine is more prone to catalytic converter problems, and the only solution is to replace the entire unit, which costs around $1,000.

Suspension noises in the front end of the truck are also mentioned by owners at around 35,000 miles. Blown shocks or struts cause the suspension to bottom out on small bumps, and replacing the components costs about $600.

There are 9 recalls, which is worse than average for a truck from 2009. The most serious recall is for the front wheel spindle, which can separate and cause a crash. Many of the other recalls are for air bag inflators, and are not a concern once they’ve been replaced.

How Long Will the 2009 Ford Ranger Last?

A well-maintained 2009 Ford Ranger should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than competitors like the Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than average, according to Repair Pal, at $592 per year.

Most 2009 Ranger models will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the heater core for $1,000, the intake manifold gasket costing $475, and the purge valve which costs $220.

Nanette M

Not at this time. I just had tires checked and rotated, and the oil changed. The a/c and heater are both in good working condition. I had the front brakes replaced about 6 months ago.

Joanna P

It absolutely has no problems. The transmission and engine are in great working order. Had brand new tires.

How Much Is the 2009 Ford Ranger Worth?

Blue book values range from $7,818 to $11,543, which makes it thousands of dollars cheaper than a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. When new, the price range was $16,395 to $25,805. Depreciation is similar to average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Ranger?

There are four models of the 2009 Ford Ranger available, and it’s offered with a regular and extended-cab. The third generation was introduced for the 1998 model year, and discontinued after 2011 due to declining sales. The Ranger model was reintroduced in 2019.

XL is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Vinyl Bench Seating
AM/FM Stereo With 4 Speakers

XLT is a step up, adding:

Cloth Seating
Air Conditioning
Chrome Exterior Trim
AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack

Sport is next in the lineup and adds:

15-Inch Alloy Wheels
Color-Keyed Grille Surrounds
Body Colored Bumpers
Satellite Radio

FX4 Off-Road is at the top of the group and has:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
2-Tone Paint Job
Limited Slip Rear Differential
Keyless Entry
Off-Road Suspension
Cruise Control

207 HP 15-16 MPG

View Details

XLT

207 HP 15-16 MPG

View Details

Sport

207 HP 15-16 MPG

View Details

FX4 Off-Road

207 HP 15-16 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Ford Ranger?

The base engine is a fairly weak 2.3L 4-cylinder that makes 143 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG combined. With the 4-cylinder it’s capable of towing up to 1,600 pounds.
A step up is the average 4.0L V6 engine which produces 207 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined. The towing capacity is improved at up to 3,100 pounds.

What Colors Does the Ford Ranger Come In?

How Big Is the Ford Ranger?

The 2009 Ford Ranger is a compact truck similar in size to the Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado. It comes as either a 2-door standard cab, or a 2.5-door extended cab version. Passenger room is good in the front seats, but the backseats are extremely cramped.

There are two bed lengths available including a 6-foot standard bed and 7-foot long bed. The 7-foot bed is longer than other compact trucks from 2009.

How Does the Ford Ranger Compare to the Competition?

The Ford Ranger is average compared to other compact pickup trucks from 2009, there are only a few small trucks on the market, and the decision usually comes down to personal brand preference.

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular competitor which costs about $2,200 more. Off-road performance and reliability ratings are both better in the Toyota Tacoma, but the long bed in the Ford Ranger is better for hauling materials. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since it lasts longer and is more affordable to own.

The Ford F-150 is another rival, which costs about $3,000 more. Passenger room and towing performance are both better in the Ford F-150, but the Ford Ranger fits better in large cities where parking is limited. We recommend the Ford F-150 since it’s has more room, but both are good choices.

Ranks #6 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

2009 Nissan Frontier

4.68

2009 Honda Ridgeline

4.67

2009 Ford Ranger

4.33

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Ranger?

Nanette M

Yes it is. It is dependable, easy to drive and rides well. It is easy to haul furniture and other small items from one place to another.

Joanna P

Yes it is very dependable. It is a five speed good on gas. Cleans up easy. I have a spray on bedliner. Does not use oil. No leaks. 4 cylinder.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Ben Ranger Rabbit on January 30, 2023

Reliable sturdy good looking truck

Bought my 2009 Ranger Sport extended cab used with 35k miles on it Ten years later I have 103k miles on it. Within that period, expenses has been mostly for maintenance, ie, brakes, tires, oil changes etc. So far I only had to replace blender door actuator for the heater/AC system. The truck is very comfortable for two people and excellent on road trips. Lots of room to haul stuff. It has a full size spare tire which is important for long road trips. The 4.0 liter V6 is smooth and plenty of power. I get 17 to 21 mpg on it which I wish it was better but can't have everything. The truck makes up for it in other ways though. The 5 speed automatic transmission is also smooth. The paint on the roof has started to fade a little but not too bad according to a body shop guy. But the paint is holding up pretty well everywhere else. I really like my Ranger. It's a good looking truck and I keep up with maintaining it both mechanically and cosmetically. I always get compliments on it and even offers to buy it. I have 4 others cars and 3 motorcycles but the Ranger Is my daily driver. And probably the last car I'd let go... If I had to.

Renee G on April 3, 2021

We bought it pretty cheap, but it runs great. We love it.

It's a great vehicle. But we are going to have to buy a new one due to the fact that it is not big enough for our family. But we are keeping it because it's been great to us and my husband will use it for work

Michael D on March 21, 2021

It is gets me from point A to point B and she’s mine.

My vehicle is very reliable, dependable, and cost convenient. Only problem I have with it is it is older and I am going to eventually need a new one.

Matthew P on March 14, 2021

It's a good truck, no mechanical issues.

I love the performance. I dislike the gas mileage. I love the ride. I love the color. I dislike the bed size when moving.

thomas k on March 8, 2021

It's paid for and I own it gets great mileage and is very reliable

Great mileage sporty reasonably priced efficient and reliable

Sandy N on February 21, 2021

Without a doubt it will get me were I want to go.

It is a very reliable truck, but kind of small compared to other pickups. Also is a very big gas guzzler.

Collin R on February 15, 2021

Avoid the 2009 ford ranger.

Greg B on February 12, 2021

It is red with doors and window.

None my truck is great I have no problems with it whatsoever, it's go straight when I press gas and stops when I press brake thank you.

Marcy F on December 2, 2020

That it runs really well to be an older model vehicle.

I like that it goes well in the winter months. I like that it gets good gas mileage. I have no complaints.

Michael T on November 6, 2020

Our Black Bison Plants Truck

Great truck in performance. Good size for our business. Installed a custom canopy I'd recommend to anyone. Has lots of good passing speed

Harvey Boldt on October 20, 2020

Uses far too much oil, parking brake cables

Andrew Campbell on September 22, 2020

Mutli-use, Compact, All-Around Dependability

Nicole M on September 7, 2020

Great gas mileage for a truck and my truck has lots lots of the room

Love my vehicle very good on gas I love how it sets high off the ground easy to get in to. It has a lot of room for all my stuff like tools extended cab bud truck bed. Looks great on outside good paint job .

Sean S on August 4, 2020

Get sandbags for heavy rain/snowy driving to prevent fishtailing.

My Ford ranger is highly reliable and has never given me issues a all. The only issues are with the relatively weak engine making accelerating uphill onto the highway difficult a times, but it is a small vehicle and a small engine so what're you going to do?

Mary G on June 13, 2020

It fits my uses. It came with a camper top which is really great.

My truck is an older model. It is a no frills truck except for power steering. For being from 2009 it runs really good. No mechanical problems so far. The only thing I have had to replace were the tires last year. Most likely were the originals. Only problem is the cab size. Not very much room or storage space.

Nellie V on May 30, 2020

No problems, great gas mileage, comfortable seating with cab room to keep shopping inside and dry with the plus of a pickup bed.

Great gas mileage! Low fuel and oil consumption with enough power.

Tommy J on April 6, 2020

It is easy to drive and get around town and on the open road.

I like the ability to park like a car; with the convenience of a Truck. I have the XL which allows me the ability to take the grandchildren with me. I would prefer better gas mileage.

Lora B on March 13, 2020

Loads of room with extended cab, great gas mileage, hauls heavy loads.

It is uncomfortable to ride in for long distances, it gets great gas mileage, hauls oversized loads for size and weight, all around great pickup. It looks sharp, can haul extra inside with extended cab feature. With the five speed it gets better gas mileage.

Cale H on March 6, 2020

Very durable and could probably last 20 more years.

The truck is very reliable, and I have grown to love it over the years. Only didn't start a couple times due to the battery.

Cody M on February 10, 2020

A dependable truck that perseveres through rough conditions.

It does its job and works great. As a truck, I can use it to transport furniture, boats, debris to take to the dump, sandbags. Drive carefully with the vehicle as best you can, for I drive in a region with heavy seasonal shifts with cold, icy winters and rainy periods that leave roads slippery.

Mike T on February 1, 2020

Mike's take on my Ford ranger.

Very perky get up 6 cylinder smooth ride no defects except slight rattle in door. Gas mileage could be better. Rear jump seats are ok in a pinch. Love the full bed.

Deb A on January 24, 2020

Airbag recall is taking a long time.

Ok vehicle but there is a recall issue that is taking an extra long time to be resolved I will probably trade the vehicle in before it is resolved it is the airbag.

Rick B on January 21, 2020

Gets 30 miles to the gallon.

I like the small truck. Especially since they do not make it anymore.. I should have gotten an extended cab..

Ee A on January 18, 2020

Great small truck made in the USA.

The 2009 Ford ranger is a great vehicle. It provides ample power with a v6 engine and I really like the 4 door model that I have. The heater works great same with the air conditioning radio is great also. The weight capacity is excellent I can put 30 cinder blocks in and it is not a problem.

Roger P on January 15, 2020

It is always reliable and enjoyable to drive.

I'm just a Ford truck person from way back. It lets me tackle about anything I need to do.

Thomas C on December 30, 2019

Interesting small truck to drive-very economical.

Teresa C on December 21, 2019

Not any would prefer a better one.

Its okay size is a little to small for me and it don't handle good on wet road. Would myself rather have a full size or car. The paint is coming off something Ford should redo there self. The road sounds high would be a good off-road truck. I myself do not like the truck for a everyday one.

Nicole R on November 30, 2019

Great one person or family truck.

Randall E on November 20, 2019

I drive the ranger most out of 6 cars and 2 motorcycles.

My truck driver and runs great no problems at all. I do not know what else to say about my Ford ranger it is great.

James C on November 16, 2019

It has lasted for nine years and is still going strong

It's dependable. It gets good gas mileage. It has had few maintenance problems. I wish the cab was bigger

diane o on November 7, 2019

It is tough, durable and a long lasting ford vehicle.

I love my ford ranger it is dependable truck. I have had no problems with it. I bought it new. There was even a air bag recall, and i still love my truck.

Lora B on October 20, 2019

The Ranger is dependable and reliable, we have had no problems with mechanical issues, it is good on gas mileage.

The Ranger is dependable, great gas mileage, is reliable, the comfort is lacking and the extend a cap is only used for things, you cannot set back behind the seats. It has the minimum features, with power windows and locks, air conditioning. All around the Ranger is a good pickup and is perfect for what we need to haul.

Lora B on October 9, 2019

It is a two seater, is extended cab, nice looking, economical.

It is uncomfortable, easy on gas, reliable, drives great, it is a five speed, it has been good mechanically, no problems with electrical or mechanical.

Martha W on September 17, 2019

Small but powerful. Comfortable for long distance trips.

Only problem I have had with my ranger was I had to replace the fuel pump. At over 100, 000 miles and 9 years I consider that to be expected. The ranger drives good, is easy to park, and is capable of carrying a load. I regularly pick up feed and hay for livestock with this vehicle. It is a small truck in size but can be used as a work truck. With ac, radio, DVD, Sirius, power windows and locks it does everything I need.

Stacy R on August 11, 2019

Extended Cab Rangers in the City

Ranger Extended Cab is a reliable small truck, comfortable to drive around town in as well as useful for loading and carrying cargo - even an small upright piano! The back fold down seats are not very large, but okay for small kids - the only drawback is you cannot put a car seat in the truck because the back fold down seats are too small and there is an airbag in the front seat. I like the size and ride of my ranger.

Lucille M on July 27, 2019

Small lightweight dependable truck.

I own a 2009 ford ranger. It is a small lightweight truck. It is a no frills vehicle, no electric windows, but the a/c is very cold. It is dependable and sturdy. It is great for hauling lightweight cargo and helping you and your friends move just about anything. Love this truck!

Toma W on July 12, 2019

It has great mileage and doesn't have many mechanical problems.

It runs well, it just doesn't have enough space in the cabin for anything.

diane D on July 2, 2019

That it is to be respected, kept looking good and keep it's ageless look.

I love fords, it is fun to have a truck so you can haul large items in the cab. Nothing to dislike, it is a cool blue color. No complaints

John L on June 26, 2019

It is a truck and you can haul items in the back of the small truck.

Very small. Make a lot of wind noise. Doesn't have a lot of power.

Stacey K on June 10, 2019

I bout it with very few miles. I have had no problems.

My vehicle is great on gas dependable. Great for road trips. And vacations. I love the fact it only has 2 seats so no one can ask for rides.

Michael K on June 7, 2019

It is extremely reliable and it very rarely has any problems.

It is very dependable. It was also very affordable. I do wish the gas mileage was better.

charles T on May 27, 2019

It's a great truck well worth the money spent and has been a great truck

This is the perfect size truck and i have over 300,000 miles on this and no major repairs just normal upkeep

Marilyn H on May 13, 2019

Good over all to get around in. . . Just in town.

Needs more room on in side. . . Bed in back needs to be longer very reliable. . Good on gas. Not comfortable.

Battle T on March 31, 2019

Its small and light, so don't expect much.

The truck is ok if you are not 6ft or taller. It doesn't do well in sand. The truck is more for light pickups. A/c isn't the best. All in all, there are better trucks out there.

Richard B on March 29, 2019

The good and the bad of Ford Rangers

As far as gas wise, I am very satisfied with my truck. Right now I have problem with a knocking sound with it.

Ray A on March 5, 2019

She can be a little slow accelerating into the interstate.

I like that it is stick-shift and gets good gas mileage. My only complaint would be that it is a 4 cylinder, instead of a 6.

James C on February 5, 2019

It is very dependable and gets great gas mileage.

It gets good gas mileage. It has had few maintenance issues. I wish it was larger in the cab. I wish they still made them so I could buy a new one.

Brenda K on January 29, 2019

Size of a car but works like a truck.

Ford ranger has all the benefits of a truck while also having the driving experience of owning a car. Four wheel drive and hauling ability but not the size of a big bulky truck!

John C on January 21, 2019

It runs. It is useful. It is paid for.

No complaints, it is a little rusty on the steps, the body has not rusted. I want a bigger bed.

Mary K on December 18, 2018

Maintenance how to check oil how to change a tire how to add oil

Great on gas smooth ride. Comfortable too. I like my truck

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.