The 2011 Ford Ranger offers affordable pricing with excellent styling. It is a compact pickup that is both inexpensive to operate and own. The vehicle is capable of going off-road while still being able to tow 1,600 to 3,100 pounds. The pickup is available in regular-cab and extended-cab models to meet all of your needs.
Key Features
The Ford Ranger has a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine that offers 143 hp at 5,250 rpm. It has an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the manual transmission. For the automatic transmission it gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Standard features include a five speed manual transmission, side-impact airbags, power steering, electronic stability control, and 15-inch steel wheels.
Changes for 2011
For 2011, the Ford Ranger now has side airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, and a trailer hitch.
What We Like
The steering response with the Ford Ranger is firm while direct, and the acceleration is good while driving on the highway. The remote start is a nice feature, especially in extremely hot or cold climates. There is no more going out to warmup or cool down the car, just start it and it will be ready for you in a couple minutes. Another nice feature is the seven foot bed that is available on the XL Regular Cab.
What Concerns Us
If you are looking for a truck to haul heavy loads or seat four passengers on a regular basis, this may not be the truck for you. The Ranger also does not have as much horsepower as the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado, so you may want to look at those if you need more horsepower.
Available Models
The Ford Ranger is available in the regular cab and super cab models depending on how much you need to carry in the back. There is the option of a 4.0 liter V6 engine that offers 207 hp for those who are looking for a little extra power. This vehicle is estimated to get 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Major Recalls
The 2011 Ford Ranger was recalled due to a multi-function switch with a deformed slider which cause the tail lights, turn signal, and hazard lights not to work properly.
Common Issues
Common complaints include gear issues when cold, erratic shifting, debris getting into lower vents, and overheating while in four-wheel drive.
