2011 Ford Ranger Review
Price
from: RM66,888
to: RM93,888
Installment
from: RM638/mth
to: RM895/mth
2011 Ford Ranger at a glance
The 2011 Ford Ranger may not be outstanding in any one area, but it could be the best all-rounder. With a strong, refined engine, improved ride comfort, and a solid, civilised cabin, the 2011 Ford Ranger should stand out well.
2011 Ford Ranger quick specs
| Body Style | Truck |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Ford Ranger ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Ford Ranger started life with a styling so conservative that it drew criticisms. That was not without reason; compared to radically styled rivals led by the Mitsubishi Triton, the Ford Ranger looked almost boring. Ford has always maintained that trucks should look like, well, trucks. To close the styling gap with rivals, the 2011 facelifted Ford Ranger has gained a more interesting front end, although most of the rear remains unchanged.
Handling
The 2011 Ford Ranger's focus lies off-road instead of on-road, apparent from the ball and nut steering system, low-ratio transfer box and switchable four-wheel drive in use. Even so, the 2011 Ford Ranger at least matches rivals on the roads. Plenty of body roll and modest grip are still part of the truck equation. While the steering may not have the accuracy or quick response of a rack and pinion system, the feedback is actually decent. The steering is also light, allowing easy maneuvering and parking in city areas.
Comfort
The ride is clearly more pliant than before, especially at the back. But like most trucks, the 2011 Ford Ranger's on-road manners feel relatively crude, with a suspension tuned for carrying goods than providing a comfortable ride. Cabin refinement benefits from one of the most refined engine found in trucks. Road noise is well kept out, but wind noise is quite audible while cruising. The dashboard is easy to navigate, and the driving position is good, even if seat-height and steering-reach adjustments are lacking. The seats are also plush and supportive.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin does not pretend to be anything else other than being functional. From the simple dash layout, the sturdy cabin construction, to the durable materials, the 2011 Ford Ranger seems built to function well under hard use. That said, the cabin design is more sedan-like and civilised than seen in certain rivals. Ford is an established brand name, and we fully expect the underlying mechanicals to remain reliable.
Performance
Debuting with the Ford Ranger is the commonrail turbodiesel Duratorq 2.5-litre TDCi engine churning out an impressive 141 bhp and 330 Nm at just 1800 rpm. Mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, the 2.5-litre proves to be one of the most refined engine out there, delivering a smooth, lag-free and at the same time eager performance. The five-speed manual is outstanding and has to be preferred over the automatic if you want to get the best out of the engine.
Roominess
The 2011 Ford Ranger's dimensions are largely unchanged from the previous-generation Ford Ranger's, and hence the cabin room is about the same too. Entry to the rear is still tight, but once inside, two adults can sit with adequate head- and leg-room. The front two can sit in relative comfort. The lack of cabin room is however compensated by the large cargo bed, which happens to be one of the largest in the class.
Running Costs
The 2.5-litre may be diesel, but the impressive power output comes at the price of an unimpressive fuel economy—the more frugal manual Ranger variant returns only 11.2 km/litre. Servicing and repair costs should be reasonable, however. The depreciation should be moderate, too, as the Ford Ranger commands a certain goodwill over other trucks thanks to its proven pedigree.
Value for Money
The Mitsubishi Triton remains the most stylish; the Nissan Navara the most powerful; and the Isuzu D-MAX the most economical. But the 2011 Ford Ranger makes a convincing case for itself, and could well be the best all-rounder when price is taken into consideration. The truck segment is now as competitive as ever, but the 2011 Ford Ranger with its accomplished set of skills should stand out well.
Equipment
Standard equipments include 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights, reverse sensors, CD player with MP3 compatibility, four speakers, power windows, central locking, electric side mirrors, and keyless entry system. The automatic Ranger variant adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Safety equipments include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, dual front airbags, and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Environment
The 2.5-litre engine is not the cleanest or the most efficient by diesel standards. Carbon dioxide emissions of 244 grams/km and fuel economy of 11.2 km/litre for the manual Ranger variant are figures that need improving upon, especially when the automatic Ranger variant is worse off in both areas.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Strong, refined engine
Improved ride comfort
Solid, civilised cabin
Truck-type on-road manners
Tight entry to the rear
Unimpressive fuel economy
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