2008 Ford Ranger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The Ford Ranger packs a lot of fun and capability into a nimble, compact pickup truck. For 2008, it also shows its age in serious ways.
Pickup trucks are growing, even small ones. Many entries in the compact market are now considered “midsize.” In many ways, this defeats their purpose, as they lose their nimble dimensions. Not true of the 2008 Ford Ranger. Despite being one of the last true compacts, it’s every bit as rugged and dependable as its rivals, which include the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the Toyota Tacoma, the Dodge Dakota, the Nissan Frontier, and the Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger is also sold as Mazda B-series trucks.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The Ranger hasn’t changed much through the years. The truck's overall look speaks to its nimble nature, while its tall greenhouse provides solid visibility. There are several different grille designs based on the trim selected. The Ranger’s cabin is simple and straightforward. The small instrument panel and minimal centre console are a product of the truck’s small dimensions.
Available trim levels for the 2008 Ranger are XL, XLT, and Sport. The lineup also offers Regular Cab and SuperCab (extended cab) body styles. Both versions can be had in all three trims, and the SuperCab is also available in the FX4 Off-Road trim.
The Ranger’s age really shows in the spartan XL trim. It has 15-inch steel wheels, an AM/FM stereo, and a 60/40 split-fold vinyl bench front seats. This bench seat is covered in cloth in the SuperCab version of the Ford Ranger XL. The XLT upgrades the stereo to an AM/FM/CD/MP3 and adds an auxiliary audio jack. The Ford Ranger XLT also adds chrome exterior trim, cruise control, and air conditioning. The Ford Ranger Sport has many of the same features as the XLT and also adds unique styling, alloy wheels, satellite radio functionality, and a Class III trailer hitch. The Ford Ranger FX4 Off-Road provides bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a helpful storage console between the seats.
Performance
There are three engines offered on the 2008 Ranger: a four-cylinder and two V6 options. The base 2.3-litre inline-four makes power specs of 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre V6 puts out 148 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This is a prime case of “bad, OK, and good,” where the four-cylinder powertrain is woefully underpowered and the 3.0-litre V6 engine is slightly better thanks to its torque rating. If you can, spring for the 4.0-litre V6, which makes decent power for getting up to speed. When properly equipped, the Ranger can tow 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds).
The Ranger is offered with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, sending power to rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD). The FX4 Off-Road beefs-up the Ranger with heavy-duty shocks, a limited-slip rear differential, added underbody skid plates, and 16-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Form & function
Ford offers the 2008 Ranger in Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles. The Regular Cab is as advertised, with seating for three thanks to the front bench. The SuperCab features rear half-doors that require opening the front door to operate. The SuperCab’s second-row jump-seats are quite small and not ideal for full-size adults. Between the rear jump seats and front bench, the SuperCab can seat up to five passengers, though it’ll be quite cramped in the rear seat.
The Ranger offers 6-foot and 7-foot bed sizes. The SuperCab only comes with the 6-foot bed, while the Regular Cab is offered in both bed sizes.
Technology
Safety
Standard safety features on the Ranger include seatbelt pre-tensioners, lower tire pressure warning, and antilock brakes. The Ranger also provides driver- and front-passenger airbags with a front-passenger occupancy sensor.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluation, the Ranger earns a five-star rating for front driver’s side crash testing. It earns four out of five stars for front passenger crash testing. The Ranger does not fare as well in testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It scores Average in moderate front overlap and roof strength, Marginal in side testing, and Poor in head restraints.
Cost-effectiveness
The most-efficient version of the 2008 Ford Ranger is the RWD version with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, which consumes 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.5 on the highway. The version of the truck with the worst fuel economy is the 4.0-litre V6 with the five-speed automatic and 4WD, which averages 15.7 L/100 km in the city and 11.7 on the highway.
The 2008 Ford Ranger has a starting price of $15,399, making it one of the most affordable trucks on the market today. A mid-level 4WD Regular Cab XLT trim costs $24,299. A range-topping 4WD SuperCab FX4 Off-Road costs $25,099.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Ford Ranger appreciate its power, ruggedness, and fuel economy, often highlighting its reliable performance and compact size. They enjoy its handling and the fact it’s a tough, dependable truck. However, some drivers feel it lacks power for towing heavier loads and has a basic interior that may not meet everyone's preferences."
Most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had. It’s not the prettiest or most comfortable ride/ interior, but it’s pretty tough and has towed anything I’ve wanted it to. This truck has never left me stranded, and has everything I could look for in a truck…but not a whole lot else.
September 24, 2008This Ford Ranger Regular cab, short bed, 4x4, 3.0 Liter engine with automatic overdrive transmission is a good vehicle for light daily needs BUT, it could have had better engineered by way of manual lock out hubs for the front 4x4 axle and proper gear ratio's for fuel economy with the 3.0 Liter engine (the Ford F150 4.6 gets the same fuel mileage in a much bigger size and more cargo/towing capacity) . Its almost as if Ford got to the 29th mile of a 30 mile road race and forgot it was a 30 mile course.
July 27, 2013Perfect size small pickup with pretty good history of dependability and reliability.
September 13, 2023What owners say
Most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had. It’s not the prettiest or most comfortable ride/ interior, but it’s pretty tough and has towed anything I’ve wanted it to. This truck has never left me stranded, and has everything I could look for in a truck…but not a whole lot else.
September 24, 2008This Ford Ranger Regular cab, short bed, 4x4, 3.0 Liter engine with automatic overdrive transmission is a good vehicle for light daily needs BUT, it could have had better engineered by way of manual lock out hubs for the front 4x4 axle and proper gear ratio's for fuel economy with the 3.0 Liter engine (the Ford F150 4.6 gets the same fuel mileage in a much bigger size and more cargo/towing capacity) . Its almost as if Ford got to the 29th mile of a 30 mile road race and forgot it was a 30 mile course.
July 27, 2013Perfect size small pickup with pretty good history of dependability and reliability.
September 13, 2023I love this truck - it drives great, and the Grabber Orange color makes it a head-turner. It is fun to drive, and does a good job at towing. The only down-side is I wish it had "real" rear seats, rather than the two jump seats.
March 12, 2015This is my second Ranger and I love it more than anything. There's no other small truck that you get this much for this price.
December 30, 2007Was an Amazing Truck!! Lasted forever limited Mechanical issues..
September 15, 2022I drove a 1998 Ranger RWD for the past 10 years. Loved it: its size, payload, versatility, ease in traffic except I had a 4cylc 5 speed, and sometimes couldnt keep up with the 80MPH. I had 260000 miles on it. Bought it with 30000. Except for black ice in MN, I would still have it. It got totaled. The newer models and V6 and power windows and doors and better mirrors make it a great truck.
September 3, 2020This truck is a nice looking truck,Have had no repairs on this truck.The cost on maintenance is very low. The interior nice with the gray and black,the performance is good. Great gas miles on the ranger. Just in all a nice truck to own and drive.
February 25, 2011Performance: Great was really surprised with diesel. Braking is good but tends to fade under heavy braking and off road driving. handling is good for its size. its got the normal ford squeaky suspension mounts and the top section off the dash rattles a bit. Its got a very muscular appearance which i love. i get about 760 km on a 80liter tank of diesel maintenance isn't to expensive. And its a lot of fun to drive but on sand and gravel roads it starts coming alive.
July 13, 2010good performance.looks good.decent gas milage.easy to maintain.decent payload for a compact truck,good off roader,fun to drive on and off road,suits my needs.good pulling power for the size,pulls my 12'x7' utility trailler with my two quad atv's plus loaded for the family to go to the cottage with ease.
April 5, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $18,065 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $19,390 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $15,490 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $22,435 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $19,170 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $15,695 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $21,790 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $19,575 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $22,710 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $15,945 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $23,965 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $16,480 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $19,535 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $19,980 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $17,070 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $21,180 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $20,660 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $18,135 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $17,345 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $14,220 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain 4X2 |
Base MSRP $20,535 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
