Ford Ranger 969495 225876373 2008-07-15T20:35:32Z Prop21 4396026 /* Sales decline, Rumored discontinuation, and the Rebirth */ a better tag for the section {{Infobox Automobile |name=Ford Ranger (North American) |image=[[Image:1993-1997 Ford Ranger.jpg|250px|3rd-gen Ford Ranger XLT regular cab]] |manufacturer=[[Ford Motor Company]] |production=1983&ndash;2009 |predecessor=[[Ford Courier]] |class=Compact [[pickup truck]] |layout=[[Front-engine design|Front-engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[Four-wheel drive]] |assembly=[[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]<br>[[Edison, New Jersey]]<br>[[Louisville, Kentucky]] }} '''Ford Ranger''' is a name used on two distinct compact [[pickup truck]] lines by the [[Ford Motor Company]] and by a marketing arrangement with Mazda. * A Ford-designed compact pickup truck, which is sold in North America as well as markets in South America like [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Argentina]]. It is also currently marketed as the [[Mazda B-Series (North America)]] by Mazda dealers. It is built currently in St. Paul, Minnesota. * A [[Mazda]]-designed compact pickup known as [[Mazda B-Series (International)]]) sold in more than 130 countries, and also sold with a '''Ford Ranger''' nameplate. The use of four-wheel drive in light trucks and the '''Ranger''' name began in May 1950 when [[Marmon-Herrington]] announced a four-wheel drive conversion of a Ford Panel truck with windows cut into it. In 1965, the name "Ranger" was first introduced as a premium styling package for the [[Ford F-Series]] full-sized pickup trucks. The name was taken in 1982 for the line of North American compact trucks introduced in mid-1982 as an early 1983 model to replace the Toyo Kogyo (Mazda)-built [[Ford Courier]]. ==North American Ranger== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=First generation |image=[[Image:1st-Ford-Ranger.jpg|250px|Ford Ranger Single Cab]] |production=1983&ndash;1988 |wheelbase= {{Auto in|107.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|113.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|125|1}} |length= {{Auto in|175.6|0}} <br> {{Auto in|187.6|0}} <br> {{Auto in|192.7|0}} |width= {{Auto in|66.9|0}} |height= |engine=2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Pinto engine#2.0 OHC|OHC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.2&nbsp;L [[Perkins Engines Company Limited|Perkins]] [[Perkins 4.135|4.135]] [[Diesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Pinto engine#2.0 OHC|OHC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.3&nbsp;L [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] [[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4D55|4D55]] [[Turbodiesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.8&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]]<br>2.9&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]] |transmission='''[[Manual transmission|Manual]]'''<br>4-speed [[Toyo Kogyo]] ''TK4''<br>5-speed [[Toyo Kogyo]] ''TK5''<br>5-speed [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] ''FM132'' <br>5-speed [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] ''FM145''<br>5-speed [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] ''FM146''<br>5-speed [[Mazda]] ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1]]''<br>'''[[Automatic transmission|Automatic]]'''<br>3-speed ''[[Ford C3 transmission|C3]]''<br>3-speed ''[[Ford C5 transmission|C5]]''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford A4LD transmission|A4LD]]'' |related=[[Ford Bronco II]] }} In North America, the Ranger is [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]'s compact pickup truck. The Ranger replaced the [[Ford Courier]], an American version of the [[Mazda B-Series (North America)|Mazda B-Series]] in a segment largely defined by the Toyota and Datsun pickup trucks. The Ranger was the best-selling compact pickup in America from 1987 to 2004. The Ranger and related Mazda B-Series are manufactured at Ford's [[Twin Cities Assembly Plant]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]], which is now scheduled to close in 2008. They were also assembled in [[Edison, New Jersey]] until the plant's closing in 2004. It was reported in 2005 that an all-new Ranger, codenamed P273, was in the works to be introduced by 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thecarconnection.com/Shoppers/Future_Cars/Ford.S283.A8367.html |title=Future Cars: Ford/PAG/Mazda |date=[[March 30, 2005]] |work=The CarConnection.com}}</ref> The P273 was slated to be world pickup, presumably to be merged with the Mazda world pickups. A 2007 Ranger for the Thai market based on the Asian 4Trac concept was unveiled, but it is not scheduled to replace the North American truck. According to a recent article in the Car and Driver, there are three alternatives for Ford: 1) to redesign and continue to build the next generation in North America; 2) to import a smaller version from the plant in Thailand; and 3) to discontinue the Ranger line and exit the compact pickup market in North America.<ref>{{cite web |author=Priddle, Alisa |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/13303/ford-ranger-endangered.html |title=Ford Ranger Endangered? |work=Car and Driver |date=July 2007}}</ref> There are rumors that Ford's future product plans in the compact pickup market segment will be announced closer to the end of Ford Ranger production at the Highland Park, Minnesota plant in 2008-2009. There are reports that the plant will be sold and redeveloped once the production is ceased.<ref>{{cite news |author= Estrada, Herón Márquez |date=[[May 8]], [[2007]] |title= Ford says it's close to selling hydroelectric plant in St. Paul |url= http://www.startribune.com/business/11217036.html |accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Meersman, Tom |date=[[September 1]], [[2007]] |title=Is game over for Ford plant's ball fields? |url=http://www.startribune.com/local/11588716.html |accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> ==First generation (1983&ndash;1988)== Ford began development of the Ranger in 1976, focusing on quality and fuel efficiency. The intent was to build a truck that was as capable as the full-size [[Ford F-Series|F-Series]], but in a more economical package. The compact Ranger had styling similar to the full-size Ford pickups, used a similar architecture, and was offered with four-wheel drive. The ability to haul a four-foot-wide (1.2 m) sheet of plywood is a common standard for trucks. In the compact Ranger, however, the space between the wheel wells was less than four feet; Ford designed the box with provisions to allow hauling of a standard sheet of plywood.<ref name='Mini-Truck'>{{cite journal |author=Clark, Jim |title=Development of the Ranger |date=December 1981 |journal=Mini-Truck |pages=26–31 |url=http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/pdf_documents/ranger.pdf}}</ref> The Ranger was introduced in mid-1982 for the 1983 model year. Available engines were the {{Convert|72|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.0&nbsp;L and {{Convert|86|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.3&nbsp;L [[Ford Pinto engine#2.3 OHC|OHC]] [[Straight-4|four-cylinders]], a four-cylinder {{Convert|59|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.2&nbsp;L Mazda/Perkins diesel, and a {{Convert|115|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.8&nbsp;L [[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]] [[V6]]. In 1985, a Mitsubishi-built 2.3&nbsp;L turbodiesel with {{Convert|86|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} replaced the Mazda diesel engine, and in 1986, the 2.8 L engine was replaced with a {{Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.9&nbsp;L [[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]] [[V6]]. The SuperCab was introduced in 1986, offering an extra {{convert|17|in|mm|0}} of storage space behind the front seats, with a pair of jump seats available as an option. Many interior parts such as steering wheels and window cranks were shared with other Fords such as the Escort. Mid-year 1986 saw the introduction of the '''Ranger GT'''. Only available as a standard cab short bed, it had the 2.9&nbsp;L Cologne V6 with either a 5-speed Toyo Kogyo manual transmission or an optional A4LD automatic transmission putting power to a Traction-Lok differential with a 3.73 gear ratio. Inside, the truck was equipped with special bucket seats, full instrument cluster, and an optional center console. Front and rear sway bars were installed, and 14x6 aluminum wheels completed the package. A long bed option was added for 1987, and a new ground effects package was introduced in 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/RangerGT_History.html |title=Ranger GT History |work=The Ranger Station |accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> ==Second generation (1989&ndash;1992)== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=Second generation |image=[[Image:1990-Ford-Ranger-XLT.jpg|250px|1990 Ford Ranger XLT]] |production=1989&ndash;1992 |wheelbase= {{Auto in|107.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|113.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|125|1}} |length= {{Auto in|176.5|0}} <br> {{Auto in|188.5|0}} <br> {{Auto in|193.6|0}} |width= {{Auto in|66.8|0}} |height= |engine=2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Pinto engine#2.0 OHC|OHC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.9&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]]<br>3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Vulcan engine#3.0|Vulcan]]'' [[V6]]<br>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]] |transmission='''Manual'''<br>5-speed [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] ''FM132''<br>5-speed [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] ''FM146''<br>5-speed [[Mazda]] ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1]]''<br>'''Automatic'''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford A4LD transmission|A4LD]]'' |related=[[Ford Bronco II]]<br> [[Ford Explorer]]<br>[[Mazda Navajo]] }} The truck received a facelift in 1989, which included flush composite headlamps, new front fenders, hood, and grille, along with some uprgrades to the frame. Inside, there was a modern new dashboard and steering column. Rear-wheel antilock brakes were added, and a {{Convert|21|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on}} fuel tank was now optional on extended-cab models. The 2.0&nbsp;L engine was discontinued, and the 2.3 L now had a distributorless ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, giving it a {{Convert|14|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} boost. The three-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatics]] were dropped, leaving only the A4LD. The new {{Convert|160|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 4.0&nbsp;L [[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]] V6 was added to the option list for all models in 1990. The {{Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 3.0&nbsp;L [[Ford Vulcan engine|Vulcan]] V6 was introduced to replace the 2.9&nbsp;L [[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]] in rear-wheel drive trucks later in 1990. With the new engines, the only manual transmission available was the 5-speed [[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1]]. The Ranger GT was discontinued, although Ford did build a prototype for 1990 powered by a 3.0&nbsp;L [[Ford SHO V6 engine|SHO]] V6. {{clear}} ==Third generation (1993&ndash;1997)== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=Third generation |image=[[Image:FordRanger3G.jpg|250px|1994 Ford Ranger XLT]] |production=1993&ndash;1997 |wheelbase= {{Auto in|107.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|113.9|0}} <br> {{Auto in|125.2|0}} <br> {{Auto in|125.4|0}} |length= {{Auto in|184.3|0}} <br> {{Auto in|196.3|0}} <br> {{Auto in|198.2|0}} <br> {{Auto in|182.7|0}} |width= {{Auto in|69.4|0}} |height= |engine=2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Pinto engine#2.0 OHC|OHC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Vulcan engine#3.0|Vulcan]]'' [[V6]]<br>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]] |transmission='''Manual'''<br>5-speed [[Mazda]] ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1]]''<br>'''Automatic'''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford A4LD transmission|A4LD]]''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford 4R44E transmission|4R44E]]''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford 4R44E transmission|4R55E]]''<br>5-speed ''[[Ford 5R55E transmission|5R55E]]'' |related=[[Ford Explorer]]<br>[[Mazda Navajo]]<br>[[Mercury Mountaineer]] }} in 1993 there was another redesign, with a shape more aerodynamic than before. Overall the truck had smoother lines, and other changes included flush-mounted door glass, wider doors, and slight fender flares. The 1989-style dashboard remained, but the seats and door panels were new. The 2.9&nbsp;L engine was discontinued. The Mazda M5OD-R1 was now the sole [[manual transmission]] option. A new "Splash" model was introduced, which had a flareside bed, unique aluminum wheels, and a special paint scheme. The 1993 Splash models were only available as a regular cab, later models could have either cab. The Mazda B-Series became a rebadged Ranger for the 1994 model year. A number of changes were made for 1995. The dashboard was completely redesigned, and it allowed room for a passenger's side airbag, installed in 1996. The A4LD transmission was updated. 2.3&nbsp;L and 3.0&nbsp;L models got the 4R44E, while 4.0&nbsp;L trucks got the 4R55E. The front brakes were changed to use the same 2-piston brake calipers as the second generation [[Ford Explorer|Explorer]], and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were added as standard on 4x4 and 4.0&nbsp;L models. <gallery> Image:FordRangerDash.jpg|Typical Ford Ranger dash panel Image:FordRangerJumpSeat.jpg|Standard Ford Ranger "Jump Seat" closed Image:FordRangerJumpSeat(2).jpg|Standard Ford Ranger "Jump Seat" open </gallery> {{clear}} ==Fourth generation (1998&ndash;2009)== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=Fourth generation |image=[[Image:98-00 Ford Ranger.jpg|250px|1998-2000 Ford Ranger XLT regular cab]] |production=1998&ndash;2009 |wheelbase= {{Auto in|111.6|0}} <br> {{Auto in|117.6|0}} <br> {{Auto in|125.9|0}} |length= {{Auto in|188.5|0}} <br> {{Auto in|200.5|0}} <br> {{Auto in|202.9|0}} |width= {{Auto in|70.3|0}} |height= {{Auto in|68.3|0}} <br> {{Auto in|69.4|0}} |engine=2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Duratec engine#Duratec 23|Duratec]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.5&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Pinto engine#2.0 OHC|OHC]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Vulcan engine#3.0|Vulcan]]'' [[V6]]<br>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine|Cologne]]'' [[V6]] |transmission='''Manual'''<br>5-speed [[Mazda]] ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1]]''<br>'''Automatic'''<br>4-speed ''[[Ford 4R44E transmission|4R44E]]''<br>5-speed ''[[Ford 5R55E transmission|5R55E]]'' |related=[[Ford Explorer]]<br>[[Mazda B-Series (North America)|Mazda B-Series]]<br>[[Mercury Mountaineer]] }} For 1998 the Ranger got another redesign, giving it a longer wheelbase and a three-inch (76 mm) longer cab for the regular cab models. The 1995-97 interior was retained. The twin I-beam front suspension was replaced by a wishbone-style system and the front half of the frame was of "boxed", rather than C-channel construction. Rack and pinion steering was also added. The four-cylinder engine was bumped up to a 2.5&nbsp;L [[SOHC]] I4 giving it a 6% increase in power than the old 2.3L. It put out {{Convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Auto ftlbf|149}} of torque. That engine was replaced by a new DOHC 2.3&nbsp;L [[Ford Duratec engine#Duratec 23|Duratec]] I4 in mid-2001. 2001 also saw the pushrod 4.0&nbsp;L V6 replaced by the SOHC version from the [[Ford Explorer|Explorer]], bringing with it a beefier [[Mazda M5OD transmission|M5OD-R1HD]] manual transmission. In 2001, the Ranger received a facelift, including a new grille, hood, and front bumper, as well as updated headlights and taillights. In 2004 the Ranger received minor updates to the grille, hood, and front bumper. New front bucket seats were also added in 2004 to meet the new U.S. Federal safety requirements. In 2006 the Ranger received more minor updates to the grille, front turn signals and taillights, along with a bigger rear Ford logo that was now centered in the middle of the tailgate. <gallery>Image:2001-2003_Ford_Ranger.jpg|2001-2003 Ranger Image:2001-05_Ford_Ranger.jpg|2004-2005 Ranger Image:06-08 Ford Ranger.jpg|2006-2008 Ranger </gallery> The current Ranger is offered with a {{Convert|143|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.3&nbsp;L I4, a {{Convert|155|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 3.0&nbsp;L V6, and a {{Convert|207|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 4.0&nbsp;L [[V6]]. The FX4 Level II version comes with a special 31-spline {{convert|8.8|in|mm|1|sing=on}} rear axle equipped with a Zexel-Torsen limited-slip differential, 3 skid plates, and Rancho shocks. This truck uses code ''R1'' (for 2-door) and ''R4'' (for 4-door) in the 5th and 6th positions of the [[VIN]]. ==Sales decline, Rumored discontinuation, and the Rebirth== {{refimprovesect}} Ford chose to invest improvements in the [[Ford Explorer]] [[Sport utility vehicle|SUV]] which was branched to a more advanced platform than the Ranger, letting Ranger's sales decline. A similar strategy was applied to the [[Ford Taurus]], another former best seller which was replaced by two new nameplates rather than redesigned. Since then, all of its competitors from the [[Dodge Dakota]] to the [[Toyota Tacoma]] have been redesigned and enlarged towards the mid-size market (with the Dakota offering a V8 engine) and leaving the Ranger and its twin, the Mazda B-Series, the only compact trucks on the market. For example, the 2005 [[Nissan Frontier]] offered up to 28% more power than a Ranger (265 vs. 207), and the entry level model was over a foot longer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2005/08/09/ford-nissan-compactpickups-cx_dl_0810show_ls.html |work=Forbes.com |title=Ford Ranger Vs. Nissan Frontier |author=Lienert, Dan |date=[[August 10]], [[2005]]}}</ref> Since 2004, [[Toyota Tacoma]] has taken a commanding lead (93% higher sales than the Ranger in 2006) in the segment. In January 2007, Ford sold 4,652 Rangers, a decline of 25% from the previous year, one-tenth the number of F-Series trucks, and about half as many as the Explorer. According to pickuptruck.com, they say that "Automotive News" reported that the Ranger will end production in 2009 due to declining sales. In addition, Ford's Twin Cities factory in St. Paul, Minnesota will close the same year.<ref>{{cite web |author=Levine, Mike |title=Ford Ranger to End Production in 2009 |date=[[November 18]], [[2007]] |url=http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/ford/ranger/rip.html |work=PickupTruck.com}}</ref> Ford Motor Company released a statement on their Ford Fleet website on [[November 15]]th, [[2007]], saying that the Ranger will remain in production for the 2009 model year "based on continuing customer demand and loyalty".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fleet.ford.com/ShowWhatsNewItem.asp?id=470 |title=Ford Motor Company statement regarding 2009 Ranger production |work=Ford Fleet}}</ref> Contrary to rumors of its demise, MotorTrend confirms that "Ford is working on two new, smaller-than-F-150 pickup trucks, one based on the F-Series and the other a replacement for the aged Ranger compact, which is unchanged, save for facelifts, since the 1998 model year. The smaller F-150 is codenamed P525 and may be badged F-100, the name of the F-150's predecessor from the 1950s. At one point, P525 and the Ranger replacement were competing proposals, but with growing need for higher-fuel-mileage trucks, both projects will become reality in 2010 or 2011. The P525 is rumored to have the V-6 EcoBoost (gas direct injection and turbocharging) engine as its primary engine, with fuel economy and torque optimized for interim Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards expected to kick in for the 2011 model year. The second engine which may not be available at release is a new small modular 5.0 liter V-8 featuring Ford's version of displacement on demand. The Ranger replacement, codenamed T6, is believed to be in development by Ford Australia and was originally intended only for world markets other than the U.S. Some news sources of indicated that Dearborn has reconsidered that plan, and that Ford thinks high gas prices are definitely here to stay. ===Small pickups and the "Chicken Tax"=== Because the current Ranger's Twin Cities plant will be closed in 2009, the 2011 model year could go missing if its replacement, known previously as the global Ranger, isn't ready earlier than the 2011 calendar year. The T6 will be built in Thailand, but the "chicken tax" will keep Ford from importing them from that country. Instead, they could be imported from South Africa (a right-hand-drive market), which has special trade agreements with the U.S., other possible locations include Brazil or Mexico. The T6 could even be built in Australia, which is exempt from the chicken tax." The 25% tax on imported pickup trucks originated in the 1960's when West Germany placed a tariff on U.S. frozen chicken. The United States retaliated with a tariff on four items that included trucks, as Volkswagen was exporting the [[Volkswagen Type 2]] in pickup form.<ref>Zagaroli, Lisa - Thai Pickups threaten Big Three. Detroit News, June 17, 2005</ref> ==Electric Ranger== {{main|Ford Ranger EV}} The Ford Ranger EV was a [[battery electric vehicle]] produced by Ford Motor Company. It was produced starting in 1998 through 2000 and was built on the rear-wheel drive Ranger's chassis. ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat}} <!-- (Please read discussion page before adding more links.) --> *[http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/ranger/ Ford Ranger official web site] *[http://www.therangerstation.com/ The Ranger Station.com] *[http://www.rangerpowersports.com/ Ranger Power Sports.com] *[http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Engine_Ratings.html Engines and power ratings] *[http://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2/forumdisplay.php?f=6 Ranger Tech Data] *[http://www.fordf150.net/ranger/ Ford Ranger Specifications & Forums] *[http://www.sonirodban.com/ranger.html Thailand-made Ford Ranger info at Soni Motors Thailand's website] {{Ford vehicles}} {{Modern North American Ford trucks}} [[Category:Flexible-fuel vehicles]]<!-- Selected 1999-2003 models --> [[Category:Ford vehicles|Ranger]] [[Category:Pickup trucks]] [[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]] [[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]] [[Category:1980s automobiles]] [[Category:1990s automobiles]] [[Category:2000s automobiles]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1983]] [[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]] [[de:Ford Ranger]] [[ja:フォード・レンジャー]] [[lt:Ford Ranger]] [[pl:Ford Ranger]] [[pt:Ford Ranger]] [[ru:Ford Ranger]]