Ford Ranger (North America)

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The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company from 1983 to 2012 year model for North America. From 1997 to 2011, a version was also produced and sold in South America. Introduced to replace Ford Courier produced in Japan by Mazda, Ranger has two different generations. While introduced a year after the Chevrolet S-10, Ranger will continue to be the best-selling compact truck in the United States from 1987 to 2004.

During production, the Ranger chassis and suspension will be used for some compact Ford trucks and sports vehicles. During the 1990s and 2000s, Mazda adopted a badly designed Ranger version for their B-Series nameplate (as opposed to the Ford Courier produced by Mazda).

During its 29 years of production, Ford manufactures Ranger in three different assembly plants in North America. The Ranger was produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky from 1982 to 1999. From 1993 to 2004, production was also sourced from Edison Assembly in Edison, New Jersey. For the entire production process, Ranger is manufactured at the Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Louis. Paul, Minnesota. The 2012 Ford Ranger final was produced on December 16, 2011, ending 86 years of production at the Twin Cities Assembly as well as the production of all compact pickups in the United States.

In 2017, Ford announced the return of the Ford Ranger to North America, starting with the 2019 model year. Derived from the Ranger T6, the Ford Ranger 2019 will be produced in the United States.

Video Ford Ranger (North America)

Development

In response to the growing popularity of the compact pickup truck segment in the late 1960s, Ford entered the segment for 1972 with Ford Courier. Rather than risking the time and cost to develop a new vehicle in an unfamiliar market segment, Ford established a partnership with Mazda to market Mazda B1800 in the United States; Courier will be the first of several vehicles produced together between two companies from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Mazda B-Series and Ford Courier are manufactured in Japan, to avoid 25% "chicken tax" on imported trucks. The vehicle was imported as a cabin-chassis truck (taxed at a rate of 4% lower) with a pickup bed installed as part of the United States. For the 1977 model, Mazda redesigned the B-Series pickup with a larger pickup and redesigned pickup bed, with a separate front fascia design for the Ford Courier.

In 1976, Ford began the development of domestically produced compact trucks, codenamed "Yuma". While the Ford Courier has proven successful in the US market, a $ 700 million project was undertaken to anticipate the massive expansion of the market segment in the early 1980s, with Ford predicting nearly one million compact sales trucks per year in 1985. Ranger will take his model name from the trim name intermediate levels used by F-Series trucks from the 1960s and 1970s.

At the beginning of "Yuma", Ford examines which truck buyer elements are most valuable in compact trucks (other than fuel efficiency). In addition to durability and quality, Ford found that American truck buyers wanted additional interior space, with three seats and space for the six-foot-tall driver.

The 1979 fuel crisis almost hit the Yuma/Ranger project, as happened between Ford LTD's redesign and the Ford F-Series, causing Ford to lose money in the latter in 1980 after selling nearly 1 million in 1978. Ford President Don Petersen guarded the project the solid truck remains alive, along with the potential competition provided by the Chevrolet S-10, Petersen feels the Ranger can also serve as a substitute for the Ford F-100 price point.

During design, the body undergoes extensive wind tunnel testing, to meet the planned 20 MPG fuel efficiency target (a standard front bumper spoiler plus 1MPG itself). To further improve the fuel economy, Ranger enhances the use of other high-strength steel lightweight materials, including magnesium clutch houses, aluminum transfer boxes for four-wheel drive versions, and clutch pedal clutch/magnesium brakes. To further save weight, the front suspension design is optimized for the computer, optional front stabilizer rendering bar. Though narrower than the F-Series and other full-size competitors, the Ranger cargo bed is designed to transport a four-foot wide sheet (considered a measure of the space industry in the design of a pickup truck bed) through the use of niches to insert a buffer in the bed, allowing Ranger to transport the material at the wheel of the well.

Maps Ford Ranger (North America)

First generation (1983-1992)

Ford began production of the 1983 Ranger model on January 18, 1982 at the Louisville Assembly Factory, hitting the showrooms in March. Available engines are 72 hp (54 kW) 2.0 liter and 82 hp (61 kW) 2.3 liter four cylinder OHC, four-cylinder 59 hp (44 kW) 2.2 liter L Mazda/Perkins diesel, and 115 hp (86Ã , KW) 2.8Ã, L Cologne V6. In 1985, Mitsubishi-built 2.3-liter turbo-diesel with 86 hp (64 kW) replaced the Mazda diesel engine, and in 1986, the 2.8-liter engine was replaced with 140 hp (104 kW) 2.9 L L Cologne V6. The SuperCab was introduced in 1986, offering an additional 17 inches (432 mm) of storage space behind the front seat, with a pair of available jump seats as an option. Also in 1986, the measuring cluster was modified to allow the installation of a factory tachometer. Many interior parts such as steering wheel, door handle, and window crank are similar to those in other Ford vehicles such as Bronco, Escort, and F-Series.

Mid-year 1986 saw the introduction of Ranger GT in California alone. Available as a standard cabin with a short or long bed, it has a 2.9 liter Cologne V6 with a five-speed manual Mazda transmission or an optional automatic transmission A4LD that puts power into the traction-differential differential. Inside, the pickup comes with a special bucket seat, complete instrument cluster, and optional center console. Front and rear shake boots are installed and 14-inch aluminum wheels complete the package.

Facelift 1989-1992

The truck received a facelift for the 1989 model year, which included flush composite front lights, new front fenders, hood, and grille, along with multiple upgrades to the frame. Inside, there is a new modern dashboard and steering column.

New steering columns include, on models equipped with automatic transmissions, gear shifts mounted in the column, and the removal of keys on the manual transmission model into a simpler one-handed operation. The manual 1983-88 model has a key release button underneath the column on the left side, which requires the driver to use both hands to release the lock.

The rear-wheel anti-shock brakes are added, and the fuel tank 21Ã, ° C (79Ã,  ° C; 17Ã,  ° C) is currently optional on the extended-cab model.

Starting in 1989 (until the end of 1997) the only manual transmission available on the super cab model was the Mazda 5-speed manual transmission M5OD-R1 (while the regular cabin models were equipped with manual or automatic transmissions during 1989- 1997 model year). The 2.0-liter engine is discontinued, and 2.3 now has a less distributor ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, giving a 10 hp (7 kW) boost and better fuel economy. The three-speed automatic is dropped, leaving only A4LD . The new 185 hp (116 kW) 4.0Ã, L Cologne V6 has been added to the list of options for all models in 1990. The V6 3.0-liter V6 is also offered at Ranger starting in the 1990 model. The 2.9-liter continues along 3.0 liters up to the 1992 model when discontinued.

The GT Ranger was discontinued, although Ford Truck Public Affairs's office built a prototype for the year 1990 supported by 3.0Ã, ° SHO V6. Second generation (1993-1997)

The redesign in 1992 for 1993 featured light restyling glass doors, door-mounted doors, wider doors, and fewer flender fenders. The 1989-style dashboard still exists, but the chairs and door panels are new. The 2.9-liter engine has been discontinued. The offered engines are offered in 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0 liter displacements. A new model of "Splash" was introduced, which features flare side beds, unique chrome wheels, 1 inch (25 mm) rear suspension and 2-inch (51 mm) front suspension (4x2 models), and special vinyl "Splash" decals on the sides and tailgate.

The 1993 Splash trim level is offered by regular taxis in white art, black gloss, red orange, and sky blue. Mazda B-Series became a re-badged Ranger for the 1994 model year, but the Mazda B-Series does not offer the equivalent of the Splash model. While 1993 Rangers used the R-12 Freon, the 1994 model year saw the transition to CFC-free air conditioning systems in accordance with the Clean Air Act. For the 1994 model year, the Splash trim has an all-inclusive option; 1 inch (25 mm) rear suspension is lowered and front suspension down 2 inches (51 mm) (on 4x2 models), side flare bed, long cabin, and unique chrome wheels. Decals also undergo subtle changes. While the 1993-1994 model wore the red, yellow and blue lines, the 1995 to 1996 model had a lime green line. In addition, the colors available for the Splash model changed from the 1993-1994 model to the 1995-1997 model. The latter is offered in maroon color, black gloss, white, and walnut yellow.

Fall 1994 production (1995 model year) includes a modified steering wheel to include driver's side airbags and a redesigned dashboard including a dual DIN radio head unit. Also for 1995 (model year), SuperCab trucks can have electric driver's seat. A4LD transmission has been updated. The 2.3 and 3.0 liter models get 4R44E , while the 4 liter truck gets 4R55E . The front brake is changed to use the same two piston brake calipers with the second generation Explorer, and the anti-lock four-wheel brakes are added as standard on 4x4 and 4.0-liter models. From October 1995 (model year 1996), an optional passenger airbag (the first compact truck on offer) becomes available, with a key-operated shortcut key that allows the airbag to shut down for smaller passengers riding in the front seat. In October 1996, the 1997 model brought the first five-speed automatic transmission ever used by American manufacturers. The 4.0 liter model comes with 5R55E , while the 3.0 liter is still mated to 4R44E .

Powertrain

• 1994 - 2.3Ã, L (2311Ã, cc) OHC I4, 98Ã, hp (73Ã, kW), 133Ã, lb? ft (180Ã, N? m)
• 1995-1997 - 2,3Ã, L (2311Ã, cc) OHC I4, 112Ã, hp (84Ã, kW), 135Ã, lb? ft (183Ã, N? m)
• 1994-1996 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 145Ã, hp (108Ã, kW), 165Ã, lb? ft (224Ã, Nm)
• 1994-1997 - 4.0Ã, L (4016Ã, cc) Cologne V6, 160Ã, hp (119Ã, kW), 225Ã, pon (305Ã, N? m)

Mazda B-Series

For 1994, the third generation Mazda B-Series was introduced. While the company continues to produce its own trucks in Japan and internationally, the North American version of the B-Series is now a version designed by the badges of the Ranger. The new B3000 and B4000 engines boast Ford V6, and the M5OD-R1 manual transmission back to the options sheet. Expanded cabin models are available, such as four-wheel drive; Mazda makes the B-Series available in two trim lines, LE and SE. B3000 3.0 liter was dropped for 1997.

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Third generation (1998-2012)

In 1997 for the 1998 model, the Ranger received major updates for the same body design, providing longer wheelbase and 3 inches (76 mm) longer for regular cabin models (parts that provide more space in the interior). Automatic transmissions on the cabin model were extended again for the first time since 1989. The 1995 to 1997 model display is maintained. The Twin I-Beam front suspension is replaced by a wishbone-style system found in Explorer and the front half of the frame is boxed instead of C-channel construction. Rack and pinion steering are also added. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to 2.5-liter SOHC I4, giving it a 6% increase in power over the old 2.3 liters. It produces 117 hp (87 kW) and 149 lb ft (202 m) of torque. Also, for the 2000 model year, the yellow rear turn signal was stopped. The 4x4 model comes with a PVH locking system for the front axle. This system proved to be somewhat unreliable and converted into a live pivot setup in mid 2000.

The 2.5-liter engine was replaced by the 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec inline-four in mid 2001. 2001 also saw a 4.0-liter V6 pushrod replaced by the SOHC version of Explorer, carrying with it a more durable manual transmission M5OD-R1HD . Also in 2001, a five-speed automatic transmission introduced in 1997 for the 4.0-liter V6, is now also available with 2.3 and 3.0 liter units. Ranger receives a facelift, including new grille, hood, and front bumper, as well as headlights and taillights are updated. The SLP produces a Ranger version, called "Thunderbolt". These models include different options, such as unique front and rear bumpers, air intake, disposal and even spoilers.

In 2004, Ranger received a small update on the grille, hood, and front bumper. The new front bucket seats were also added in 2004 to meet the new US Federal security requirements. It maintains the dash line from the previous year's truck with the cluster change of the instrument. In 2006, Ranger received more minor updates for the grille, front side markers and taillights, along with the larger rear Ford logo which is now centered in the trunk. It also received a new larger mirror similar to that found on Ford trucks and other SUVs.

The latest Ranger offers 143 hp (107 kW) 2.3 liter inline-four and 207 hp (154 kW) 4.0 liter V6. The Vulcan V6 3.0 liter was discontinued in 2009. Ford used the code "R10" through "R19" in the fifth, sixth, and seventh VIN positions for all Rangers; R10, R14, and R18 are all rear-wheel drive; regular cabs, two-door SuperCab, and a four-door SuperCab respectively. R11, R15, and R19 are four-wheel drive; regular cabs, two-door SuperCab, SuperCab four doors each.

In December 2009, Ford announced that a specially designed special graph will be applied to the Ranger, starting with the 2010 model. The features are exclusive to Ford Dealers and allow customers to choose the design they want tailored for their Ranger trim.

For 2011 and 2012 models, trim levels are adjusted. Trim XL has a standard level, followed by XLT and Sport trims. The latter two include Sirius radio as an optional feature.

The Ford Ranger was the first small pickup to introduce dual airbags as a safety feature. It received an acceptable "frontal collision test score" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when they were first tested in 1998, while many of its competitors received "marginal" or "poor" ratings at the time. The exceptions are the Toyota Tacoma, which also received an "acceptable" rating.

The 2010 model year brings additional head-seat and airbag combinations to improve passenger safety in side impact collisions and achieve a "good" rating through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety side-impact test. Also, electronic stability control is added for the 2010 model as standard equipment.

In the Roof Strength Test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Road Safety, Ford Ranger ranks Acceptable .

FX4 Level II

The FX4 Level II version is equipped with a 8.8 inch (223.5 mm) 8.8 inch (223.5 mm) rear axle equipped with Zexel-Torsen limited slip differential, three slip plates, enhanced hook latch, 31 BFGoodrich All Terrains, 15-Forged Alcoa wheels, and Bilstein shocks. Inside, the Level II package adds a two-tone fabric chair, optional leather and rubber floors along with six MP3 CD headunites as standard options. The FX4 Level II package was first available in the year 2003 However, in 2002 the first "FX4" package, however, was not Level II, available.FX4 off-road package 2002 is identical to the FX4 2003 Level II package, as no FX4 Level II Package offered The FX4 off-road package is different of the FX4 Level II package after 2002. FX4 off-road in 2003 and 2003 FX4 Level II is often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of Rangers, due to limited production of this truck with 4x4 manual and manual transmission, according to Ford, 17,971 Level II built from 20 02 to 2007 (incl. 2002), and 45,172 Off Road was built from 2003 to 2009. FX4 Off Road was available in 2009, but Level II was discontinued after 2007, although many Level II features may be ordered individually. In 2010, Ranger halted FX4's slim level for the US market, but remains available in the Canadian market.

The above figures are from the 2006 FX4 level 1. The Level II has a special "Level II" sticker just behind the front wheel in the secondary paint color, as well as the "J" chrome hook latch.

Ford Ranger EV

The Ford Ranger EV is an electric battery version of the Ranger produced for the 1998 to 2002 model. The four-wheel drive chassis is used, but the Ranger EV is truly a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Unlike other versions, the EV features a rear suspension de Dion. The 1998 model uses lead-acid batteries while subsequent models use Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

EV Ranger is almost indistinguishable from a standard Ranger, except for its grille. In the EV model, the door to the charging port is located on the third right of the grille.

Powertrain

• 1998- 1999 - 2.5Ã, L (2507Ã, cc) OHC I4, 117Ã, hp (87Ã,kW), 149Ã,bb ft (202Ã, Nm )
• 2000 - early 2001 - 2.5Ã, L (2507Ã, cc) OHC I4, 119Ã, hp (89 kW), 146 pounds (198Ã, Nm)
• end 2001-2002 - 2.3Ã, L (2300Ã, cc) Duratec I4, 135Ã, hp (101Ã, kW), 153Ã, lb? ft (207Ã, N? m)
• 2003-2010 - 2.3Ã, L (2300Ã, cc) Duratec I4, 143Ã, hp (107Ã, kW), 154Ã, Â £ ÃÆ' (209Ã, N? m)
• 1998-1999 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 145Ã, hp (108Ã, kW), 178Ã, lb? ft (241Ã, N? m)
• 2000-2001 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 150Ã, hp (112Ã, kW), 190Ã, lb? ft (258Ã, N? m)
• 2002 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 146Ã, hp (109Ã, kW), 180Ã, lb? ft (244Ã, N? m)
• 2003-2004 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 154Ã, hp (115Ã, kW), 180Ã, lb? ft (244Ã, N? m)
• 2005-2008 - 3.0Ã, L (2957Ã, cc) Vulcan V6, 148Ã, hp (110Ã, kW), 180Ã, lb? ft (244Ã, N? m)
• 1998-2000 - 4.0Ã, L (4025Ã, cc) Cologne V6, 160Ã, hp (119Ã, kW), 225Ã, pon (305Ã, N? m)
• 2001-2010 - 4.0Ã, L (4025Ã, cc) Cologne V6, 207Ã, hp (154Ã, kW), 238Ã, Â £ (323Ã, Nm)

North America saw the redesigned B-Series again for 1998, with a larger base engine. Five-speed automatic transmission available. The B Series of 1999 added four doors, the first in the extended cabin pickup truck market. In 2001, the stronger SOHC version of the 4.0-liter V6 replaced the old OHV engine, while the Duratec Ford engine replaced the Five in the four-cylinder model the following year. 2007 is the last year for the 3.0 liter B-Series truck. For 2010, the B4000 Cab Plus SE model was discontinued in the United States. The B-Series production line was discontinued, in the United States, at the end of the 2009 model year, while the Ford Ranger remained in production. The B-Series is sold in the Canadian market for one more model year.

Mazda B-Series last slid from the assembly line on December 11, 2009.

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Fourth generation (2019 -)

In January 2018, one year after announcing the return of Ford Ranger's production to North America, Ford introduced the 2019 Ford Ranger at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, marking Ford's first entry into the midsize pickup truck segment. Entering production during 2018, the fourth-generation Ford Ranger will be sold in 2019. In lieu of commercial use, Ford seeks to market Ranger to private buyers using trucks for recreation; creating vehicles for those looking for smaller vehicles than full-size trucks, along with F-Series owners looking for vehicles with smaller exterior footprints.

Chassis

The Ford Ranger 2019 comes from Ford T6's global mid-sized truck architecture. Designed by Ford of Australia, for use in North America, the chassis undergoes several modifications. Along with the switch to the left drive, the North American Ranger framework was revised; to better handle the American collision standards and increase its payload, the frame was redesigned with a completely rail box rail. The North American Ranger uses a single 127-inch wheelbase of the global Ranger T6, along with the same width and height.

Unique to the North American version of the T6, the North American Ranger is powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder; no diesel is announced at this time. Although the official engine output figures are not given at the introduction, the engine is shared with Ford Explorer, where it produces 280hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a 10-speed automatic, which is shared with Ford Mustang GT and other versions of the Ford F-Series, including the F-150 Raptor.

Body

The Ford Ranger 2019 will be sold in four doors SuperCab and four-door SuperCrew configuration (Ford has no plans to market two-door Ranger in North America). While externally similar to its global partner, the Ford Ranger 2019 features a number of exterior design changes. Most notably, a redesigned front fascia with a steel-front bumper; Though slightly less aerodynamic, the stronger front bumper is designed to better comply with standard accidents. To better market the vehicle to private buyers in North America, Ranger is given a distinct hood design and grille associated with trim levels. Additional trims include contrast-color contrasting fenders and a fender grille (corresponding to the F-Series truck). The "RANGER" -Adossed tailgate has been modified; for the sake of aerodynamics, adding spoilers (sharing the tailgate lock grip of the F-150).

The global Ranger's interior is also slightly revised. To comply with the American safety mandate, the rear view security camera is standard along with automatic emergency braking. Several sizes of interior touchscreen are offered, depending on the trim package being booked. To add interior storage, waterproof storage compartments are added under the rear seats.

Because the global Ford Ranger is designed before the current F-Series, the use of aluminum in the body is small, with only aluminum hood and tailgate.

Crop

The Ford Ranger 2019 shares the trim levels of previous American Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series: XL base, mid-level XLT, and top-trim Lariat. To complement each trim level, Chrome, Sport, and FX option options are offered for all three trim levels.

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South America

Beginning in 1998, Ford began to rule out Ford Courier's name on Mazda's gloss-produced compact pickups globally to support the Ranger nameplate (though Courier is still used in Australia). As a result, North American manufactured Ranger exports are mainly limited to South America, including Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

In 1995 Ford began exporting Ranger from the United States to Argentina; Initial exports started with a two-door SuperCab equipped with a 4.0 liter V6 petrol. As demand increased, Ford made the decision to produce locally in Buenos Aires, Argentina at General Pacheco Ford Assembly Plant for local, Canadian and subsequent Latin American markets.

The first Rangers produced at General Pacheco were built in 1996 with engine versions, single gasoline taxis. In November 1997, the supply was upgraded with diesel and gasoline engines, two wheel drive and four wheels and various levels of equipment.

After two years of local production in Argentina, in 1998, Ford Argentina introduced a redesigned version of the Ford Ranger. Featuring the same updates as its US counterpart, a new exclusive four-door body of four-doors for South America debuted. When Ford developed the same Ford Explorer Sport Trac at the time, the Ford Ranger double-cab was not manufactured or marketed in the United States or Canada.

To better suit local buyers' needs, Ford Argentina replaces the 4.0L V6 with two different powertrain options, including a 3.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 163 hp (122 kW) and 280 pound (380 Â ° BT)) Torque which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission Eaton FSO-2405-A .

The 2001 exterior facelift given to North American Rangers did not carry over to the South American version, with the 1998 front bodywork remaining until the 2003 model. For 2004, both versions were given the same grille (although the Argentine-produced version was designed with projector headlights).

After upgrading US $ 156.5 million to General Pacheco factory in 2007, some upgrades were made to Ranger South America; some of them will deviate from models from US partners. For 2008, Ranger received a makeover with grill and headlamps similar to the North American version of 2006; extension of the bed becomes available for all boxes.

For 2010, Ranger was given the biggest facelift since 1992. To allow for a more aggressive position, the hood, front fenders, and front bumper are replaced with more aggressive and rounded designs, including large wheel arches; at the door, the handle is replaced by a pull-out design. For the first time, Ranger wore a Ford company's three-bar grille. Inside, the interior design that was introduced in 2008 remained, with previous machine configurations. New options (for Argentina and Brazil) include engines powered by compressed natural gas, making it the first pickup truck to offer commercially available natural gas (NGV) vehicles in those countries.

In 2012, Ford Argentina replaces the US Ranger with a larger Ranger T6. Designed by Ford Australia, the Ranger T6 consolidates Ranger versions of Ford and Mazda versions to a single platform that is sold globally outside the United States and Canada.

Ford Ranger (Argentina) wheel frame and bed length:

• 1998-2012 - 111.5 inches (2,831Ã, mm) - 6Ã, ft bed (1.732mm) Single Cab
• 1998-2012 - 117.6 inches (2,987 mm) - Bed 7F (2.129mm) Single Cab
• 1998-2012 - 125.7 inches (3.192 mm) - Double Cab (1,467mm) Double Cab

Machine:

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Termination and re-entry

Termination

In the summer of 2005, in addition to the update for the 2006 model year, the US Ranger, the first information emerged about the intended replacement. Designed under the code name P273 as a 2010 model vehicle, the new Ranger is designed as a global vehicle, intended to replace three versions of Ranger: North American and Latin American related versions, along with a rebadged version designed by Mazda sold through most other parts of the world. In 2007, the Thai market received the Ranger based on the 4Trac concept vehicle. Designed by Ford Australia, the Ford Ranger T6 began production in 2011 at AutoAlliance in Rayong, Thailand. While the T6 Ranger was originally released as a global vehicle, it was not sold in the United States or Canada, leaving the compact Ranger without a replacement.

In 2008, Ford made its first plan to end Ranger production in North America; Despite its high productivity preventing it from The Way Forward, the Twin Cities Assembly (built in 1925) is Ford's oldest factory in the world. Ford then extended its factory closing date to 2011, but in June 2011, the final closing date was announced. Since Twin Cities is the only Ranger production site in North America (since 1982), its closure brings Ranger production to an end after 29 years of modeling. The 2011 model year is the last model year for retail sales, with a shortened 2012 model for fleet sales; The last Ranger in the North American market (the White SuperCab produced for the Orkin pest control company) was produced on December 16, 2011.

While the Ranger T6 globally underwent development in the late 2000s, it was eventually denied to the North American market for several reasons. Although the compact pickup truck has grown in size in the 2000s (especially Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma) in the early 2000s (compared to Ranger and Chevrolet S10), the global Ranger is seen as a medium-sized truck. While potentially offering Ford competitors to Dodge Dakota for the first time, Ford also feels its own medium-sized truck will threaten sales of Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Another factor in the decision is the overall decline of the compact truck segment, from 8% of total market sales in 1994 to 2% in 2010.

According to market research, near the end of its production, Ford found that most Ford Ranger buyers did not buy the Ranger as a truck, but because of its low price as a new vehicle. Along with plans to boost F-Series fuel economy, Ford seeks to retain Ranger buyers with Ford Fiesta and Ford Transit Connect.

Re-enter

In 2015, as part of a contract negotiation with the United Auto Workers, a leaked report on the future of the Michigan Assembly Factory includes a potential decision to replace Ford Focus and Ford C-Max production with Ford Ranger's global market version. Along with the Ranger board revival, UAW negotiations also include the potential revival of Ford Bronco SUVs.

At the 2017 North American International Automotive Exhibition, Ford confirmed the return of Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco, with the Ford Ranger as a 2019 model vehicle. Ford Ranger 2019 production was inaugurated one year later at the 2018 International Automotive Show in North America.

The new Ford Ranger 2019 has a single powertrain package under its twin-power-dome hood: Ford's 2.4-liter EcoBoost engine, 4 liters, combines an exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission in this segment. This machine has direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharger and four valves per cylinder, to improve efficiency and capability.

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Variant

Ford Aerostar

For the 1986 model, Ford Aerostar was launched as the first minivan of Ford Motor Company. Featuring a slant-like "one box" body design that was introduced in the same year in the van Ford van Transit Europe. In a similar practice to the Chrysler minivan component of 1984-1995 with Ch-K-Cars Chrysler, Ford designed Aerostar with mechanical similarity to light truck lanes. During the 12 years of production, Aerostar will share engines and transmissions with Ranger and Explorer (among other Ford vehicles).

Sold in one generation, Aerostar was discontinued after the 1997 model, replaced by the Ford front wheel drive (switching to Ford Taurus as base) and Mercury Villager.

Ford Bronco II

Following the transformation of Bronco into a full-size SUV for the 1978 model, Ford's product planners sought to create a popular replacement for the popular 1966 to 1977 generations. Using the shortened four-wheel Ranger chassis, the 1983 Bronco II is only slightly longer and wider than the 1966 generation. In stark contrast to its spartan predecessor, the Bronco II offers all the comfort features available in any Ranger. Unlike larger namesake, Bronco II is not designed with removable tops; it is distinguished by a large side window that extends to the rear roofline.

As part of the redesign, Bronco II enlarged, becoming the Ford Explorer Sport for the 1991 model.

Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer/Mazda Navajo

For the 1991 model, the Bronco II was redesigned for a wider market appeal, being a Ford Explorer. To enhance its appeal as a family vehicle, a five-door version is introduced; door three changed its name to Ford Explorer Sport. While the Ranger chassis remains in use, Explorer is longer than Bronco II (mostly as a result of the second set of doors). As before, Ranger and Explorer share interiors and other components, although the similarity of visible parts is reduced above Bronco II. In 1995, as part of a major redesign, Ranger's front bodywork was removed; Explorer became the first Ford truck to end the use of the front suspension Twin I-Beam.

Along with Ford's five-door Explorer, Ford reintroduced Bronco II with a three-door Explorer version for 1991. The three doors were sold under the name Explorer and Explorer Sport. To solve the Bronco II stability problem, the three-door Explorer has an 8 inch wheelbase longer and is almost a foot long. Unlike the unique roofline of the Bronco II, the three-door Explorer uses the same roofline as the five doors, with the "C-pillar" being plundered as an identifiable feature. In 1998, the popularity of Explorer Sport was noted, since the name was adopted for all three-door Explorers. For 2001, Sport was given its own front-end styling (shared with Sport Trac). Due to the declining popularity of the three-door SUV, Explorer Sport was not redesigned with the five-door Explorer for 2002, with the final production of the 2001 version ending in 2003.

From 1991 to 1994, Mazda sold the three-door Explorer as the Mazda Navajo. Equipped similar to Explorer Sport and the three-door XLT Explorer, the Navajo is very different in exterior trim and wheel, with the interior just different in the instrument panel of letters. Due to the slow sales of the three-door SUV, Mazda Navajo was suspended during the 1994 model year.

In 1997, the Mercury division introduced Mercury Mountaineer as a badge version of the Ford Explorer five-door; it was sold until the suspension of the Mercury brand in 2010. As part of the third-generation Ford Explorer 2002 development, Ford developed a mid-size SUV chassis specifically for Explorer and Mountaineer, ending the Ranger chassis usage after the 2001 model year.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

For the 2000 model year, Ford introduced the Ford Explorer Sport Trac as its first cabin-cabin compact pickup in North America. Although Ford already produces Ranger crew in Argentina, Explorer Sport Trac is intended as a private vehicle rather than a work vehicle. The Explorer Sport Trac is a combination of several vehicles: the long-wheelbase Ranger chassis, the Explorer Sport's front bodywork, the F-150 tailgate, the all-new composite bed, and the cabs formed from the five-door Explorer.

Like the three-door Ranger and Explorer, the first-generation Sport Trac is only powered by a V6 engine, with a 4.6 liter Modular V8 option starting for the 2006 model, though both and four drive configurations are available. In 2006, Explorer Sport Trac adopted Ford's midsize SUV platform, ending the Ranger-based Explorer production; in 2010, the model was discontinued.

src: www.latimes.com

Sales

src: hanabi.autoweek.com

References

src: www.latimes.com

External links

• The official Ford Ranger website
• Technical specifications and data

Source of the article : Wikipedia