Ford Ranger

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Ford Ranger (North American)
2004-2005 Ford Ranger Edge
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 1983–present
Assembly Saint Paul, Minnesota
Edison, New Jersey
Louisville, Kentucky
Predecessor Ford Courier
Class Compact pickup truck
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

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.

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.

Contents

[edit] North American Ranger

First generation
Ford Ranger Single Cab
Production 1983–1988
Engine(s) 2.0 L OHC I4
2.2 L Perkins 4.135 Diesel I4
2.3 L OHC I4
2.3 L Mitsubishi 4D55 Turbodiesel I4
2.8 L Cologne V6
2.9 L Cologne V6
Transmission(s) Manual
4-speed Toyo Kogyo TK4
5-speed Toyo Kogyo TK5
5-speed Mitsubishi FM132
5-speed Mitsubishi FM145
5-speed Mitsubishi FM146
5-speed Mazda M5OD-R1
Automatic
3-speed C3
3-speed C5
4-speed A4LD
Wheelbase 107.9 in (2741 mm)
113.9 in (2893 mm)
125 in (3175 mm)
Length 175.6 in (4460 mm)
187.6 in (4765 mm)
192.7 in (4895 mm)
Width 66.9 in (1699 mm)
Related Ford Bronco II

In North America, the Ranger is Ford's compact pickup truck. The Ranger replaced the Ford Courier, an American version of the 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3][4]

[edit] First generation (1983–1988)

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 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.[5]

The Ranger was introduced in mid-1982 for the 1983 model year. Available engines were the 72 hp (54 kW) 2.0 L and 86 hp (64 kW) 2.3 L OHC four-cylinders, a four-cylinder 59 hp (44 kW) 2.2 L Mazda/Perkins diesel, and a 115 hp (86 kW) 2.8 L Cologne V6. In 1985, a Mitsubishi-built 2.3 L turbodiesel with 86 hp (64 kW) replaced the Mazda diesel engine, and in 1986, the 2.8 L engine was replaced with a 140 hp (104 kW) 2.9 L Cologne V6. The SuperCab was introduced in 1986, offering an extra 17 inches (432 mm) 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 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.[6]

[edit] Second generation (1989–1993)

Second generation
1990 Ford Ranger XLT
Production 1989–1993
Engine(s) 2.3 L OHC I4
2.9 L Cologne V6
3.0 L Vulcan V6
4.0 L Cologne V6
Transmission(s) Manual
5-speed Mitsubishi FM132
5-speed Mitsubishi FM146
5-speed Mazda M5OD-R1
Automatic
4-speed A4LD
Wheelbase 107.9 in (2741 mm)
113.9 in (2893 mm)
125 in (3175 mm)
Length 176.5 in (4483 mm)
188.5 in (4788 mm)
193.6 in (4917 mm)
Width 66.8 in (1697 mm)
Related Ford Bronco II
Ford Explorer
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 21 US gal (79 L/17 imp gal) fuel tank was now optional on extended-cab models.

The 2.0 L engine was discontinued, and the 2.3 L now had a distributorless ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, giving it a 14 hp (10 kW) boost. The three-speed automatics were dropped, leaving only the A4LD. The new 160 hp (119 kW) 4.0 L Cologne V6 was added to the option list for all models in 1990. The 145 hp (108 kW) 3.0 L Vulcan V6 was introduced to replace the 2.9 L Cologne in rear-wheel drive trucks later in 1990. With the new engines, the only manual transmission available was the 5-speed M5OD-R1.

The Ranger GT was discontinued, although Ford did build a prototype for 1990 powered by a 3.0 L SHO V6.

[edit] Third generation (1994–1997)

Third generation
1994 Ford Ranger XLT
Production 1994–1997
Engine(s) 2.3 L OHC I4
3.0 L Vulcan V6
4.0 L Cologne V6
Transmission(s) Manual
5-speed Mazda M5OD-R1
Automatic
4-speed A4LD
4-speed 4R44E
4-speed 4R55E
5-speed 5R55E
Wheelbase 107.9 in (2741 mm)
113.9 in (2893 mm)
125.2 in (3180 mm)
125.4 in (3185 mm)
Length 184.3 in (4681 mm)
196.3 in (4986 mm)
198.2 in (5034 mm)
182.7 in (4641 mm)
Width 69.4 in (1763 mm)
Related Ford Explorer
Mazda Navajo
Mercury Mountaineer

in 1994 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 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 L and 3.0 L models got the 4R44E, while 4.0 L trucks got the 4R55E. The front brakes were changed to use the same 2-piston brake calipers as the second generation Explorer, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were added as standard on 4x4 and 4.0 L models.


Typical Ford Ranger dash panel

Standard Ford Ranger "Jump Seat" closed

Standard Ford Ranger "Jump Seat" open


[edit] Fourth generation (1998–present)

Fourth generation
1998-2000 Ford Ranger
Production 1998–present
Engine(s) 2.3 L Duratec I4
2.5 L OHC I4
3.0 L Vulcan V6
4.0 L Cologne V6
Transmission(s) Manual
5-speed Mazda M5OD-R1
Automatic
4-speed 4R44E
5-speed 5R55E
Wheelbase 111.6 in (2835 mm)
117.6 in (2987 mm)
125.9 in (3198 mm)
Length 188.5 in (4788 mm)
200.5 in (5093 mm)
202.9 in (5154 mm)
Width 70.3 in (1786 mm)
Height 68.3 in (1735 mm)
69.4 in (1763 mm)
Related Ford Explorer
Mazda B-Series
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 L SOHC I4 giving it a 6% increase in power than the old 2.3L. It put out 120 hp (89 kW) and 149 lb·ft (202 N·m) of torque. That engine was replaced by a new DOHC 2.3 L Duratec I4 in mid-2001. 2001 also saw the pushrod 4.0 L V6 replaced by the SOHC version from the Explorer, bringing with it a beefier 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.

2001-2003 Ranger

2004-2005 Ranger

2006-2008 Ranger

The current Ranger is offered with a 143 hp (107 kW) 2.3 L I4, a 155 hp (116 kW) 3.0 L V6, and a 207 hp (154 kW) 4.0 L V6. The FX4 Level II version comes with a special 31-spline 8.8-inch (223.5 mm) 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.

[edit] Sales decline and rumored discontinuation

Ford chose to invest improvements in the Ford Explorer 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.[7] 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.[8]

Contrary to the above, Ford Motor Company released a statement on their Ford Fleet website on November 15th, 2007, saying that the Ranger will remain in production for the 2009 model year "based on continuing customer demand and loyalty".[9]

[edit] Electric Ranger

Main article: 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.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Future Cars: Ford/PAG/Mazda. The CarConnection.com (March 30, 2005).
  2. ^ Priddle, Alisa (July 2007). Ford Ranger Endangered?. Car and Driver.
  3. ^ Estrada, Herón Márquez. "Ford says it's close to selling hydroelectric plant in St. Paul", May 8, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-04-26. 
  4. ^ Meersman, Tom. "Is game over for Ford plant's ball fields?", September 1, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-04-26. 
  5. ^ Clark, Jim (December 1981). "Development of the Ranger". Mini-Truck: 26-31. 
  6. ^ Ranger GT History. The Ranger Station. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  7. ^ Lienert, Dan (August 10, 2005). Ford Ranger Vs. Nissan Frontier. Forbes.com.
  8. ^ Levine, Mike (November 18, 2007). Ford Ranger to End Production in 2009. PickupTruck.com.
  9. ^ Ford Motor Company statement regarding 2009 Ranger production. Ford Fleet.

[edit] External links


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