Originally, the name Ranger was associated with Ford when it was used as a trim level in the F-100 and F-250 series in 1967. In the 1970s, XLT was added to the Ranger trim level name and it became the top trim level available.
In the early ’80s, Ford noticed that customers were wanting a smaller version of the F-150, which had overtaken the F-100. In 1983 the customer’s wishes were answered, and the smaller version, the Ford Ranger was introduced. The compact pickup was a huge success with consumers.
The little pickup that could, made it through three generations and numerous revisions before sales started to slump. After 29 years, 2012 saw the last model of the Ford Ranger…..or so we thought.
Consumers noticed the Ranger missing from the marketplace and voiced their opinions. Ford decided to reintroduce the Ranger in 2019, with a few revisions.
Take a look at how the Ford Ranger has changed in over 20 years...
15 First Ranger
In 1983, Ford presented the new compact pickup truck to fulfill customer’s requests of wanting a smaller version of the F-150. The Ranger offered engine options for customers such as a V6 and a diesel. There was also the choice of a six or seven-foot-long truck bed.
The new Ranger replaced a Ford nameplate, the Courier. The Ranger was also Ford’s response of competition to Chevy’s S-10 and GMC’s S-15. Although being six months later on the market did affect sales numbers.
14 Rare Ranger GT
The Ranger GT is a bit of a rarity. Introduced in 1986, it was in production only from 1987 to 1989. Designed to be a sport truck, included options were stepped up a notch.
Some upgrades the 1986 model included front and rear sway bars, Goodyear Eagle performance tires, bucket seats, power locks, and windows, and a rear window that slid open. The 1987 model added the option of a longer truck bed. The 1988 model saw a redesign of the front bumper to match the body color and the integration of fog lamps.
13 1993 Ranger
The 1993 model year was the start of the second generation and a major redesign. Exterior edges were rounded aiming for a more aerodynamic vehicle.
In an attempt to increase fuel efficiency, the size of the grill was reduced and slight fender flares were incorporated. Unfortunately, the changes backfired and may have decreased fuel efficiency.
12 Electric Ranger
Yes, an electric Ford Ranger was in production from 1998 to 2002. These were to compete with Chevy’s electric truck, the S-10 EV. Most electric Rangers were leased as part of a fleet package.
It was powered by lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride battery, with the front grill containing the charging port. Drivers were able to reach almost 105km on a single charge. Designers kept the exterior look of the electric version to match the gas-powered version.
Unfortunately, most of the electric Rangers faced the crusher when they were returned to Ford. A handful of them snuck through the cracks, and their drivers were able to hang onto their units.
11 Ford/Mazda Ranger?
There was an interesting rebadging of the Ranger in the North American market. From 1994 to 2009, Mazda started selling the Ranger as one of their own under the Mazda B-Series name.
The only difference between the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B-Series was the grill. The remainder of the trucks were exactly the same.
10 Third Generation
The third generation, from 1998 to 2012, became the final generation on the Rangers original production run. The 1998 model year saw major design revisions to increase the visibility for the driver. The rear window was increased in size, and the hood line dropped.
Another big change was the front suspension going to a wishbone style from the I-beam. The wheelbase was also expanded and the cab space increased.
9 Ranger Supercab
During the Ranger’s third generation, it was the only pickup to offer an option of a Supercab with suicide doors. This allowed space for two seats in the backseat and being able to carry more passengers, or cargo in the cab. The concept of a supercab then extended to full-size pickups.
8 Last Ranger
Even though Ford designers came up with revisions to the Ranger to peak consumer’s interest, sales of the Ranger slumped through the 2000s. New trim levels and off-road package options were available but to no avail.
Sales dropped from quarter-million units-a-year to barely reaching six figures a year. The Ranger was originally slated to be discontinued in 2008. But it somehow stuck it out and Ford continued to produce the Ranger until 2012.
7 Ranger Revival
There is a saying, “You never know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. That seems to be what happened with the Ford Ranger and consumers. North American consumers missed the Ranger once Ford pulled the production plug on it…..interesting though that it was still in production in other countries.
So for the 2019 model year, Ford decided to reintroduce the Ranger to the North American market. For its re-release, it was promoted as a mid-size pickup rather than a small pickup as in its earlier generations.
6 Loaded And Extended
It seems when Ford designers came up with the Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercrew cab, they tried to fit everything a full-size truck could do into the mid-size Ranger.
The “new” Ranger has definitely lost its small, or compact, truck image. Even so, consumers are eager and anxious to purchase the new style Ranger and Ford is struggling to keep up on the production line.
5 2020 Ranger
The 2020 model year is part of the fourth generation of Ford Rangers in North America. It is in a very competitive market, with other manufacturers having a tight hold of that niche market.
Of the trim levels available, the XLT hits the happy medium. It offers more than the XL trim level but isn’t as expensive as the Lariat trim level. Or if you are willing to wait it out, there are rumors of a Ranger diesel to be made available in the near future…..
4 The Raptor
We have all heard of and seen the F-150 Raptor beast that seems to tower above other vehicles and looks ready to take on anything. Well, Ford designers decided to come up with a Ford Ranger Raptor… maybe a baby Raptor?
All kidding aside, the Ranger Raptor is proving itself an off-roading contender equipped to take on any challenge. The reinforced chassis, all-terrain tires, Fox shocks, steel skid plates and more protect the Raptor and the owner’s investment.
3 The Storm Concept
Ford took the Ranger Storm Concept to the next level. When introduced at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show, it grabbed everyone’s attention. From the 3.2-liter diesel engine to the integrated snorkel, protective body cladding, all-terrain tires, and more, it is definitely a must-have.
Sadly, Ford has already claimed it has no plans to sell The Storm in North America. Now, if you live in Brazil, you may be able to pick up a Storm in the future.
2 Lowered Ford Ranger
Many truck owners love to lower, or suspension drop, their rides. And Ranger owners are no exception. The changes in suspension setup from I-beam to wishbone made lowering an easier process.
There are numerous methods and parts to achieve the lowered end result. And many owners will go to any lengths to achieve the outcome.
1 Customizations Of Course
We all have an interest in putting a personal touch on our pride and joy rides. There are so many customization options available. From less expensive parts to add on, to all-out budget-busters like a paint job, it is just plain fun to add a personal touch to our pride and joy rides.
Sources: cjponyparts.com, autotrader.com, Edmonds.com, motor1.com