Got Something To Haul, Try A Ford Ranger

In 1983 Ronald Regan was president. Ford (not Gerald, but the vehicle manufacturer) introduced a new small size truck. The Ford Ranger was the replacement truck for the former Ford Courier model. Since that time, Ford has produce a new ranger model each year and plans to do so until at least 2012.

Although the bed of the Ranger is smaller than the standard sized Ford F-150, the design was originally made so that a four foot sheet of plywood would fit inside the bed. The sheet will have to ride on top of the wheel wells, but it will fit.

A look at the cab of the ranger will show you that it is truly only a two passenger vehicle, although some models were sold with fold down jump seats behind the front seats. These jump seats, really would only be acceptable for children and then on short trips and not a long road trip. The jump seats, however do allow the Ranger to be classified as a four passenger vehicle, and the bed allows for four foot material.

Throughout its production, the Ranger has been a successful vehicle for Ford. With over twenty five years of history, the Ranger remains a good seller. Body style for this truck is now into its fourth generation. The body style has changed as the body styles of the F-series trucks have changed.

For a truck, the Ranger get comparatively better fuel mileage than its larger counterparts. This makes the small truck popular for commuters that want to drive a truck but need the economy of the Ranger.

Currently the Ranger offers the choice of two engine sizes. There is a smaller 2. 3 liter engine and a larger 4. 0 liter engine. The V-6 engine offered in earlier models is no longer being sold.

Today's Ranger is one of the few small trucks that are being built. Both Toyota and Dodge have increased the size of their former small sized trucks to the midsize range, leaving the Ranger as the only option in today's market.

Even though Ford has spent more marketing dollars on the Explorer series and the sales of Rangers has dropped over the past few years, with Toyota taking the lead with their larger Tacoma. Ford has continued to promise to make the Ranger and hopes that the increased demand for fuel economy will help sales.

Again, according to rumors, the Ranger will be replaced in 2012 by an Australian Ford truck that was not originally intended for sale in the United States. Ford has already begun test marketing the vehicle in the United States. The newer truck will be available in the United States only with a 1. 6-liter engine. In other parts of the world, buyers can opt for a diesel engine that is a 3. 0-liter engine.

Hopefully the Australian truck will continue the fine tradition of the Ford Ranger. Through the trying times of the economy on the automakers, we wish the best to Ford.

Andy Zain is the admin of Ford Ranger Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Ford Ranger. Get the information you need when you visit Ford Truck Forums