Posted on 01/16/2018 2:37:10 PM PST by Red Badger
Ford has officially announced the 2019 Ford Ranger, the long-awaited return of this midsize truck.
From 1983 to 2011, the Ranger was one of the most popular pickups on the road. It disappeared as the car companies moved more and more toward oversized trucks, leaving a big fan base pining for the return of the Ranger ever since. The success of the Chevy Colorado has been a barometer for the mid-size truck market, and sales are up 83 percent since 2014. Now Ford is banking on the new Ranger as a Chevy rival and a solid alternative to its best-selling full-size F-150.
Ford has packed all of the tech and ruggedness of the F-150 into the smaller Ranger, which will boast better fuel economy and maneuverability compared to its larger sibling. A high-strength steel frame supports a mostly steel body, with the hood, front fenders, and tailgate being the only areas where aluminum is used (for now).
Ford's proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission provide a solid power plant and drivetrain. The F-150 will introduce a diesel option in 2019, but that will not be available on the Ranger.
The Ranger will be available in a slew of trims and packages to fit the budgets and needs of a variety of buyers. These options include the entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat series with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations. Although the FX4 Ranger will be a capable off-road vehicle, Ford has yet to announce a Raptor version of the Ranger—which, if launched, should compete nicely with the ZR2 Chevy Colorado.
Production on the Ranger will begin later this year at Ford's Michigan assembly plant, the same location where the 2020 Ford Bronco will be built. Both new trucks should bolster Ford's already impressive truck lineup, and we look forward to seeing how each performs long-term.
I bought my last Ford Ranger brand new for $10K in 1990.
I am betting the new one costs more.
I too am disappointed that it does not come with a diesel option
Still runs great....Trannie slips now and again...but it's been a great vehicle.
> I’m concerned that this “new” and “improved” Ford “Ranger” will be a disappointment since I KNOW what a Ranger is supposed to be. Any help or ideas??? <
I can’t read the article because I’m using Adblock, and the site won’t allow that. But I’ve been told by someone supposedly in the know (a guy who works at a Ford dealership) that the new Ranger will be noticeably larger than the old one.
If that’s true, I’m going to be mighty disappointed. One of the reasons I’ve been waiting is that I want a small truck. if I wanted a big truck, I would have bought a F150 by now.
>>Way too many useless curves and crap.
There is an engineering reason for all those curves: they give strength to thin sheet metal. There are CAFE standards coming for light trucks in a few years.
Sure...just try to rent a trailer that requires a 3/4 ton truck at a rental agency that is a stickler for rules/laws...
No Go.
It’s a 1/2 ton truck, as such it’s not full sized.
5,000 lbs towing, 600 lb. tongue weight..
I have the 1st generation Ridgeline and will buy a 2nd generation next year (waiting for a few upgrades).
I DO agree it looks ‘bigger’ than it ‘is’ as far as ‘big’ trucks go.
Drive one and you will never want another truck...
Best!
Happy New Year!
My 2010 Tundra with the 4.6l and 34" tires leaves the 6 speed transmission always hunting for the right gear.
My choice would be a small pickup with a 4cyl. diesel and a 6 speed manual transmission. Any manufacturer listening?
Now that might get me to the new car lot.
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They could have gone retro and had a huge success, but they blew it, just like they blew it on the mustang when they started radically restyling it.
No smarts at all anymore.
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They’re all deaf!
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Dang it Ford!
4 and 5 cylinder engine options? Pass.
That was my first thought.
I'm on my 2nd Ranger - a 2003, looks a lot like yours (although not as clean).
I just wish Ford would make an affordable truck, either an F-150 or a Ranger. I don’t want to spend $40K for a pickup. I just want to be able to haul stuff. Manual transmission, crank windows, vinyl seats and an AM/FM radio would be fine with me. I am willing to pay extra for A/C.
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Last century was the “greatest century” automotively speaking.
Everybody went off the rails after 2010, but especially Ford, who was firmly in control until they got the changies.
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O.J. was on of the last own a Bronco so, not surprised it died....
The picture is not of mine, although mine is very similar. And mine has a few dings, here and there.
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Real pickups do get dings!
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