Posted on 12/12/2011 8:29:34 AM PST by MulberryDraw
Here’s the first known victim of the latest CAFE (government fuel efficiency) increase to 35.5 MPG: The compact pick-up truck. And the American truck buyer.
Ok, that’s two victims.
I’ve just discovered that Ford has dropped the Ranger – America’s last compact-sized truck - for 2012. But not from its lineup. Just from its U.S. model lineup. Not only will the Ranger continue to be sold in export markets, the 2012 model will be a heavily updated model which, among other things, will offer a new diesel engine...
(Excerpt) Read more at epautos.com ...
“They” want to get rid of all affordable vehicles—especially SUV/trucks—as they are a real symbol/means of good ‘ol American individuality/independence!
Miss my Ranger, but my present Ford Escape will haul most of the stuff that Chuck (my truck) used to do. And the Escape is a nice driving little vehicle!
Semper Watching!
*****
The EPA made it clear to the automakers that they do not want diesel powered passenger cars and light trucks on the US market. The US automakers make and market plenty of highly fuel efficient diesel engine powered vehicles, just not in the US. Why this is so is completely beyond most rational engineers. These engines are not the polluting nasty engine designs from the 70’s and 80’s.
Obama would rather we just tow horsecarts behind our Volts, Leafs, and Priuses.
I really hope Ford takes their Ecoboost V6 and moves it downscale in their product line. Right now you have to buy the top-end F-150s and Flexes to get that engine, which stinks because it’s amazing. I’m as much a big V8 fan as anybody, but a full-size pickup with 365 horsepower that can still squeeze out almost 25 mpg highway is amazing.
}:-)4
Really........o.k., I read the article and its so full of discrepancies its pathetic. One obvious blunder is the statement that the Ford Ranger is the only compact of not-full sized truck made. Toyota Tacoma owners and Nissan Frontier owners would take exception to that as would Chevy Colorado owners and Dodge Durango, (I think) owners.
Ford is discontinuing the Ranger because 1) it’s a Mazda 2000 and 2) Mazda is disconintinuing the line. It hasn’t been updated in 20 years. And, no.......you won’t get 22 MPG city in it, believe me, I’ve got friends suffering 15 MPG city with the gutless 4 cylinder engine.
Ford is killing it because its killing Ford.
This is too bad.
We already have a FS gas truck (GM).
Our other cars are getting older, and although I generally don’t buy new, a diesel compact pickup from a non-government manufacturer would really have been worth looking at.
I’ve never bought a new car, but I actually would willingly endure a visit to the showroom to have seen a small diesel pickup.
Ford is dropping the Ranger because they claim that it is too close to the F-150 and people like to buy F-150’s. I hate the government and EPA, but this is all on Ford’s shoulders. In the 1990’s they ended the T-Bird/Cougar lines because it was too close to the Mustang and Taurus. Unfortunately, you can’t buy a Taurstang that offers a roomy interior with rear-wheel drive, V8-powered performance. But, they wanted to get rid of the car that serves two markets very well and instead make the buyer who wants both move to a more-expensive SUV. This decision is designed to move people away from cheap, light PUs to more expensive SUVs and F-150s.
I can’t speak to the Asian makes, but I believe the Durango and Colorado are considered mid-size, not compact.
The S-10 was a compact, but it was replaced by the mid-size Colorado.
Pretty reliable though. I’m on my second one because the first was totaled (by the other driver). I’ve got about 175000 on it.
Thanks. Good points.
The margins on the more expensive vehicles are way better than on the small strippers. Just another reason we buy small strippers :-)
I think a lot of it was price. Pickups aren't cheap and now cost the same or more than SUV's.
If Obama has his way, we’ll probably end up using those Volts, Leafs, and Priuses as horsecarts.
The Dodge Dakota and GM Colorado and Canyon are toast also. They are not going to make them any more; at least according to what I have read.
Don’t believe all the rumors coming out of these auto rags. Hubby has worked for Ford for 27 years, and the media types never get anything right. SIL is in Turkey working on some new vehicles which will eventually come back over here.
Thank you for responding—yeh, it’s difficult to fully believe anything anymore, even online, and nothing on the gubmint media!
Semper Fidelis and Take Care...
Gunny G
aka: Dick Gaines
USMC 1952—1972
*****
I had a ‘94 4x4 with the 4L V6. Great truck drove it ‘til 2006 and had very little trouble with it. My son bought a 2009 in the config and loves it.
I now drive an F150 my wife drives an Expedition and my S-i-L drives a Sportrac.
FWIW, if you go to Ford.com, every vehicle I pulled up lists the 2012 model. Except the Ranger - it’s a 2011.
I don’t know what it means, but it seems if there were going to be a 2012 model, it would be out by mid December of 2011.
Love my ‘08 Frontier. I’ve ridden in Rangers and can see why they dumped it. Worst rated small truck in the industry.
Which doesn’t change the fact that Obama is attempting to strangle America into Socialist submission.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.