Ford is likely to end production of the Ranger pickup in 2008, with no direct replacement planned, according to a report by MPH magazine. The compact truck was first introduced in 1983. The latest fourth-generation iteration began production in 2001, but is already considered somewhat dated compared to the competition. Moreover, the market for compact pickup trucks in the American market is continuing to shrink, despite an increase in crossover popularity.
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02/20, 2:48 PM
posted by:
theron
Uh, doesn’t this just mean that the current model will be replaced in 2008? You seem to be implying that the Ranger will be discontinued without replacement… which doesn’t seem likely for such a major player in its market.
02/20, 2:58 PM
posted by:
theron
Actually this is what MPH says:
“Our insider at FoMoCo says it’s almost official that the Ranger compact pick-up will cease to exist in 2008, at least in the U.S. as part of Ford’s “Way Forward” plan. The vehicle could become an international model built in such foreign locals as Thailand or India. Most automakers won’t even consider building compact trucks for American consumers, so this move makes sense. Still expect to see a slight refresh for the truck’s final two-year run.”
So I guess the prediction is that the model will be built oversees.
02/20, 6:59 PM
posted by:
darkness
I agree with post 1, it would leave a huge gap in the market for small trucks. I think the bigger issue is how is GM going to pull up there socks and get out of there hole.
02/21, 3:00 AM
posted by:
DaveO
Honestly I think it would be better replaced with a small van like the Torneo or Transit sold in Europe. At least for the worker market. And even if the Ranger is gone there is still the Explorer Sport Track.
02/21, 6:03 AM
posted by:
BAC
The key word is compact. I see a mid-size replacement circa 2008.
02/21, 10:29 AM
posted by:
Phil
It’s about time. That truck has been virtually the same since the mid-1990s except for a few “refreshes” here and there. The least Ford could have done was reshape the body and door handles during that 10+ year span. Though trucks are redesigned less often than cars, it’s interesting to think that we have gone through three totally redesigned Honda Accords and three totally redesigned Toyota Camrys during the time period that this truck has lived life. By ‘totally redesigned,’ I’m not talking about refreshes. I’m talking about all-new.
02/22, 5:09 AM
posted by:
nick
kill the market??? so they mean later affordable compact trucks, you may only buy our gas guzzling triton v8…
02/13, 5:56 AM
posted by:
biskie03
I cannot believe that Ford is even considering getting rid of their Ford Rangers. The Ford Ranger is the most dependable truck I’ve ever had. I can definately say, that if this does happen, I’ll be buying dodges from now on.