Ford Ranger Review
First Generation (1983-1988)
Ford began developing the Ranger in 1976. Their focus was to build a truck that was as capable as the full-size F-Series, but in a smaller and more efficient package. The compact Ranger had styling similar to other Ford pickups, and was offered with four-wheel drive. The Ranger production began January 18, 1982 at the Louisville Assembly Plant, arriving in dealerships in March. Available engines were a 72 hp 2.0 L and 86 hp 2.3 L OHC four-cylinders, 59 hp 2.2 L Mazda/Perkins diesel, and a 115 hp 2.8 L Cologne V6. In 1985, a Mitsubishi 2.3 L turbodiesel with 86 hp replaced the Mazda diesel engine, and by 1986 the 2.8 L engine was replaced with a 140 hp 2.9 L Cologne V6. The SuperCab edition was introduced in 1986, providing an extra 17 inches of storage space behind the front seats.
During 1986 Ford released the Ranger GT. Available as a standard cab short bed, it had a 2.9 L Cologne V6 with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission, and also a Traction-Lok differential with a 3.73 gear ratio. Inside, the truck was equipped with bucket seats, full instrument cluster, and an optional center console. Front and rear sway bars were added, as well as 14-inch aluminum wheels. A long bed option was added in 1987, and a ground effects package was available in 1988.
Second Generation(1989-1992)
In 1989, the Ranger included many upgrades, such as composite headlamps, new front fenders, hood, and grille, upgrades to the frame, and a new dashboard and steering column. Rear-wheel antilock brakes were added, and a bigger 21 gallon fuel tank was available on long cab models.
The 2.0 L engine was discontinued, and the 2.3 L now had a distributorless ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, giving it 14 more horsepower. A new 160 hp 4.0 L Cologne V6 was added as an option in 1990. Additionaly, a 145 hp 3.0 L Vulcan V6 was introduced to replace the 2.9 L Cologne. The Ranger GT was discontinued.
Third Generation(1993-1997)
The 1993 model had some cosmetic improvements, including smoother lines, flush-mounted door glass, wider doors, fender flares, new seats and door panels. The 2.9 L engine was discontinued. A new “Splash” model was introduced, which featured a flare side bed, special aluminum wheels, a unique paint scheme, and a lowered suspension. A number of changes were made in 1995. The steering wheel and dashboard were redesigned and now look similar to the 1995 Explorer. The front brakes were upgraded to use 2-piston brake calipers from the second generation Explorer, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were added on all 4×4 and 4.0 L models.
Fourth Generation(1998+)
For 1998 was redesigned even further, giving it a longer wheelbase and a three-inch longer cab. The interior remains the same as previous the generation. The front suspension was replaced by a wishbone-style system and the front half of the frame was “boxed”, instead of the C-channel design. Rack and pinion steering was added. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to a 2.5 L SOHC I-4 giving it 120 hp and 149 lb·ft of torque. This engine was then replaced in 2001 by a new DOHC 2.3 L Duratec. In 2001 the 4.0 L V6 was also replaced, by the SOHC Explorer engine, including the Explorer manual transmission. ALso in 2001, a new grille, hood, and front bumper, headlights and taillights were added. The current Ranger comes with either a 143 hp 2.3 L I-4 or a 207 hp 4.0 L V6. The 3.0 Vulcan was discontinued as of the 2009 model. In December 2009, Ford announced that specialty-designed graphics will be added to the Ranger on the 2010 models. This offer is exclusive to Ford Dealers and will let customers choose which custom design that they want.