The ever changing Ford Ranger
TheFord Rangerwas first introduced in 1983, to compete with the Japanese, in the small pick-up truck industry. Ford started developing the Ranger in 1976. They wanted to make asmall pick-up truckthat was as capable at hauling as the Ford F-Series, but more economical. It had a body style very similar to the F-Series trucks. The Ranger replaced the Ford Courier, which resembled the Mazda B-series pick-up trucks.
The first Ford Ranger debuted in mid-1982 to early 1983. It was only available in two-wheel-drive but later that year Ford added a four-wheel drive model. Early Rangers had a 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engine with about 80 horsepower. Later in that same year Ford would introduce a 2.8 liter V6 engine as an option for its customers.
The Ranger stayed the same in 1984 but had a transmission upgrade in 1985, to a five-speed manual standard gear box with an optional four-speed automatic. Ford also upgraded the 2.3 liter engine with fuel injection and added ten more horsepower. The Standard Cab STX version was also introduced in the Western states in 1985. The STX version featured a sport suspension, bucket seats and a two-toned paint job.
In 1986 the Ranger got one of its many face-lifts including a new 2.9 liter V6 engine that included fuel injection. It is the first year that Ford introduced the “Super-cab” or extended cab which included jump seats for more passengers. They were ideal for children, making the Ranger a “family truck.”
1987 brought the new “High-Rider” STX 4X4 which debuted heavy duty shocks, off road tires and it rode 1.3 inches higher than most standard Rangers. Giving the “high-rider” an off road edgy style. The V6 engine became standard on all Rangers in 1987.
In 1989the Ranger was due for another face-lift, this time changing the headlights, front fenders, hood, grille and an upgraded the frame. The interior was revamped with a modern dashboard and steering column. The automatic transmission still remained an option for all Ranger buyers. Key removal was made easier in all manual transmission models, by introducing a one-handed key release button. Rear anti-lock brakes and a 2.3 liter engine with a distributor less ignition system, this new system gave the Ranger better fuel economy.
Another sport model was introduced in 1991. The new model had new graphics and alloy wheels. To make the Ranger more comfortable a 60/40 split bench seat was also added in 1991.
For ten years the Ford Ranger had basically the same look with very minor cosmetic upgrades and several mechanical upgrades. In 1993 the Ranger received another face-lift, this time significantly changing the appearance of the body. The Ranger now sported a slightly rounded nose, new light clusters on the front and the back, a revamped interior, sound system, seats, door trim and instrument panel. Ford changed the engine again from the 2.9 liter V6 to the 2.3 liter.
The Splash model Ford Ranger was introduced in 1993. It was noted for its flare side bed and chrome wheels. The flare side bed can also be described as a “step-side.” In 1993 the Splash model was only offered in regular cab.
Just a minor change was made in 1994. Ford transitioned to the CFC free air conditioning, in compliance with the new clean air act. 1994 was also the debut of the Splash model super cab. Driver safety was enforced in 1995 with the introduction of the driver airbag that became standard in all models of the Ranger.
In 1997 Ford Ranger included the first ever five-speed automatic transmission used by an American manufacturer.
In 1998 the Ford Ranger had become the best-selling pick-up truck since 1987 and with that honor came another face-lift which gave the Ranger a stronger presence by stretching out the wheel base for all standard sized trucks. The suspension was also changed to more of a boxed frame instead of a c-channel construction; this made the Ranger more stable. Rack and pinion steering was added which gave the driver a better response from the truck than the other system of steering. Just in case you didn't know, an electric version of the Ranger was also developed in 1998. It was marketed toward fleet buyers because of its limited range, which was less than 60 miles on one battery charge.
The Splash model disappeared in 1999. Other sports models such as the XL and the XLT were brought back with air conditioning, chrome bumpers and grille and 3.0 liter V6 Flex fuel engine. Flex fuel allows engines to run on gasoline, ethanol or a combination of both.
In 2001 Ford imroved the Ranger and gave it more horsepower with a 4.0 overhead cam V6 that is also be found in the Ford Explorer. The Edge package was introduced in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. It included a monochromatic paint scheme and a higher suspension. It also had a trailer towing package, air conditioning and CD deck.
Between 2004 and 2011 there were only minor upgrades to the Ranger, including the bumper, grille, seats and engine. Due to declining sales of the compact truck segment of the automobile industry the main production plant in St. Paul Minnesota had to shut down. With that closed, the Ford Ranger was discontinued with one final run in 2012 exclusively for the fleet market.
The Ford Ranger had an impressive 30 year reign as America’s most popular compact pick-up truck. With that success came updates, upgrades and even some downgrades. If you follow this briefly written history you will notice quite a few engine swaps and minor tweaks to the Ranger. Ford was looking for the perfect combination for the perfect small pick-up.
