Ford Ranger: Where it's been - Part 1

Ford Ranger: Where it's been - Part 1

Looking back at the history of Ford's small pickup truck in the US before its 2019 revival.
At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show Ford revealed that it would bring the Ranger pickup back to the US in 2019, but revealed little else at the time. We would have to wait until this year's Detroit show to physically see the North American-bound model and learn about one of the drivetrains it'll be equipped with when it hits dealers early next year. When Ford finally does reenters the midsize pickup market, it will have a formidable group of competitors to deal with including the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline.
The previous-generation Ranger vanished from showrooms in the US following the 2011 model year. However, the nameplate continued on uninterrupted in other markets around the world. Not shockingly the foreign market model provided Ford a solid foundation to develop the truck that will return here.
With a bit of a wait still before sales of the 2019 Ranger begin, let's take a jog down memory lane for a look at the history of the Ford F-150's little brother here in the United States. After that, we'll review everything we know so far about the brand-new truck.

1983-1992 First-generation Ranger: Tagging in for the Courier

The Ranger's North American story began during the 1983 model year when Ford introduced the new small pickup truck to replace the Mazda-built Courier. At launch, the Ranger was offered with four engine options that included a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 73 horsepower, 2.3-liter four with 79 horsepower and a 2.8-liter V6 pumping out 115 horsepower.
A naturally aspirated 2.2-liter diesel built by Mazda was also available making 59 horsepower and 90 pound-feet of torque, which was replaced in 1985 by a Mitsubishi 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel with 86 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of twist. Sadly, Ford would drop the diesel engine option following 1986.
The first-generation Ranger would undergo a major facelift for 1989 with frame improvements and styling revisions for both the exterior and interior. On the outside, flush headlights, new grille, hood and front fenders spruced things up, while the cabin enjoyed a new dashboard. A 2.3-liter four with 100 horses and 133 pound-feet of torque served as the base power option connected to either a five-speed manual or available four-speed automatic.
Stay tuned to this blog for Part 2 of this blog-series.
If you’re looking for a used Ford Ranger for sale or want more information on the Ford Ranger specifications - visit your nearest Group 1 Used Cars dealership and speak to on of their great consultants.



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