Report: Ford F-150 to Fill Ranger's Shoes, But New Global Ranger Still Possible

[Administrator]

Production of the Ranger pickup truck will end next year, with Ford hoping buyers will move up to the F-150. If demand is sufficient, however, Ford might also look to introduce its upcoming global midsize truck platform (the new Ranger) to the U.S.

In an interview with PickupTrucks.com, Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak confirmed the Ranger was to be eliminated after an incredibly long production run, which has stretched over a decade. With most owners using their Rangers for commuter duty, Ford thinks the move to an F-150 won't be difficult. After all, the current 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Ranger gets 19/24 mpg, which is likely worse than what an F-150 equipped with Ford's new 3.7-liter V6 would get. While the use of the 3.7 in the F-150 is still unconfirmed, in the Mustang it gets an impressive 30 mpg.

According to Kuzak,the biggest issue with bringing over the new Ranger to the U.S. is how it would fit into the North American marketplace. "It's no secret we have a new Ranger coming globally. We're working on one for all the other markets in the world," said Kuzak to PickupTrucks.com. "The difference is that all o those other markets only have a Ranger. They don't have an F-150 above it."

In other words, Ford would not want to cannibalize sales of the top-selling F-150.

The Ford Ranger continues to be the second best selling compact pickup in the U.S., with 55,600 units moved last year. The Ranger is, however, a distant second to the Toyota Tacoma at 111,824 units.

More: Report: Ford F-150 to Fill Ranger's Shoes, But New Global Ranger Still Possible for North America on AutoGuide.com

[lateb]

I know they really don't care about the fleet market but the company I'm retired from runs small pickups for delivery. (Around 2000 vehicles) At one time they tried to buy a mix of brands, but the S10's were junk comparatively and the Dakota got too expensive on initial purchase. In their usage the Rangers have been bullet proof. When I retired in '06 my store's delivery pickup was a ranger with over 220,000 miles on the 4cyl manual and we had not replaced anything except tires and the clutch. The clutch was because we had a 20 year old that couldn't drive a standard, and when he learned, all he could do with it was leave the customer's lot sideways with both back tire burning.
Anyway, I don't think as long as there is a small truck available that you will get some companies and individuals to go with a larger pickup. I have several friends that own one and they would feel the same way about being forced to upgrade. I personally wouldn't own one if for no other reason than they're too small and I'm too big.

[ianstew]

Originally Posted by brad@gojade.org

I have an 08 f250. If I try to shift it to 4 high on the fly it will NOT engage. NEVER. If I stop and back up it will then go right in. Once it engages once then it will go in and out of 4 wheel for about an hour no problem. I have taken it to the dealer twice. They have changed an "engagement selanoid" and that still has not fixed it. Anyone have an advise? Similar problem? Thanks in advanced guys.

might want to post this in the 6.4 help secrtion here: 6.4L Problems Forum - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum