I don't get it. Somehow Ford having an engine that leads in almost every category is not good enough. I wonder if people would feel better if they put an NA 4 cylinder as the base just so people felt they had an option.

IMHO, it is brilliant. I own a F150 with the 2nd Gen 3.5EB. It is a fantastic engine. I am an EB fan. However, that is not why I say brilliant.

The critics have to find something wrong with every product (Unless you are Consumer Reports and talking about Toyota and then you overlook any issues). Nowhere in the reviews does Ford take a hit on the power train for the new Ranger. People are very worried about the maintenance on a Turbo engine and there is likely to be some. However, Ford has put millions of these out there and I never see them dead on the side of the road. This particular engine has been the base in the Mustang for several years now where I am sure it gets well punished. I assume collectively there are millions and millions of miles on them.

So the critics have focused on the interior. In general, Ford should revisit the team responsible for all their interiors for this is a constant criticism. It kills me to see Ram rated higher, but it is actually nicer.

And the critics bash the ride. It is a truck. Please don't turn it into a car.

But they never criticize the power train. Why, well it is really good and better than most everything else on the market.

If I didn't already have the best truck on the market ... I would look at one!

 

I see this argument all the time. Certainly there are ride/load carrying ability compromises made with trucks. But trucks can still ride decent and carry sizable loads.

The Ridgeline is the best comparison. Rides nice and whomped the Ranger in a recent C&D comparison test (except for off-road).

But you are correct, C&D like the motor.

The current Ranger was designed for 3rd world applications. Ford tarted it up for the US, but its cheap truck roots were not hidden well.

Considering how expensive it is, and how much time it had, Ford could have easily brought its "A" game. But once again, settled for "good enough".

 

So the Ridgeline is a bit quicker, doesn't get as good fuel mileage, only comes with one engine (okay for the Honda, not for the Ford), and is a car with a bed. I'm not sure how the Honda whpped the Ranger. If you can't run offroad, its not a truck to me. I've been in a Ranger and we have ordered one, the ride is just fine and not an issue to me.

 

If you like the truck, great. Buy one. Buy two or three in fact.

The Ranger may be good enough for you.

But that still does not excuse Ford for selling a truck that is less than it should be.

 

Obviously the Ranger is a hot topic for you, so what should Ford have done different? I’d like to have seen a diesel and a trim level for working and hunting type guys. I’d like to seen it about the old size, but the rumored Courier may address that.

 

Because at the very same time that they offer only one engine for the Ranger, they brag about offering 6 engines in the F150 because their consumer research tells them people want choices and Ford prides itself on offering those choices ...

Their marketing messages are mixed. Ford did it to itself.

 

Although i have no interest in buying a Ranger, I do have a friend who`s does want one in the future. So all this talk about this truck is now doesn`t make sense to me when we know that in 2020 there will be a new one. This is just a fill in because of all the people who wanted the Ranger back. So Ford tried to use a near 10 year old design to fill that hole.

 

OMG why do people not get it...this is a filler truck, expect the “real” new Ranger in a couple years. That said this one is a nice truck and very capable off road, check out Stage 3 Motorsports off road review on YouTube. This truck in stock form will go anywhere you point it ( within reason of course ). It’s only going to get better.

 

Today I test drove 2 Rangers and bought one. First was a Lariat with the FX package, it was a very stiff ride. I know it's a truck and I could live with it, but the second vehicle was a Lariat without the FX package. I was impressed with the ride without the FX option. The truck didn't bounce over every bump and I bought it.

I go off road at times but not like I used to. My off road use is driving through a field on a farm, not climbing mountains. The engine has ample power but I wasn't all that impressed with it, but then I didn't drive it in Sport mode.

 

Imagine the equipment package matters. Don't need FX4 and will probably be out testing an XLT extended cab soon. Thinking the 4 cylinder turbo engine may be about right for us and we don't make new truck choices easily. We do live at high altitude (7,200 feet) and that should help this engine work good enough. And we also live on a rough gravel road, pot-holed asphalt. I am constantly amazed at the durability of my 2003 Ranger 4x4. It just doesn't break.

Interested in the global Ranger platform before it gets dumbed down for the US market. We appreciate a strong small truck. But, then again it needs to be comfortable too for some highway driving. Will be checking it out.

 

Yes, yes, the 2.3L is a great engine that is reliably employed in a few other vehicles. Not the point my friends. One only needs to take a look at the Expedition from 1997 to now. The Expy was available with two engines from '97 thru the end of the '04 MY. Then Ford decided to offer only the 5.4L 3V from 2005 till the 3.5L was offered some 10 years later. Sales began to decline in 2005 and the truck never regained the market share that it once dominated some 15 years ago.

Perhaps the next gen Ranger will offer more choices but as history has shown, fewer choices means fewer sales. In the case of the 2005 and newer Expedition, the 5.4L was a flop anyway. I wish the best for robust Ranger success.

 

Next time I take a test drive I'm going to bring a tire gauge with me to check the air pressure. I couldn't believe how many people on the Raptor forum complained of over inflated tires when they took delivery. Not sure if the techs aren't checking the air pressure when they prep new vehicles or they just guess on what the pressure should be? Common sense isn't very common or they would look on the door jam sticker and see that they should be @ 38 psi.

 

I think it’s a solid truck as is, that said I’m anxiously awaiting the new Bronco and the “real” new Ranger. Perhaps If the stars align just right I’ll have both in the driveway

 

Excellent point. There is psychological research that has been well established supporting the idea that people want to be offered choices, even if they rarely want to take any of the alternatives. Sales figures will be higher if choices are offered, even when they are rarely optioned. From a logical point of view, it makes no sense, but we regularly behave in a ridiculous fashion due to subconscious decision making.

One more reason I am certain Ford plans to launch the new-new Ranger ASAP. Without any engine choices, the current model will never compete well -- even if no one wants the other option.

 

It is not an issue of offering options. People do not want to be told what to do.

Ford - "You will take the 2.3L turbo!!!".

The customer - "The H-E- double toothpicks I will!!!!. Where is that Chevy dealer?".

People will argue with you even if what you tell them to do is what they were going to do anyway.

I am of German descent on both sides. So is my wife. I have a lot of experience with this attitude. God help me. A lot of experience.