Ford just announced a new trim package for the Ranger. You guessed it. A "Black Out" package.

I sure will be glad when this "Black Edition" or "Midnight Edition", or "Whatever Just So We Paint All The Trim Black Edition" fad finally ends.

I have not been able to fit into my tie-dyed jeans for years, and I do not look good in a fu-manchu mustache and afro.

Peace brother, I need to go out an make some more bread from the man.

 

Old news. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-package.html

 

The black pack fad has gone on for a long time, chrome is a color too!

 

Almost $2k for the black out pkg vs About $800 for the sport pkg. They look almost identical, except the sport contrast color is dark gray. I don't get it. I'm not surprised that this has been a sales flop. Too many people in power suits and suspenders making marketing decisions on products that they probably haven't even seen in real life.

Anyone still remember the days when chrome cost extra and painted bumpers and wheels were on the low end trucks?

 

Groovy man!

 

Oh ya, I remember those days. Back in the '60/'70's, I had my hand in a number of car shavings. Crap, we'd have the bumpers painted over the chrome.
Cars were usually run on the dragstrip, so the paint lasted longer than it would have on the street.

 

The blackout package gives you stuff like a black spray-in bed liner, running boards, and upsized 18" wheels, not just changing chrome pieces to black...Ford doesn't think customers are *that* dumb. Might be good to check the actual content before getting upset.

That said, Chrysler has done great with various trim packages on Jeeps, Durangos, and I assume Ram trucks, which use black, bronze, dark grays. I agree the manufacturer cost is small for this kind of stuff but as an old performance car (as opposed to luxury car) fan, I like the blackout look except for flat black wheels without polished accents, which look like someone stole the hubcaps.

I'll take brushed aluminum over chromed plastic any time.

 

I don't believe that I ever said that it did, but you can read my post again as well as me.

Blacked out trim might not be the only content of the package, but blacked out trim is THE defining feature in a "black out" package.

If you like it, great. Just follow the rest of the herd.

 

Sorry, I was clarifying JKBrad's comment on $2k for the black package vs $800 for the sport package...there is additional stuff included is the only point I was making. We don't need to debate anyone's preferences regarding aesthetics. The Ranger offers a chrome package also and if that's what you like, go for it.

 

By buying one without the black out option wouldn't that make you part of a larger herd?

 

Consider me part of the “herd”. I love the black accents on a truck, rims, etc. I think it makes it look sporty yet rugged. I don’t care for all that chrome. In my opinion it looks cheap, like something a 16 year old would deck his vehicle out with from parts an automotive section at a department store. I’m not saying the chrome looks bad, it’s just not my thing.

 

I agree; chrome is a fad that has hung on too long. Thankfully no where near as popular as 20 years ago or whatever. It looks dated.

 

Come back in 20 years. You will be seeing the same thing said about black.

Chrome took so long to die out because people needed some other herd to follow, something to take the place of chrome. Hello black. As black has gained momentum, chrome has faded.

Something else will catch the herd's eye and black will fade into the sunset. Can't come a minute too soon for me.

PS - I never liked chrome either.

 

That's the very reason they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

 

I think the black fad in the 4x4 world actually originated out of function over form. Black wheels and trim are much easier to sand and paint for repair at home if you sustain trail damage or damage from harsh weather. You can't re-chrome a grille or wheel or bumper in the driveway at home.

So, it's kind of an apples to oranges comparison.