Here's the story. In 1997, I bought a new work truck, a Ranger XL Supercab with the 2.3L engine. Was able to get it with options I wanted: cruise and LSD, but no air. I loved it.

Within 9 months things changed and I needed a larger bed. So I got a '98 F-150 XL V6, with the same options. I still own it today, it's been a flawless work truck.

Now biz has changed again, I'm getting most stuff shipped in and don't need the big pickup anymore. That, and $50+ fillups has me shopping for a compact pickup. With fond memories of the '97 Ranger, plus the new improved 2.3L engine, that became my first choice. A 2.3L 5-speed, in either a Supercab or regular cab with long bed, would work fine.

Went to the Ford website, and started to build it. What do I find?

Can't get a Supercab with the 4 cylinder any more. Must get a V6 to qualify for a Supercab. Why?
Can't get a long bed with the XL package. Have to buy the XLT package to get it. (This is insane!)
Can't get limited slip differential with the 4 cylinder. Why not? Do only V6's need the wintertime traction of an LSD ?
Can't get the upgraded payload package with the 4 cylinder.

I called my local dealer, they said, yes, it's all true. Called a dealer 60 miles away, he says he can order the long bed, but only through his fleet program.

I'm stunned. Does Ford think that, by narrowing our choices, they are serving their customers better? Methinks the marketing types have gotten carried away here, limiting the options in such a way as to force us into buying things we don't need in order to get what we want. Maybe they don't realize, the worst thing that can happen is to have a customer leave and walk straight to another brand. Once you've lost a customer emotionally, it's hard to get them back.

For contrast, (and in spite of horrible past experience,) I looked at the GM compacts, Colorado/Canyon. They're ugly, for sure... but you can configure one exactly the way you want it (with the exception of the long bed, which they don't offer.)

Sorry for venting here, but I called Ford to register a complaint, and was told there really wasn't an avenue for such. I'd really rather buy a new Ranger. But it doesn't look like it's in the cards. And I'm bummed.

 

Same here.

The SuperCab 2.X went out when the D-tec came in, pretty much. (2001.5 = last 2.3L SCabs)

NO truck should go without a LSD rear, period. BUT, you pay to play in that case.

My 2.3L SCab won't be leaving anytime soon.

I will say it until I am blue in the face, but losing the 2.3L in the SCab with fuel prices being what they are and no diesel option = DUMB!

No long bed in XL.....that has to smell. The SCab is fine for me, but I have never really liked Ford v6s. The 3.slow is lame and the 4.OHC is a PITA to work with. I am quite pleased with what I have.

I don't buy new, but IF I wanted something really recent, Toyota has a 2.7L XCab option. Even in 4x4! My next truck would have to be a mid 90s PSD truck in the squared-off body style. Supposedly they can be worked on.....

 

Jeff and I have complained about the same thing. There are so many variations of a Ranger in the base models, it's hard for those who sell them to figure out where to start. In spite of what I think is too many variations on the model theme, some key combinations got left out. It's almost like Ford is trying to kill the thing by confusing customers and dealers alike.

Makes me cranky, because the Ranger is one of my favorite Ford products.

 

Get a 5 spd 4 cylinder tacoma. They are reliable and fulfill the requirements you need.

 

jbau,

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I'd consider it if the local dealer wasn't such a sheister. You can't get a basic Tacoma from them. And they add they $1000+ dealer options onto everything. I won't do business with people like that.

Sad thing is, the Tacoma is so popular right now, they get away with it.

 

I can appreciate that.

So it seems... the thing about requiring an XLT package to get the long bed is particularly irrational... it smacks to me of pushing people up into the F-150. How does one get through to someone inside Ford that can maybe make a difference? Or is that fanciful thinking?

I DEFINITELY agree.

 

I just noticed you mentioned a "long bed" Ranger.
Can you guys get Rangers with 8ft beds???

 

I went looking for a standard cab long bed last fall when I bought my truck. I found your problem of finding a truck you wanted is not unique to Ford. They all do it. I also found that even though I wanted a simple combination, it was not available. Toyota made almost what I wanted in the 2004 model (discontinued in 2005) but the zone I live in does not import any of them. I checked out everybody's combinations and finally got as close as I could find with a 6.5' bed Ford F-150.

The fewer combinations they make, the cheaper they can make them (and either make more money on each or sell them cheaper).

 

re:bed length- no, it's something like 7 1/3 ft.