Ford's Ranger has returned to the U.S. with huge success, triggering immense demand. Why are Americans so eager for this mid-sized pickup?
The truck that people want
Ford's F-150 is such a runaway success in the North American pickup truck market that many didn't miss the Ranger when it ceased sales in 2011. Ford's decision to reintroduce the Ranger to American customers has been vindicated, as demand has been massive. Product planners say 300,000 potential customers are keen on the mid-sized pickup truck.
Proudly built in Michigan
This huge demand for Ford's mid-size pickup truck has helped to revive the company's production facility outside Detroit. A factory which has built a range of important off-road vehicles in its history, including the original Bronco back in 1966, is now producing Rangers at a tremendous rate.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Shifting up
To account for the unprecedented demand, Ford has added additional shifts at its Detroit facility. Workers are clocking up overtime as they attempt to satisfy the demand for Rangers, with American customers finding the latest version of Ford's midsize pickup very much to their liking. Ford's investment of $850m in its Ranger production appears to have been very well considered indeed.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
A more urbane pickup
Why is the new Ranger so popular with American buyers? It takes much of the F-150's ability and packages into a slightly smaller vehicle. One that is much easier to park and drive around town. And if you ever encounter an off-road obstacle at the local mall parking lot, well, that's no problem for a Ranger.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Lots of space on the back
Ford is aware that pickup truck buyers are no longer only hauling loads or using their vehicles on construction sites. Many use them as family vehicles in the week, and then as lifestyle activity trucks on the weekend. To this end, the Ranger has a 51.8 cubic feet box, which can easily accommodate mountain bikes.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
True all-terrain ability
Another reason for the Ranger's popularity is its all-terrain ability. These mid-sized pickup trucks can be had with four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. In addition, there is Ford's terrain-management system, which has a turn-dial that owners can use to select the appropriate throttle, traction, and shift-patterns for the off-road adventure they wish to embark upon.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
A mid-sized pickup that isn't shy of working
Ford's Ranger might be classed as a mid-sized pickup truck and be powered by an apparently small 2.3-liter engine, but it has plenty of power and hauling ability. Owners can load up to 1840 lbs on the back and Ranger will haul 7500 lbs behind it too. The engine's 270hp and 310 lb-ft of torque are spread among no less than ten forward gears.
>>Join the conversation about the Ford Ranger right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit the how-to section of the forum.
