Ford Faqs

Ford motor company has been in deep thought and must decide soon whether or not they will be making a next generation Ranger. The Ranger and other compact pick-up trucks are made at the Twin Cities plant located in Minnesota, which is planning to close late next year. Ford has decided to close the plant in order to follow with the Way Forward North America restructuring plan.

Ford could design a new Ranger and build it at another of its flexible manufacturing plants. Or the automaker could take advantage of its pickup plant in Thailand, the second-biggest pickup market in the world, after the U.S. The problem is that, in the absence of a free trade agreement between the two countries, high tariffs on trucks exported from Thailand to the U.S. essentially wipe out potential profits.

Ford’s compact pickup truck is given only a mild makeover for 2006. The Ranger offers regular-cab and extended SuperCab models spanning six trim packages. SuperCabs have two rear fold-down jump seats as standard or optional, depending on trim, and are available with back-hinged rear access doors.

Regulars offer 6- and 7-ft cargo beds; SuperCabs use the 6-ft only. Engines comprise a 2.3-liter 4-cyl and 3.0- and 4.0-liter V6s. All use manual or 5-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. V6s also offer 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing.

The Ford Ranger has been America’s best-selling predominant compact pickup for 17 years running. While the entry-level pickups from other manufacturers have moved up in size, roominess, features and refinement, the Ranger remains the only real compact pickup.

Upgrades had improved this truck. The suspension was overhauled for 2004 with improved bushings, springs, shocks and tires all designed to improve the ride quality, and the brakes were improved for 2003. Last year saw some interior and exterior revisions as well.

Built Ford tough like all trucks from the manufacturer, the compact Ranger is nice, rugged little pickup. The 2004 Ford Ranger has a new look that reshapes its front end for a more prominent appearance. That, plus improved ride features and new equipment, highlight the changes for this year.

Rangers come in regular-cab and extended SuperCab body styles. SuperCabs are available with back-hinged rear doors. Regular cabs use a 6 or 7-ft straightside cargo bed; SuperCabs get a 6-ft version. Regular cab Ranger models have a front bench seat and can sit up to three. With the extended cab, a rear seat compliments the rear doors, pushing the seating up to five.