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Today, the Ford Ranger is widely known around the world as a reliable and practical mid-size pickup truck. Ford's modern brainchild was born quite recently, in 2019 to be exact, but it has already managed to find a lot of fans around the world. It is tuned for off-road and drag, lowered and raised, converted to F150, armored and modified for expeditions - this is only a small part of how owners modify their pickups. Let's get to know him better, first of all with the history of the Ranger and find out how good this Ford is.
The history of this model began far before the release of the first pickup truck. Back in the mid-60s, the Ford company experimented with this name, because the name "Ranger" was quite often pronounced by residents of North America. The definition of this word is very vague, but for many it is associated with a guardian of a forest, park or countryside. And the first car with this name was calledEdsel Ranger- a large 1958 American chrome sedan that did not quite live up to its name.
In 1967, Ford introduced the 5th generation of its F-series pickups, the upper part of the interior package of one of its modifications was named Ranger. And in F-100 or F-250 size, the Ranger was billed as "Ford's best full-size pickup." Finally, the company hit the bull's eye. The only thing left is to build a pickup truck. Good thing this manufacturer knew how to build a great product.
1st generation (USA) (1983-1992)
The release of the first serial model took place in 1983. It was supposed to replace the already outdated Courier, which was produced on the basis of Mazda. For Ford Ranger, the characteristics were very interesting. It could be rear-wheel drive or with a 4x4 wheel formula. There is also a choice of two wheelbases with different body sizes: a 108-inch wheelbase version with a six-foot platform or a 114-inch wheelbase version with a seven-meter platform. The four-wheel drive version could tow up to 730 kg and was built using an independent front suspension.
A range of products was offered to buyers4 engines:
- basic four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 with 73 hp;
- 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 79 hp;
- 2.8-liter V6 with a capacity of 115 horsepower;
- atmospheric 2.2-liter diesel engine from Mazda with 59 hp.
After 1985, the diesel solution was replaced by a more powerful engine from Mitsubishi - a 66-horsepower 2.3-liter turbodiesel.
They could be paired with a four- or five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
A year later, a version of the car was presentedSuperCabwith an extended cab and a 125-inch wheelbase. It had room for additional folding seats, which increased the passenger capacity of this model to five people.
It was held in 1989modernization, which brought an improvement of the frame, as well as a change in the external and internal design. A new instrument panel and glove box were added, while exterior changes included a new grille, bonnet and front fenders with flush-mounted halogen headlights and circular marker lights. Anti-lock rear brakes became standard with this update, and the base trim had a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produced about a hundred horses. It could work with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission for an additional fee.
In addition, the 4x4 model could be equipped4.0-liter V6 engine160 horsepower with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission for heavy-duty use.
The car with the SuperCab cabin received an increased gas tank - from 61 to 75 liters.
And in 1991, a model appearedSportwith aluminum wheels and the option of installing a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a capacity of 140 horsepower for four-wheel drive pickups. Another new option was a 60/40 split split seat.
2nd generation (USA) (1993-1997)
After successfully selling the first generation of its mid-size pickups, Ford introduced the second in 1993.The second Ranger receivedsmooth contours, body lines and aerodynamic profile. The engine lineup consisted of a base 98-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 145-hp 3.0-liter V6. and a 4.0-liter V6 with 160 horsepower. Interior changes included new seats and an armrest. The Ranger also got a modernized instrument panel, as well as an improved sound system and a high-mounted third brake light integrated into the rear window.
The company made several changes in 1995, including the Ranger's specifications. The base four-cylinder engine was boosted to 112 horsepower instead of 98, a driver's side airbag was added, a 2DIN stereo system was added, and the transmissions were revised and improved. ABS was optional for all-wheel drive vehicles and was standard on pickups with the 4.0-liter engine only. In 1996, an airbag appeared on the passenger side, which could be turned off when using a child seat.
3rd generation (USA) (1998-2012)
It wassignificantly revisedcar, including a longer wheelbase and cabin, although it may not seem so at first glance. By default, it was equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder capable of producing 117 horsepower, but in addition to it, it was possible to purchase a car with a 3.0-liter V6 with 145 hp. This generation boasted a larger rear window for better visibility, as well as new seats, more legroom and more space in the cabin.New multi-link front suspension, extended wheelbase andreinforced framelead the list of changes in 1998.
Over the next 8 years, the car underwent a facelift, received a 4-liter V6 with 207 horsepower and an ABS system. From the equipment, it became possible to install a leather interior, a CD player, a personal security and anti-theft system, as well as tire pressure monitoring and an additional audio jack. For safety, LATCH (Lower Anchorage and Safety Belt System for Children) and additional side impact airbags have been added.
1st generation (Global) (1998-2006)
But together with the launch of the third generation on the US market, Ford releasedthe first global generation of Ranger. It was intendedfor the markets of Europe and the Pacific region. The assembly of this model was located at a joint venture of Ford Motor Co. and Mazda in Thailand. This pickup truck was built on the Mazda Proceed platform, on which the Mazda B-Series was also produced.
But together with the launch of the third generation on the US market, Ford released andthe first global generation of Ranger. He was appointedfor markets in Europe and the Pacific region. The assembly of this model was located at a joint venture of Ford Motor Co. and Mazda in Thailand. This pickup truck was built on the Mazda Proceed platform, which was also used for the Mazda B-Series.
The first global generation of the Ranger was produced in variations with a two- or four-door cab. As a power plant, two types of motors were offered - Mazda G6E SOHC 2.6 liters with an output of 134 hp. (206 Nm) and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder Ford Duratorq SOHC WLT turbodiesel developing 121 horsepower (277 Nm). They were paired with a Mazda M5R1 5-speed manual transmission, and since 2004, a 4-speed automatic transmission from JATCO was added. In addition, even in the base you had access to two airbags, a standard radio, power steering and ABS.
This generation gotfacelift in 2002and lasted on the conveyoruntil 2006. As a result,owners of these cars note, that it is reliable, passable, while having a good load capacity and being accessible for maintenance. In addition, the ratio of technical characteristics of the Ford Ranger is also praised.Of the minuses, highlighthard suspension and not the most comfortable interior.
2nd generation (Global) (2006-2011)
For replacementof the first global generation of the pickup came the next, second version of the Ranger, presented in March 2006 at the Bangkok Motor Show. This carbuilt on the basis of the Mazda BT-50and was produced in three versions:
- Single Cab- two-door cabin for 2 people.
- Rap Cab– a one-and-a-half cabin with a four-seater layout and unusual rear doors that open against the direction of traffic.
- Double Cab– four-door cabin for 5 people.
CharacteristicsFord Ranger has also changed. In this generation, the pickup was offered with the following two four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi diesels - 2.5 or 3 liters. With the first pickup, it develops 143 horsepower (330 Nm), and the second produces as much as 156 liters. and 380 Nm of torque. Both engines could work with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.Standard equipment included:
- 2 front airbags;
- hydraulic booster;
- heated front seats;
- electric windows;
- exterior mirrors with heating and electric adjustment;
- installed audio system.
In 2009, the Ranger underwent restyling, as a result of which it was able to stay on the assembly line until 2011.
3rd generation (Global) (2011-2018)
This pickup wasshown in October 2010 at an exhibition in Sydney, gathering good excitement among visitors. And yes, this American (partly) "truck"orientatednot only on farmers, butto a wider range of buyers. It received an increased interior and body space, powerful engines and advanced features of the Ranger as a whole, as well as an attractive design and excellent equipment with a lot of small "chips".
In addition, in this car, not only the appearance attracts attention, but alsointerior. It is well thought out, modern and informative. Evenin the basic configuration will be available to youfront airbags, multimedia, electric windows, ABS, heated mirrors and electric adjustment, as well as air conditioning. And as forcomfortin motionthe manufacturer providedfront independent two-lever suspension with a transverse stabilizer, and at the back - a solid bridge with multi-leaf springs.
Range of enginesexpanded in this generation. There are 3 engines to choose from for the Ranger
- 4-cylinder Duratorq TDCi 2.2-liter turbodiesel with intercooler, Common Rail direct injection and possible 130 (330 Nm) or 160 hp boost. (385 Nm).
- Inline 5-cylinder Duratorq TDCi 3.2-liter supercharged common rail diesel with 200 hp. and 470 Nm.
- 2.5-liter gasoline in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower and 226 Nm of torque.
6-speed manual transmissions and automatic transmissions can work with them. The drive can be rear or part-time, with a rigid connection of the front axle, a reduction gear and a rear differential lock.
In 2015restyling of this model was presented, which brought a significant change to both the appearance of the car and the interior. In addition to a more aggressive and modern design of the front part, achieved by installing new optics, bumpers and a radiator grille, the center console and general styling were replaced in the interior. This model has gained great popularity and is often used by outdoor and off-road enthusiasts.
Owners often installreinforced suspension, power bumpers, bottom protection, winches, additional lighting and other useful parts on these pickups to achieve greater capabilities of the car and its use.
4th generation (Global) (2019-2022)
In 2019, the fourth generation of a medium-sized pickup from Ford Ranger was presented, the characteristics of which are calledcompete with Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. He hasindex T6and available in versionSuperCabwith 2+2 doors, extended cab and 1.8 meter body orSuperCrewwith a four-door cabin for the crew and a one and a half meter "trunk". Ranger received a new radiator grill, an aluminum hood, as well as a steel bumper on the frame. The aluminum tailgate has a high handle and a spoiler. Technical characteristics of the Ranger have changed. As a power unit, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine with turbocharging is used, connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission and two- or four-wheel drive.This pickup has already become a very popular model for off-road enthusiasts and is often used with such installed tuning as:
- reinforced suspension with an increased range of work and a lift;
- lighting;
- bottom protection;
- power body kit (front,rear bumper,thresholds);
- electric winch;
- snorkel;
- kungs,lids,blinds.
And this is far from the entire list of possible modifications. By the way, you can read more about the possible tuning for this car,after reviewing the relevant article on Ford Ranger 4th generation tuning.
In summary, we can say that Ford managed to make a reliable, comfortable and practical mid-sized pickup truck. And this is supported by the number of sales. Over the entire history, the company has sold more than 3.2 million cars.
In addition, in 2021, the manufacturer presented the 5th generation of this model with a new design, an increased wheelbase and a 3-liter V6 turbodiesel taken from the F-150 model. You can familiarize yourself with other characteristics of the new Ford Ranger 2022 in more detailin the News section of Vnedorognik.
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