Ford Bring Ranger Back for 2012 Model Year?

[clubgitmo]

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Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there's been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning, Ford's president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America.

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED] — Autoblog


Obvious crew cab test mule in the photos. No diesel unless Ford surprises the world. However if the new Ranger follows other Ford vehicles in improved fuel economy... maybe it won't matter.

A new Ranger with good fuel economy and priced similarly to the Mahindra would sway me in a heart beat. If this is a Ranger that Ford FINALLY decided to put some money into It could be a real winner. Plus it already has a 20+ year rock solid reputation. Mahindra?

[OldJackPine]

I previously had a Ford Ranger and currently am driving a full size Silverado. I have read Ford stating that a Ranger isn't needed since the F150 can get similar MPG. They seem to ignore how much more convenient a small pickup is in everyday life. Mahindra wouldn't be so interesting to so many if it was a full size pickup. I hope Ford makes the correct choice and brings us the new and improved Ranger.

[pee wee]

That would eliminate any questions for me if I could get the new Ranger with regular cab and 7 foot box. After what we've seen of Mahindra's attitude towards this market I'm pulling for anybody else to show up with an efficient and affordable modern small pickup. Good fuel efficiency, adequate torque ratings, quality construction, reasonably comfortable cab, that is what I've been looking for since before I heard of Mahindra. That business of being able to offer an F-150 that gets the same economy as the Ranger doesn't cut it- I'd rather have smaller and more efficient, plus more enjoyable to drive and easier to maneuver. Say no to bloated Tacomas and Frontiers, I want the return of the practical compact pickup truck. Come on, Ford- get those Rangers coming!

[howam00]

If it can get mid to high 20's on the hiway and close to or just over 20 city then I'd be interested. the 237-240hp Ecoboost 2.0 would be my personal choice if available. I doo need a true crew cab though (darn kid) with a bed sizeable enough to haul up to 2 yards of stuff.

I hope they go the mahindra route and add payload capacity to the new Ranger. I know most of the "world" trucks (Ranger, Hilux, Colorado, etc) have higher payload ratings than we are used to in the US.

[blue7.3]

Great find, Club! There may be hope yet...

-pete

[mdcheif]

Wow I would definitely be excited about that! I miss my old ranger.

[Bugman]

Bring it on..........................

[pee wee]

I had really hoped Ford was going to be bringing some kind of Ranger truck option to the U.S., but this article seems to say it isn't going to happen:

U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why — Autoblog


It looks like Mahindra will have to come in to the market and eat everyone's lunches before we get things moving in this segment. That is, unless GV and Mahindra duel to a stand-off and we get nothing. Maybe I'll have to grab a 2011 Ranger while the getting is good.

[MahindraPlanet]

Wow. How out of touch can a company possibly be? I find it hard to believe that the global Ranger is 90% of the size of an F-150. I also find it hard to believe that the same person who bought a Ranger last week, would gladly buy a Fiesta this week and and consider them equals in purpose, given identical price and economy. I think these marketing guys need shut down the meth lab they are running in the break room. They have temselves pretty convinced that we don't want a new Ranger despite selling 75,000/year. Henry Ford just did a somersault in his grave. The comments are worth reading. Good find, Pee Wee.

[howam00]

I am sure that we'll see something from them again unless they sell 100K more units of the 3.7 than they are expecting. I think if the Ranger was essentailly 20 years old they'd be selling back to that 100k mark.

there have to be two dozen models of mid-market and below cars/trucks that sell fewer than 100k units a year and are considered a success and profitable. Ford used this excuse to get rid of the Ranger but I call BS on that.

If Mahindra is successful and so are Nissan with thier smaller Frontier and GM with its next Canyon/Colorado Ford will come back in.