Gejal2007

I understand your point, however if one needs a truck for work a ranger just won't fit the bill, so in the end it is really a secondary vehicle for many of us. We opted for a F350 DRW diesel for work which on trips has netted a bit over 20mpg and is averaging nearly 16mpg according to the computer in the truck. So the "way better" mileage is somewhat overblown. Our Focus averages between 27 an 29 mpg and the LS averages 22 to 24.........so if mileage is the only criterion then personally, I see little advantage in a Ranger. My point is that for the amount of work a Ranger can do when compared to it's bigger sibling makes the small price advantage negligible.. I regret selling our 1996 Ranger Supercab with the 4 liter V6 in late 1999, trouble is that todays Ranger is essentially no different than that years model with no integral improvements. One gets the feeling that most of the options are afterthoughts with little integration. Seemingly just placed randomly with little concern as to ergonomics.....I most certainly do not want the Ranger to be dropped at all, it just needs some rethink to not open the niche to other manufacturers. There is a point when streamlining and product offerings reach a point where a diminishing return accentuates a downward spiral. While certain divestitures make sense, narrowing the product line too deeply can eventually lead to a dearth of product choice, further alienating loyal customers....... In any case I wish Ford the best. Have been a loyal Ford Customer since 1964-1/2 with the first 289 Mustang. since then only one non-Ford product was ever in our stable.

The problem as I perceive is that the Ranger offers little price nor mileage advantage over the cheapest F150. Secondly, any contractor, who has need for a truck is generally better served by a bigger vehicle. What a Ranger should aspire to be is a light duty vehicle with decent ride, decent price advantage, some utility and durabilty. A vehicle that would see intermittant and use of generally short trips would not ned to be loaded with a plethora of gizmos and gadgets but should concentrate on providing economical utility with some panache and decent ride. Consider that a vehicle that can be towed behind an RV, used to make infrequent Home Depot, Grocery, Costco runs. Such a vehicle, with modern suspension, a small, clean diesel engine, available in AWD or ?? would hit a niche now not adressed by any other manufacturer. The rendering of the Xplorer morph is in my opinion still a bit too big. However someone wanted to see what something like that looked like. Just an opinion from a person who is now retired and who cannot find a vehicle that would fit my needs. There are millions of us who now near the retirement age and whose needs are not being addressed. It is not the 20 and 30 somethings that are now in the majority and who spend money, the rest of us also have specific nees....... That is not to say that such a vehicle should offer these gizmos but it should be an option not a given...... an old fart.

Here is a quick and dirty retouch of the EXp.concept morphed into a ranger.

It's another case of Ford shooting itself in the foot. With the current change in Cafe regulations, the fuel cost explosion a small utilitarian truck with a fuelefficient engine and decent, rugged looks should sell very well. It is the bigger is better pipe dream that has caused Ford vehicles to metamorphose into dinosaurs destined for extinction. A small, fuel efficient truck, diesel option, decent ride, minimal options and affordable price would sell thousands of units. Four wheel independent suspension, progressive coil over shocks with lots of wheel travel and capable of carrying 750 to 1000Lbs in 2 and 4 wheel drive would be my vehicle of choice. Pipe dreams..never should have sold or 95XLT-V6 2000-F350 Dually, Crew-7.3 2001 ZX3 Focus stick 2004 LS V8