The Ford Ranger has seen a few changes in its life, changing classification, and even disappearing at one point. Let’s take a look at the different generations, and what made this truck unique.
Key takeaways
- For the first half of the Ranger’s life, it came with a number of trims, some focused-on performance, while others were strictly cosmetic.
- The first generation Ranger took a lot of inspiration from other models, while in the second generation it really started to become its own.
- If you’re wanting an older sport trim, then you can look for the Ranger GT.
- In 2019, the Ranger came back, but this time as a mid-size pickup truck compared to the compact truck that it was when it was first introduced.
First generation (1983-1992)
When the Ranger was first introduced in 1983, it was the first compact pickup that Ford designed. During its initial production, the Ranger shared components with 4 other models from the Ford family, not really having its own identity. In 1989, the Ranger saw a redesign to improve its exterior aerodynamics and interior ergonomics.
1987 saw the introduction of the Ranger GT, this was meant to be a sport version of the pickup. It came with front and rear anti-roll bars, a limited-slip differential, and performance tires. But in 1990, the Ranger GT was discontinued.
Second generation (1993-1997)
This generation saw a complete redesign, almost looking unrecognizable from the previous generation, as now it looks like a smaller F-series. Unlike most compact trucks, the Ranger gained three inches in width. For the interior, the Ranger came with new seats, and door panels, but nothing else was new with the dashboard carrying over across generations.
In 1993, the Ranger Splash was introduced. This trim came with a lowered suspension, and 4×4 Ranger grilles. For the monochromatic exterior, it was fitted with special vinyl "Splash" decals on the sides and the tailgate.
In 1995, the Ranger saw a much-needed change to the interior with the dashboard updated to share the look of the Ford Explorer’s dash. A year later, the addition of an optional passenger side airbag was added, making this seat safer for child passengers.
Third generation (1998-2011)
While this generation looked similar to the one before it, the Ranger came with upgrades to the chassis, suspension, and drivetrain. The suspension was changed to give the truck better handling than before.
This generation saw a few unique trims added to the lineup, with the first trim being the Ranger Edge. The Edge was meant to be the successor of the Splash that was introduced in, and ended in the second gen.
In 2002, the Ranger saw two trims enter the lineup, the two trims were the FX4, and the Tremor. The FX4 was produced with heavy-duty off-road components, and it came standard with the 4.0L V6, including a manual transfer case, 31-inch all-terrain tires on 15-inch Alcoa wheels, and three skid plates.
The Tremor trim was mainly a cosmetic trim, with a high-end audio system that introduced a 485-watt 4-speaker stereo system. This package, and later a standalone trim also came with a cassette/CD player, white-gauge instruments, monochromatic exterior, badging, and 16-inch wheels.
Fourth generation (2019-2024)
After a brief hiatus, the Ranger came back, but this time as a mid-size pickup. The truck is available in four-door SuperCab and four-door SuperCrew configurations, and comes with a redesigned front fascia with a frame-mounted steel bumper.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to vehicles, there’s very few that can leave the market, and come back as a new class, but the Ranger did it and this truck continues to thrive. Come stop by Jarrett Ford and take a look at our inventory today!