What was the last year old Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger, a compact pickup truck that had been a staple in the American automotive market for over 25 years, was discontinued after the 2011 model year. This article explores the final year of the Ranger's production and the factors that led to its discontinuation.
The 2011 Ford Ranger
The 2011 Ford Ranger was the last model year for this iconic truck. It was available in three trim levels: the base XL, the mid-level XLT, and the top-of-the-line Sport. The Ranger was offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6. Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2011 Ranger received only minor updates from the previous year, as Ford was preparing to discontinue the model. Despite its age, the Ranger remained a popular choice for those in need of a compact, capable, and affordable pickup truck.
Reasons for Discontinuation
There were several factors that contributed to the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger after the 2011 model year:
- Declining Sales: As the compact truck market shrank, the Ranger's sales numbers steadily declined. In 2011, Ford sold just over 55,000 Ranger models, a far cry from the truck's heyday in the 1990s when it was selling over 300,000 units per year.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumers were increasingly gravitating towards larger, more powerful pickup trucks, such as the Ford F-150. The Ranger's compact size and limited towing and hauling capabilities became less appealing to many buyers.
- Lack of Investment: Ford had not significantly updated the Ranger's design or features since the 2006 model year. The truck was starting to feel outdated compared to newer, more technologically advanced competitors.
- Focus on Larger Trucks: With the success of the F-150 and other larger Ford trucks, the company decided to shift its resources and focus away from the Ranger in favor of its more profitable full-size models.
Ultimately, the combination of declining sales, changing consumer preferences, and Ford's strategic decision to prioritize its larger truck models led to the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger after the 2011 model year.
The Ranger's Legacy
Despite its discontinuation, the Ford Ranger left a lasting legacy in the compact pickup truck market. The Ranger was known for its rugged reliability, affordability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and play. Many Ranger enthusiasts were disappointed to see the model discontinued, and some have even campaigned for Ford to bring it back.
While the Ranger may be gone, its impact on the automotive industry and the memories it created for countless owners will endure. The 2011 model year marked the end of an era for this iconic compact pickup truck.
