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What year did Ford stop making the Ranger?

Ford stopped making the Ranger for the North American market after the 2011 model year, with the final U.S.-market Rangers produced in December 2011. The Ranger later returned to North America as a 2019 model year vehicle.


Worldwide, the Ranger remained in production for many markets beyond North America, and Ford has continued to refresh and sell the model in countries such as Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. This article outlines the North American discontinuation year and summarizes the global status of the Ranger as of the current era.


North American discontinuation: timeline and milestones


Below are the key dates and events that define when Ford stopped producing the Ranger for the U.S. and Canadian markets, and when it came back.



  • 2011 model year marks the end of Ranger production for the U.S. and Canada; the final Ranger rolled off the line in December 2011.

  • For the 2012 model year, Ford did not offer the Ranger in North America, effectively ending Ranger sales in the region for several years.

  • Ford officially reintroduced the Ranger to the North American market for the 2019 model year, with sales starting in 2019 for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.


These milestones show the transition from a long-running U.S. Ranger presence to a multi-year gap, followed by a revival to re-enter the market with a modern mid-size pickup.


Global production status outside North America


Beyond North America, Ford continued to manufacture and sell the Ranger in several regions, and the nameplate underwent updates across generations. Here are the broad patterns observed in global production.



  • The Ranger remained in production for many international markets after 2011, with new generations released in the 2010s and 2020s, ensuring ongoing availability outside the U.S. and Canada.

  • The model is produced in different plants around the world and tailored to regional markets, with regional variations in engines and features.


In short, while North America paused Ranger production after 2011, Ford kept the Ranger alive globally and later reintroduced it to the U.S. market in 2019, reflecting a broader strategy to offer a global mid-size pickup.


Summary


The Ranger’s production history shows a North American hiatus after 2011, followed by a revival in 2019, while the nameplate continues to be produced and sold in other markets around the world. As of 2025, the Ranger remains a core part of Ford’s global truck lineup in many regions, with ongoing updates across generations.

Why did Ford discontinue the Ranger?


Ford discontinued the Ranger in North America in 2011 due to declining sales in the compact truck market, which was shrinking as customers increasingly preferred larger trucks like the F-150. The company also strategically shifted its focus to more profitable vehicles and a global truck platform, but the Ranger was later reintroduced in the U.S. in 2019 due to a resurgence in demand for midsize trucks.
 
Reasons for discontinuation

  • Declining market: The compact truck segment was shrinking, with sales declining and being "cannibalized" by the popularity of full-size trucks like the F-150. 
  • Strategic shift: Ford decided to focus its resources on larger, more profitable trucks and SUVs. 
  • Outdated models: Many competitors' compact trucks had not been significantly redesigned in years, leaving them with outdated features and less powerful engines. 
  • Product line consolidation: Discontinuing the Ranger allowed Ford to consolidate its truck offerings. 

Reasons for reintroduction
  • Resurgence in demand: The market for midsize trucks saw a resurgence, with consumers looking for more fuel-efficient and versatile vehicles than full-size trucks. 
  • Global platform: Ford introduced a new, modern Ranger designed for the global market, which was then brought to North America in 2019. 



What year did Ford not make the Ranger?


The 2011 model year was the final model year for retail sales, with a shortened 2012 model year for fleet sales; the final North American market Ranger (a white SuperCab Sport produced for pest-control company Orkin) was produced just before 10 a.m. local time on December 16, 2011.



Is Ford coming out with a 2025 Ford Ranger?


The new 2025 Ford Ranger offers a top-performance level ideal for off-road adventures without losing its touch for smooth highway driving. Buyers can choose several engine options. The base trim, Ranger XL, offers the 2.3L EcoBoost Engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission.



What year of Ford Ranger to stay away from?


You should generally stay away from the 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2004-2006 Ford Ranger model years due to significant reliability issues like transmission, engine, and other mechanical problems. The 2019 model is also a year to be cautious of, as it had first-year kinks for the newer generation that are still being worked out. 
Older models to avoid

  • 1999: Considered one of the worst years, with problems in the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. 
  • 2001: A continuation of the problems from the previous year, with added issues related to airbags and wiring. 
  • 2002: Had a high number of recalls and complaints, particularly related to engine and transmission issues. 
  • 2004–2006: These years had frequent engine problems and other issues, with 2004 and 2006 seeing a higher number of recalls and complaints. 

Newer models to approach with caution
  • 2019: As the first model year for the current generation, it had some "first-year kinks" and issues that were being addressed. While not a complete lemon, it's a year to be aware of when shopping for a newer used Ranger. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.