Why did Ford Stop Making the Ford Ranger in Certain Markets?

Ford did not stop manufacturing the Ford Ranger entirely. Instead, it experienced a significant production gap in certain markets. Notably, the Ranger was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2011 model year, due to a mix of factors such as declining sales in the compact truck segment, a shift in consumer preferences towards larger vehicles, and Ford's focus on more profitable full-size trucks and SUVs.

Continued Production in Other Markets

While the Ranger was discontinued in the U.S., it continued to be produced in other markets, such as Australia and South Africa. Additionally, the Ranger was reintroduced in the U.S. in 2019 as a 2019 model, reflecting a renewed interest in mid-size trucks. This move allowed Ford to compete with models like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, capitalizing on the growing demand in this segment.

Public Opinions and Insights

The discontinuation of the Ranger in the U.S. has sparked various opinions and speculations. Some consumers like the one described below have shared their views:

"They temporarily stopped making Rangers. I have a 2019 model and it's bigger than I would like, but it's still a more manageable size than an F150. I love the power, tech, and gas mileage that the old Rangers never had!"

Another contributor suggests that the decline in sales and high production costs may have contributed to the discontinuation:

"I suspect it was not selling well and it was expensive to buy. Other types of vehicles were cheaper and more practical."

Some users are interested in the behind-the-scenes details:

"I do not know the answer to that question as Ranger was the last brand in the compact truck market so they had the whole thing to themselves."

One user even sheds some light on a unique situation:

"I am repeating a RUMOR. What I heard was the Ranger had strong sales and was popular as the cheapest vehicle in Ford’s lineup. What killed it was the St Paul plant union making demands Ford didn’t want to pay so they axed the whole line with plans to bring it back several years later after the union contract died for good. They are bringing it back now, and the new global Ranger existed even 7 years ago when the last domestic model rolled off the line so there may be some truth to it. The St Paul plant also produced all glass for all Ford cars they must have really done something to PO upper management. Ford also razed the plant after closing it rather than trying to sell it…"

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Overall, the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger in certain markets, particularly in the U.S., was a strategic decision reflective of broader market trends and manufacturing logistics. However, the brand's popularity and historical significance ensure its continued relevance. With the return of the Ranger in 2019 and the anticipation for an even more advanced version, Ford is set to maintain its position in the mid-size truck market.

The future of the Ford Ranger looks promising, with ongoing enhancements and new models planned. If you have more specific questions about the Ranger's production history or its market performance, don't hesitate to reach out! We can explore these topics further and uncover more insights into this iconic truck.