Introduction
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Ranger is Ford's answer to the masses of
mostly younger buyers who, for reasons of size, price and long-term operating
economy prefer compact pickup trucks. It's been the segment sales leader
almost since the day it was introduced in 1982, and contributed to Ford's
2 million truck sales in the 1996 model year, an all-time record.
Although the exterior cosmetics were redone three years ago and the
interior a year later, the basic Ranger shape, dimensions and proportions
are the same as the original 1982 truck, and it's due for a total redesign
next year.
Like all American trucks, the Ranger is available in an enormous variety
of models, 19 in all, starting with a four-cylinder five-speed short-wheelbase
XL for $11,380 and going up from there to nearly $25,000. It is also sold
in clone form as the Mazda B-Series.
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