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The Ford Ranger was announced in 1982 and went on sale in 1983 as a replacement for Mazda's similar Courier model, which Ford had been importing since 1972. Ford Ranger cars were a similar size to the Courier and were classed as compact pickup trucks, a smaller version of the larger F-Series. Ranger sales were enhanced by the fact that, unlike the Courier, they offered V-6 or 4-cylinder diesel engine options, as well as four-wheel drive, in addition to the basic four-cylinder engine variation.
Refinements to the Ranger's specification were made each year, but it was not until 1986 that the first major upgrade occurred, when Ford added the Supercab, which offered 17ins of storage space behind the front seats, to the standard cab variant. The following year Ford introduced another 4x4 version, the High Rider STX, in addition to the base model and the XLS and XLT models and 1984's basic Ranger S model.
In 1989 the Ranger received another makeover and new features were added, including flush mounted halogen headlights and a rear wheel antilock braking system. 1991 saw the introduction of a new sport model with special aluminium wheels, which was only available in the standard cab size. The Ranger Splash, a flare side Ranger with a colourful fascia and aluminium alloys, followed in 1993 and 1994 saw the launch of the sporty Splash, with a flare side bed.
Over the following years a wealth of new features were added to the range, making them very appealing in terms of safety, luxury and performance. The final major upgrade was introduced in 1998 with a new frame, new front suspension and new engines.
America's best-selling pickup truck is a very desirable vehicle to own, having achieved a great deal over its long life and second-hand Ford Ranger sales have remained buoyant. Although production has been cut in recent years, the debut of the global Ford Ranger has helped boost sales once more.