There
are the U.S. Army Rangers, the Texas Rangers and the Ford Rangers,
all of which
are to be reckoned with in their own right -- but most especially,
the latest "Built Ford Tough" offerings from Ford Motor Company's
compact truck team.
Ford Rangers have
led in the compact pickup truck market segment sales for the past 13 years,
appealing to a broad range of consumers. They range in age from 16 to
70 with the under 30 market accounting for only 25 percent. There is a
fairly even mix of single and married buyers. Roughly 17 percent of Ranger
ownership is female.
Market analysts always
tend to add labels "pigeon-holing" certain consumer groups by the time
frame of their appearance on the planet -- endearing titles such as: "Baby-Boomers";
Generation X; and Generation Y (generally shortened cryptically to Gen
X or Y). The real issue in sales of course, is not branding, but rather
to appeal to as many consumers as possible, regardless of label or category.
The best way to do that, is to establish brand loyalty by attracting new
buyers of one's product at the earliest age possible, to satisfactorily
address any problems that may arise with that product, keeping the customer
happy and, to offer continually improved and updated products that better
serve the client's needs and desires.
The 2001 Ford Ranger
compact pickup model lineup is definitely on a roll with trucks that should
readily capture youthful new customers with active lifestyles, as well
as appeal to loyal owners who are looking for a vehicle to better satisfy
their ever changing lifestyles. The latest Rangers, which will go on sale
in early Fall, serve up a bolder, more aggressive styling which takes
certain design cues from their larger F-Series siblings. Going after the
younger set, will be the new Ranger Edge, with the 4x4 XLT sharing some
of the same visual elements. Base model Rangers will carry the XL designation,
followed by the upscale XLT trim.
All
models will be available in either a Regular cab (2-door) or SuperCab
(4-door) format and may be ordered in either a 4x2 or 4x4 drive configuration
which will share the same ride height ("Slamming" fans will need to work
off the base XL). Powertrain choices will include: a 2.5 liter, inline
four-cylinder with 119 horsepower and 146 pound feet of torque; a 3.0
liter V-6 producing 150 horsepower and 185 pound feet of torque; and a
new 4.0 liter SOHC V-6 that pumps out 207 horses and a torque rating of
238 pound feet. Transmission choices consist of either a five-speed manual
floor shift with overdrive or a five-speed adaptive automatic transmission
that automatically adjusts to driving style. Later this fall, an all-new
inline four will replace the current iteration.
Cargo boxes or beds
may be ordered in either 6 or 7 foot lengths for Regular Cab Long Wheelbase
(LWB) Styleside models (XL or XLT trim). All Edge and SuperCab models
will only offer the 6-foot bed -- which may be effectively lengthened
with the optional tubular Bed Extender. SuperCabs may be equipped in both
two and four-door versions (2-door versions feature side-mounted jump
seats. There are also several wheel styles and composition (steel or alloy)
from which to choose, including 15 and 16-inch versions, shod with the
appropriate rubber.
