Employee Party Kicks Off Production of 2019 Ford Ranger
By Aaron Bragman
Ford is gearing up to start cranking out U.S.-spec Ranger mid-size pickup trucks in November and officially kicked the party into high gear with a celebration for employees and dealers at the pickup's manufacturing plant in Wayne, Mich., earlier this week. The new 2019 Ford Ranger will be built just outside Detroit at a plant that, until recently, made the Ford Focus compact sedan; it currently is being switched over to produce the Ranger and another hotly anticipated arrival, the 2020 Bronco SUV.
Hundreds of employees braved a chilly morning to attend the party in a huge parking lot. The event featured a makeshift off-road course replete with aggressive mounds, whoop-de-dos and a 22-degree angled corner designed to demonstrate the Ranger's ability to round highly steeped hillsides. While members of the media weren't allowed to drive any of the preproduction trucks (we must wait until December to drive it), we were granted a ridealong to see how easily the new Rangers were able to tackle the aggressive obstacles.
Ford provided every one of the Ranger's trim levels: from the sparsely equipped fleet XL model to the STX Appearance Package to the XLT, Sport and Lariat models. Production at the Wayne Assembly Plant officially starts Nov. 29 with trucks arriving at dealerships in early 2019. As for adding the Ranger Raptor model to the mix, we'd previously heard from the head of Ford Performance that there are no plans to introduce that model to the U.S. mix. But the Detroit Free Press reported Ford's head of global operations Joe Hinrichs as saying "never say never" to the idea of the Ranger Raptor, although he then quickly confirmed that there are no plans to make one right now for the U.S.
Still, if lower-speed off-roading is your scene, my initial look at the Ranger's abilities was promising. Models equipped with the FX4 Off-Road Package easily climbed the challenges laid out for them, employing part-time four-wheel drive and an electronically lockable rear differential. The 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine coupled to a standard 10-speed transmission is the only powertrain available, but it seemed stout and strong. We'll know a lot more about how the new 2019 Ford Ranger drives in December, when we get our first drive of the newest entry to the hot mid-size pickup market.
Cars.com photos by Steven Pham
Comments
Well, I'm surprised it looks so sharp. Inside and out, this is a sharp looking truck. And it looks like a truck and not an SUV with a bed slapped on it.
That front end looks bland. Looks like they stole the dash vents from a 2nd gen Tacoma too lol...wishful thinking. The only thing saving it is the little 4 banger. Lets hope they didnt transfer over the plastic 4wd actuators in the front hubs too.
WOOT-WOOT !!!! There's a new Ranger in town!!
Sweet truck!
All new frame, body, engine and transmission. Woot. Woot.
It’s truly “All-new:” According to Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger doesn’t share much with its overseas’ cousin. The frame, body, engine and transmission are all unique to the American-built version.
For my use, I’d rather have ControlTrac or Intelligent Terrain Management ala Explorer than a (auto) locking rear diff. More useful in more everyday situations.
Nice truck it should do well.
Depending on the number of F150 sales that are sniped by the Ranger Ford could sell over 1 million trucks in 2019. This will quickly surpass GMs mid size sales, Toyota is likely to stay in first till Ford expands the lineup with the 2.7 EB
I like the style of the front but what's with the huge taillights? Plus the Ranger letters on the tailgate are just to damn big. Not a fan of all the buttons so low on the center stack. Other than that it looks good.
@ Tacoma 2011..
New Ranger does front end doesn't look the same as Tacoma with silly hood scoop. Ford's grille is their signature similar style as several of there cars.
Oh …
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/2019-ford-ranger-production-starts-in-michigan/ar-BBOJ6IG?li=BBnb4R5
Right now, If I had to chose I would buy the Colorado/Canyon. The only reason why and the reason I held off 2 years of buying a Colorado is the GM twins in 2017 come with AWD standard on the 4wd models. In rain and snowy/ice patching streets awd is the way to go..
Ranger does look nice though
Woe, for a moment there, I though I was reading a ranger article with ridgeline pictures. What is up with that cliffhanger center console lid. But definitely Subaru Outback grille.
Let's just make sure everyone gets out to vote this year. Make sure you vote straight republican or we risk losing this country to the angry mob.
Let's just make sure everyone gets out to vote this year. Make sure you vote straight republican or we risk losing this country to the angry mob.
@supercrew02 thats kinda what i meant...thank you for the rectification.
Great looking , capable truck!
Can’t wait to drive one!
Can you say Ridgeline. This thing oozes femininity
Looks just like the one sold in Mexico. They make their way across the border where I live. About the only difference I see is the front bumper.
I will be keeping my Tacoma!
The Ranger will easily blend it with mid-sized SUV's, so I may miss one driving down the road because it will look like one of them.
The rear is overboard and reminds me of trucks you see overseas!
Ken,
No it is almost identical to the new cersuon of the Global Ranger exxept for the bunpers
New Australian Ford Ranger
https://www.ford.com.au/commercial/ranger/
It's growing on me, but the bed length is a big fat NO! The tailgate down picture makes it look longer, but reminds me of the common tactic real estate agents use when taking a picture of a small room with a wide angle lens to make it look a lot bigger.
End of 2018 release has slipped to 2019.
Someone said 1 Million units could be sold. I'm going to come out and say "on a cold day in Hell". I mean come on without a longer bed it oozes Ridgeline.
I'm trying to get excited, but just can't. I'll have to go see one in person and measure the bed length with tailgate up. I'll go buy a Mazda again. Oh forgot we aren't in 1984.
Oh, that 1Munit comment way above was total Ford truck sales. Ok that could very well be possible. Good for us that more competition is coming into play.
Ford has probably landed fleet deals with pepboys and dominos pizza for this pretend truck.
All new frame, body, engine and transmission. Woot. Woot.
It’s truly “All-new:” According to Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger doesn’t share much with its overseas’ cousin. The frame, body, engine and transmission are all unique to the American-built version.
Posted by: Ken | Oct 23, 2018 3:30:08 PM
Hmm..
10 speed - Lightly (very lightly) modified version of the 10R80 used in other products. In other words, not "new".
engine - Detuned version of the 2.3 Ecoboost Ford has been using for years. So no, not "new".
Frame - Lightly modified version of the global Ranger, with changes to meet crash testing standards in the US. So no, not "new", just lightly modified for a new market.
Body - Again, they look to be nearly identical to body panels use on the old global Ranger. Perhaps slightly "new" just because they were modified either for the US plant they're being stamped in or modified to accomodate other slight changes to the rest of the truck.
Ford living up to their legendary ability to spin everything to put it in a positive light. It's a lightly updated version of the global Ranger, powered by an existing engine and transmission, and riding on an updated frame changed only to meet crash testing requirements in the US. Ford calls it "all-new" when really it's a rehashed old truck that showed up 4 year late to the midsize truck party.
Right now, If I had to chose I would buy the Colorado/Canyon. The only reason why and the reason I held off 2 years of buying a Colorado is the GM twins in 2017 come with AWD standard on the 4wd models. In rain and snowy/ice patching streets awd is the way to go..
Ranger does look nice though
Posted by: Dave | Oct 23, 2018 5:21:50 PM
The Colorado/Canyon also comes with a vastly more reliable and rugged 4WD system. Assuming Ford uses their same old unreliable, weak IWE system, this Ranger will be another vehicle with hubs that fail over and over again. I definitely don't miss that growling plastic hub lock issue. After the 5th time the dealer "fixed" it, I was done with it. I can't believe they use that setup and still call it "tough".
Hmm..
used in other products. In other words, not "new".
---
That's not how it works. Doesn't matter if the 10 speed was in the F-150 first. If it's new in a particular vehicle, it is new. Rest of your post is full of fake news, but I will close with Ranger has the best engine, best tranny and TFL says it has the most refined interior in it's class.
No Ranger Raptor = No decent US chassis for the Ranger.
Global Ranger = Stronger Chassis.
………………………. like the US Colorado/Canyon vs Global Colorado.
Looking at that engine bay it appears there is plenty of room forward of the engine.
Even to the sides of the engine and no 2.7 EcoThirst?
Come on Ford!
A 2.7 EcoThirst Ranger would be a party animal.
I agree with Big Al.
Visually, his thing really does strike a balance between inoffensive and unremarkable. I'm fine with that. I think the powertrain will prove to be the most capable in the segment, even if the GM V6 is rated for a little more HP. The fact that its standard on all trucks brings some good value to the entry level trucks- no NA 4cyl to suffer with. A 4wd crew cab with the FX4 group can be had for $35k- before any discounts. I'll have to give the Ranger a real honest look, along with the Tacoma, Canyon, JT, and the "Dakota" (depending on how long that takes).
"No Ranger Raptor = No decent US chassis for the Ranger."
"Global Ranger = Stronger Chassis."
Completely unfounded and unsupported statements.
If the 2.3 in the Ranger works as good as the 2.7 in the F150 it will be a success.
@JTT
The Ranger is a home run.
So much so that many buyers who might buy a F!50 will end up with a Ranger instead. Maybe even 200,000 times per year.
"Ford has probably landed fleet deals with pepboys and dominos pizza for this pretend truck.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 24, 2018 12:38:12 AM"
Sounds like a cheap shot from a gm fan that is already laying down the groundwork for his future defense as to why next year Ford will not only dominate in full-size truck sales but also dominate non-full size sales. We will no longer hear:
Ford sells trucks, Gm sells trucks.........
In the third quarter Ford was within 205 units of more truck sales without the Ranger.
GovMotors already whining about fleet sales GM couldn't get. sounds like hes preparing to see Ford outsell GM in yet another segment of the market. But hey if you can live with and spin doctor the shame of bankruptcy, and socialist bail out then you're basically a big excuse making machine. At least the excuses are fun to laugh at.
@papajim
"So much so that many buyers who might buy a F!50 will end up with a Ranger instead. Maybe even 200,000 times per year.
Posted by: papajim | Oct 24, 2018 12:11:30 PM"
Your statement could be partially true we will see, can you say if that's what happened to gm's full-size sales after the newest Colorado/canyon was released?? The previous gen colorado/canyon sales were basically non-existent compared to after the redesign so it cant be said "well they already had small trucks before 2015"
@fullsize
My estimation about improved compact sales has more to do with the stunning numbers of compact trucks that GM and Ford sold the last time the US economy was anywhere close to being as hot as it is now--which was back in the 1990s.
Back then GM and Ford combined to sell a half million compact pickups every year, with Ford holding the edge for most compacts sold. A lot of those trucks were 4 cylinder S10s and XLT Rangers. Manual trans. Efficient engines. Fun to drive.
Bad news for GMS , extended family and alt Id's.
Rough times ahead with Ford likely to be not only # 1 in Full Size but also #1 in overall, and RAM bucking hard for #2 in brand over Chevy.
https://youtu.be/24wDmSxrczs
https://youtu.be/Fm467VCQN-8
@Mr Knowitall
The Ranger in Australia does have a version with a 3200lb payload
Also low ride and high ride versions tbat do not exist in the US
I own '15 global Ranger Wildtrak; best truck I've had in many years, can do everything a full size can & more.....this US version will be even better & certain will sell well, only concern is can cannibalize sales from F150.
Meanwhile interesting to read this;
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/research/10-least-reliable-cars/ar-BBOBgez?ocid=spartandhp#page=1
It will sell very well bc it has loyal followers. Interesting to see how well it will do in a comparison test. Still can't stand the Taurus front end...Yuck!
@Nr Knowitall
https://www.ford.com.au/commercial/ranger/models/4x2_xl_single_cab_chassis_hi-rider_2_2_diesel/
It will sell very well bc it has loyal followers. Interesting to see how well it will do in a comparison test. Still can't stand the Taurus front end...Yuck!
Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2018 2:34:00 PM
——————————
But you hush over the Traversaroldo
That's not how it works. Doesn't matter if the 10 speed was in the F-150 first. If it's new in a particular vehicle, it is new. Rest of your post is full of fake news, but I will close with Ranger has the best engine, best tranny and TFL says it has the most refined interior in it's class.
Posted by: Alex | Oct 24, 2018 2:16:58 AM
Seriously? That's ridiculous. It's an old truck finally coming back to the US market, using an engine and transmission that have been out for years now. It's a rehashed old truck. You know how some TV shows try to throw together a few "new" episodes that are nothing but hand picked clips of old episodes with nothing new added. Yeah, that's the equivalent of the "new" US Ranger.
Rough times ahead with Ford likely to be not only # 1 in Full Size but also #1 in overall, and RAM bucking hard for #2 in brand over Chevy.
----
Funny it's looking like Ford is on the verge of bankruptcy at the rate they're going. The stock closed at $8.18 today. In their 3rd quarter earnings report, net income was down $600 million versus a year ago. They're losing money in every market outside of the US and their profit margins on trucks is sliding due to the increased costs of both the aluminum used to make their weak truck beds, and the cost of steel for the frames is up $1 billion dollars. They can't squeeze much more costs out of the interiors, they're already so cheap the dashes and glove boxes warp after a couple months of the truck sitting in the sun.
Ford reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $1 billion, or 25 cents per share, down from $1.6 billion, or 39 cents per share a year earlier.
But you hush over the Traversaroldo
Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2018 2:46:38 PM
You talking to yourself there moron? Sure looking that way. You are the worst at spelling on this site...
@Alex
TFL most not considered Ranger in same class as Ridgeline.
Ridgeline interior is same as Pilot up front mostly.
Refresh 2019 Pilot is different from Ridgeline 2018 models same.
Pilot offers 6 & 9 speed transmission while 2nd Gen Ridgeline only has proven 6speed. Expect Ridgeline will get 10 speed for 2020 refresh with some other goodies.
With early roll out of 2019 Ridgeline I expected it would be ready to offer something as other midsized trucks new and refresh models come out. Ranger will sell well but it will hurt F-150 sales.
Fake news.
@RR- payload of the lightest model available doesn’t mean anything as to a difference in chassis strength. Just means you have a lighter model and demand for more payload, since fullsize trucks basically dont exist. There’s no sufficient market for a sungle cab/chassis midsize with a 3/4ton payload here. The chassis of the truck is largely the same. Tow capacity is basically the same.
I finally clarified for myself that there is a 6' box. 72.8" at the floor, but beware that will probably be more like 5' 10" at the top with tailgate closed. I think this is only available in the king cab option too not the crew. That's where I got confused, because Colorado and Tacoma have the 6' option with the crew cabs. So I'll again say that this truck will not have the sales that many people are saying here, and remember no sales will happen until 2019, so really, there is the fan boys excuse for falling short of over optimization in 2019. It just takes time for sales to hit full stride. That's the way it was for Colorado. Homerun it will NOT be.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2019/2019_Ranger.pdf
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