Lessmore wrote:
As you say the Colorado/Canyon are in their last year of production. Generally sales of older models do slow down. I've been in them....comfortable for a big guy like me, in a smaller truck...lot's of leg room for the driver in the extended cab and 4 dr. cab...everything from a big 4 , a nice 5 cylinder and of course a 5.3 V8.
I've been in and driven Rangers too. Cramped leg room, small cab in the extended cab.
The Ford Ranger...it was an outmoded vehicle, long past it's prime. It was becoming the original VW Beetle of the truck world...few changes, little power, small interior in the last part of it's production life.
But that's not to say I didn't like it, or think it didn't have a role.
I thought the Ranger made a good, short distance, cheap to buy, utility vehicle. In fact I thought of buying one just for those reasons in 2010-11.
I still think there is a market for a utility vehicle like the Ranger. Relatively unsophisticated design, but tough, inexpensive to purchase, with an available standard transmission, 4 cyl. or small V6...available 4WD.
I wish Ford was still making it...plus why did they never add a turbodiesel as they did in other world markets ?
But I wouldn't want it for my only vehicle.
I'm with you, I thought that compact pickups filled a definite void. It was my first vehicle when I turned 16. I personally think they are great for High school/College kids. Not much room for passengers which research shows make teens much worse drivers. Plenty of room to load up dorm stuff when going off to school. Inexpensive to buy, operate, insure, and repair.
It's a shame Ford and Dodge decided to kill them rather than invest money, but obviously they decided to give the market to Toyota, Nissan and GM when they jump back in.
