They used to be of the same type of platform but not the same chassis.The New Explorer is IRS only.(the explorer sport is being phased out) sport trac is not being phased out.


For the comment of Rangers resale value dropping like a rock,Well it is supply and demand.There has been a billion Rangers sold since the begining,So it isnt hard to find one.Whence why they have **** poor resale value,It goes with any "HIGH" volume vehicle.Good case in point is the S-10 has generally a higher resale value,BUIT Ford has sold more rngers over the years

 

 

The irony here is that GM actually DID restyle the Astro sometime around 95-96! Go figure.

-Mike

 

Ranger was debutted in MY83 with 2.3I4 and 2.8V6
Went from carbs to EFI 2.9 and 2.3 in '86
Rebodied in '89 to square front end
Added the 3.0V6 as optional in 90
Got the 4.0V6 in '91, as well as the 8-plug I4 engine
Got rebodied again in '95.
Got rebodied again in '01.
With Limited Edition runs like the Carolina 4-Runner, the STX, Splash, EDGE, and several others, Ford has kept the truck interesting. It must be doing something right - it was the best selling compact truck for 13 years running.

Let's be honest, as long as they keep the looks fresh and update the interior with audio, materials, and such... it'll keep on keepin' on. It's a freakin' truck, why do you need a whole new platform to haul dirt bikes with? Body-on-frame, drop in the goods and go.

Sorry to bust your bubble Brandon - but I agree with you this time!
It does need a fresh new look that departs from the historic a little bit, but not too much so as to alienate the repeat buyers.

 

Also to note...the new Colorado/Canyon are Durango sized meaning a bit larger than the S-10 which will leave the Ranger the smallest pickup in it's class.

 

The problem with the small truck class is this.They dont know if going bigger is better.I know GM and Ford had debated this a lil while ago.A colorado is bigger then the ranger,This is obvious,But if your in the market for a truck that size you might as well get the full size beings it will handle more,Not to mention the power plants are better.It will be VERY interesting how the ranger does with the Colorado going bigger.Chevy HAD to do something to try and steal some sales.After all,Sales are what matters and if the colorado doesnt hit its sales target I think Ford could of made the right choice by waiting.