1983-1992 Ford Ranger: The beginning of Ford's compact pickup truck

Production of the first-generation Ford Ranger began in 1982 as a 1983 model. 

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine served as the Ranger's base engine with 73 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque.

A slightly more powerful 2.3-liter four-cylinder was also offered with 79 horsepower and 124 pound-feet of torque.

For 1983 and 1984, Ford offered a Mazda-sourced naturally aspirated diesel four-cylinder in the Ranger pumping out 59 horsepower and 90 pound-feet of torque.

The range-topping engine for the Ranger at launch was a 2.8-liter V6 delivering 115 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of twist.

For the 1985 model year, Ford upgraded the diesel engine sliding in a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit built by Mitsubishi making 86 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque.

Diesel would cease offering a diesel engine option in the Ranger following the 1986 model year.

The 1986 model year saw a 2.9-liter V6 with 140 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque replace the 2.8-liter in the Ranger lineup. 

The Ranger underwent a major facelift for the 1989 model year with some frame improvements, exterior styling updates and a freshened interior. 

The optional automatic transmission was also upgraded for 1989 from a three-speed to a four-speed unit.