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

The Ford Ranger's story in the US started with its debut for the 1983 model year where the compact pickup truck replaced the Mazda-built Courier in the Blue Oval lineup. Production would then continue for two model generations until ceasing following the 2011 model year.

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1983 Ford Ranger

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

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1983 Ford Ranger

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

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1983 Ford Ranger

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

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1983 Ford Ranger

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.

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1983 Ford Ranger

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

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1984 Ford Ranger V6

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.

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1984 Ford Ranger V6

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

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1985 Ford Ranger XLT

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. 

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1985 Ford Ranger STX

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

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1986 Ford Range Crew Cab

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

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1986 Ford Ranger XL

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1987 Ford Ranger STX

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1987 Ford Ranger

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1987 Ford Ranger race truck

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1988 Ford Ranger

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1988 Ford Ranger

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1988 Ford Ranger STX

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1988 Ford Ranger STX

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1989 Ford Ranger STX

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1989 Ford Ranger STX

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1989 Ford Ranger STX

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1990 Ford Ranger

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1990 Ford Ranger STX

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1991 Ford Ranger XLT

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1992 Ford Ranger

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1992 Ford Ranger brochure

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