Talk me out of getting a Ranger!

Aluminum construction at mass scale in a truck was a first. Transmissions - they have been at the forefront here, co-developing with GM. Drive assist features (for towing, parking, etc). Hybrid truck in 2021. The engine - people thought they were nuts going Eco-boost. Turned out pretty well IMO. I have not owned a Ford or F150, certainly not a fanboy, but respect that they have been trying to move the ball forward. In my experience, spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel and towing - its been good (both FX4 Lariats). My Tacoma doesn't get stated mileage either, I'm just impressed that for the size the F150 equals if not betters the mileage of my Tacoma. Just my experience and opinion - you know what they say about those...

 

heres the data>F-O-R-D

 

In all fairness, now days it’s hard to say if the new ranger is more or less reliable or better on the road. maybe it is... probably it is.

What is undisputed is how it looks like dog crap compared to the gen3 Tacoma. Much like Jeep Wranglers , Tacoma’s just look “bad ass”. If that matters to you at all . there is no alternative to a midsized pick up in the “looks” area, or having other people respect and admire your choice . None. Colorado, ranger , frontier, Ridgeline all look like they never had a girlfriend in their life. nobody is going to say “sweet truck” and if you are congratulated on ur new truck it’s because they feel sorry for you. Just like congratulating some one for winning a spelling bee or being vegan. It’s just not cool ...

 

Every vehicle I’ve owned has exceeded the mpg ratings so it must be an issue between the steering wheel and the seat.

 

Oh, I am sure it is. I dont get stated mpg in anything I have owned. It does get good mileage towing though.

 

This jibber-jabber right here makes me rethink actually getting the Tacoma I've ordered. Damn.

 

unfortunately it’s the way of the world. I don’t like it either but resisting it is pointless...

Don’t worry. No matter how much you’ll dislike the tacos short comings, all you have to do is park it side by side to a ranger and all will be forgiven...

 

Must have been 80% down hill. My buddy gets about 19mpg (empty) with his 4 month old Ranger.

I test drove a Ranger before I bought my Tacoma. It was very car like and easy to drive. But being an old school guy, I can't believe a Turbo 4 banger will last much past 150k miles. I got the Tacoma because it cost less and made the same power from a NA V6.

 

I agree. Any modern vehicle should be able to get to 100k relatively trouble free - the auto industry has advanced GREATLY in the last 15-20 years and manufacturing technology and techniques should be making cars much more durable. Remember, as recently as the early 90's, Ford wasn't even putting in 6 digit odometers in its cars

Ford is putting 10 speed transmissions and cutting edge turbo engines in its mid size trucks because they HAVE to - its the only way they can possibly hope to compete with Toyota, which makes do with a lowly 6 speed auto and a marginal 3.5L NA V6, rear drum brakes and a spartan interior, yet sells hundreds of thousands of trucks with no competition in sight. Durability and looks will always trump gadgets, novelties and 1 mpg more.

 

I think the Rangers front end looks Waaaaaaay better than the Tacoma, but the rear is really Fugly. And the bed is way too deep.

 

Fuck yeah. My 4Runners have been my favorite vehicles of the many I've owned. I'd still be in one if I didn't need the bed and longer wheelbase.

 

Yes I agree the RAPTORS front end and fenders look better vs the tacoma...wait... you said ranger? No no no, this is wrong. You can see from the photo the ranger took the fiestas front end and put on. Also the ford ranger lacks the brodozer fender trim with the cool looking fiberglass flare "look", just like all the cool trophy trucks have.
With the 3rd gen tacoma ,toyotas head design guy was like "hey you remember the first time you saw a freaking f-14 fighter jet when you were a little kid? ya, we want people to see that."
The ford design guy was like "hey boss, I don't know, these headlights don't really flow into the fender lines or fit well at all with like ANY of these body lines". and his boss was just like "What? Who gives a shit , it's a ford , nobody will notice."

 

Meh aside from the hideous rake it looks fine.

 

Spoken like a true Ahole. You see, I like what I like, and you like what you like. The only thing wrong, is your way of thinking, or lack thereof.

 

My opinion is that the Ranger is fugly all around. It was designed for the international market, which usually doesn't look great here in the US (thus why we get the looks of the Tacoma and the rest of the world gets the Hilux). The only real change they made was to the front bumper, in terms of styling. Although, rumors I've heard say the Ranger is going to be actually redesigned in 2 years anyway. Although, for me at least, Ford is terrible at designing things that look good. Usually it has to grow on me first. Meanwhile other brands have trucks that actually look good from the gate. But, we all have our preferences.

 

I can tell you from experience the front seats in the Ranger's suck. Even in the Lariat. They are very flat with little bolster which makes you slide around easy.

 

See, I'm the opposite. I think the front end of the Ranger looks funky AF.

 

The Ranger is very disproportionate. Small front end with small headlights and then a large raised raise with massive taillights.

 

One big difference:


The Ranger will not cause any rubbing, unlike the Tacoma that causes rubbing every time I think of it in the shower.