Test Drove 3 2018s - My Impressions

The GM products didn’t look good to me when they came out, and still don’t. Inside or out. Didn’t bother driving them but I’ll definitely test drive the Ranger before I buy another Tacoma.

 

If you don’t need a truck yet, maybe hold of for the Ranger to come out? Sounds like you don’t want to get back in a full size truck. I’m about to get a second vehicle and have been leaning heavily to the ranger since it has more power and torque. And tows over 1,000lbs more then the Tacoma

 

Understood for sure, my comment was more a generalization of market share. I'm not really a fan of the twins either. They do offer more options WRT drivetrain though. Not convinced that everyone is gonna want a 2.3 ecoboost with 10 speed. Anyway, I'm sure they did their research lol.

 

I believe the change is based on the software. The 2019 most likely has the latest update, the 2018s on the dealer lot do not. Im sure the actual metal and parts are the same, but these are computer controlled. I find it funny a few folks gave me shit but the truth is the computer software has an impact and in my case today, noticeable impact.

 

Glad to read. And glad to read you're taking the time to test drive the different years to find what may be best for you.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

I wonder if you can raise or lower the Ranger seat?

 

Exactly.

 

Haha from the test videos I’ve seen online looks like you can

 

Idk, I’d show much more enthusiasm about the return of the Ranger. Engine is used in the Mustang and tranny in the F150...or at least a modification of it.

Ford will hurt GM/Chevy the most, imho.

 

Manual transmission was the reason I got a Tacoma. I test drove the automatic and there is no doubt the manual is the more enjoyable to drive. Even off roading the manual is a lot of fun and when in 4Lo the engine braking in 1st gear is outstanding, no need for descent control, it just creeps down.

 

2.3L is bit of a work horse that’s been around for a while now. In the mustang and the focus RS. So you know it’s gonna get some performance part love and easy power boosters. Transmission is basically the same as F-150 so can handle the abuse. The ranger platform has been sold overseas for a while now, so a lot of the parts have been proven out and perfected for fit and finish. Hope is when they hit the dealers lot here won’t be to much of that new car issues

 

I went down and drove an 18 today just to see for myself. I currently have a 16 MT. The truck I drove was pretty nice. I loved the truck with the ECT on. I had no complaints and took it for an extended drive. Maybe there are a few turds that roll off the assembly line. The one I drove was great. Almost decided to trade in the 16. May still do it.

 

makes sense, i live on maui and rarely get above 60. last time i was doing 60 the tac read 2K. not sure what gear the truck was in, ECT on.

 

As a former engineer on the truck team at ford who still has friends there... don’t hold your breath for either a Ranger Raptor in North America or a diesel option.

 

You were out in Dearborn? I left right when they were laying out the ranger plan. Was bummed they didn’t put the 2.7 turbo in it

 

The 4Runner still has the 4.0 for 2019, what’s that tell ya? You’d get a better trade if they actually come back out with the Dakota which wasn’t a bad truck.

 

Lol....It's all about if they used the special seasoning or not!!!!!

 

Still not a bad truck for me.

 

Pricing some 2019 Rangers on the internet didn't excite me very much. Fairly expensive for what you get. The stock tires on the lower end models look crummy.

I think the Tacoma is a much cooler looking truck--looks more offroady, even if you only drive it to the mall.

I assume gas mileage might be better with the Ranger, though frankly I would prefer a straight 6 especially with a MT. If there were a diesel configuration that would be better for mileage and for towing.

If someone really likes the Ranger, let me know what you think is better than the Tacoma.

 

TW is probably going to see it's share of Ranger threads once they actually start arriving at the dealerships.

Fun times ahead....(sarcasm)