I have long hoped that Ford would up-size the next-gen Ranger, and call it an R-100. Well it appears that Ford has been thinking somewhat along those same lines, but with a twist: Replace the "R" with an "F."
The more I think about it, this is a brilliant marketing moveâand sooooo much better than my idea!
The "F-100" name is iconic. It is one of the main reasons that Ford is where they are in terms of their F-Series popularity...
It first debuted in 1953, as a replacement for the F-1, which ran from 1948 to 1952. Eventually the F-150 was added in 1975, as a "HD" version of the F-100. In 1983 the F-100 was dropped, and was replaced by the F-150, which has remained the case to this day.
So will it be a mid-size truck, or a full-size-lite truck? If I were a betting man, I'd say it will be "sized" close to the original Toyota T-100. That truck, while rather small, was wide enough to handle 4x8 paneling flat on the bed floor and had a decent payload as well. This F-100 is good news, as this is exactly what the truck market needs. Wonder if they'll offer their new 4.4 diesel in it? Or even a 4-cylinder diesel from their overseas small trucks?
Full story here.
So will it be a mid-size truck, or a full-size-lite truck? If I were a betting man, I'd say it will be "sized" close to the original Toyota T-100. That truck, while rather small, was wide enough to handle 4x8 paneling flat on the bed floor and had a decent payload as well. This F-100 is good news, as this is exactly what the truck market needs. Wonder if they'll offer their new 4.4 diesel in it? Or even a 4-cylinder diesel from their overseas small trucks?
Full story here.
moparbad says:
10:22 AM, 05/12/08
The last thing Ford needs a truck the size of a T-100. Ford needs a Ranger sized truck or something just a bit larger. Dakota size or T-100 size trucks don't make any sense. They do not offer much greater fuel efficiency, cost as much or more (when you take into account the fierce incentives in the full size market) than full size trucks and are handicapped as to hauling.
The F-100 would be a great name for a smaller than F-150 truck, however, Ford already has a great truck name in the Ranger.
Ford also already has a great compact/midsize truck in the Thai built Ranger. Ford is enjoying success with the current Ranger now because of it's size and despite the fact it is nearly 20 year old design.
Ford, Are you listening? Thai built Ranger! Build it in the US or just import it!
bbechtel16 says:
02:51 PM, 05/12/08
Ditto to moparbad!
rsholland says:
07:37 AM, 05/13/08
moparbad
I think we're coming at this from two different perspectives.
I agree that there is need for a Ranger replacement. You've been following my posts here, so you should know that I'm strong advocate of a modern, state-of-the-art "truly" small—but work-ready truck.
I'm also concerned about how full-size trucks have grown over the years into super-sized trucks. This includes 1/2-tons.
That's why I think an F-100, that occupies about the same footprint of the old T-100 as being a good idea. The reason being it would give those with a need of full-size 1/2-ton capability, but who not want the excessive bulk of the current trucks, another option.
I use the T-100 reference simply because it was wide enough to handle 4x8 paneling flat on the bed floor. The similar-sized Dakota has never been able to claim that—and that's important to full-size truck buyers—and probably a reason why the Dakota has never been that popular.
moparbad says:
10:13 AM, 05/13/08
Compact truck, full size truck, and heavy duty full size truck are segments that will support buyers needs for functionality and efficiency and still yield a return for an automaker IMO looking at the future. I can see mid size trucks filling a niche, I don't see a need for every manufacuturer to offer both mid size and compacts and full size trucks.
If Ford were to make a smaller F100 at an underutilized plant (close one of the F150 or SUV plants), could make it more fuel efficient, and could do so at a minimal cost I can possibly agree with that strategy.
25-30 mpg small trucks are manufactured and sold in crew cab, 4WD versions outside of the US and I expect that there will be demand for this type of vehicle in the future.
Mazda is probably going to abandon the truck market just when a BT-50 would be welcomed, Isuzu is leaving the market, Ranger may be exiting the market, Mitsubishi does not sell it's compact truck in the US, and that leaves Nissan and Toyota.
Hey, if Ford were to drop the SportTrac and offer an F100 instead I won't complain.
estreka says:
12:43 PM, 05/17/08
Whatever Ford decides to do, they need to change the name of the truck a few times between Ranger and F-100 so they can see which name fits best, much like the 500 and Taurus.
It's the same principle you use when your wife wants to hang up a picture or move a very heavy piece of furniture.