Ford Ranger I photos

Launched in early 1982 for the 1983 model year, the first-generation North American Ford Ranger was developed to replace the Mazda-sourced Ford Courier. Built on an all-new body-on-frame architecture, it featured Ford's Twin-I-Beam independent front suspension for rear-wheel-drive models and Twin-Traction Beam for four-wheel-drive versions. The pickup was offered in single-cab Regular Cab configurations and, starting in 1986, extended SuperCab configurations with rear jump seats, offering both 6-foot and 7-foot cargo bed lengths.

Engine choices encompassed 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, alongside V6 options displacing 2.8, 2.9, and a powerful 4.0-liter Cologne V6 delivering 160 horsepower. Diesel powertrains were available from 1983 to 1986, including a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter Perkins diesel and a 2.3-liter Mitsubishi turbodiesel. A major mid-cycle refresh for 1989 introduced aerodynamic front-end styling with composite flush-mounted headlights, a redesigned dashboard, and standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes. Transmissions included 4/5-speed manuals and 3/4-speed automatics.