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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A sentimental goodbye to the last Ford Ranger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/a-sentimental-goodbye-to-the-last-ford-ranger/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/a-sentimental-goodbye-to-the-last-ford-ranger/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/a-sentimental-goodbye-to-the-last-ford-ranger/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Truck, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Ford

Last Ford Ranger

It's been more than five months since the Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota went dark. The facility produced Ford vehicles for nearly 100 years before finally being closed as part of ongoing restructuring. The closure coincided with the production of the very last North American Ford Ranger.

As you may recall, that machine is currently in service with Orkin. The website HappyWrenching.com has worked up a video commemorating the plant's final days in operation, and the clip gives us all a look into the atmosphere surrounding the pickup as it rolled off of the assembly line.

Well shot and with plenty of sentimental music, the video gives us yet another reason to miss the old Ranger. Check out the clip for yourself. Bring a hankie.

Continue reading A sentimental goodbye to the last Ford Ranger

A sentimental goodbye to the last Ford Ranger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford rangerfordford rangerlast ford rangerrangertwin citiestwin cities assembly plantvideoSun, 27 May 2012 20:02:00 EST

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20245875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/last-ford-ranger-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/last-ford-ranger-628.jpg <![CDATA[Final Ford Ranger to be built mid-month, already sold to Orkin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/final-ford-ranger-to-be-built-mid-month-already-sold-to-orkin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/final-ford-ranger-to-be-built-mid-month-already-sold-to-orkin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/final-ford-ranger-to-be-built-mid-month-already-sold-to-orkin/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Work, Ford

Ford Ranger on duty for Orkin

The Ranger pickup has been an integral part of the Ford truck lineup for decades. But later this month, that will cease to be - at least here in the States. That's when the very last Ranger will roll off the assembly line in St. Paul, Minnesota. And what do you know, it's already found a buyer.

The last Ranger has been sold to Orkin, the pest control company that already relies on fleets of white Rangers (and Chevrolet Colorado pickups) with the red diamond logo on the door and all manner of insecticides and other tools of the trade in the back.

"Since 1983, Orkin has used the Ford Ranger as its primary fleet vehicle because it's a reliable and economical truck," Paul Youngpeter, Director of Fleet for Rollins, Inc. (Orkin's parent company) tells Autoblog. "We're honored that Ford has agreed that we will get the last Ranger, and we'll put into our regular service rotation before it's retired to our corporate archives or used for training."

Orkin says they've got enough Rangers to last them for now, and that the company will pick a successor when the time comes. For our part, it seems only fitting to us that a terminated model should be used by exterminators, but one way or another, at least the final Ranger will be put to good use.

Final Ford Ranger to be built mid-month, already sold to Orkin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford rangerfordford rangerorkinpest controlrangerrollins incst paulst. paultwin citiesThu, 08 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST

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20123715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/weborkin-ranger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/weborkin-ranger.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Putting the "Ford" in The Blue Oval's new Ranger pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-putting-the-ford-in-the-blue-ovals-new-ranger-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-putting-the-ford-in-the-blue-ovals-new-ranger-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-putting-the-ford-in-the-blue-ovals-new-ranger-pickup/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Australia

water testing the new ford ranger

Fording with the Ford Ranger - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you're a Ranger fan, the video posted after the jump is going to make you sad. Ford engineers in Australia filmed the new but not-for-U.S.-consumption truck as its water wading capabilities were put to the test. The results were heaps good.

Ford's new Ranger is available in a Hi-Rider version that's capable of, ahem, fording through an impressive amount of water. Starting at a depth of two-inches, the engineers kept pushing until they were driving through 31.5 inches of engine-killing fluid. The two-inch deep pool is used to simulate long puddles, and the truck is run through at 19, 31 and 40 miles per hour. When filled to the max, the test area is traversed at a much slower 4 mph.

In order to achieve these results, Ford raised the air intake and alternator to a spot where they stay above the water line. Crucial components that sit lower are water-proofed. Click past the jump to see the testing in action, and be sure to read more about the Ranger in the full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Putting the "Ford" in The Blue Oval's new Ranger pickup

Video: Putting the "Ford" in The Blue Oval's new Ranger pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafordford australiaford rangerford ranger hi-riderrangervideowading depthwaterwater fordingMon, 04 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST

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19902574 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ranger-fording_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ranger-fording.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak promo makes us want one even more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/video-2012-ford-ranger-wildtrak-promo-makes-us-want-one-even-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/video-2012-ford-ranger-wildtrak-promo-makes-us-want-one-even-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/video-2012-ford-ranger-wildtrak-promo-makes-us-want-one-even-mo/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Diesel

2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak

2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you just managed to get over the news that the new global Ford Ranger isn't coming to the States, you might want to look away. Ford has just dropped a new promotional video for the Ranger Wildtrak, and the clip has us licking our chops for the forbidden fruit of the FoMoCo realm all over again. Along with a sporty appearance, seating for the whole gang and plenty of off-road ability, the Ranger Wildtrak brings diesel power to the party. Buyers in nearly every corner of the globe but our own can have the mid-sized truck with their choice of one of two torque-tastic diesel engines.

Those include either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder or the 3.8-liter inline five-pot featured in the video. This particular mill delivers a whopping 347 pound-feet of twist and can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. If that sounds like light-truck perfection to you, welcome to the club. Hit the jump to check out the flick for yourself.

Gallery: Ford Ranger Wildtrak: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ford via Carplace]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak promo makes us want one even more

Video: 2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrak promo makes us want one even more originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 Ford Ranger Wildtrakford rangerford ranger wildtrakglobal rangerrangerranger wildtrakwildtrakFri, 18 Mar 2011 19:59:00 EST

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19884397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ranger-630-1300473474_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ranger-630-1300473474.jpg <![CDATA[Ford announces two recalls, more than 30,000 vehicles affected]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/ford-announces-two-recalls-more-than-30-000-vehicles-affected/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/ford-announces-two-recalls-more-than-30-000-vehicles-affected/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/ford-announces-two-recalls-more-than-30-000-vehicles-affected/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Work, Ford

2010 Ford Ranger plays in the mud

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Detroit News is reporting that Ford and The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced the recall of over 30,000 vehicles. A total of 23,688 Ranger pickups are being brought back to dealers to inspect fuel lines for potential chafing. The problem may result in a gasoline odor or a fuel leak, but is only present on 2010 vehicles equipped with the company's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Additionally, Ford is also re-inspecting certain 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge and Flex models that were covered under a previous recall last December.

Those 14,737 vehicles were originally recalled for body control modules that could short out and lead to a fire. The first time around, Ford used a software program to read the serial numbers on the defective parts to correctly identify the pieces that were likely to fail. Unfortunately, the program was apparently reading the wrong set of characters. As a result, some of the faulty modules may not have been replaced. As a result, Ford will take a second look at the parts in hopes of finding those that could be a problem later down the line.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford announces two recalls, more than 30,000 vehicles affected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford ranger recall2010 ford rangerfordford rangerford ranger recallford recallnational highway transportation safety administrationnhtsarangerrecallThu, 03 Mar 2011 11:21:00 EST

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19866408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/2010-ranger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/2010-ranger.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Ranger Wildtrak making global debut in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/ford-ranger-wildtrak-making-global-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/ford-ranger-wildtrak-making-global-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/ford-ranger-wildtrak-making-global-debut-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

2011 ford ranger

2011 Ford Ranger Wildtrak - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is bringing its grown-up Ranger to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Making its world debut is the Ranger Wildtrak, Ford's top-of-the-range pickup packed with premium tech features. The full list of toys has not yet been released but Ford has announced that the Wildtrak boasts voice recognition and a rear-view camera in addition to satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

More important than its interior gadgets, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is designed to be a tough vehicle when the road disappears. It's capable of wading through water up to 31.5-inches deep and has just over nine inches of ground clearance. Under the hood, the Ranger can be fitted with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder Duratorq engine with 277 pound-feet of torque, or a larger 3.2-liter five-cylinder that churns out 347 lb-ft.

Beyond its interior gewgaws, the Wildtrak is differentiated by different exterior color splits and graphics, along with features like a a standard roof rack and 'sports hoop' (read: faux roll bar) and 18-inch wheels.

As you likely already know, the new Ford Ranger will not be offered for sale here in the United States. If you must have one, book a ticket to London because it goes on sale in Britain this November.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Ranger

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Ranger Wildtrak making global debut in Geneva

Ford Ranger Wildtrak making global debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford ranger wildtrakfordford rangerford ranger wildtrakgenevageneva 2011geneva motor showpickuprangerranger wildtraktruckwildtrakMon, 28 Feb 2011 13:32:00 EST

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19861819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lede-new-ranger-wildtrak-rear-view_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lede-new-ranger-wildtrak-rear-view.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Next-gen Ford Ranger shows locomotive force]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-next-gen-ford-ranger-shows-locomotive-force/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-next-gen-ford-ranger-shows-locomotive-force/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/video-next-gen-ford-ranger-shows-locomotive-force/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Australia

Global Ford Ranger pulling locomotive

Global Ford Ranger pulls a locomotive - Click above to watch video after the jump

We're still smarting over the fact that American buyers won't get a chance to sample the goodness that is the new global Ford Ranger, and now the guys and gals at the Blue Oval have set about salting that wound. The company's engineers decided to show off exactly how powerful the little truck is, so they strapped it to a 160-ton locomotive and pulled the engine out of its berth. The Ranger came packing its TDCi diesel 3.2-liter inline five-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission and equipped with a low-range transfer case, the pickup appears to have no problem lugging the T-class diesel-electric locomotive out of storage.

After watching the video, we've got to agree with the decision makers at Ford. Absolutely no one on this side of the world would ever want a small diesel pickup truck with a towing capacity of over 6,600 lbs. We're not bitter. Honest. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself. Hat tip to The Typical Guy!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Ranger

[Source: YouTube via Top Gear]

Continue reading Video: Next-gen Ford Ranger shows locomotive force

Video: Next-gen Ford Ranger shows locomotive force originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford rangerfordford of australiaford rangerglobal ford rangerlocomotiverangervideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:31:00 EST

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19789702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/ranger-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/ranger-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: New Ford Ranger to spawn SUV variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/report-new-ford-ranger-to-spawn-suv-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/report-new-ford-ranger-to-spawn-suv-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/report-new-ford-ranger-to-spawn-suv-variant/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Truck, Ford, Rumormill

2011 Ford Ranger

2011 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

We already know we're not getting the all-new 2011 Ford Ranger pickup truck, while the rest of the world is. Now word on the ~~street~~ internet is that FoMoCo is planning on spawning an SUV variant based off the new Ranger's compact truck platform. With the Explorer going the I'm-just-a-car-under-here crossover route, a full-on body-on-frame SUV would be a welcome addition to the Ford lineup.

According to Ward's Auto, the new Ranger, internally known as project T6, was designed from the get-go to support a seven- or eight-passenger sport utility vehicle. The Ranger's growth spurt is the primary reason we are not gaining the new pickup truck in our market. The long-wheelbase dual-cab Ranger is nearly five inches longer than a single-cab Ford F-150. The two trucks are now too close in size, says Ford, and the departing version is on the outs because its ancient underpinnings are having increasing amounts of trouble meeting regulations, among other things.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Ranger

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: New Ford Ranger to spawn SUV variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford rangerbody-on-frameexplorerfordford rangerrangerranger SUVT6Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST

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19683702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01-ranger-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01-ranger-630.jpg <![CDATA[All-new Ford Ranger debuts for the rest of the globe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/all-new-ford-ranger-debuts-for-the-rest-of-the-globe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/all-new-ford-ranger-debuts-for-the-rest-of-the-globe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/all-new-ford-ranger-debuts-for-the-rest-of-the-globe/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Work, Ford, Australia, Diesel, Off-Road

2011 Ford Ranger

2011 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has finally unveiled the not-for-U.S. 2011 Ranger. The company has just pulled the sheets back on its compact pickup at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, and there's no mistaking the newest Blue Oval for anything but a Ford. With its corporate three-bar nose and heavily arched fender openings, the Ranger borrows plenty of cues from the likes of the Edge, but throws in a payload capacity of around 3,300 pounds and engine options with up to 346 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 Ranger will debut in 180 markets with three cab choices, two-wheel and four-wheel drive options and two ride heights.

Under the hood, the most potent engine available will be a stout 3.2-liter Duratorq turbocharged five-cylinder diesel with 200 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of twist, though the company says that there will be a choice of a total of three powerplant options, including one gasoline mill. No matter what engine buyers choose, Ford is serving up six-speed manual and automatic transmissions to handle shifting detail. Hit the jump to check out the full press release for yourself, and no, North Americans, you still can't have one.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Ranger

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading All-new Ford Ranger debuts for the rest of the globe

All-new Ford Ranger debuts for the rest of the globe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Ford Rangeraustralian international motor showbreakingFordFord RangerGlobal RangerRangerThu, 14 Oct 2010 09:57:00 EST

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19673907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01-ranger-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01-ranger-630.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from <i>Motor Trend</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/autoblog-podcast-196-with-jonny-lieberman-from-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/autoblog-podcast-196-with-jonny-lieberman-from-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/21/autoblog-podcast-196-with-jonny-lieberman-from-motor-trend/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Lotus

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #196 of the Autoblog Podcast, recently departed Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman joins us from his perch atop the ivory Motor Trend tower. In between recounting stories from the land of the Buff Books, Chris, Dan and Jonny talk over some of this week's news, including the Lotus Elite, the final Ford Ranger in North America, the BMW 6 Series concept and a truckload of new Chrysler information about the 200C, the Challenger, transmissions, and more. We finish up with some of your feedback near the epic two-hour mark. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #196 - With Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

In the Autoblog Garage:

Chrysler 300C SRT-8
BMW 335D
Ferrari 458 Italia

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:49:30

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Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chrysler 300c srt82010Chrysler300cSrt82011 dodge challenger2011DodgeChallengerautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw 335dbmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series conceptbmw 6 series coupe conceptBmw335dBmw6SeriesBmw6SeriesConceptBmw6SeriesCoupeConceptchrysler 200CChrysler 200C Conceptchrysler sebringChrysler200cChrysler200cConceptChryslerSebringfeaturedFerrari 458 ItaliaFerrari458Italiaford rangerFordRangerTue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcst #196Autoblog01:49:30

http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19643082/article-comments.xml

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19643082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/u-s-spec-ford-ranger-to-officially-end-production-in-2011-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/u-s-spec-ford-ranger-to-officially-end-production-in-2011-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/u-s-spec-ford-ranger-to-officially-end-production-in-2011-ford/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Truck, Ford

2011 Ford Ranger

If you live in the States, say goodbye to the Ford Ranger. The oft-neglected baby pickup from the Blue Oval is set to end production at its Twin Cities Assembly Plant in Minnesota next year, thereby kicking Dearborn out of the segment for the first time in nearly 30 years. The rest of the world won't be without a Ranger, though. Ford is set to pull the sheets back on the newest version of the global truck at the Australian International Motor Show next month, though released this intriguing teaser image in the meantime. It's bigger, slated for 180 markets spread all over the planet and it ain't for us. The question is: Why not?

In order to head that quandary off at the pass, Ford wanted to us in on its reasoning behind killing off the Ranger in the U.S. market. Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Vice President of Global Product Development, was kind enough to give us a few minutes out of his time to answer that question and more. Get the answers after the jump.

Continue reading U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why

U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Ford RangerDerrick KuzakFordFord RangerkuzakRangertwin citiestwin cities assemblyMon, 20 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST

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19639817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ranger-630-1284935900_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ranger-630-1284935900.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/report-despite-meeting-with-governor-ford-set-to-close-minneso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/report-despite-meeting-with-governor-ford-set-to-close-minneso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/report-despite-meeting-with-governor-ford-set-to-close-minneso/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2010 Ford Ranger splashing in the mud

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to The Detroit News, Ford officials met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty yesterday to discuss the future of the automaker's St. Paul assembly plant. The facility, which builds Ford's Ranger compact pickup has been earmarked for closure for some time, but despite the roundtable session, the Blue Oval says it still plans to shutter its operations.

Pawlenty's administration had been hoping that the signing of a new state law in April allowing the government to offer Ford a series of tax breaks would be enough to keep the Twin Cities operations open, but apparently it wasn't enough - the plant will close, although an end-date remains uncertain.

Closing the plant will also close the book on the aging Ranger, though Ford has confirmed that the model name will live on with other, larger models in foreign markets. Thus far, rumors of a new North American Ranger (and even an on-air slip by Ford president Alan Mulally) have amounted to nothing, and with Ford committed introducing more economical engines to its F-150 full-size pickup, it appears highly unlikely that a U.S. Ranger will receive an encore any time soon.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordFord RangerFordRangerMinnesotapawlentyRacingSt. PaulSt.PaulTim PawlentyTimPawlentyTwin CitiesTwinCitiesThu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST

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19609362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ranger-10_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ranger-10.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of <i>0-60</i> magazine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/autoblog-podcast-188-with-mike-spinelli-from-0-60-maga/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/autoblog-podcast-188-with-mike-spinelli-from-0-60-maga/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/autoblog-podcast-188-with-mike-spinelli-from-0-60-maga/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Toyota, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez and Dan Roth are joined this week by Mike Spinelli, editor-in-chief of 0-60 magazine. Topics for Episode #188 of the Autoblog Podcast are the 2011 Ford Explorer, Audi's A7 Sportback, the announcement of the Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S. market, hybrid/electric Porsches and zombie-like rumors of a new Ford Ranger for North American showrooms. We also pepper poor Mike with our impressions of his fine publication. It's an hour-and-ten of stellar repartee this week, thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli from 0-60 magazine

In the Autoblog Garage:

Dodge Challenger R/T
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Sienna Limited AWD

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 86:17

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Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford explorer2011 hyundai equus2011FordExplorer2011HyundaiEquusAudi A7Audi A7 SportbackAudiA7AudiA7Sportbackautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastelectric boxsterelectric porscheElectricBoxsterElectricPorscheford rangerFordRangerhybrid porscheHybridPorschehyundai equusHyundaiEquusporsche boxsterPorscheBoxsterTue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #188Autoblog01:10:40

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19570644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? <i>[*UPDATED]</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/video-mulally-unwittingly-confirms-next-gen-ford-ranger-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/video-mulally-unwittingly-confirms-next-gen-ford-ranger-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/video-mulally-unwittingly-confirms-next-gen-ford-ranger-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Videos, Work, Ford

Alan Mulally on CNBC - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there's been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning, Ford's president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says "new Ranger," which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we've seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we've been wondering about anyhow, as we've seen more Stateside evaluations of this 'overseas' truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn't come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we've continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we're beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we're on about, follow the jump to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally's Ranger remark. A big ol' tip of the cap to Dan!

*UPDATE: Ford continues to tell Autoblog that the new global Ranger is not planned for North America. As we've previously reported, the new F-150 will receive an EcoBoost powertrain that should deliver similar economy figures to the Ranger while providing improved size and capability, thereby negating the need for bringing a smaller pickup in this market.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

[Source: CNBC]

Continue reading Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford ranger2011FordRanger2012 ford ranger2012FordRangeralan mulallyalan mullalyAlanMulallyAlanMullalyblue ovalBlueOvalbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewscnbcCNBC sqawk boxcnbc squawk boxCnbcSqawkBoxCnbcSquawkBoxfordFord Rangerford ranger spy shotsFordRangerFordRangerSpyShotsRangerranger pickupRangerPickupsquawk boxSquawkBoxU.S. rangerU.s.RangervideovideosMon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST

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19568427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mulally630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mulally630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/28/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-and-chevy-colorado-replacements/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/28/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-and-chevy-colorado-replacements/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/28/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-and-chevy-colorado-replacements/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC

Ford T6 Ranger spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The fate of small pickup trucks in America is rather shaky. There haven't been any major new entries into the segment as of late (save the Suzuki Equator, of course, even though it's not much more than a rebadged Nissan Frontier). And though we've spied Ford Ranger prototypes testing abroad, it doesn't necessarily mean that a new model is slated for U.S. consumption. Small trucks do well in other markets, and the trucklets seem to be a dying trend here in the States.

Today, though, our spies have not only caught a new Ranger mule (above), but a small GM pickup (right) - the replacement for the aging Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. Both mules look a bit larger than the models currently on the road, though still more manageable than the top-dog F-150 and Silverado.

Still, though, it's unclear what the future has in store for these new trucks. The fact that Ford and GM are testing these new mini-pickups in and around their respective headquarters in southeast Michigan leads us to believe that there may, in fact, be U.S.-spec replacements in the works. Ford has often spoke of a smaller F-100-style F-150 to replace the Ranger, and reports have shown that GM is working on a new truck to hopefully rekindle the success that the original Chevy S10 and GMC Sonoma had.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canyonchevroletchevrolet coloradoChevroletColoradochevychevy coloradoChevyColoradofordFord RangerFordRangerGMCgmc canyonGmcCanyonRangerspy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsFri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST

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19496122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ranger.d2.kgp.ed-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ranger.d2.kgp.ed-630op.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Smart

If you live in the U.S. sunbelt or in an upscale gated community, you've probably seen quite a few of those hopped-up electric golf carts trolling around your neighborhood. These low-speed vehicles are great for zipping to the mailbox or heading over to the clubhouse, and the vehicles are currently allowed on select public roads in 46 of the 50 United States. But even though they're perfectly legal in many areas, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a pretty serious warning for anyone looking to take these vehicles onto high-traffic areas. IIHS tested both a GEM electric cart and a minitruck in side impact crashes, and the results were sobering to say the least.

The first test was a side impact affair between a GEM EV and a crash barrier moving at 31 miles per hour. The crash test dummy, which was buckled up and in the driver's seat, showed injuries consistent with catastrophic injury or death. IIHS then performed the same test with a Smart ForTwo replacing the barrier, but the results were very similar. The crash, which typically nets relatively low injury risk for vehicles with high safety scores, was so severe that the crash dummy's head almost hits the ForTwo's windshield. Chief research officer David Zuby said that the test shows that these vehicles "weren't designed to protect people in a crash with a microcar like the Smart ForTwo, let alone larger cars, SUVs, and pickups in everyday traffic."

After demolishing a few GEMs, the IIHS then focused its glare on the 2008 Tiger Star minitruck. The Tiger was pitted against a 2010 Ford Ranger in an offset front crash with the minitruck going 25 mph and the Ford 35 mph. The results were similarly catastrophic, with the Ranger dummy relatively unharmed while the Tiger dummy's head hit the steering wheel hard in spite of the fact that it was wearing a safety belt. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS' strongly worded press release.

[Source: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads

IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash testingCrashTestCrashTestingDavid ZubyDavidZubyford rangerFordRangerGEMGEM cargem evGemCarGemEvGM CartGmCartIIHSiihs crash testIihsCrashTestInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyLEVlow speed vehiclelow speed vehiclesLowSpeedVehicleLowSpeedVehiclesLSVsmart fortwoSmartFortwotiger star minitruckTigerStarMinitruckZubyThu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST

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19484796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/crash-2-1274366744_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/crash-2-1274366744.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/ford-gets-an-earful-five-best-and-worst-ideas-from-consumers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/ford-gets-an-earful-five-best-and-worst-ideas-from-consumers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/ford-gets-an-earful-five-best-and-worst-ideas-from-consumers/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Humor

Click above to peek inside the suggestion box

Ford has officially stirred up a mess of snakes by inviting consumers to submit their ideas on how to improve the company's vehicles to its website at TheFordStory.com. We've spent the better part of a day sifting through what the world has to say to Ford, and though we expected bucket loads of the web's own brand of vitriol, so far the comments were largely constructive.

We say "largely" because, as you know, the internet is still the home of LOL Cats and Chocolate Rain, and for every common sense suggestion on the site, there's one telling the company to offer an automatic pet feeder as an option. We wish we were kidding.

Ford has split its internet suggestion box into six categories ranging from performance and driving dynamics to safety, and while we dig ideas like trimming weight through the use of structural adhesives and the implementation of rear fog lights, a few themes rose above the rest to grab our attention. We've cataloged five we think Ford could do well to listen to, along with another five the company could skip all together.

Follow the jump to peek inside the suggestion box.

Continue reading Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers

Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BroncoDieselDiesel hybridDieselHybridF-150F100featuredFiestaFocusFordFord BroncoFord CommentsFord DieselFord F-150Ford F100Ford FiestaFord FocusFord FusionFord MustangFord RangerFord Suggestion BoxFord SuggestionsFord TaurusFordBroncoFordCommentsFordDieselFordF-150FordF100FordFiestaFordFocusFordFusionFordMustangFordRangerFordSuggestionBoxFordSuggestionsFordTaurusFusionhybridRangerTaurusFri, 16 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST

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19441957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/208905827919e60328a4bopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/208905827919e60328a4bopt.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger global quad-cab spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-global-quad-cab-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-global-quad-cab-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-global-quad-cab-spotted/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Truck, Work, Ford

Ford Ranger spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has done a lot of work over the past few years to really improve its F-Series line of pickups, in both standard F-150 and Super Duty forms. And while the Blue Oval's "Built Ford Tough" motto stands true to the latest and greatest versions of these pickups, the smaller Ranger has been greatly overlooked over the past decade.

These most recent spy shots show Ford's new Ranger, but don't get too excited. Despite the long-in-the-tooth truck's aging underpinnings and FoMoCo's push to standardize platforms with it's "One Ford" initiative, the all-new Ranger most likely won't make it to the States (despite our best hopes).

Our spies indicate that this new Ranger will be slightly larger than the version currently on sale in other markets, but that it's actually somewhat smaller than the truck currently sitting at U.S. dealerships. We think that may be a visual trick of the camouflage and the four-door configuration, however, as this vehicle is expected to be larger than the current North American model, as it will go on duty in countries where Ford doesn't offer the F-150. Still, should the Blue Oval perform an about-face and bring the truck to America, we don't think this would hinder Ford's overall sales too much, and this much-needed overhaul would make the model better positioned to compete with the likes of the Toyota Tacoma, as well as the Nissan Frontier/Suzuki Equator twins in markets abroad.

Gallery: Ford Ranger - Spy Photos

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger global quad-cab spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordFord RangerFordRangerRangerspy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 23 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/23/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-ranger-global-quad-cab-spotted/19369973/article-detail.xml

19369973 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/fordrangerspy00opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/fordrangerspy00opt.jpg <![CDATA[7 Million Ford Rangers can't be wrong?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/7-million-rangers-cant-be-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/7-million-rangers-cant-be-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/7-million-rangers-cant-be-wrong/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may have taken 28 years to get here, but the Ford Ranger is ~~living~~ inanimate proof that determination eventually pays off. Or something like that. Automotive News reports (via PickupTrucks.com) that Ford built its 7 millionth Ranger last month at the assembly plant in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Ranger has gone through a number of revisions, trim levels and price increases (thanks a lot, inflation!) on its way from being a $6,289 single-cab, 73-horsepower work truck to today's $17,820 143-hp pickup. As an interesting side point, the original Ranger weighed in at 2,532 pounds and could tow 3,300 pounds. Today, the 3,030-pound Ranger can tug a total of 5,860 pounds. Progress!

All good things must come to an end, though, as Ford has announced that it will cease production of the North American Ranger in 2011. The jury's still out on the current truck's replacement, though rumors swirl that a smaller version of the next F-150 called, imaginatively enough, the F-100 may be in the offing. What are the chances that truck will have a 30-year lifespan and 7,000,000-plus sales?

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Source: Automotive News, PickupTrucks.com]

7 Million Ford Rangers can't be wrong? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 ford ranger2010FordRanger20112011 ford ranger2011FordRangerfordford rangerford ranger productionFordRangerFordRangerProductionrangerTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST

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19349594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-ranger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-ranger.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota

IIHS compact pickup crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested five compact pickup trucks for both rollover and side impact crashes, and overall, it would seem that the trucks' performances were pretty dismal. Only the Nissan Frontier was given a 'Good' rating from the IIHS for rollover protection, with the Ford Ranger falling to second place with an 'Acceptable' rating and the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma earning lowly 'Marginal' scores.

Side impact scores also failed to live up to expectations for some trucks, with the Frontier, Ranger and Tacoma getting 'Good' ratings and the Colorado getting the lowest 'Poor' rating. Equally as disturbing, though, was the performance of the Dakota, which was tested with optional side air bags (all the other trucks come standard with the bags) that failed to deploy in IIHS testing. Chrysler has reportedly identified the software glitch that caused the air bags not to deploy and is working on a fix. The Dakota will be retested with properly functional air bags at a later date.

See the results of the testing in our image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release from the IIHS.

Gallery: IIHS Compact Pickup Tests

[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet coloradoChevroletColoradochevychevy coloradoChevyColoradocoloradocompact pickupcompact pickup crash testcompact truckcompact truck crash testCompactPickupCompactPickupCrashTestCompactTruckCompactTruckCrashTestford rangerFordRangerfrontieriihsiihs compact pickupsiihs compact trucksIihsCompactPickupsIihsCompactTrucksInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyNissan frontierNissanFrontierrangerrolloverrollover protectionrollover testRolloverProtectionRolloverTesttacomatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomaThu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

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