Along with minimizing the risk for Ford of developing a vehicle in an unfamiliar market segment, the partnership provided Mazda with critically needed funds.

Following their importation to United States, pickup truck beds shipped separately from Japan were installed before shipment to dealers.

[3][4][5] In addition to designing the first domestically produced compact truck, another key factor driving the $700 million project was compliance with the fuel economy standards of the mid-1980s.

[5] At the launch of the project in 1976, Ford predicted that for the company to properly comply with 1985 CAFE standards, nearly 50% of pickup trucks sold in the United States would require a four-cylinder engine.

In anticipation of the compact truck line, 1981 marked the final use of the Ranger trim for the F-Series and Bronco (replaced by XLS for 1982).

For its entire production run until 2011, the Ranger was produced at the Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St Paul, Minnesota.

[16] While initially slated for a traditional autumn release, to more closely compete with the introduction of the Chevrolet S-10, Ford advanced the launch of the 1983 Ranger several months, with the first vehicles reaching showrooms in March 1982.

For 1989, the Ranger underwent a mid-cycle redesign with new front fenders, a restyled hood and grille, and flush-mounted composite headlamps (with larger marker lamps).

[18][7] Badging was revised; the fender icons were restyled, and the "FORD" lettering on the right-hand side of the XLT-significant tailgate trim panel was switched for a blue oval.

[22] Powered by a 140hp 2.9L V6 (paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission),[22] the Ranger GT was equipped with front and rear anti-roll bars, a limited-slip differential, and performance tires.

For 1995, the second-generation Ranger underwent a mid-cycle revision; in 1996, the model line became the first compact pickup to offer dual airbags.

In a major departure from other compact pickup trucks, the cab was widened nearly three inches, matching the mid-size Dodge Dakota in width.

For all five engines, the third-generation Ranger was offered with a Mazda-produced 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment; in 2001, the 4.0 L V6 was paired with the heavier-duty M5OD-R1HD version.

For 2004, the grille was enlarged (in the style of the F-150); for the first time since 1995, the interior saw several revisions, with new front seats (to meet updated federal safety requirements) and a new instrument panel and steering wheel.

The grille was restyled into a "3-slot" configuration (in line with the F-Series), adding clear-lens headlamps and parking lamps; the sideview mirrors were replaced with a rectangular design.

The rear of the Ranger underwent several changes, with redesigned taillamps and a larger Ford Blue Oval centred on the tailgate.

For 2007, small interior updates included a slightly altered steering wheel design and an MP3 auxiliary jack standard in place of where the airbag key-switch once was.

[32] For 2000, Ford introduced the XL Trailhead option, offering the suspension and higher ride height of a 4x4 Ranger on a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

[33] Introduced as the Ranger FX4 for 2002, the off-road option package came standard with the 4.0L V6, including a manual transfer case, 31-inch all-terrain tires on 15-inch Alcoa wheels, a Ford 8.8 rear axle with a limited-slip differential and three skid plates.

[33] Intended as a lower-cost version, the FX4 Off Road does not have the Torsen limited-slip rear axle, Bilstein shocks, or Alcoa wheels on 31-inch tires; instead, the FX4 Off-Road uses off-the-shelf Ford components.

[28][34] In line with the 1990s Ranger Splash, the Tremor was largely an appearance option package, with its content centered around a high-end audio system.

[36][37] The 2007 model year introduced a newly mandated tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), as well as replacing the airbag key switch with an automatic passenger seat integrated sensor.

[1] Returning after an eight-year hiatus (2012 production was not marketed for retail sale), the fourth-generation Ranger became the first of the model line produced as a mid-size pickup.

In addition, selling a truck produced in the United States allowed Mazda to entirely circumvent the 25% "chicken tax".

Along with a redesign of the front fascia, Mazda received an all-new pickup truck bed (with vestigial fenders/steps); in a mechanical change, an enlarged standard engine created the B2500.

[43] The first Rangers produced at General Pacheco were built in 1996, with Ford offering single cab versions with gasoline engines.

Featuring the same updates as its counterpart in the United States, a new four-door double cab body variant exclusive to South America made its debut.

Consequently, exports of the North American-produced Ranger were primarily limited to South America, including Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

For 2008, the Ranger received a makeover with a grill and headlights similar to the 2006 North American version; bed extenders became available for all boxes.

For the first time, the Ranger adopted the Ford three-bar corporate grille; the door handles were redesigned, shifting to a loop-style design.