Back in the 90s, American drivers just couldn't get enough of compact pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger. It's fuel-efficiency and utility were a combination that was unmatched for many years, and it was a winning formula for Ford. But, it's with mixed feelings that we say goodbye to the trusty Ranger this year.

That's right, the end is here for the Ranger. It was once the best-selling truck in America, selling a record number (348,358 units) in 1999, and boasting an incredibly fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine (27-mpg highway). Despite all of the Ranger loyalists out there, sales of compact trucks in the United States have steadily declined in the last decade. So, after 28 years, the very last Ford Ranger rolled off the production line in St. Paul, Minnesota.

We're definitely sad to see it go. But we know that it will make room in the Ford pickup lineup for another fuel-efficient and powerful truck. The Blue Oval has already starting making waves in the industry with their EcoBoost V6 2012 F-150, and they've announced plans to continue developments on powerful, full-sipping engines in the coming years.

Ford has also confirmed that all 880 employees from the St. Paul Plant will have the opportunity to work at other Ford manufacturing facilities around the country.

Be sure to stay tuned with Lehighton Ford for more updates on this developing story. We invite you to explore the entire new Ford lineup online, contact us via our website with any of your questions, or stop in and see us at 54 Blakeslee Blvd Dr Easy, Lehighton, PA 18235 to learn more.