Ford Kills Production of Ranger

As many manufacturers get ready to roll out their 2012 models, there are some cars that will never come off the production line again. For many vehicles, 2011 was the last year in production, and anybody who wants to get behind the wheel of one will have to head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction and pick up a used version.

One of the most well-known cars that is ending production this year is the Ford Ranger, The New York Daily News reports. This small pick-up truck was a popular alternative to the company's larger F-150 and has been around since 1984. Many people who have driven the Ranger are sad to see it go.

"I thought the Ranger was here to stay, like the F-150. But times are tough," Samuel Taylor, owns a Ranger, told the newspaper. "People are making do with what they got, I guess. I'm gonna drive mine until the cows come home."

Among the biggest reasons that Ranger will no longer be produced after this year is because larger, more powerful trucks are able to provide just as much fuel-efficiency. According the publication, the F-150 gets a similar 27 miles per gallon while also offering a V6 engine.

The Ranger is certainly not the only car that is seeing an end to production this year. The Dodge Dakota, a similarly-sized pick up, also will not be available outside of used car dealers. Additionally, production of the Honda Element, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Mitsubishi Eclipse will all come to an end.

Just because new models of these cars won't be made available does not mean they will disappear from the roads. Anybody looking to pick up a Ranger, Element or any other used car can head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.