Despite the closing of the Ford plant in St. Paul, Jim Oaks of Salem, Ohio, thinks Ford will eventually reverse its decision, especially if gas prices remain high. Rangers have a lot of fans because they're dependable and easy to modify for off-roading, he says. Oaks, 44, and his wife own models from 1983, 1989 and 1996.

"The Ranger is big enough to haul stuff but small enough so that it doesn't use as much gas. It's an all-around reasonable vehicle to have," he says.

And if Ford doesn't change its mind?

"I have friends who own salvage yards," Oaks says. "I will keep buying Rangers and stockpiling parts 'til eternity."

- Associated Press