my 06 b2300 gets 22-24mpg with it's 4cylinder and 5 speed manual. I would like to see them put a diesel in a new ranger so it can get way better mpg. Either way, if it's over 20k, i wouldnt buy one. f150's and chevy 1500's are more expensive than the new dodge rams. only 5k less is still an expensive truck unless i'm thinking the msrp is too high.
Or bring back the nissan hard body. a buddy at work said he bought his new with options for around 10k back in 97. wow.
Ford does make a Ranger but its overseas. When I went to Colombia this summer I seen a truck that looked almost like a Sport-Trac. I got closer to it and it said Ford Ranger. Here's a pic of it.