I remember when a baseline Ranger reg cab was $7,999 and a baseline F150 reg cab was $9,999.
The Ranger was never really a "cheaper" option as it was economical on gas and size. Got a bed to toss things in, can park downtown or whatever, zip around town, cheap on fuel, etc.
My dad started driving small pickups after the kids were gone. I could never stand them, but he seemed to like them. I had a Jeep Comanche truck, that was lifted, that wasn't too bad, but nothing like a real truck. Personally, I like to sit up high on the road and see what's around me, I hate riding or driving in cars, small trucks or suv's. Nothing smaller than 3/4 ton, and preferably with 4x4 and I generally lean towards Ford and Dodge, but I've owned 2 gmc's and a Chevy.
If I could put a Cummins 12v bolted up to an Allison tranny, sitting in a 99-05 F350 4x4, I'd be pretty damn happy...
Until I have the time and money to do all that, this 2016 Ram 2500 4x4 will have to suffice.