Please welcome..........
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,028
Likes: 1,520
From: Maine, Virginia
Please welcome..........
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
It will be a great vehicle for urban dwellers and outdoorsy folks who don't need the heavy hauling of a bigger truck. Like the Subaru Baja or a scaled-down Honda Ridgeline. One thing that bugs me, as an old guy, is the Maverick name only because the Maverick car was a tinny and ugly POS (although they looked OK as Pro Stock racers).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I actually liked the Maverick car of the 70's. Could be a sentimental thing as my grandmother had one when I was little. But onto the Maverick trucklet. I would consider it, depending on my needs in a truck in a few years. I also like the new Ranger for the same reason. I like having a truck, but don't need the size and expense of an F-150. And can I just say that I don't like the looks of the new F-150? And it's gotten way too expensive!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
The Ranger is a separate body/frame "real" truck and the Maverick is a unit body front wheel drive compact based on the Escape. And the "loss leader" concept is to price it under $20k to get buyers into the showroom and sell the $30k ones. The car platform will be a nice driving vehicle for people used to front wheel drive cars.
Ford has stopped building all of its cars except the Mustang, so they are filling out their product line. Vehicles like the Maverick are another use of a platform from the Focus, and we all know that a Maverick is gonna bring a lot more $$$$ to Ford than the Focus ever did even though it may not even cost more to build than the Focus... Focus platform is under the Escape, Bronco Sport, Maverick, and Transit Connect minivan. Chrysler used the K car as a basis for everything in the old days.
Name reprise to tie into the Bronco's "cowboy/horse/out west" vibe without actually using the Bronco name. Most of the buyer community will not remember the 70's Maverick car. You might note that "Mustang" is also a horse.
Ford has stopped building all of its cars except the Mustang, so they are filling out their product line. Vehicles like the Maverick are another use of a platform from the Focus, and we all know that a Maverick is gonna bring a lot more $$$$ to Ford than the Focus ever did even though it may not even cost more to build than the Focus... Focus platform is under the Escape, Bronco Sport, Maverick, and Transit Connect minivan. Chrysler used the K car as a basis for everything in the old days.
Name reprise to tie into the Bronco's "cowboy/horse/out west" vibe without actually using the Bronco name. Most of the buyer community will not remember the 70's Maverick car. You might note that "Mustang" is also a horse.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
The Honda Ridge Line has been selling very well since the second generation of that model was reintroduced a few years ago. If you're paying attention to this segment you may also know that Hyundai has a compact front-driven pickup set to land in showrooms next year. And I believe Volkswagen is working on one also. So there is a market for this type of vehicle. The manufacturers are not targeting hard core truck buyers who are looking for a compact truck. They are marketing these vehicles towards young, urban people who want to occasionally get out into the woods on the weekends with their mountain bikes or for a camping trip. The rest of the week these vehicles need to be city dwellers and small enough to fit comfortably in parking garages, curb-side parking, etc. At the same time they need to be practical enough to fit a family of 4.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
I am a lifelong city dweller and bicyclist (and bike race parent), camper, Boy Scout dad, musician, and my first truck was a 1978 F100 shortbed (bought new) that was my commuter but also carried bicycles and stuff. I transitioned into vans and owned full size vans for 30 years (through raising my son) and have now moved to a minivan. I frankly think that minivans make a lot more sense for the outdoorsy lifestyle and family use, but they aren't cool. The Maverick will be cool.
I think it would be cool for Ford to take the Transit Connect and hike it up like a Bronco Sport or Maverick and put a solid 4WD driveline in it. Mercedes keeps teasing the 4WD Metris and Sprinter. Toyota and Chrysler have AWD minivans but they are lowriders.
I think it would be cool for Ford to take the Transit Connect and hike it up like a Bronco Sport or Maverick and put a solid 4WD driveline in it. Mercedes keeps teasing the 4WD Metris and Sprinter. Toyota and Chrysler have AWD minivans but they are lowriders.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,028
Likes: 1,520
From: Maine, Virginia
During my HS years, I had a 1974 Maverick four door with a 302 stuffed under the hood. That sumbich would scoot and give the pony cars a run but, at speeds of around 80 and above, it got fairly squirrely.
I am one of the older guys (60 this July) who will have a new Maverick in my sights. I only need a vehicle that can pull a 5x8 trailer short distances and I like the small open bed and four door concept along with a four wheel drive option. Additionally, this will be a great courier vehicle for it's small size and anticipated MPG's.
Both ecoboost engines planned for this vehicle are performing very well in the Escape models.
My co-worker has a fairly well appointed 2019 Ridgeline and I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't impressed with Honda's offering.
I am one of the older guys (60 this July) who will have a new Maverick in my sights. I only need a vehicle that can pull a 5x8 trailer short distances and I like the small open bed and four door concept along with a four wheel drive option. Additionally, this will be a great courier vehicle for it's small size and anticipated MPG's.
Both ecoboost engines planned for this vehicle are performing very well in the Escape models.
My co-worker has a fairly well appointed 2019 Ridgeline and I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't impressed with Honda's offering.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
It would be nice if a "small" pickup was actually small. From what I have read, the Maverick will be 200" long. Ditto the new Santa Cruz.
For comparison, the Explorer is around 201" +/- and my 2017 Expedition was 210". My 2018 Charger, which is considered a full sized sedan, was only 200" long.
Admittedly, the Maverick will be narrow. And 200" fits in a garage better that the 210" or so Ranger.
I get it. Hard to have a usable 4 door cockpit and a bed at least 4'-5' long.
Still, if I have a choice between a "small" truck that fits in my garage "pretty good" and a more useful truck that fits in my garage "OK', I will go with OK.
As for price, when times where not as crazy are they are now, Ranger XLTs could be bought for $23k-$24k around here.
For comparison, the Explorer is around 201" +/- and my 2017 Expedition was 210". My 2018 Charger, which is considered a full sized sedan, was only 200" long.
Admittedly, the Maverick will be narrow. And 200" fits in a garage better that the 210" or so Ranger.
I get it. Hard to have a usable 4 door cockpit and a bed at least 4'-5' long.
Still, if I have a choice between a "small" truck that fits in my garage "pretty good" and a more useful truck that fits in my garage "OK', I will go with OK.
As for price, when times where not as crazy are they are now, Ranger XLTs could be bought for $23k-$24k around here.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Before everything went crazy, I could buy a very nicely equipped F-150 XLT, Ram 1500 Lone Star/Big Horn or Chevy Silverado LT for $35k. I am talking bigger engine, 4x4, buckets, console, etc. Well equipped.
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,028
Likes: 1,520
From: Maine, Virginia
People buy Hondas because they are Hondas. The Ridgeline does everything that many truck buyers demand, but there is no value there. A base models starts at what, $33k-$34k? And no discounts. What you see on the MSRP is what you pay. That is, unless the dealer has marked it up even more.
Before everything went crazy, I could buy a very nicely equipped F-150 XLT, Ram 1500 Lone Star/Big Horn or Chevy Silverado LT for $35k. I am talking bigger engine, 4x4, buckets, console, etc. Well equipped.
Before everything went crazy, I could buy a very nicely equipped F-150 XLT, Ram 1500 Lone Star/Big Horn or Chevy Silverado LT for $35k. I am talking bigger engine, 4x4, buckets, console, etc. Well equipped.
People who buy the Ridgeline don't need a full sized truck nor do they need to tow 13K pounds or carry 2000 pounds in the bed. They are looking for better MPG's, a smoother ride, useful bed space, a comfortable cabin and a lower step in height. They are willing to pay for this knowing that Detroit's build quality won't hold a candle against it.
I see no sense in comparing a Ranger to a Maverick. If we're going that route then why buy an F-150 when a superduty can be had for just a measly few thousand more.
The mistake that Ford and GM have made in all this is that they've eliminated their lineup of sedans. The Maverick will bridge that gap with a decent ride, good MPG's and a lower price point.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
The low $20s Rangers that I am talking about were not strippers, these were XLTs. Around the same price that the Maverick XL will start. So yes, many Maverick shoppers will cross shop the Ranger and visa versa.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
Really curious to see what this turns out like, my Grandpa has a ‘08 Sport Trac v8 awd he loves to death. He’s driven the Ranger but no auto 4x4 setting or sunroof kicked it out of the running. This little truck might be just perfect with all the updated driver aids that would be helpful for someone in their 80s.