Considering a Ford Maverick

[Scott Kilroy]

The Maverick seems like the perfect size and price for a truck (for me). I hardly ever carry sheet goods so the small space is OK. Here's my dilemma, I understand the Maverick is based on a car platform. I've had really bad experiences owning Ford cars (my understanding is their trucks are better built). After owning a focus that put my mechanic's kids through college should I say away? Heir really isn't anything else in this size to compare it to (I'm not buying a hyundai). As always I look forward to hearing your opinions and thanks in advance.

[Stan Calow]

I'm interested too. Ford truck reputation is based on their made in USA F-series. Where's the Maverick going to be built? Or just get a Ridgeline - best vehicle I ever owned.

OK I looked it up. Maverick will be made in Mexico, if that matters to you. I dont think thats either good or bad, but they'll probably still refer to it as made in North America.

[Doug Garson]

Maverick will be made in Mexico, if that matters to you. I dont think thats either good or bad, but they'll probably still refer to it as made in North America.
You do know that Mexico is part of North America so referring to it as made in North America is accurate. Oh, and just to be sure, so is Canada eh!:)

[Scott Clausen]

Never heard of it but just googled it. As long as you don't load it down it should be okay. I have a F-150 Lariat 4X4 and like it but find the 5'5" bed a little small. I can't really lift a 3/4" 4X8 sheet of plywood anymore so I just plan the first rough cut to downsize anyway.

[Brian Elfert]

You do know that Mexico is part of North America so referring to it as made in North America is accurate. Oh, and just to be sure, so is Canada eh!:)

I think the implication is that Ford will say North America instead of Mexico because there are a lot of Americans who don't realize Mexico is part of North America.

[Stan Calow]

You do know that Mexico is part of North America so referring to it as made in North America is accurate. Oh, and just to be sure, so is Canada eh!:)

Yes of course I know that! I just think its intentionally misleading to advertise that way, because most people who see that statement think it means the same as Made in America, interpreted as Made in USA. Why do I think that? Because people say so when I mention that despite all the flag-waving commercials, it doesnt mean what they think it means.

[Frank Pratt]

Yes of course I know that! I just think its intentionally misleading to advertise that way, because most people who see that statement think it means the same as Made in America, interpreted as Made in USA. Why do I think that? Because people say so when I mention that despite all the flag-waving commercials, it doesnt mean what they think it means.

Sorry, that makes no sense at all to me. North America means North America. What's ambiguous or deceptive about that? USA, despite the opinions of some, is not the center of the universe. Everyone knows that's Toronto :)

edit: sorry for the inside Canadian joke.

[Doug Garson]

Sorry, that makes no sense at all to me. North America means North America. What's ambiguous or deceptive about that? USA, despite the opinions of some, is not the center of the universe. Everyone knows that's Toronto :)

edit: sorry for the inside Canadian joke.
OK, some of us get the joke, some outside Hog Town might not like it. Oops, another inside Canadian joke.

[Stan Calow]

Frank sorry to belabor my pet peeve. Yes, its technically correct, but I think its misleading especially after decades of NAFTA-bashing, and Buy American campaigns. Kind of like selling Imported Fosters Lager "Australia's Favorite Beer" with a kangaroo on the label, imported from . . . Canada (my favorite country to visit BTW). :)

[Doug Garson]

Frank sorry to belabor my pet peeve. Yes, its technically correct, but I think its misleading especially after decades of NAFTA-bashing, and Buy American campaigns. Kind of like selling Imported Fosters Lager "Australia's Favorite Beer" with a kangaroo on the label, imported from . . . Canada (my favorite country to visit BTW). :)
That's not a Kangaroo, it's a Raptor as in the Toronto Raptors. :cool:

[Jim Koepke]

I think the implication is that Ford will say North America instead of Mexico because there are a lot of Americans who don't realize Mexico is part of North America.

Sadly there are a lot of Americans that don't realize New Mexico is a part of the U.S. of A.

jtk

[Andrew Seemann]

I thought this is what you were referring to. I didn't realize they had resurrected the name:)

468634

[Jim Becker]

Consider the size and the market for the Maverick. I don't think that the platform is going to interfere with that and it will be very suitable for its specific capacities. There's no need for a heavy body-on-frame design. I think this vehicle fills a very nice niche that's been somewhat neglected for a long time.

[Jerome Stanek]

when I saw this thread I thought of a friend of mine that had a Maverick his name Fast Eddie Schartman.
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=AOaemvJ_NLCjT_5fOj_8ICext5ioEe4vXg:16 37754324278&q=Fast+Eddie+Schartman+Maverick&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjW-uil9rD0AhUplIkEHW_DAacQ1QJ6BAgcEAE&biw=1333&bih=599&dpr=1.2

[George Bokros]

when I saw this thread I thought of a friend of mine that had a Maverick his name Fast Eddie Schartman.
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=AOaemvJ_NLCjT_5fOj_8ICext5ioEe4vXg:16 37754324278&q=Fast+Eddie+Schartman+Maverick&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjW-uil9rD0AhUplIkEHW_DAacQ1QJ6BAgcEAE&biw=1333&bih=599&dpr=1.2

Good old Fast Eddie, remember him well.

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

Geesh, I saw the ad and wondered why anyone would buy a Maverick, except as an antique. It was the first car my ex and I purchased together after we got married. I had a 1971 Maverick with the straight 6 POS engine. The car itself wasn't too bad for a domestic made compact. The engines were notoriuos for worn rings and bad compression. Once we reached about 65,000 miles the thing could barely climb a hill and took a quart of oil every other tank full of gas. Oh and the starter switch would engage for absolutely no reason whatever.

https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.1545de07cf241defbd7216702b211c51?rik=aF9qp1HLW1T D%2fw&riu=http%3a%2f%2fbestcarmag.com%2fsites%2fdefault% 2ffiles%2f1971-ford-maverick-1303838-5452296.jpg&ehk=cjA7liypq%2bkPSCelArCOzzNSEpEY%2fiZfbubRCgAiFn E%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0

[Jim Becker]

My first spouse's grandfather had the original Maverick. With a big V8 engine in it. Vawwwy Scawwy!

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Perry, many of use when we hear the name have that kind of image in our minds. It's become "a thing" for the auto industry to resurrect vehicle names as of late; sometimes for a similar vehicle, such as when Dodge brought back the Challenger and in other cases, a "same name, different kind of vehicle" thing like with Ford's Maverick truck. I guess they want to keep us mentally on our toes!

[Richard Hart]

I'm interested too. Ford truck reputation is based on their made in USA F-series. Where's the Maverick going to be built? Or just get a Ridgeline - best vehicle I ever owned.

OK I looked it up. Maverick will be made in Mexico, if that matters to you. I dont think thats either good or bad, but they'll probably still refer to it as made in North America.

Any vehicle made in Mexico I'd avoid like the plague. Like Clint Eastwood said, do you feel lucky?
Had a VW made there. Spent well over half its life in the shop. What a POS.. never again VW or Mexico.
If you're gonna get a truck, get one made here or Canada.
My 96 Ranger is still going strong.

[Doug Garson]

My first spouse's grandfather had the original Maverick. With a big V8 engine in it. Vawwwy Scawwy!

----

Perry, many of use when we hear the name have that kind of image in our minds. It's become "a thing" for the auto industry to resurrect vehicle names as of late; sometimes for a similar vehicle, such as when Dodge brought back the Challenger and in other cases, a "same name, different kind of vehicle" thing like with Ford's Maverick truck. I guess they want to keep us mentally on our toes!
Wonder what Ford will bring back next? Is there an electric Edsel in the future?

[Curt Harms]

I thought this is what you were referring to. I didn't realize they had resurrected the name:)

468634

I had the same thought. I kinda thought the original Maverick car was not all that well received so why resurrect the name. I could be wrong though.

[Frank Pratt]

In it's day, the Maverick was the laughing stock of domestic cars. I think only the Pinto & Vega were more universally derided. My brother had one & it was a real turd.

[Jim Becker]

The name kinda fits for a compact truck if you think about it, especially given the available hybrid powertrain and some features that might not be expected at the price points. It's kinda interesting, actually...although I'm not in the market for a pick-em-up truck. It's a nice option for an urban setting where pickup functionality is desire, but size matters.

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

If electric, it will be a Pinto.

[Alex Zeller]

I believe Ford has said that they can't make a profit on cheap small cars if they are built in the US.

[Jim Becker]

I believe Ford has said that they can't make a profit on cheap small cars if they are built in the US.

Maybe...regardless, the only "car" left is the Mustang at this point. It's all SUVs and pick-em-up trucks for the consumer market with Ford.

[Frank Pratt]

Questionable naming aside, I think of all the former "big three" American car makers, Ford has got its finger on the pulse of the market the best. The just keep churning out really good vehicles that people want. I used to be a GM guy through & through, but now their vehicles just seem so boring. I guess they've used all their creative juices on the Corvette.

[Jim Becker]

Questionable naming aside, I think of all the former "big three" American car makers, Ford has got its finger on the pulse of the market the best. The just keep churning out really good vehicles that people want. I used to be a GM guy through & through, but now their vehicles just seem so boring. I guess they've used all their creative juices on the Corvette.
The strongest markets for the other name plates is also SUVs and pickup trucks at this point and even there, production has shifted strongly in that direction. Ford just took the "total plunge" sooner!

[Curt Harms]

The strongest markets for the other name plates is also SUVs and pickup trucks at this point and even there, production has shifted strongly in that direction. Ford just took the "total plunge" sooner!

I wonder if gas prices, if they remain high for an extended period might change that somewhat.

[Scott Kilroy]

If gas prices keep going up they just give is one cylinder turbo SUVs that go 40 miles per gallon 😀

[Bill Dufour]

Ford no longer makes cars in the USA. Trucks and suv's only. The electric mustang is not a car it is a suv. Do they still make a gas engine Mustang?
Bill D.

[Jim Becker]

Ford no longer makes cars in the USA. Trucks and suv's only. The electric mustang is not a car it is a suv. Do they still make a gas engine Mustang?
Bill D.

Yes, the one non-"truck" vehicle they still make is the Mustang and it's available with and ICE engine. https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/?gnav=header-cars-vhp

The Mustang EV is considered an SUV for sure, but physically, it's kinda hatchback-ish because of how it's lowered in the back for aerodynamic reasons. It's not completely out of the realm of some Mustang body variants "back in the day" in my eyes.


I wonder if gas prices, if they remain high for an extended period might change that somewhat.

I doubt it. The swing to SUV and pickups is market driven. Sedan demand isn't high. Even minivans have suffered with the preference by many folks for the SUV format, especially with the availability of midsize 3--row vehicles. Yes, they don't carry as much as the minivans, but there are other factors that get weighed in. Some "sedans" have even migrated to what is essentially something that looks like a sedan, but is functionally a hatchback with a little lower clearance in the back. And folks haven't even slowed down with buying fuel, even with the high prices...Wall Street noticed and supply "correction" was not applied. Something else is also digging into the ICE sedan market and that is the increasing market for EVs. Even if the idea of a sedan gets back a little of its appeal to consumers, the industry is likely going to address that through new products that eschew gasoline rather than run parallel development and platforms. While this is all my opinion, it's what I see happening based on my interaction in the vehicle community including some insiders that participate.

[Rick Potter]

Back to the original question....I plan to buy a Maverick, but not until they bring out one with a plug, which will take a year or so longer. I want a plug in hybrid, but am open to all electric. It fits my needs, and I just sold my F250 to my grandson.

Looks like Ford hit a home run with the Maverick, as most of the 2022 models are pre-ordered already, and the few that make it to the dealers are being marked up by greedy dealers. Over 200,000 were pre-ordered, according to enthusiast websites. Yes, enthusiasts, there are a couple Maverick forums already.

[Ole Anderson]

Had an acquaintance from Arizona visit, his comment was that he was surprised with all of the Big 3 cars in the Detroit area. Out west it seems they are hardly a consideration. Doesn't sit well with many Michiganders. So many folks condemn a whole brand for what they were decades ago. Today you would be hard pressed to find a bad model from any manufacturer. Some just better than others.

[Scott T Smith]

I like the fuel mileage specs for the hybrid version. Not so much the gas version.

Unless you need to transport something tall in a pickup bed, it’s amazing what you can haul in a Prius V. This is the “station wagon” version of the Prius, and we’ve had two of them. No problems carrying 10’ lengths of conduit and 43mpg.

[Scott Winners]

I am too old to the first on my block with anything new anymore. This is a handy sized truck for me, in snow country I would go with the AWD version, but on paper this truck might meet most of my needs. I would be most concerned about pulling my trailered boat up a muddy river bank, but my boat is small, my trailer is light, and on paper there is enough torque on tap; the trick would be matching tires to conditions.

I am not wild about the 4.5 foot bed. Car and Driver quoted the Ford literature that there is 48" of flat floor in the bed between the fenderbuckets, but C/D also didn't get out a tape measure to check in their article that I can see. If there really is 48" width in there that would be a major benefit. My 2015 Tacoma has 46" of flat floor between the fender buckets in the bed, my 1999 Ranger was about the same, not quite 48".

When I wear my Tacoma out someday, I will look at this and all similar sized trucks. I like that my Tacoma with tow package is rated to pull 6000#, but I have only needed to do it once in the first 80k miles, so I could go lower on that spec. I will let other people figure out if the Maverick is a reliable truck.

[Jim Becker]

Scott, I agree that being assured of that width between the wheel wells would be a good thing to know and I suspect the number will come to light at some point. The short-short bed is probably adequate for a lot of of needs that one might want a small pickup for and a receiver mounted material support takes care of things when an 8-10' something needs to be hauled on occasion. That wouldn't be desirable for someone carrying long material a lot, but for occasional use...they are great. I used one with the 2000 Tundra Limited I owned before we adopted our girls. It had a shorter bed, although not as short as the Maverick.

[Jim Braun]

I am not wild about the 4.5 foot bed. Car and Driver quoted the Ford literature that there is 48" of flat floor in the bed between the fenderbuckets, but C/D also didn't get out a tape measure to check in their article that I can see. If there really is 48" width in there that would be a major benefit. My 2015 Tacoma has 46" of flat floor between the fender buckets in the bed, my 1999 Ranger was about the same, not quite 48".



From https://jalopnik.com/the-2022-ford-maverick-is-an-honest-cheap-multitool-o-1847802688
The plywood rides on top of the wheel wells

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Jim

[Scott Winners]

Also in the jakopnik article they say there is a stop, a half way locking position on the tail gate, so the 4x8 sheets ride on top of the fenders and on top of the tailgate latched at half mast. Good idea. Thanks Jim Braun for the link. I will keep an eye out for these on the roads up here.