Are these nails in Ford's coffin?

Is Mark Fields going to be the Grim Reaper at Ford Motor Company? Is he the one to drive the nail in Ford's North American Coffin? It seems that some fo the rumors and anouncements around Ford would indicate so. Or in the least, the death of anything remotely interesting.
Latest is the decision to eliminate SVT's operations and with the exception of the Shelby GT500 Mustang, models. This on it's own is not enough to kill Ford. It's more a culmination of decisions and indecision that will result in the slow agonzing death of Ford Motor Company. SVT was a great operation, that inspired Chrysler's SRT line. But it's not the exclusivity of dealers, which now may result in lawsuits against Ford, that is the problem. It's more the appearance that Ford is giving up on one more aspect of business. Retreating from Special Vehicles. While GM sells SS badged versions of their Chevy brand, and Chrysler spreads SRT around all of their brands, Ford cuts the lifeline. It's just one sign of weakness and lack of vision.
Here's another sign of impending doom. I've been complaining for months that Ford has a great new Chassis for the Focus and yet in the US we get a facelifted last generation model. The excuses I'd read online and in the press were related to cost of production and price point. The new C1 Focus would cost more to produce and therefore the price would have to go up. But I've said it before, I don't buy that excuse. The Focus C1 is offered for sale in every market Ford sells in, with the exception of Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is built and sold in China and Russia and marketed in South America, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and Europe. That same chassis underpins the Mazda3, which is a competitor for the US Ford Focus. So how can it be too expensive for Ford, but not Mazda? How can it make sense in Russia and China and not the US? I've heard arguments that in these other markets, a Focus is not an entry level vehicle, while in the US it is. Bullsh*t, a Focus shouldn't be an entry level car in the US either, there should be a model below the Focus in price and size, like the Fiesta. Not just for price point, but for economy. The Japanese and Korean competitors are about to bring new B segment models like the Honda Fit here to compete with the anticipated flood of cheap Chinese imports.
Ford has been rumored to be letting the Ranger die, just as they unviel a new and improved Ranger for the rest of the world. Another stupid decision if it's true. The Ford Ranger was the best selling Compact/MidSize pickup in the US for over 15 years. When every other manufacturer made improvements to their trucks, Ford sat there and let the Ranger become stale. As every other manufacturer introduced a crew cab version of their compact pickup, Ford left the Ranger/Mazda twins out of that growing new segment, even though they sell one of the most popular crew cab compact pickups in the world, the Ranger. Was this just to save sales of the Explorer Sport Trac? That model that was passed over when the Explorer was redesigned, and is only now being freshened? Not that the Sport Trac isn't a decent model, but it's small useless cargo area can't compete with the likes of Toyota and Nissan or even GM's triplets. So why let one of the most sucessful compact trucks die? I wish I knew. The new Ranger has sharp styling and with it's 2 Diesels could position Ford to take advantage of a possible resurgance of Diesel powered vehicles in the US. As they push for alternative energy with their "Drive for Innovation" don't they recognize the benefits of having 2 diesel powertrains available for a totally redesigned Ranger?
The Panther platform triplets, once very proffitable for Ford, are now slowly being killed off. While Chrysler, GM and even Hyundai recognize the market for rear wheel drive, Ford plans to replace these cars with versions of the Ford 500. The new Dodge Charger and Magnum will see service as police and taxi fleets. Why would Ford leave a platfrom from 1979 in service for so long without any plan for a replacement? Why when they have a great rear wheel drive platform in Australia, wouldn't they tap that asset for it's replacement? There are rumors now of a Mustang based sedan that could be out in the next decade. But why the delay.
So as Mark Fields counts his Million Dollar bonus for staying through the tough times, I wonder if there will ever be good times for Ford again? I keep hearing stupid decisions, and surrender from different models segments. I almost forgot the mini van, I mean "people mover." It seems Ford realizes their mini van is crap, so they want to bring out the new Fairlane people mover and distance themselves from stink.

Jalopnik has the new Thai Ranger

Not good news for US Ford Ranger fans, but here it is the new Ford Ranger from Thailand.
Click on over to Jalopnik for the story. Then click on through to LeftLaneNews for further pics and commentary.

According to their story, the Range will be killed of entirely in the US. Now if you are offended by strong language, please skip the rest.


How fucking stupid is Ford?? Kill the Ranger! Why not kill the idiot at Ford that suggested that? The Ranger was at one time the best selling compact pickup in the US, for 15 years!!! Why introduce such a great Ranger for the rest of the world, with not 1 but 2 great new Diesel powerplants, and not bring it to the US? I am outraged! I've been a huge Ford fan for years, but this and other bumbling moves over recent years have really been too fucking much!!

First the Focus gets improved world wide, and not here, now the Ranger gets the same treatment. Don't even get me started on the Crown Victoria and Australian Ford Falcon. It seems as if Ford is just giving up on the North American market. Now is not the time to give up on any segment of the market. With fuel prices expected to rise again, and the emergence of alternative fuels like E85 and BioDiesel, it's always been my opinion that Ford would be in a position to really shine, simply by taking models and technologies from their overseas operations and apply them to the new US market.

Even without the Diesels, a new Ranger could really recapture share in the midsize/compact truck market. I'm hoping these stories are wrong. I truly don't want to believe that Ford Management is that stupid.

Sorry about the strong language, but this is one of those things I feel strongly about.

Revisit the SVO

Today so much is made of the Honda Civic Si making 197 hp, with little mention of it's 138 lb ft of torque. But 20 years ago, Ford had a 4cyl hot hatch that made 200 hp and 200 lb ft of torque. The Ford SVO Mustang. Powerful and balanced, with decent fuel economy. It was compared favorably with BMW 3 series of the time. Made only for a few years, it was the most forward thinking Mustang ever built. To compare the 1986 Mustang GT with V8 only made 20 hp more, and because of the weight of the engine, handling while good was not as good as the SVO.
So here's an idea, couldn't Ford bring out a new SVO? With all of the technological advances made in fuel injection and engine management, the same 2.3 or now 2.5 I4 could easily put out 250 hp or more. The lighter weight of the engine in an already excellent chassis, would make it a real autobahn burner.
Dodge SRT4 230 hp . Wouldn't stand a chance against a new SVO Mustang.
Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged with 210 hp. An SVO would make it look silly.

Hell, it would make any tuner vehicle except maybe the EVO and WRX look like it was standing still. The advantage of all wheel drive may not even be enough.

So what do you think? A new SVO turbo 4 Mustang?

No more excuses!!

One of Ford's biggest excuses for not bringing the new C-1 or Euro Focus to the North American market has been a combination of cost and price point. The cost of retooling the plants and the higher price that a new Focus would have to command. Well I see it this way, and I'm not alone. If you bring the new Focus here now, the increased interest will bring sales back up, and pay for the overhaul of the plants.

And if the price of the average Focus needs to rise, go right ahead. Remember this isn't the first time Ford's smallest car outgrew it's "Entry Level" position. In 1960 the Falcon was Ford's "Economy" car, but by 1970 it had grown in size and price, eventually becoming the Torino and being replaced at the bottom by the Maverick and eventually the Pinto. Even the Escort outgrew it's "Entry" position and Ford had to introduce the Fiesta/Aspire to fill in at the lower end of the market. So isn't it time that the Fiesta move into the Entry level slot? After all, that's what Honda and company are doing. The Fit, Yaris and others are bolstering their parent company's entry level position. So if the Focus is not longer the entry level car, then the price point can be raise slightly to reflect the shift. Not only that, but if it's not the bottom rung, you can bring the SVT and Cabrio models eventually as well.

Hell, as in the last post about B segments, use flexible production facilities to produce other models off the C-1 platform, such as the SAV and future crossovers. It's not rocket science, bring interesting product to market and people will buy it, use flexible production plants and you can respond to market changes quicker.

As I see it, Ford no longer has any valid excuse to not bring the C-1 Focus to the North American Market, and if Mazda variants are built on the same flexible assembly lines, the cost can be spread out. Nothing is impossible if Ford is determined. This wouldn't be the first time this company pulled itself out of a funk, it seems to happen every decade or so, and each time they pull some daring move, like the Falcon in 1960, the Mustang in 1964, the Maverick in 1969, the Escort in 1981, the T-Bird and Cougar Aero coupes in 1983, the Taurus in 1985 and Explorer in 1991. Ford is due for the next big idea, and they already have it. Part of being "inovative" is taking chances, and the right risks can pay off. You get nowhere by slashing costs and closing plants alone, new interesting quality product is what is going to save Ford Motor Company, nothing short of that will work.

Re-read Kevin Wilson's piece in AutoWeek on Ford

As I sit shaking in fear over what a certain pinhead Splogger may do to me, I've been re-reading Kevin Willson's piece on Ford from the Feb 6 issue of AutoWeek. I had commented on it earlier this month, saying jokingly that he must be reading my blog. He has 7 points in is "Seven Ways Forward" article, moves he believes Ford can regain market share. Most have been heard here and elsewhere before. But it's a nice day, and I felt like rehashing them here again. Now Point 1 was the C-1 Euro Focus. Kevin rightly points out, that with the market shift towards smaller cars, because of higher fuel prices, this should pay for itself. To remain competative in this once again growing segment, Ford needs to jump start Focus sales with the new platform and I would say with an SVT version based on either the ST from Europe or the MazdaSpeed3. In my opinion, this is a no brainer.
Kevin's 2nd point is "Rethink Minivan" and he points to the Fairlane Concept built on the 500/Freestyle platform and the Euro SAV built on the stretched C-1 platform. The Fairlance according to reports has been green lighted for 2008. I don't necessarilly agree on the SAV, but could see it as a Lincoln or Mercury, with it's plush interior and skylight roof. Sized just a little larger than a Mazda5 it's a wonderful vehicle. Ford's FreeStar is crap, pure and simple, even with it's larger 4.2 V6 and deep discounts. So maybe Kevin has a point.
Now Kevin's point 3 is something I've been saying for a long time, and it's obvious that Ford would have a winner with a new Bronco if it's done right. But Kevin's assertation that the Bronco be combined with a program to replace the Ranger is way off base. The Bronco concept would steal sales from the Toyota FJ Cruiser, that's certain, but does Kevin realize how small this really is? It was supposed to be based on B-segment Fiesta/EcoSport mechanicals with a 1.4 Diesel and Hybrid components. The same chassis would not serve well as a Ranger replacement. The new Ranger shown in Thailand is the right direction for the Ranger, not this Bronco. This would fit between the FJ Cruiser and vehicles like the Honda Element. It's unlikely to see production anytime soon.
Kevin's 4th point is a homerun in my book, but could be a grand slam. Kevin says bring the Ford of Australia Ute here as a Mercury or Lincoln branded Ranchero type of truck. He sees it replacing the Mark LT. Kevin, close but not a winner. Yes bring the Falcon Ute here, sell it as a Mercury not a Lincoln, in fact bring the entire Falcon range here, as replacements for the Panther platform (Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/TownCar) but don't kill the Mark LT. With the success of Cadilacs trucks, the LT is cheap insurance. Built on the same line as the F150, the LT can't cost much to produce, keep it until sales simply decline.
Kevin gets a little wide here with point 5. He simply says B-segment Subcompact and after listing competitors like the Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent, he mentions that crap SynUS concpet from Ford as being a failure (that's the turd that looked like a bank vault on wheels.) Then he mentions the EcoSport built on Fiesta Mechanicals.
Kevin goes a little farther afield when he mentions the Model U concept from 2002. This one you may recall was to be a "Recyclable" car, utilizing alternative materials. A sort of crossover for the Siera Club.
And then finally Kevin pulls this one out of his hat. The Ford Faction concept from 2003. Now with all of the B-segment Cubes headed our way, Kevin may be onto something here. Based on Fiesta/Mazda2 mechanicals, this is a sharp little vehicle. This is cool!!!
Kevin's 6th point, what he calls "Ameri-Ka" seeks a stylish B segment coupe, built off Ka/Fiesta mechanicals. I agree, although I'm not sure the Ka is the one.
But as if reading my mind Kevin points to the Reflex, my new favorite concept. Kevin sees it as a new Mercury, and I can live with that. I WANT THIS !!!!
Now point 7 "A True Compact Pickup" makes no sense at all. Again Kevin calls for the replacement of the Ranger with a new "Compact" truck, because he see the Ranger replacement moving up in size. But even if the Ranger moves up to "mid-size" like the competition, where does he see the market for smaller compact trucks? The Bantam/Courier mini trucklet seen here is again built on Fiesta mechanicals and front wheel drive. I see it as a niche vehicle, maybe competing with the likes of Scion Xb and Honda Element. Scion has shown concept trucklet based on the Xb mini mpv. But could it sell in large enough numbers?

The only way I see many of Kevins points working, is if Ford builds a new plant with flexible capability making several of these models based on the new Fiesta/Mazda2 platform. Not that it's impossible, actually I'd love to see it. One new plant building The various models on the same platform, with engine and drivetrain options including all wheel drive and Diesel engines. If you can build several versions of the 500/Montego/FreeStyle/MKS/Fairlane at the same plant, why can't you build the Bronco/EcoSport/Faction/Reflex/Courier or others at a different new plant? Building the cars in North America protects you from curency fluctuations, and allows you to change product mix from the plant in accordance with demand quicker.

So I don't really see 7 points, but 4. First bring (build) the C-1 Focus here, second re-energize minivan or people mover sales with new more interesting product, third bring the Falcon Ute (entire line actually) here for Mercury and fourth utilize Fiesta/Mazda2 platform to create several new niche models that would invigorate Ford's lineup and defray costs by common components and flexible production.

Nice work Kevin, your plan with my changes could go a long way to the "Way Forward." Let's hope that someone from Ford reads your magazine and even better my blog.

Autoblog article on Ford's "Ethanol corridor"

Getting back to what it's about, THE CARS, I was reading AutoBlog (link in title) about how Ford Motor Company is going to create an Ethanol Corridor with a partner Sun Energy. Well there is criticism about this stating that 40 pumps in 2 states hardly constitutes a corridor, and they're right. But Ford isn't in the Fuel business, they build cars, so any movement is forward movement. If criticism is warranted, it should be towards our government (states and federal) and the Petroleum industry. While Exxon/Mobil makes record proffits, and no progress towards making E85 available, why criticize Ford?

Ford has been making "Flex Fuel" Vehicles for years, I remember in 1999 when I bought my Ranger, Ford offered flex fuel Ranger and Taurus models, with no big anouncement. Then as now, the problem has not been with the vehicles sold, but the availability of the fuel.

After 9/11 our government should have pushed harder for the domestic production of Bio Fuels, like E-85 and Bio Diesel. Bio Diesel is a better fuel than petro Diesel, and E-85 greatly reduces the amount of foreign oil we need to import. So if we like Brazil legislated the bio fuel usage in this country, we would benefit by lower dependance on foreign oil, more investment on our own shores and a cleaner environment. So what's the down side? Why is so clear a solution put in place? It's because of BIG OIL COMPANIES, they love the increases in gas prices, while we suffer and our economy slows, they rake in huge profits.

I applaud Ford's move, even if it is just a drop in the bucket, it's a move in the right direction.

Short Rant, sorry

While Ford quietly rolls out the new Expedition SUV, where is the new Focus? It's not as if the Focus is a bad car, it's not. But while the rest of the world got a new Focus and many platform-mates, we got a "freshened" last generation Focus. This is not inovation, it's not even good business. GM brings out a new Cobalt to replace the Cavlier, Honda brings out a totally re-designed Civic and Ford puts more chrome and a spoiler on the Focus. To add insult to injury they drop the SVT version with it's 170 hp and leave the ST sedan as the top performer with 150 hp. You can't even get the 150 hp in the hatchback.
And while we suffer this situation, everywhere else around the globe (Except Canada and Mexico) Get this! A new C1 platform Focus. The performance version making over 200 hp and styling that is smoother and more graceful. They even build and sell them in Russia and China! You can get the new Focus in India, South Africa, All of Europe, Australia, Asia and South America! Ford's excuse is that it had been too expensive for the US market. But you can get this same platform from Mazda as the Mazda3, or Volvo as the S40/V50 and soon C30.

Enough with the big trucks, bring the new Focus and some of the other small Fords here to the US. I'm sure that there is still a market for SUVs, but can't Ford recognize that there is a resurgance in the small car segment? And the current Focus is just not exciting enough to capture attention.

How to compete and how not to, in the sport compact market.

Right now, this is the sport compact that Ford will be selling in Europe with over 200 hp. The Focus ST, which is Europes equivalent of our Ford Focus SVT (currently not in production, and don't hold your breath.)
And this is the most powerful version of the Focus available from Ford in the US. At 150 hp the Focus ZX4 ST is not a slouch, but not really a superstar. At lest it's available with a manual transmission. And let's not forget that wing, ooh wow. Not exactly warming up my blood. Not just that it's a 4 door sedan, I could get over that. But 150 hp??? Come on. This "sport compact" version can be had for around $19k and blends in well at any mall or high school.
This is the media's new star, the 2006 Honda Civic Si, with 197 hp and priced around $20k. Now I'm going to be kind, 197 hp is adequate, but what about torque? Can you say limp? The Civic Si only makes 148 lb ft of Torque. And you better love to rev up near the limit to make that 197 hp. Cause down low, it's not there. I have to admit I like the exterior styling, but the new interior leaves me wondering why? Why have a huge tach and then in a binacle out of Star Trek, have a digital speedo? We have a new 2005 Civic EX in our driveway, and it's dash is one of it's greater assets. Nice clear gauges, that are backlit in blue, controls laid out well. So why do this to a decent car?
Even Chevy is in the game, with their 205 hp Cobalt SS Supercharged model, selling around $22k. I've driven this and it's a powerful little package, and a good value. If I was in the market for a sport compact coupe, this would be my first and possibly last stop. Even for a guy that doesn't like GM, this is a well done car. I've driven both the SS and the LS in auto and stick shift and the handling is good, brakes are actually great, transmission feel is very good. Why can't Ford do something like this??
The outgoing American champ in the sport compact segment, the Neon SRT4 had 230 hp from a Turbocharged motor and a 6spd manual. These sold, when you could find them for around $24k, and from what I've heard, they're rough but drivable little beasts. But it's too late to get one of these, the Neon is dead to be replaced by the Caliber. The closest you can get to this is a slightly detuned version in the PT Cruiser GT with I believe 205 hp. There will be an R/T version of the Caliber and possibly an SRT4 version. The Caliber's top engine will be a naturally aspirated 178 hp I4. Even the base engine will be a 148 hp 1.8 and next a 158 hp 2.0.
With 300 hp and all wheel drive, the Subaru WRX STI is one of the kings of the segment, but don't expect to buy one for less than $30k. But even the lesser Subaru WRX with 227 hp will cost you close to $28k. Not bargains prices, but still class leading performance.
Matching the Subaru's boy racer looks and with almost 300 hp and all wheel drive, is Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution VIII. Again not cheap at around $30k, this is a tie for class leader with the subaru. Get em while you can, as Mitsu's future looks shaky.
Now, the Mini Cooper in base trim is a bargain at around $18k ( actually closer to $22k on dealer lots, only because they are ordered loaded), but with only 160 hp going to the front wheels it's not the fastest of the group. But for a few grand (about $4k) more you can get the JCW package, including a supercharger and various handling pieces. This like the Mustang and Beetle is another Retro wagon, but unlike the Beetle this one's interesting and not just a rebodied Golf.
The Scion Tc at $18k and with 160 hp is a bargain when you consider that for that price you need to order no options. Standard are the wheels (17's) Moonroof, stereo, A/C and power windows and such. Now when you go into the dealer it's easy to get suckered into another $4k in accessories, but the basic car is available for $18k. There is even a TRD supercharger available, so like the Mini Cooper JCW it can achieve better power.
And what about the loyal Blue Oval fan? Well, he's screwed. Here is the Roush Focus, with it's body kit, big brakes and 18" wheels, but what do you get in the way of power? The same 150 hp available in the Factory ZX4 ST. That's right, it's a pimped out ZX3 with a price tag of $26k.
But wait, there's always the Saleen N2O Focus right?? It's advertised on Saleen's website as being a factory 250 hp!! Wrong!!!!!!! It's the same 150 hp ZX3 with an almost completely installed 100 hp nitrous system. I say almost installed, because they do everything, install and wire the system, including arming switch. Mount the empty cylinder in your hatch. Everything, almost everything. And for an amazingly low price of $26k. Wow what could be cooler? I want to sing up now, where can I get one?

Hold on there buckaroo, don't jump too fast. You see, if you fill the tank of nitrous and install that last little hose to make the system functional, you void your warranty !!! And Steve Saleen and his boys won't lift a finger to help you. Now I don't just mean your warranty from Saleen, I mean your warranty from Ford! And not just on the engine, but transmission and everything else!

So while GM and Chrysler take this segment seriously, Ford just pretends it doesn't exist and allows aftermarket tuners to pedal this crap at selected Ford dealers. I recently was at a local dealer test driving a Fusion and they had several Roush product on hand including a Mustang GT for $47,000!!! And what did you get for that kind of premium? A body kit, big wheels and brakes, some handling goodies and oh yeah the stock 300 hp GT engine.

What fool would piss away the money on this? The salesman told me, they sell well. I can't figure why. I mean next year you can get a Mustang SVT GT500 for about $45K, right? Oh no, that's right the dealers will charge premiums for them and generally fuck around.

So here's a question for you, if you had $25,000 and wanted to buy a sporty compact car, which one of these would you buy? Would you spend the entire budget at the dealer or keep some of it for aftermarket speed goodies? Could a tuner plaque on the car make you spend the extra $8,000 ?

If it was my money, the Chevy would be in the driveway, with the factory leather, moonroof and 6 CD stereo and with what's left over I'd go to the TireRack and buy an extra set of tires for autocrossing.

Jack Roush and Steve Saleen should hang their heads in shame for putting their names on this crap. Saleen in particular should have to apologize to each person who bought the N2O and lost their warranty.

What would I buy if I needed to replace my Ranger today?

So the wheels in my head started spinning and the thought that came to me was this- What would I buy if I was looking to replace my Ranger today? Would it be a new Ranger, or could something else take it's place. I'd like to say that I bleed blue, but the facts are that I've owned other makes before including 2 Chevy trucks. Out of 17 vehicles I've owned over the years 9 were Ford, but in the end it would be what truck met my needs and did so at a reasonable price. So here goes, the criteria for my search ; A compact or "mid size" pickup, it must have 4 wheel drive preferablly with an available "off road" package, it should be an extended cab and a crew cab would be most desirable. Power and Economy will play a role in the decision as will cost to buy. I think I've assembled all the players here, let me know if I've missed any.

My current ride is a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT with the OffRoad package and trailer package, with the 4.0L V6 and manual transmission. It's got a nice cloth interior and air conditioning and a stereo. I don't need power windows unless I get a crew cab, but a slidding rear window is necessary, power or not.
Subaru's latest attempt at a truck is the Baja is more akin to a crossover SUV than a truck. Based on the Legacy Outback Sedan/Wagon with the horizontally opposed 6 making 165 hp and a small "bed" it's the token truck from Subaru. Not as cute or even useful as their previous effort the Brat and all that cladding just looks stupid. No real payload/ towing capacity or ground clearance to speak of, I don't see much utility in this at all. EPA ratings are 23/28 price $23,120
Honda's first attempt at a truck the Ridgeline is based on their Pilot/MDX unibody chasis and has the same 245 hp V6. Fuel Economy of 16 city 21 highway are not impressive numbers, but average for this segment. Honda gave the truck market only a half hearted effort and I don't care how many little cubby holes or underbed storage bins it may have, it's not a truck to me.
EPA rating of 16/21 price of $28,250
OK, here's the first serious contender, Nissan's latest Frontier with the most powerful V6 in it's class at 265 hp. EPA rating of 17/21 price of $23,305
The Toyota Tacoma is the truck that made it possible for the Japanese to expand into the full size market. A reputation for being tough and dependable, this is the truck that nipped at the heals of the big three, until it became a force to be reconned with in "compact" trucks. The latest redesign brought the Tacoma into the growing "mid size" club. EPA rating of 17/21 price of $24,145

The truck that created the "mid size" segment and now blurs the line between the mid and full size trucks is the Dodge Dakota. Unless they're parked side by side, it's tough to tell it from the Full size Ram. And it was the first mid size to come with an optional V8. EPA rating wiht 3.7 V6 is 16/20 price of $26,850 Mitsubishi after being absent from the truck market for several years has opted to sell a rebadged Dodge Dakota. Funny how the world has turned, years ago Dodge sold rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max trucks as Dodge D-50's. EPA ratings same as above, prices not available, no manual trans with V6 4x4
Even General Motors wasn't going to give up on Compact/Midsize trucks. Retiring the S10/15 after over 20 years they came up with the new GM twins, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado (as well as an Isuzu clone) A variation of the Trailblazer's chassis and choice of 4 or 5 cylinder inline engines making 175 and 220 hp each, GM put some money into this and came up with a competative vehicle. EPA rating of 16/22 price of $23,855
EPA ratings same as above price of $23,800
Isuzu whick like Mitsubishi used to supply their American partner with compat trucks (remember the Pup/Luv ?) now sells rebadged versions of the Canyon/Colorado only with fewer choices. The I280 and I350 have the same I4/I5 engines also. EPA ratings same as above and pirce of $24,860, no manual trans available with I5 and 4x4.
The "Once and Future King" of the compact truck segement, the Ford Ranger was the #1 selling compact truck for about 16 years. The latest version is basically a cosmetic upgrade of the same truck Ford has been selling for many years. Now one of the smaller trucks in it's class and on the low side of the power scale. What may surprise you is that the 4cyl 2wd Ranger is the EPA's best rated truck for fuel economy. But with the 4.0 V6 and 4wd, the economy is poor at 16 city and 19 highway. Pricing was $23,100 after the $1500 cash back. Yet another Japanese manufacturer that sells rebadged versions of their American partner's pickup is Mazda. Mazda used to build the Ford Courier, a rebadged Sundowner pickup. EPA rating are same as Ranger, price was $22,515, not as much content, packages restricted.

And getting mention but little consideration is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, based on the previous generation Explorer SUV, it's deep 4 ft bed seems of little utility to me. This one, who cares, it's not offered for 2006.


Problems with Blogger caused me to loose this post 4 times and have to retype. I will be away until Monday.

I almost forgot, the winner is the Nissan Frontier, with it's class leading power and pricing that is right where it should be. Who could pass up 265 hp and a 6 spd manual trans?