[09W]

I heard it was because the Big 3 lobbied to make full-size trucks count as light duty to avoid the mpg/safety reg requirements, compact trucks would be beholden unto those standards thus cutting into the profit margin as they would have to meet passenger car regs.

What were 1/2-ton trucks before they were ‘light duty’? When exactly did this ‘successful lobbying’ go into effect?

 

[AWHoden]

I think the general estimation of how many people want > would buy a compact truck is heavily over-weighted.

I agree, it's much like the pony car market. Sure, those of us on here would LOVE one, but not many of us actually BUY one.

 

[AWHoden]

EPA is all about the money, with a proposed budget of over $12 billion for FY 2024 and a complete lack of accountability and transparency.

CAFE should be repealed and EPA should be abolished. Yesterday, if possible.

I understand what you're saying and why, but I disagree with repealing or abolishing either one.

Yeah, cuz deregulation is the right thing to do as businesses always make the best decisions about what they dump into our water, land and air. Oh wait, corporate don't care! Someone needs to hold them accountable so they don't pollute.

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are regulations first enacted by Congress in 1975 after the 1973–74 Arab Oil Embargo to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks (trucks, vans and SUV's) produced for sale in the United States. Doing so would help prevent any future crisis from affecting us as badly as had happened in the 70's. Sounds good to me. CAFE standards are set by and administered by NHTSA, not the EPA.

 

[AWHoden]

What were 1/2-ton trucks before they were ‘light duty’? When exactly did this ‘successful lobbying’ go into effect?

I'll try to find the video. I'm not the one who said it, I just said that I'd heard that was the reason. It's the internet so I know there are 100 articles on either side of the argument and every one of us is an expert, so BIG grain of salt. I just think that if we don't force the industry to innovate, it'll stagnate like we did in the 70's and 80's. Case in point, the new Trax has a 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder that makes almost as much power as a 1975 Corvette. The Trax has over 100hp per liter, which used to be a big deal in the automotive world, not that long ago V8's couldn't manage that.

 

[VS Ute 5Litre]

AT the end of the day manufacturers are in the business to make money

You make the maximum amount of money selling higher spec vehicles to customers at a price they appear to be comfortable paying

There is volume in selling bare bones single cabs to fleet and trades but no real money in it

There my friends is your answer

 

[AWHoden]

Seems doubtful. I think they're coming mostly from CUVs (& the deflating sedan) segments.

Maverick's 'ace' is it's dirt cheap.

Maverick Loses Hybrid as Standard, Now an Option

 

[mjd1001]

I think the general estimation of how many people want > would buy a compact truck is heavily over-weighted.

Maybe. It seems as much as some say they want a 'small' truck or want a vehicle that is an 'entry level' model, they end up leaving the dealership with something bigger/more expensive when all is said and done.

For myself, the small size would be a benefit. When I was younger, 3 or my first 4 new vehicles were small GM trucks (2 S10's and 1 Sonoma). Liked them. Had no reason to stop buying trucks I thought....THEN THEY GOT BIGGER and I haven't purchased a truck since. (I also have never purchased a Ford for myself but the Maverick had me considering one for the first time ever.)

 

[Extreme4x4]

Maybe. It seems as much as some say they want a 'small' truck or want a vehicle that is an 'entry level' model, they end up leaving the dealership with something bigger/more expensive when all is said and done.

For myself, the small size would be a benefit. When I was younger, 3 or my first 4 new vehicles were small GM trucks (2 S10's and 1 Sonoma). Liked them. Had no reason to stop buying trucks I thought....THEN THEY GOT BIGGER and I haven't purchased a truck since. (I also have never purchased a Ford for myself but the Maverick had me considering one for the first time ever.)

My son has his Audi S3 that he will be selling. Was ok but tight with one kid, and really won't work with their second due in Oct. (he is 6'). His wife is uncomfortable with anything over a midsize sedan (even feels uncomfortable driving my Explorer Sport). After he gets the midsize, he wants to get a Maverick Tremor. It is a way to get her used to a truck. He REALLY likes them.

 

[6cylinder]

Midsize sedan as Maverick lead-in makes sense for what it takes the place of.

Maybe. It seems as much as some say they want a 'small' truck or want a vehicle that is an 'entry level' model, they end up leaving the dealership with something bigger/more expensive when all is said and done.

For myself, the small size would be a benefit. When I was younger, 3 or my first 4 new vehicles were small GM trucks (2 S10's and 1 Sonoma). Liked them. Had no reason to stop buying trucks I thought....THEN THEY GOT BIGGER and I haven't purchased a truck since. (I also have never purchased a Ford for myself but the Maverick had me considering one for the first time ever.)

People can argue for a newer mid-sizer (or Mav copy, or full-sizer), but I will always keep a regular cab 4.3 S10. Trucks are now family haulers to a fault. A second, different vehicle would fit that job.

 

[AWHoden]

Midsize sedan as Maverick lead-in makes sense for what it takes the place of.

People can argue for a newer mid-sizer (or Mav copy, or full-sizer), but I will always keep a regular cab 4.3 S10. Trucks are now family haulers to a fault. A second, different vehicle would fit that job.

They should bring back the S-10. Seriously. It had a payload capacity of 1,067 pounds and it could tow 5,200 pounds, good numbers for something that small and inexpensive

 

[09W]

Saw an ‘80s Ranger in traffic the other day; shocking to see how small the mini trucks were/are.

 

[6cylinder]

They should bring back the S-10. Seriously. It had a payload capacity of 1,067 pounds and it could tow 5,200 pounds, good numbers for something that small and inexpensive

A 7000 lb. tow rating and a bigger version of the 4.3 would have been nice. That and a long bed would cover most of a full-size's chores, though mine's a 6'.

 

[Greg Burr]

Saw an ‘80s Ranger in traffic the other day; shocking to see how small the mini trucks were/are.

They were that way past 2000. I had to rent one because Enterprise ran out of everything else. It was fun to drive, it would be a great utility car

 

[1958carnut]

Saw an ‘80s Ranger in traffic the other day; shocking to see how small the mini trucks were/are.

I had a 1984 Ranger. I thought it was a pretty good truck, did what I needed of it until one day a kid playing on their long driveway with his ATV over shot the end of it and came out onto the highway. I had to really swerve and nail the brakes and ended up rolling it. Totaled the poor thing. A two tone blue 4X4.

 

[09W]

I started with a '94 F-150 XL RC/LB with the straight 6. I still miss that truck- so basic. AM-FM, rear bumper, A/C, bedliner, brand new: $15K out the door.

 

[The Handler]

My brother had a Ranger. It was so uncomfortable to ride in during long-distance trips. But it was cheap and looked nice.

Today's customers want the most comfort and versatility they can buy.