Ford just one member of frustrating industry

[CTYankee]

Not gonna lie - I have option envy.

My wife's car is a 2018 Fusion AWD Platinum with every option available in that model year, from what I can see. It's a nice car and I like the fact that it has driver memory settings, among other nice features like ventilated front seats.

I have a 2020 Lariat, which is nicely equipped but less so than the Fusion 2 model years older. I just can't understand the logic of building a vehicle with heated seats but no heated steering wheel. And that's just the beginning...

So, option envy. I will turn 73 in a few weeks and decided that I'm probably good for one more new vehicle. I've targeted my 75th to award myself a decked out replacement for the Ranger, but this industry makes it way too hard. What I want is simple - I want a mid-size truck with a 6' bed and all the goodies that our 8 yo Fusion has. But the industry doesn't seem to want to let me have that.

Nissan appears to be the only option for a 6' bed, but the option list seems to be a few items short. Chevy/GMC seems to the the only way to get all the options I want, but I have to take a back seat I don't need and a shorter bed than I want. Ford seems to limit me to that unneeded back seat and short bed, along with a shorter options list. I haven't wanted to even look at Toyota, but I guess I'll have to see what's on offer there.

With Ford and GM, I don't even have the option of stepping up to a 1/2-ton with an extended cab at any trim level above XLT/Elevation. Not to mention, I don't want a full-size.

Even I can clearly hear the whine in this post. I just wish they'd give back some of the ability to tailor the vehicle to personal preference.

Sponsored

 

[AzScorpion]

Not gonna lie - I have option envy.

My wife's car is a 2018 Fusion AWD Platinum with every option available in that model year, from what I can see. It's a nice car and I like the fact that it has driver memory settings, among other nice features like ventilated front seats.

I have a 2020 Lariat, which is nicely equipped but less so than the Fusion 2 model years older. I just can't understand the logic of building a vehicle with heated seats but no heated steering wheel. And that's just the beginning...

So, option envy. I will turn 73 in a few weeks and decided that I'm probably good for one more new vehicle. I've targeted my 75th to award myself a decked out replacement for the Ranger, but this industry makes it way too hard. What I want is simple - I want a mid-size truck with a 6' bed and all the goodies that our 8 yo Fusion has. But the industry doesn't seem to want to let me have that.

Nissan appears to be the only option for a 6' bed, but the option list seems to be a few items short. Chevy/GMC seems to the the only way to get all the options I want, but I have to take a back seat I don't need and a shorter bed than I want. Ford seems to limit me to that unneeded back seat and short bed, along with a shorter options list. I haven't wanted to even look at Toyota, but I guess I'll have to see what's on offer there.

With Ford and GM, I don't even have the option of stepping up to a 1/2-ton with an extended cab at any trim level above XLT/Elevation. Not to mention, I don't want a full-size.

Even I can clearly hear the whine in this post. I just wish they'd give back some of the ability to tailor the vehicle to personal preference.

That would be nice but that's just about impossible to do today because of all the options and tech involved now not to mention everyone's taste is so different. Then add the labor costs and it would push vehicles up even higher than they are now.

Years ago when things were simpler (no tech) it was easy to add way more custom options because, well there weren't that many. Most things you had to do on your own like a better stereo. I'm sure most remember putting in their own Pioneer 8 track stereo with and EQ and some 6x9 triaxial speakers in the rear deck lid. lol The there were the Crager SS wheels. Yeah, I'm that old too.

 

[Grumpaw]

That would be nice but that's just about impossible to do today because of all the options and tech involved now not to mention everyone's taste is so different. Then add the labor costs and it would push vehicles up even higher than they are now.

Years ago when things were simpler (no tech) it was easy to add way more custom options because, well there weren't that many. Most things you had to do on your own like a better stereo. I'm sure most remember putting in their own Pioneer 8 track stereo with and EQ and some 6x9 triaxial speakers in the rear deck lid. lol The there were the Crager SS wheels. Yeah, I'm that old too.

8 Track.....that was luxury !!!!
Learned to drive and than drove dad's 58 Ford.....it had a TUBE radio !!!!!! Remember pulling radio out occasionally to replace blown vacuum tubes !!!!

 

[NotBudule2]

Best option imho, and what im currently looking at is to go "back in time" instead of the current "soup of the day" which has become bland and bloated despite all the nice bells and whistles. I'd now rather have a truck that when I open the hood , everything is obvious as to what is and to what does (or is supposed to be doing ) older stuff looks cooler, has more of an identity and is PROPERLY SIZED IN BED TO CAB RATIO !!! Not this bizarro world I now find myself in where trucks are made to haul people instead of stuff, not "some" of the trucks, ALL the f'n trucks and im pissed as well that I can't treat myself to new truck because it doesn't exist anymore... DAMNIT!!!

 

[TxOTRRanger]

Best option imho, and what im currently looking at is to go "back in time" instead of the current "soup of the day" which has become bland and bloated despite all the nice bells and whistles. I'd now rather have a truck that when I open the hood , everything is obvious as to what is and to what does (or is supposed to be doing ) older stuff looks cooler, has more of an identity and is PROPERLY SIZED IN BED TO CAB RATIO !!! Not this bizarro world I now find myself in where trucks are made to haul people instead of stuff, not "some" of the trucks, ALL the f'n trucks and im pissed as well that I can't treat myself to new truck because it doesn't exist anymore... DAMNIT!!!

This right here exactly. Which is why I have been researching the OBS Ford trucks. Supercab and V8 with 6 foot beds like Grandpas 91 F150 or a single cab with an 8 foot bed 2wd like the 87 F150 farm truck that he had before having to get the 91 due to a drunk driver hitting him and my Grandma head on in the 87.

 

[Grumpaw]

Not gonna lie - I have option envy.

My wife's car is a 2018 Fusion AWD Platinum with every option available in that model year, from what I can see. It's a nice car and I like the fact that it has driver memory settings, among other nice features like ventilated front seats.

I have a 2020 Lariat, which is nicely equipped but less so than the Fusion 2 model years older. I just can't understand the logic of building a vehicle with heated seats but no heated steering wheel. And that's just the beginning...

So, option envy. I will turn 73 in a few weeks and decided that I'm probably good for one more new vehicle. I've targeted my 75th to award myself a decked out replacement for the Ranger, but this industry makes it way too hard. What I want is simple - I want a mid-size truck with a 6' bed and all the goodies that our 8 yo Fusion has. But the industry doesn't seem to want to let me have that.

Nissan appears to be the only option for a 6' bed, but the option list seems to be a few items short. Chevy/GMC seems to the the only way to get all the options I want, but I have to take a back seat I don't need and a shorter bed than I want. Ford seems to limit me to that unneeded back seat and short bed, along with a shorter options list. I haven't wanted to even look at Toyota, but I guess I'll have to see what's on offer there.

With Ford and GM, I don't even have the option of stepping up to a 1/2-ton with an extended cab at any trim level above XLT/Elevation. Not to mention, I don't want a full-size.

Even I can clearly hear the whine in this post. I just wish they'd give back some of the ability to tailor the vehicle to personal preference.

Go on line and look for an original 1980's Ford F-150 short bed which is about the same size as the current Rangers. Low mileage/original/very good cond can be found for under $20 grand.
Throw a few bucks at it to replace what needs to be replaced and drive the snockers out of it !!!!!
Just google up "1980 Ford F-150 for sale"
Here is an 86 with 13,000 miles that sold for $20 grand......

 

[veedubtuner]

I just found out the other day Toyota actually has a 2 door Taco option with a 6 ft bed . I think there are only 3 trim levels where you can order a 2 door, and the SR5 is the only 4x4 option. I think the options are low for those trims as well. The odd thing I found with this layout is there is no scab door . Like I feel that would be a PITA to get things in the back storage area behind the seats. Or, maybe I just like my scab doors too much lol. Anyway this is where I found this out.




P.S. - other than the red, color options for the 2 door suck

 

[Jason B]

The reasons are simple. Ford wants you in an F150. GM and Toyota would also like you in the full-sized trucks. Higher profit margins. And if it weren't for CAFE standards, we probably would have Ranger, Tacoma or the GM twins.

 

[CTYankee]

Go on line and look for an original 1980's Ford F-150 short bed which is about the same size as the current Rangers. Low mileage/original/very good cond can be found for under $20 grand.

Living in New England, it would be downright blasphemous to treat an OBS as a daily driver. I had a '92 XLT Lariat with only 63K on the clock as of 2021, when I sold it for $26K.

I see them still out there but the ones that are still working for a living or being daily drivers are usually in pretty rough shape. I use mine for personal snow plow duty as well and wouldn't feel right doing that to an old truck. They deserve to be peacefully retired and living the good life, like me.

 

[Grumpaw]

Living in New England, it would be downright blasphemous to treat an OBS as a daily driver. I had a '92 XLT Lariat with only 63K on the clock as of 2021, when I sold it for $26K.

I see them still out there but the ones that are still working for a living or being daily drivers are usually in pretty rough shape. I use mine for personal snow plow duty as well and wouldn't feel right doing that to an old truck. They deserve to be peacefully retired and living the good life, like me.

I'm one of those owners who cannot let a vehicle just sit and use it for occasional use. I have owned classics and driven them regularly and hard....but take great care of them. I just don't believe in owning something whether a vehicle, firearm, old tools, and not use them for their intended purpose.
Your old F-150 or the one I posted....I would drive it without any problem....take care of it....of course....but enjoy it....a big YES.
Snow plow....nooooo......daily driver....yessss.

 

[GhostStrykre]

Well, the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter comes with a crew cab and a long bed (6’). Heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated seats, all standard. I think the Tacoma rear seat is too small. My opinion tho.

So that’s probably the truck you’re asking for OP. I think it’s hybrid engine only (no non hybrid option), but honestly I drove that engine and it’s real nice. The main downside is the price is eye watering.

 

[veedubtuner]

Tacoma Trailhunter comes with a crew cab and a long bed (6’).

That seems like it would be a long truck lol. TRD Off-road had a 6' bed with a Crew as well, plus a manual option. Couple better colors too lol

 

[Jason B]

Before buying a Toyota, consider this:

"Toyota’s 8-speed automatic transmissions, particularly the UA80 and UB80 models, have been reported to experience premature failure, harsh shifting, fluid degradation, and torque converter issues, affecting multiple Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

The problems stem from a combination of mechanical and software factors:

• Excessive heat buildup in the torque converter, degrading transmission fluid and damaging clutches
  Faulty transmission control software, causing premature upshifts and early torque converter clutch engagement
  Manufacturing defects or debris, including loose components or contamination in the transmission
  Valve body or torque converter issues, which can exacerbate rough shifting and fluid problems
  Toyota Camry (2018–2024), Highlander (2017–present), Avalon (2019–2022), Sienna (2017–2020), RAV4 (2019–present), Tacoma (2022–2024), Tundra (2024).
  
  
  Affected Models
• The 8-speed transmission issues have been reported across a wide range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles:
• Lexus RX 350 (2023–present), ES 250/350 (2021–present), NX 250/350 (2022–present), TX 350 (2024–present)

And you thought it was just Ford and Chevy

 

[harringtondav]

Looks like I'm an outlier here. I consider vehicles a functional, necessary evil. ....but I'm a tight a*s.
I ordered in six of the eight new vehicles I've purchased. Lowest trim level and options that provided the functionality needed.
That has always been a grind. Dealer's lots are full of top trim level, highly optioned and high profit margin vehicles that they try to steer me to.
Technology and gizmos are nice, until they fail. And they seem to be the first things to fail.

 

[73Elsinore]

The problem with 80’s trucks is the plastic interior parts. Friend has a gorgeous mechanically perfect F250 diesel short bed. The sunglasses holder in the roof is busted. The little hinge pins broke clean off. New is NLA of course and all the salvage ones are cracked or broke due to age. So he has a gorgeous truck with this big ugly misshapen hole in the roof interior trim. He’s screwed. This is only going to get worse as the truck ages. Next it will be the AC vents, after that the… it never ends.

The only way around this is to go back before plastic parts unless you have machine tools and can make metal replacements for the aged out plastic parts. I very seriously considered looking for something like a clean ‘70 or ‘72 short bed and put a motor from a salvage Mustang GT in it. No interior plastic. That truck would run forever. When the plastic motor parts became NLA, just go get a newer Mustang motor. Or just run the original 289 or 302 or straight six. I may still do that.

Sponsored