4X4X4X4X4X4X4 How many is that? (Ford Maverick)

Name: angusreid

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Product:	Ford Maverick
Date:	26.07.01 (936 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, reliable, comfortable

Disadvantages: not many

Right, this is not about James Garner, and that extremely funny movie come T.V. series, but a Ford enthusiast’s opinion of the New Maverick.

As I use to work for a Ford Main Dealer, my knowledge, feel and understanding of the ford range grew.
I may be a bit biased, but not to the point where my judgement will be altered or blind, in any way.

For those of you who remember and love the old Maverick, this will be a shock, as the new maverick has but the name and badge in common.

Off-Roaders, as they are commonly known have now reached an evolution where there use is virtually all road, therefore Ford did take this into account when designing this model.
The old maverick was built in Spain by Nissan, and has more than a fleeting resemblance to the Nissan Terrano.
In fact it was the Nissan Terrano.

This old clump was a bit stodgy, not attractive and dated.
Also rattled and bumped it’s way along, drinking far too much Petrol.
The only maverick from that era worth having was the Turbo Diesel model.

Now the new Maverick, there’s a different story, designed jointly by Ford and Mazda, (who incidentally are virtually owned by Ford) this car is most curvaceous and has the body of a super model!

Notice how figure hugging the wheel arches are and how rounded, almost bubble like the front bonnet and bumpers are.

Sleek and attractive, design job done!

The right hand drive models are built in Japan, and ferried to our lovely shores via Southampton Docks.

Drive time

Turn the key and cringe!!
Wow, what a noise, very torque and sounds a bit Tank like until it settles down.

Dash is well laid out with the more modern Ford approach, all knobs and levers easy to reach and convenient.

Off we go. Into gear and stand by.

No noise?
That is the first thing that hits you when you start driving.
The original lou
d engine noise has now died down and you can’t hear those distinctive rattles that you associate with 4x4 cars.
The suspension feels like a saloon car, nice and smooth.
Corners pretty well, no jerky effect, and no stiffness from the wheel.
Unlike other 4x4 cars, (not all) you don’t have to fight with the steering, this car drives with you, not against.

Not being the largest of 4x4 Off-Roaders, I was surprised at the roominess inside, plenty of space, for passengers also, however only a small luggage space for you gear.

All in all, a vast improvement from Ford, and it is so nice to drive a 4x4 that has been designed with the road in mind, not some African Safari.

XLT model starts at £17995
XLT V6 model £20995

V6 model only available in auto at the moment,

Luxury Pack consists of Leather Seats, Leather trimmed Steering Wheel, and Cruise Control,
Cost £1000

Unbelievably, metallic Paint is not standard, and will set you back about £250, although if I was looking to buy this car new, I would ask the dealer to chuck in metallic paint free of charge.

Available in 5-door format at present, no firm date for 3-door.

V6 should have Luxury Pack as standard, as well as 6-disk CD player.

Enjoy

Angus

P.S. there you are Neil, another car op, long overdue

Summary: