Was the Ford Courier sold in the US?
Yes. Ford sold the Courier in the United States during the 1970s and into the early 1980s as a badge‑engineered version of Mazda’s compact pickup, before Ford replaced it with the Ranger in 1983.
This article explores how the Courier arrived in the US, how it fit into Ford’s truck lineup, and why Ford moved on to the Ranger. It also notes that the Courier name appeared in other markets for different vehicles, distinct from the North American model.
US introduction and production timeline
The Courier’s US run began in the early 1970s as part of Ford’s collaboration with Mazda to offer a smaller, import‑friendly pickup. In North America, the Ford Courier was essentially a badge‑engineered Mazda B‑Series pickup, sold through Ford dealers. Below is a snapshot of the key milestones and characteristics.
Here are the essential milestones and specs of the Ford Courier in the US market:
- Model years sold in the US: 1972–1982, serving as Ford’s compact pickup before the Ranger arrived.
- Platform and badge: Based on Mazda’s B‑Series pickup; produced under Ford’s badge through a Mazda‑Ford collaboration.
- Body styles: Primarily two‑door regular cab configurations, with various bed lengths and some drive‑train options over the years.
- Engines: Used Mazda‑sourced four‑cylinder powerplants, paired with Ford transmissions; engine availability varied by model year.
- Discontinuation and successor: The Courier was phased out after the 1982 model year and was replaced in Ford’s lineup by the Ford Ranger beginning with the 1983 model year.
The Courier’s US era thus stood as a bridge between earlier small‑truck options and Ford’s later compact pickup approach, culminating in the more modern Ranger platform.
Notes on trims and specifications
In the United States, the Courier offered a straightforward, workhorse configuration typical of compact pickups of its era. Trim levels emphasized practicality and utility, with occasional aesthetic or comfort options that varied by year and region.
Courier outside the US
Outside the United States, the Ford Courier name has appeared on different vehicles in several markets. In places like Australia and some European regions, the Courier has referred to locally developed or licensed variants of small pickups or light commercial vehicles, often tied to Mazda’s designs or Ford‑Mazda collaborations. These versions are distinct from the North American Courier and were not sold in the US under the same name or configuration.
Below is a broad look at how the Courier label appeared outside the US:
- Australia: The Courier name was used for a compact pickup/ute variant that Ford Australia offered for many years, typically built with Mazda‑based platforms.
- Other markets: In various regions, the Courier designation has appeared on light‑duty pickups and vans reflecting local partnerships and licensing arrangements, separate from the US model.
These regional variants helped Ford compete in smaller‑truck segments abroad, while the US market ultimately adopted the Ranger as its modern compact pickup.
Summary
The Ford Courier was indeed sold in the United States, lasting roughly a decade from the early 1970s until 1982 as a badge‑engineered Mazda B‑Series pickup. It was discontinued in favor of the Ford Ranger in 1983. The Courier name continues to appear in other markets, where it has referred to different Ford/Mazda‑built light vehicles rather than the US model.
What happened to the Ford Courier?
The Courier continued to be sold in North America until 1982 model year. For 1983, Ford introduced its own Ford Ranger to fill its compact truck segment in the United States and Canada, effectively replacing the Courier.
Are Ford Courier and Mazda Bravo the same?
The tested model of Ford Courier 4x4 was introduced in Australia during 1999. The Mazda Bravo is based on the same design and can be expected to have similar crashworthiness.
Is the Ford Transit Courier available in the US?
In contrast to the Transit and Transit Connect, the Transit Courier is marketed primarily by Ford of Europe, and is not marketed in North America with the exception of Mexico between 2021-2023.
Was the Ford Falcon sold in America?
Yes, the Ford Falcon was sold in America from the 1960 to 1970 model years. It was Ford's first compact car and a significant success, though it was later replaced by the Ford Maverick.
- Production years: The American Ford Falcon was produced from 1960 to 1970.
- Market positioning: It was designed as a practical and economical compact car and was a major success for Ford in its first years.
- Replacement: In North America, the Falcon was replaced by the Ford Maverick for the 1970 model year.
- International versions: The Falcon nameplate continued to be used for a different model in Australia until 2016, and also for cars in other countries like Argentina.
