What Ford is like an El Camino?
The Ford Maverick, a compact pickup truck introduced in 2021, has been drawing comparisons to the iconic El Camino for its unique blend of car-like comfort and truck-like utility. Like the El Camino, the Maverick offers a versatile platform that combines the passenger-carrying capabilities of a sedan with the cargo-hauling functionality of a small truck.
Blending Car and Truck Features
The Ford Maverick is built on the same unibody platform as the Ford Escape SUV, giving it a more car-like ride and handling compared to traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks. This design allows the Maverick to offer a comfortable, car-like driving experience while still providing the utility of a small truck bed. The Maverick's compact size and car-based architecture are reminiscent of the El Camino, which was essentially a sedan with a truck bed attached.
Versatile Cargo Hauling
Like the El Camino, the Maverick's truck bed provides a versatile cargo-carrying solution. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed can accommodate a variety of items, from building materials to outdoor gear. The bed also features numerous tie-down points and optional accessories, such as a sliding bed extender, to enhance its utility. This combination of passenger space and cargo-hauling capability is a key similarity between the Maverick and the El Camino.
Accessible and Affordable
Another parallel between the Maverick and the El Camino is their accessibility and affordability. The Maverick is one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market, with a starting price under $20,000. web> This makes it a compelling option for buyers who want the functionality of a truck without the high price tag. Similarly, the El Camino was often seen as a more affordable alternative to traditional full-size pickups.
Conclusion
The Ford Maverick's unique blend of car-like comfort and truck-like utility, along with its accessible pricing, has drawn comparisons to the iconic El Camino. Like the El Camino, the Maverick offers a versatile platform that combines the best of both worlds, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers.
What is the other car that looks like an El Camino?
Cars that look like the El Camino include its direct counterpart, the Ford Ranchero, and its GMC sibling, the GMC Sprint/Caballero. Other cars with a similar car-based pickup concept are the Dodge Rampage and the Chevrolet SSR, while unique conversions like the 1976 Cadillac Mirage also exist.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of El Camino and Ranchero: 42sGraphic Cars EvolutionYouTube · Nov 25, 2023
Direct competitors and siblings
- Ford Ranchero: A long-time rival to the El Camino, the Ranchero was Ford's version of the car-based pickup truck, similar in concept and design.
- GMC Sprint / Caballero: For many years, GMC produced its own version of the El Camino, which was nearly identical except for the badging.
Other car-based pickups
- Dodge Rampage: This subcompact pickup was based on a car platform and was Dodge's answer to the El Camino and Ranchero.
- Chevrolet SSR: This retro-styled, two-door convertible pickup truck was designed as a modern revival of the car-based pickup concept, paying homage to the El Camino legacy.
Unique and custom conversions
- 1976 Cadillac Mirage: This was a custom conversion of a Cadillac Coupe de Ville into an El Camino-like vehicle by a company in California. Only a limited number were made.
- Toyota Crown Pickup: A car-based pickup truck from Japan that shared a similar design concept to the El Camino and Ranchero.
What's the Ford version of El Camino?
Ford's version of the El Camino is the Ford Ranchero, a coupe utility vehicle produced from 1957 to 1979 that combined the body of a car with a pickup truck bed. The Ranchero was on the market for two years before Chevrolet introduced the El Camino in 1959, which was inspired by Ford's successful model.
This video explains the history of the El Camino and Ranchero: 1mFirst Place Auto PartsYouTube · Dec 9, 2021
- Model: The Ford Ranchero was Ford's answer to the car-truck hybrid market.
- Production: It was produced from 1957 to 1979.
- Inspiration: The Ranchero was on the market for two years before Chevy created the El Camino, which was a response to the Ranchero's success, says Galesburg Register Mail.
- Design: It was built on a two-door station wagon platform, integrating the cab and cargo bed into a single unit.
Is Ford making a 2026 Ranchero?
The legendary nameplate returns, reimagined for a new era. The 2026 Ranchero combines classic heritage with modern performance and design. The standard SE model is powered by Ford's proven 2.3L EcoBoost® inline-four engine, delivering an optimal balance of efficiency and capability.
Did Ford make a car similar to the El Camino?
No, Ford did not make an El Camino, which was a model produced by Chevrolet. However, Ford did make a competitor, the Ford Ranchero, which was a similar car-based utility vehicle that debuted in 1957, a few years before the El Camino was introduced in 1959.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the El Camino and Ranchero: 1mFirst Place Auto PartsYouTube · Dec 9, 2021
- Ford Ranchero: Introduced in 1957, this vehicle was built on a full-size Ford station wagon chassis and had a pickup truck bed. Ford produced it until 1979.
- Chevrolet El Camino: Chevrolet introduced the El Camino in 1959, inspired by the success of the Ranchero. It was produced through several generations until 1987.
