What replaced the Ford Courier?
The Ford Courier, a compact pickup truck produced by Ford from 1972 to 1982, was eventually replaced by the Ford Ranger in 1983. The Ranger went on to become a popular and long-running model in Ford's lineup, offering a more modern and capable alternative to the aging Courier.
The Ford Courier: A Compact Pickup Pioneer
The Ford Courier was introduced in 1972 as a compact pickup truck, designed to compete with the growing popularity of smaller Japanese-made pickups like the Toyota Hilux and Datsun Truck. The Courier was based on the Ford Mazda B-Series platform and offered a more fuel-efficient and maneuverable alternative to the full-size Ford F-Series trucks.
During its 10-year production run, the Courier gained a reputation for its reliability and versatility, but it also faced increasing competition from newer and more modern compact pickups entering the market.
The Rise of the Ford Ranger
In 1983, Ford introduced the all-new Ranger to replace the aging Courier. The Ranger was a larger and more capable compact pickup, designed to better compete with the growing number of Japanese-made competitors, such as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.
- The Ranger featured a more modern design, with a larger cab and bed, as well as improved performance and towing capacity.
- It was available in a variety of configurations, including regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab models, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive options.
- The Ranger also offered a range of engine choices, from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder to a 4.0-liter V6, providing customers with more power and flexibility.
The Ranger quickly became a popular choice among consumers, and it remained in production for over 30 years, until Ford discontinued the model in 2011.
The Legacy of the Ford Courier and Ranger
The Ford Courier and Ranger both played important roles in the evolution of the compact pickup truck market in the United States. The Courier was a pioneer in the segment, while the Ranger went on to become a long-running and successful model for Ford, helping to solidify the company's position in the compact pickup truck market.
Today, the Ranger name has been revived, with Ford reintroducing the model in 2019 to compete in the growing midsize pickup truck segment. The new Ranger builds on the legacy of its predecessors, offering a modern and capable alternative to the full-size Ford F-150.
What happened to the Ford Courier?
Production of the Courier van ended in August 2002, and both it and the Escort van were replaced in September 2002 by the Ford Transit Connect, based on the Focus.
Why did Mazda leave Ford?
The partnership between Ford and Mazda was strongest in the 1980s and 1990s, where most badge-engineered models were produced. However, disagreements about direction and a significant recession led Ford to begin selling off its interest in Mazda during the 21st century.
Is a Ford Courier the same as a Ford Ranger?
During the 2000s, the Courier pickup truck was replaced by the Ranger nameplate (which replaced the Courier in North America for 1983); the Courier panel van was replaced by the Ford Transit Connect in 2002.
What is the Mazda version of the Ford Courier?
Mazda B series
First generation (1972–1976)
In the early 1970s, the Ford Courier name was applied to the Mazda B series, a compact pickup manufactured by Mazda. It had greater fuel economy than the full-sized pickups of the time.
What is the best engine for the Ford Courier?
1.5-litre diesel engine
Drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to get comfortable, and the seats go far enough back that the standard bulkhead doesn't feel too limiting even for very tall people. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will remain the most popular choice for most, and it feels like a very natural fit for the Courier.
Are Ford Courier and Mazda Bravo the same?
In Australia and New Zealand, the B-Series was named the Mazda Bravo and Mazda Bounty, respectively; South Africa used the Mazda Drifter name. Thailand used the Mazda Magnum, Thunder, and Fighter names. Through its association with Ford, Mazda produced the B-Series as the Ford Courier and the Ford Ranger.
What is the rival of the Ford Transit Courier?
Ford Transit Courier rivals
These include the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, as well as the Ford Transit Connect, and all are potential rivals depending on your specific business requirements.
What's the best small van to buy?
Best small vans
- Ford Transit Courier.
- Citroen Berlingo/Fiat Doblo/Peugeot Partner/Toyota Proace City/Vauxhall Combo.
- Renault Kangoo/Nissan Townstar.
- Mercedes Citan.
- Volkswagen Caddy Cargo.
- Ford Transit Connect.
- Toyota Corolla Commercial.
- Land Rover Defender Hard Top.
What car is the Ford Courier based on?
Ford Fiesta
Making its debut as a model of 2014 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Transit Courier is the smallest vehicle of the product range of the Ford Transit. Deriving its underpinnings from the Ford Fiesta, the model line is the first van based on the Fiesta, since the discontinuation of the Ford Courier in August 2002.
What is the difference between Ford Courier and Connect?
Ford's aware of this, and says the Courier offers things the Connect doesn't and vice versa; the Courier has a lower entry price and is meant to be the more stylish of the two, while the forthcoming EV model will provide another powertrain the Connect currently can't.
