The Ford Courier was a compact pickup truck produced by Mazda from 1972 to 1982. It was introduced as a response to the growing popularity of the Japanese compact trucks, like the Toyota Hilux and the Datsun 620, in the United States.
The Ford Courier was introduced in 1972 and was based on the Mazda B-Series truck, a compact truck produced by Mazda in Japan. Ford partnered with Mazda to produce the Courier and marketed it under the Ford brand.
The Courier was available in a regular cab and extended cab configurations and had a four-speed manual transmission.
The Ford Courier had a 1.8-liter engine that produced 74 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. It was available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations and had a four-speed manual transmission.
The Courier had a payload capacity of up to 1,400 pounds and was available in a variety of body styles, including a pickup, a panel van, and a wagon.
The Ford Courier quickly became a popular choice for drivers who wanted a reliable and fuel-efficient truck. Its small size and maneuverability made it ideal for city driving, while its payload capacity made it a practical choice for businesses and tradespeople.
In 1976, the Courier became the second-best-selling small truck in the United States, behind the Chevy LUV.
Throughout its production run, the Ford Courier underwent a number of changes and updates. In 1977, a 2.0-liter engine was introduced, which produced 83 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. In 1980, the Courier received a facelift that included a new grille and headlights.
Although production of the Ford Courier ended in 1982, its legacy lives on as the Courier paved the way for the Ford Ranger.
Today, the Ford Courier is considered a classic and is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its compact size, reliability, and affordability have made it an enduring icon of American automotive history.
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