Thanks to Wacky for the tempting photos and info from one of the favorite trails. I’ll leave it to him to elaborate on the details, but it looks like Greenridge is in typical form. Good size bogs for September…
Still need a write up on the monster Rubicon…
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Most Ford fans, and all off-road folks, will remember this promising Ford Concept vehicle from 2004. Did this vehicle represent the perfect Bronco, or a possible return to prominence for Ford among recreational off-road drivers?
Probably not…but it would have been a good start.
I realize that being in the west, being an avid outdoor recreational user, and actually driving my vehicle off road puts me soundly in the minority when it comes to target demographics for new vehicle design. That said, I would desperately like to see a vehicle that gives me a compelling reason to own a Ford again.
Lets review…I am middle class, educated, and an un-apologetic Ford Fan. I have owned 2 Mustangs, a Ranger, an adopted Explorer, and a Full Size Bronco. But my last 4 vehicles have been import sedans and a Japanese truck. Why? Because Ford is missing me and those like me.
The Focus is too young (and disposable), the Taurus/Fusion are too boring (rental cars), the Explorer is a giant station wagon (a good one, but still a station wagon), the F Series Truck/Expedition are great (but impractical for most people), the Ranger is too small, the SportTrac is not really capable off-road, etc…I will own another Mustang some day, but I’m not quite to the point of a mid life crisis yet.
You can probably see where I’m going with this. I want a mid size vehicle that will do it all. Something capable of performing soccer mom duties, picking up the groceries, getting me through the snow, and getting me to my favorite fishing/hunting spots…and I’m talking about some roads that would maim the Explorer or Sport Trac. I’m talking about a real Crew Cab Ranger or an Explorer that drives and performs like a Ranger or F150 (not a Suburu Outback). I’m talking about a true Sport/Utility vehicle. Not a crossover!
As I said, I may represent a niche too narrow for Ford to pursue. But wait…how many Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds, Nissan X Terras, Frontier Crew Cabs, Tacoma Quad Cabs, FJ Cruisers, and H3′s have I seen on (or off) the road recently? Hmmm…maybe there is a market.
So here’s my message to Ford: The Bronco is an Ace up your sleeve in a segment of the market where you are losing or just holding your own. Take another look at the list of vehicles I just rattled off, and play your Ace before the category cools. Give me a reason to be a Ford owner again.
End of Tirade.
Need to brush up on Bronco history? Here’s a link to Wikipedia.
Here’s a little hope for the XJ faithful. Apparently there are still new “Cherokees” in the world. They’re just on the other side of the ocean.
Story appears on a UK website…
http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/Chrysler/article-138048.html
This is an interesting article for a couple of reasons. First, it is local (Rocky Mountain News) and second, the topic seems to be a popular one lately. I keep coming across articles discussing projects and legislation involving Travel Planning Initiatives, Open Road Designations, etc. at the State and Fed level.
Most of the discussion seems to center around regulation of ATV’s and motorcycles, and the designation of specific roads for off road travel. I have no problem with either of these possibilities. However, there also seems to be some discussion of trail closures…including some well known areas.
Let’s have some comments on this one – I’d like to know what some of you (closer to such issues) are hearing or reading about this stuff. Are any of our favorite areas in danger of closure or restriction?
