- First Name
- Greg
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2021
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 154
- Location
- Russellville, Arkansas
- Vehicle(s)
- 2007 Honda Ridgeline
- Thread starter
- #1
All right, forgive the poor pics and formatting -- I'm not an expert at posting to any forum . . . but I do feel for everyone waiting on their hybrids and other Mavericks and felt like I should give you a bit of a "long-term" review since I've had my Maverick since October 11. I've included the obligatory photos (including a shout-out to my local dealer -- honest, upfront, very helpful), along with horrible pics of payload, towing capacity, etc.
My Maverick is a 2.0, of course, outfitted with the AWD, XLT Lux package, FX4, sunroof, sliding back window, hard tonneau, copilot-360, and the black rims + all-terrain pirellis. I think that covers all the packaging folks would be curious about. From here, I'll just try to comment on things I've seen posted frequently and/or my overall impressions.
* I've driven it almost 1700 miles, almost an exact split between highway and city miles (very little interstate). I figure my MPGs the old-fashioned way, and I've gotten 28, 27.5, 27, and 26 on the four tanks so far (not in that order -- obviously, the more highway miles, the better the mileage). The FORD trip computer has been about 1.0 to 1.5 mpgs high in its estimate each time. Always 87 octane, and the oil monitor still shows almost 90% oil life.
* I've never owned a Ford, but I'm completely happy with the fit and ride of this little truck to this point. It's not designed to be a luxury vehicle, but nothing rattles, and I haven't noticed any surfaces that seem overly prone to wear and tear. I like the orange accents, and I feel like the cloth seats are very comfortable (I didn't like the Lariat interior and remain really happy with my choice).
* Seat adjustments are easy, as are radio, A/C controls -- everything is simple and intuitive. I'll get used to the turn dial rather than a shifter. Sunroof works great with no leaks, to this point.
* I do find the bluetooth and Apple Carplay a bit clunky. It takes it a bit to recognize the presence of my phone each time, and the music quality is far superior via the Carplay link vs. bluetooth (to be expected, but still a notable difference in quality). FM radio does seem to have a weak signal, but I prefer listening to my own music, so not a big concern for me. Sounds system seems good to me, but I'm 50+, so take that under advisement if you have young ears.
* I don't typically tow anything sizeable, thus the reason I didn't get the tow package. For what I need, this truck is the perfect size. I've carried a few bikes around, as well as kayaks and a few other loads for yard work, etc., and I love the easy bed access, the height, and the multiple spots for straps, etc. Just well-designed and functional.
* I haven't done any significant off-roading (nor will I -- not the right vehicle for too much of that) but it handles Arkansas dirt roads fine and I'm confident the AWD will be perfect for the ice we get in the winter. I've never had a Ford with sport mode, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing. I've found that actually stepping on the throttle makes it more sporty . . . my version of Eco Mode is just driving like a granny. It seems to do either fine.
* I have not noticed any hood flutter (as some have seen), nor have I had any issues with my paint job or fit and finish items (window seals, etc). Everything is good and holding up well. Back sliding window is small, but opens/closes easily and doesn't obstruct visibility.
* In terms of overall impressions, I'm really, sincerely happy. I most recently drove a Honda Ridgeline and was getting 16 MPG in the city, which is where most of my driving occurs. I infrequently need a large truck bed, but like having that access when necessary. I never tow. So stepping down to a smaller truck really appealed to me (the Honda was a 2007 with 235,000 miles too, so it was time). Considering the chip crisis, I feel like MSRP for this Maverick was good value, I love the increase in MPGs, and I'm really happy with something that zips into city parking spots but can also handle a dirt road or carry my golf clubs, bikes, and kayaks (I do have an extender kayak rack which works perfectly in the Maverick hitch). It definitely drives more like a small SUV than a truck, so if you like that "big truck impervious" feeling . . . you won't have it in the Maverick. But it also doesn't feel small (the interior is really spacious in design, in my opinion), it sits up better than a sedan, and the sight lines are good. All in all, I feel like it's great value and a return to the good old days of small, workhorse trucks (I owned an old Mazda B-series back in the 80s, and this reminds me of that -- albeit it drives a bit better and has more interior room).
* I suspect all of you Hybrid folks are going to be really, really happy -- personally, I'd encourage you to hang on and wait it out, as frustrating as it has been. The truck is as promised, and there's just not a real competitor on the market right now. I researched like crazy, and while the Santa Cruz does offer many of the same features, I definitely feel like its less a truck and more of a small SUV with a bed (and a much higher price tag with worse MPGS, in general). If you like luxury and have the money, I do suspect the Santa Crux is a better vehicle at the top end, but there's no competition in the middle to lower end. The Maverick is the real deal and I'm very satisfied after a month and a half of ownership. I don't post this to start a fight, challenge anyone else's opinion, or to stir up any controversy . . . just one middle-aged man's Maverick opinion 45-days in. Happy Thanksgiving!
*
My Maverick is a 2.0, of course, outfitted with the AWD, XLT Lux package, FX4, sunroof, sliding back window, hard tonneau, copilot-360, and the black rims + all-terrain pirellis. I think that covers all the packaging folks would be curious about. From here, I'll just try to comment on things I've seen posted frequently and/or my overall impressions.
* I've driven it almost 1700 miles, almost an exact split between highway and city miles (very little interstate). I figure my MPGs the old-fashioned way, and I've gotten 28, 27.5, 27, and 26 on the four tanks so far (not in that order -- obviously, the more highway miles, the better the mileage). The FORD trip computer has been about 1.0 to 1.5 mpgs high in its estimate each time. Always 87 octane, and the oil monitor still shows almost 90% oil life.
* I've never owned a Ford, but I'm completely happy with the fit and ride of this little truck to this point. It's not designed to be a luxury vehicle, but nothing rattles, and I haven't noticed any surfaces that seem overly prone to wear and tear. I like the orange accents, and I feel like the cloth seats are very comfortable (I didn't like the Lariat interior and remain really happy with my choice).
* Seat adjustments are easy, as are radio, A/C controls -- everything is simple and intuitive. I'll get used to the turn dial rather than a shifter. Sunroof works great with no leaks, to this point.
* I do find the bluetooth and Apple Carplay a bit clunky. It takes it a bit to recognize the presence of my phone each time, and the music quality is far superior via the Carplay link vs. bluetooth (to be expected, but still a notable difference in quality). FM radio does seem to have a weak signal, but I prefer listening to my own music, so not a big concern for me. Sounds system seems good to me, but I'm 50+, so take that under advisement if you have young ears.
* I don't typically tow anything sizeable, thus the reason I didn't get the tow package. For what I need, this truck is the perfect size. I've carried a few bikes around, as well as kayaks and a few other loads for yard work, etc., and I love the easy bed access, the height, and the multiple spots for straps, etc. Just well-designed and functional.
* I haven't done any significant off-roading (nor will I -- not the right vehicle for too much of that) but it handles Arkansas dirt roads fine and I'm confident the AWD will be perfect for the ice we get in the winter. I've never had a Ford with sport mode, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing. I've found that actually stepping on the throttle makes it more sporty . . . my version of Eco Mode is just driving like a granny. It seems to do either fine.
* I have not noticed any hood flutter (as some have seen), nor have I had any issues with my paint job or fit and finish items (window seals, etc). Everything is good and holding up well. Back sliding window is small, but opens/closes easily and doesn't obstruct visibility.
* In terms of overall impressions, I'm really, sincerely happy. I most recently drove a Honda Ridgeline and was getting 16 MPG in the city, which is where most of my driving occurs. I infrequently need a large truck bed, but like having that access when necessary. I never tow. So stepping down to a smaller truck really appealed to me (the Honda was a 2007 with 235,000 miles too, so it was time). Considering the chip crisis, I feel like MSRP for this Maverick was good value, I love the increase in MPGs, and I'm really happy with something that zips into city parking spots but can also handle a dirt road or carry my golf clubs, bikes, and kayaks (I do have an extender kayak rack which works perfectly in the Maverick hitch). It definitely drives more like a small SUV than a truck, so if you like that "big truck impervious" feeling . . . you won't have it in the Maverick. But it also doesn't feel small (the interior is really spacious in design, in my opinion), it sits up better than a sedan, and the sight lines are good. All in all, I feel like it's great value and a return to the good old days of small, workhorse trucks (I owned an old Mazda B-series back in the 80s, and this reminds me of that -- albeit it drives a bit better and has more interior room).
* I suspect all of you Hybrid folks are going to be really, really happy -- personally, I'd encourage you to hang on and wait it out, as frustrating as it has been. The truck is as promised, and there's just not a real competitor on the market right now. I researched like crazy, and while the Santa Cruz does offer many of the same features, I definitely feel like its less a truck and more of a small SUV with a bed (and a much higher price tag with worse MPGS, in general). If you like luxury and have the money, I do suspect the Santa Crux is a better vehicle at the top end, but there's no competition in the middle to lower end. The Maverick is the real deal and I'm very satisfied after a month and a half of ownership. I don't post this to start a fight, challenge anyone else's opinion, or to stir up any controversy . . . just one middle-aged man's Maverick opinion 45-days in. Happy Thanksgiving!
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