Is the XL base enough?

[Glen Baker LLC]

Ford would make ZERO $ doing this, and it would cost them money to redesign the doors for Manual windows, and other items you are suggesting. XL is known as the BASE model. That's as base as it will ever get for Ford. XL is the base model across all their trucks.

They are not going to make a "Base" or "X" model just because a couple dozen guys yearn for the 70's again. Buy one or don't, it really is that simple.

You could always buy an Old Ford Courier.

I agree.
I was taking the picture, as you posted.

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[mshapeer]

I love my XL maverick. But it does not have everything I wanted. I actually would have liked a more strip down new base model truck. And as msrp increases, I would like to see the base XL loose some features rather than continue to climb in price. Or maybe add an additional trim to replace that old lower price. Call it “base”. To me it would be historical and dope to have a base model trim called “base”.

This trim could have roll up windows. I for one, would love to have those. Make the side mirrors manual. Get rid of the gimmicky drive modes that rarely get used by anyone. Remove cruise control and the brake hold. For this trim, keep the smaller screen for the government mandated back up camera. Rather than having the larger version the 2025s get. Offer it in only white or black. Remove the steel wheel ford caps. How much would that reduce the price?

Can you even make a vehicle like that these days? That might be too economical.

The "base" XL may not be that cheap. While the parts (rubber mats, manual window cranks, etc) would cost less, the cost to incorporate more variation in the production process and carry more items in inventory could easily outweigh those savings. Not sure the difference in the final cost would be worth it.

While several reviewers claim the XL is too basic and only appropriate for fleet sales, I am very happy with mine (did add Co-Pilot 360 and hitch receiver). My XL replaced a 1997 GMC Sonoma SLS (with manual window cranks)

 

[LSchicago]

The base XL may not be as cheap as expected. While the parts (rubber mats, manual window cranks, etc) would cost less, the cost to incorporate more variation in the production process may outweigh those savings. Not sure the difference in the final cost would be worth it.

While several reviewers claim the XL is too basic and only appropriate for fleet sales, I am very happy with mine (did add Co-Pilot 360). My XL replaced a 1997 GMC Sonoma SLS (with manual window cranks)

I added CP360, Sliding rear window, Console 120V outlet, Hitch and bedliner to mine and don't feel anything I wanted is missing. XL trim with a few options is perfect. It's a truck, not a luxury car.

 

[Bill Quattlebaum]

In my opinion the XL has many more standard features than most of the older trucks. An XL used to be a base model, but now the base model is not so base anymore. For example, almost everything is computerized. I think Ford is going overboard with the computer. Switching the a/c controls from knobs to a touch screen is a good example of that. I think most people prefer the knobs rather than fiddling with a touch screen. There is also a danger of distracting the driver with the touch screen. All in all, I really like my XL, but there are times when a manual knob will do the job faster and safer. I agree with what others have said. Ford will not go below the XL to build a cheaper truck. They prefer to sell XLT's and Lariat's.

 

[Gray Goose]

You are exactly right. Let's take manual crank windows for example.
A redesign of the whole door card would have to be implemented. Customers would lose the storage capacity and speaker you have to make room the throw(circle motion)the hand has to make to crank the window.
Now you have to order and stock parts for a manual crank window and you have to store and parts for a separate door card for people who want the storage and want electric windows and storage.
Late '70s early '80s when auto manufacturers started to simplify things if you wanted electric windows you got electric door locks no choice.

Were would you install the window crank? Remember placement is crucial for the driver.

Even if you have manual mirrors. I'll bet you there's a power receptacle for power mirrors.

In the old trucks, the window crank goes where the speaker is now. No problem, delete the radio! In the F-100, the radio was an option.
Unfortunately in MY 2025, no radio touch screen means no heat or AC controls. Delete climate system as well, the model T truck didn't have that. LOL

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

You could always buy an Old Ford Courier.

Been there, done that. My 1st Ford truck.

HRG

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

In the old trucks, the window crank goes where the speaker is now. No problem, delete the radio! In the F-100, the radio was an option.
Unfortunately in MY 2025, no radio touch screen means no heat or AC controls. Delete climate system as well, the model T truck didn't have that. LOL

You forgot, delete profit.

 

[ejouie]

At this point a list of the XL standard features would be good to go through. Seeing what could be cut without having to design a replacement. Simply removing a feature and part would actually help speed up the assembly process and would skip the R&D. Removing cruise control is a good example. Adding crank windows is not.

 

[FamousAmos]

You are exactly right. Let's take manual crank windows for example.
A redesign of the whole door card would have to be implemented. Customers would lose the storage capacity and speaker you have to make room the throw(circle motion)the hand has to make to crank the window.
Now you have to order and stock parts for a manual crank window and you have to store and parts for a separate door card for people who want the storage and want electric windows and storage.
Late '70s early '80s when auto manufacturers started to simplify things if you wanted electric windows you got electric door locks no choice.

Were would you install the window crank? Remember placement is crucial for the driver.

Even if you have manual mirrors. I'll bet you there's a power receptacle for power mirrors.

Glen, you hit a nerve! Every time someone mentions remote mirrors, I kick myself in the ass. I graduated college in 1970, and bought a new 1970 Barracuda convertible, white on white on white. I ordered the 318, but it arrived with a 383 4-barrel. Anyway, back to my tale. Ordering the car, it was a little over my price range, so I had to draw the line someplace. I drew it at the SIXTEEN DOLLAR REMOTE MIRROR!! From Day 1, every time I closed the door, rain or shine, I had to roll down the window and adjust the door-installed mirror. Later, my wife told me that if she had known that, she wouldn't have married me. Half a century later, I am STILL kicking myself in the ass.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Always a risk trying to make something to sell.

Especially if you're making & trying to sell things that most people don't expect or want any more. Ford is like Walmart; they make money by selling in volume, not selling products that few will buy. It would be like selling trucks with no air or heat, neither of which were standard equipment years ago.

Your dream truck is just that - a dream from an era long ago.

 

[IndyChill]

My budget dictated that I would get an XL. I was on the fence because the "22 XL's had no CC or power mirrors. Both are very important to me, I do a ton of interstate driving and driving at night I need to adjust the mirrors so that I'm not blinded by cars behind me. Once they announced CC was included on the '23's I was all in. I have gotten used to my side mirrors being aimed down all the time. I had several Ford products over the years, most all were EB and Lariats. I really don't miss all the bells and whistles.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Glen, you hit a nerve! Every time someone mentions remote mirrors, I kick myself in the ass. I graduated college in 1970, and bought a new 1970 Barracuda convertible, white on white on white. I ordered the 318, but it arrived with a 383 4-barrel. Anyway, back to my tale. Ordering the car, it was a little over my price range, so I had to draw the line someplace. I drew it at the SIXTEEN DOLLAR REMOTE MIRROR!! From Day 1, every time I closed the door, rain or shine, I had to roll down the window and adjust the door-installed mirror. Later, my wife told me that if she had known that, she wouldn't have married me. Half a century later, I am STILL kicking myself in the ass.

First let me ask. Do you have power mirrors now?
I owned a 70 Challenger when I was in high school. Sub lime green black vinyl top. With driver side remote mirror. I have one picture of it somewhere.
What never made sense to me. Back in the '70s. Automobile manufacturers made the easiest mirror to reach the drivers side a remote, later on they finally put the handle for the passenger remote in the center of the dashboard. It was not very convenient, but at least there was one.
Ah the memories.

 

[LSchicago]

Been there, done that. My 1st Ford truck.

HRG

First truck I drove daily after getting my license was a 79 F350 Crew cab Long bed. First truck I bought used was a 74 Mazda Rotary Pickup. What a size difference.

 

[F50]

Actually... You're seem quiet flippant. I don't like the OPs suggestions either, doesn't make them invalid. If I'm being honest, hand rolled windows seems hipster-ish and the XL does have manual mirrors already.

The poll though... on an enthusiast site isn't really reflective of the general public. Also just people from this site who choose to participate which is another sub segment. At the least, the XL order numbers for previous years recorded here show Ford is off on their projection for lower cost models. The lariat numbers seem high compared to order bank numbers posted in previous years too. So there is some merit to this idea.

The numbers also don't account for fleet, which would skew the #s heavily. There actually may be a very large portion of buyers for OPs "base" as fleet purchases. Yeah yeah, manufactured don't offer fleet trims to consumers, but that doesn't make the trim irrelevant.

Besides, a lot of the spirit which launched the Maverick to success was its initial sticker price. At the least it holds value in being a sales tool to get people in the door and good press. We all know the general consumer is going to get talked into spending more than they need . I'd love to see #s if the concept of financing went away.

Hahahaha you had me at hipsterish.

 

[F50]

The "base" XL may not be that cheap. While the parts (rubber mats, manual window cranks, etc) would cost less, the cost to incorporate more variation in the production process and carry more items in inventory could easily outweigh those savings. Not sure the difference in the final cost would be worth it.

While several reviewers claim the XL is too basic and only appropriate for fleet sales, I am very happy with mine (did add Co-Pilot 360 and hitch receiver). My XL replaced a 1997 GMC Sonoma SLS (with manual window cranks)

I am not for sure why people would say the XL is too basic. The XLT is the same thing tech/feature wise as the XL. At least this was the case 2023. The only difference between the two is wheels and interior color lol. Can you really consider interior color a perk? To get anything extra, you have to pay more. I did same as you. Got the XL. Had a hitch added and ford 360. But a $2,000 increase to go to XLT and only truly get a wheel upgrade is bit of a rip. Go get the XL and spend $1,000 on better after market wheels. Then upgrade to actual proper tires for another $1,000.

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