Ford Courier

The Ford Courier is a compact pickup truck which was sold in the United States and Canada from 1972 to 1982 and elsewhere to the present day. It is considered to be the forerunner of the Ford Ranger.

The Courier name has also been used on various other Ford models since 1952.

The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda), and imported and sold by Ford Motor Company as a response to the unforeseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups among young buyers in the West. Like the other mini-pickups of the time, it featured a sub-2 liter four cylinder engine, a four speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, an impressive load capability of 1,400 lb (635 kg) considering its size, and a fairly small price tag compared to full size pickups of the time.

To circumvent the 25% Chicken tax on light trucks, Couriers (as with Chevrolet LUV's) were imported in "cab chassis" configurations, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4% tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes
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Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability
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Safety
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Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Second generation (1977–1982)
In 1977 the Courier was redesigned, and a host of new options was available. The truck was available with front disc brakes, as well as a Ford built 2.3 liter engine option (which was the same as that of the Ford Pinto and Mustang II). The key identifying feature of the Courier from Mazda's B-Series was still the singular headlights, although with park and indicator lights placed inset starting in '78 ('77s still had the turn signal lights in the bumper).

In 1979 the base model engine was increased in size to 2.0 liters (120.1 CID). The optional Ford 2.3 L (~140 cu in) engine was produced in Brazil. The Courier continued to be sold until 1982, in which year power steering was added. For 1983, Ford introduced its own Ford Ranger to fill its compact truck segment, which replaced the Courier in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

A Ford Fiesta-based Courier pickup, smaller than the Ranger, is currently sold in Mexico.

First Generation/Origins (1972–1976)
The first generation Ford Courier was introduced in 1972 and sold for a little over $2,000 when introduced—close to the price of an F-100.

When the Courier was introduced it came standard with a 1.8 liter overhead cam engine, which produced 74 hp (55 kW) at 5070 rpm, and 92 lb·ft (125 N·m) at 3500 rpm. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, and there was also a 3-speed automatic option (the 5-speed manual option came in 1976).

The body styling was effectively that of the related Mazda B-series, however its frontal treatment was unique, with a grille designed to emulate the larger Ford F-series, and large single headlights, instead of the B-series' smaller twin units.

Badging changed a few times in the first-gen series. In 1972, the tailgate read "FORD COURIER" in large raised letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the front of the hood (from '73 on through '76 the hood badging read "FORD"). In '73 the tailgate read "COURIER" in large letters, with a small "FORD" badge on the upper left. In '74 it read "FORD" in large letters, with a small "COURIER" badge on the lower right. In 1976 the cab was lengthened 3 inches (76 mm), and the grille received added trim.

Diesel variants
The Ford Courier was never available with a diesel engine in the US. However, the 1980 Mazda B2200 was available with a Perkins-built 4.135 (4 cylinder, 135 CID) 2.2 liter diesel engine, producing 66 hp (49 kW) at 2,100 rpm. This same diesel engine was available in the 1983 and 1984 Ford Ranger, however it was replaced by the Mitsubishi 4D55T 2.3 liter Turbo Diesel (also used in Mitsubishi's own Mighty Max and the Dodge Ram 50) for the 1985 to 1987 Ford Rangers.

Electric variants
Between 1979 and 1982 a number of electric Ford Couriers were produced - Jet Industries purchased "vehicle gliders" (Ford Courier bodies minus their engines), and put in a series DC motor and lead acid batteries, to produce the Jet Industries ElectraVan 750.

These were sold mainly for service trucks, general to local government departments. They had a top speed around 70 mph (113 km/h), and would go 50 to 60 miles (97 km) on a full charge. A number of these vehicles still exist, usually with upgraded motor control systems and higher voltage battery packs.

Body conversions
A number of Couriers were sold as cab-chassis units, with rear decking. These were commonly fitted with rear utility bodies, flatbed decks, box truck bodywork, camper bodies or "stepside" deckbeds.

Engine conversions
While the Courier's engine bay was always fitted with inline 4-cylinder motors at the factory, owners have fitted larger engines into their Couriers, notably Ford V6 and smallblock V8 units. To cope with the increase in power new drivelines generally are also fitted.

Suspension conversions
The Ford Courier was never available as an OEM 4 wheel drive version in the US (the Mazda B-series didn’t get 4 wheel drive until 1986). However, there were several companies doing 4x4 conversions of the Ford Courier by adding a transfer case and solid front axle beginning in 1975. From 1975 to 1979 Northwest ATV in Kelso Washington converted about 1500 Couriers to 4WD, which were sold as the Ford Courier Sasquatch, in the WA, OR, CA, and ID markets only. (Ford Sasquatch brochure). Other conversions of early 80's Couriers were done by other companies as well.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
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