Because what made Explorer popular had nothing to do with it being body on frame. In fact you could argue that it succeeded despite being BOF. I owned 2 - a 93 and a 97. Unibody was a big improvement in NVH and fuel economy. It’s iconic because it was the first high volume SUV.
My argument against Explorer is that when it was changed to a FWD based Volvo platform, there were no letter writing campaigns or hoards of angry people like when the Mustang was almost replaced like the Probe. Look at the passion Mustang awakens in people. There are strong opinions when customers feel the Mustang isn't being honored like Mustang II or Mach E.
When Explorer changed, it was a collective "meh", and the FWD one sold well. Bronco was absent from Ford's lineup for a long time.
Thunderbirds, Galaxies, Taurus and Fairlanes are instantly recognizable as Fords and are gone. All good cars, but no one really raged at that as much as when Ford almost made the Probe the Mustang.
The most powerful emotional responses are usually to F-150 and Mustang and the others do not have the same degree of fanaticism.
Yes, and in some cases the hybrid can provide additional power similar to turbo engine. When looking at newest Honda Civic it was interesting they replaced 1.5T with 2.0 hybrid as top option. The base engine remains 2.0L naturally aspirated coupled to CVT.
What I like best is that a few manufacturers are offering 2.5L NA 4-cylinder engines with approximately 200 HP and 200 lb-ft as standard on compact and or mid-size vehicles. For those buyers who can’t justify hybrids it may be a good choice.
To your point, perhaps Ford offering a 2.5L in base 2WD Rangers could add sales if they can get close to 200 HP. That may not seem like much (or enough), but for many years Rangers did fine with much less power. IMO Ford could use a more budget-minded powertrain for Ranger.
Originally the Cyclone was a Comet. In 1968, Cyclone became its own nameplate. My brother had a 1968 Cyclone. White fastback with red accents. Forgot the engine, but a sharp looking car.
Nah, Lincoln Products don't share sheet metal with Ford products like Acura does on their lower end products and the TLX and Accord have the same greenhouse, just the trim is blacked out on the TLX vs the Accord.