There is a Motor Trend magazine issue from 1988 I have that is titled "How Ford Became #1".  It is a special issue where they reviewed all the current Fords from that era.  There are some neat photos that show the Ford lineup back-to-back, and I agree - it may not look fresh today, but it was back then.  Especially when you compare to what GM and Chrysler had been doing.  GM was just starting to go aero in 1988, but Ford had a 4-5 year head start on them.  Jack Telnack was a great designer. It's also interesting to me that Ford went from some of the most homely styling in the early 1980's (1980-82 T-bird for example, Granada and Fairmont weren't great either) to probably the best all-around vehicle lineup styling by the end of the decade.  It shows how much good leadership can have an impact.

Looping back around to the topic, it’s clear that Ford has found a new way to develop vehicles than hopefully, can be extended to include all types of passenger and light commercial vehicles.   The trip down memory lane was nice to reconnect with where Ford and other manufacturers were in the 1980s and the pathways chosen. It shows how vehicles became progressively heavier and more complex as engineers added onto what was probably becoming a flawed foundation. Resetting the way vehicles are made, the sequence of events and the chassis and floor to suit modern efficient construction processes is going to rewrite much of Ford’s big book of knowledge.   While it’s sad to see Ford ending generations of ICE engineering knowledge of vehicles manufacturing processes, it’s a necessary evolutionarily step to reset its business and end the things stopping it evolve.

I wouldn't want to know what a loaded Excursion Platinum with the Powerstroke would cost.

I can't remember where I saw it, but there was a design student sketch of a Lincoln coupe with the greyhound hood ornament. It looked quite elegant and reminded me of a Jaguar. It really wouldn't hurt to steal Jaguar cues since it's a dying brand anyway. lol   I always thought the XJ would have made a terrific basis for a Lincoln sedan.  

Looks like significant weakening in the economy, Ford will have to be on its toes with incentives and financing deals for all customers. 

Ranger started out as a trim level and now it is a model.....Ford Racing the same type of "non-existent" organization as Ford Performance.....peaches and pears. But, ironically, I understand where you are coming from. 

Not a fan of the corner treatment of the center display. It looks stupid.    the Exterior style is meh-it’s not ugly but wouldn’t call it good looking either. 

That’s a fair point.

I think it looks better, from the grainy image, as an SUV than truck. The longer roof flattens out the weird peak. That said, it is giving 12 passenger van vibes.

haha, yup, can't integrated it any better than when it IS the dash