[henkster]

I learned to drive a stick on a 1980 F 150. It had a very forgiving clutch.

My son bought a 2016 F150. It’s one heck of a lot nicer than the 1980 version.

As for what happens when gas goes to $4/gallon, I’m assuming Ford will continue to make Escapes, which it has downsized and made more economical.

[JoSixChip]

I learned to drive a stick on a 1980 F 150. It had a very forgiving clutch. My son bought a 2016 F150. It’s one heck of a lot nicer than the 1980 version.

I've had fords all my life, always with a clutch until this one. I have fond memories of a 1987 regular cab long bed with a strait six, it was indestructible. I now have 2017 supper cab long bed that was only available with the 10 speed trans. The ecoboost 350 six cylinder is by far the fastest truck I have ever had. Lots of power. Good mileage normal driving, but under load not so much. But it is comfortable, I feel like I am driving an articulated rig.

[Secret Agent Man]

These new escapes, since 2011, are built on the focus platform. Killed us as escape owners.

[mowowie]

The very first time i leaned to drive a stick was when i bought and drove home a beautiful looking used 1980 Z-28 back in 1986.
While shifting and driving i was like WTF this sucks...kept stalling and dragging.
I stopped at a station to get gas and the attendant said “do you know there is smoke coming from your back wheels?”

WHOOPS.....i forgot to release the parking brake....never really had to use one before.
after that all was good.

All my cars have been sticks since except the current one,
i plan on a stick for my next vehicle though.

[mowowie]

Speaking of that parking brake i just remembered that after a while it broke....i ended up using a aluminum baseball bat wedged into the tire and pavement and the shifter in first gear as my new brake.
lol
bat was dual purpose, as a brake and as protection.
fit snugly between the drivers seat and door.