The Pinto and the Explorer were both creations of the government. The 1970s government-manufactured “gas crisis,” Nader-inspired anti-corporatism, and the new regulatory state built aroud it led directly to the junk that Ford, GM, Chrysler and AMC were putting out by the mid-70s. No excuses for Detroit, but one can understand its confusion.
Look at any of the ‘75 lineup and you’ll see cars that are trying to please the government, the economy, and the consumer — which at that time were all at odds with each other. Japan, Inc.’s timing couldn’t have been better: they had one type of car, and it fit the model better than the others who were stuck trying to please the old with the new with the fantasy-world of central planners.
The Explorer solved the problem for consumers. Since trucks were exempt from CAFE and other regs, consumers were allowed free expression in demands for size, utility, and identity that the government-run sedan market had lost.
“The Pinto and the Explorer were both creations of the government. The 1970s government-manufactured “gas crisis,” Nader-inspired anti-corporatism, and the new regulatory state built aroud it led directly to the junk that Ford, GM, Chrysler and AMC were putting out by the mid-70s. No excuses for Detroit, but one can understand its confusion.”
Don’t forget the 55 mph speed limit. That made GM think that it could sell us Chevettes. When the VW Rabbit came along, designed for autobahn speeds, we jumped on that car in droves. It’s my contention that every car designed during the 55 mph speed limit by American manufacturers was pretty much a lost cause.