IMO, the Trac is a "crossover vehicle". Not as saying that it is a truck/SUV, but more so a vehicle that is for someone that feels they need a truck, but still needs 4 doors. Once they have a Trac, they start using it for more things then they ever thought possible. Boats, campers, off-roading, etc. once they like having a truck and the toys get bigger, they just upgrade to an F-150.
The car I had before the Trac was a 1992 Escort GT. Drove it for over 130,000 miles and never spent one dime in repairs besides regular maintenance like Waterpump (Had it done because I was due for a timing belt), drive belts, hoses, brakes, etc. (If you knew the way i drove it, you would understand how good of a car that Escort GT was...Hint: I had to buy two tires a year because I like smoke coming out of the wheel wells. when the fronts went bald, I put those tires on the back and get two new ones for the front so I could drive in the winter, the following summer I did the same thing)
In 2001 Theresa got a house and we felt we needed a truck. Was going to buy a crap Ranger or F-150 to have when needed. I felt after (ab)using my Escort for 10 years and not having a payment for 8 years, I decided to buy something new.
That is why I got my Trac. Fortunatly, I am keeping my toys small enough that the Trac does fine for the (ab)use I give it. I don't have a boat, but I do plan on getting a camper.
Fortunatly for me, the ones I like are small. I rented a pop-up last winter to go to FloridaI liked being able to tow it at 75 to 85 MPH and zipping around in traffic...something I could not have done with a full size trailer.
Looking back, I do not understand how I "survived" without a truck-like vehicle. It seems like almost every day i used the bed for something I never imagined I would use it for. Whether it be a load of dirt, firewood, plywood, mulch, or any other crap I put in the bed. For me the Trac is perfect.
I just think those that trade up to an F-150 did not realize how much they needed a truck in the first place and the Trac was able to help them realize it.
I test drove an F-150. It was really nice, but just too darn big for what I need it for.
With my Trac, I get good gas mileage, I have great power, it handles nice, and people that ride in it are impressed with it. Still after three years, dings & scratches and normal wear and tear, I just look at my Trac and I am still in love with it. It looks sporty and agressive. It doesn't look like a truck. IMO, the Trac looks better then any other Crew Cab truck out there...including the F-150.
Still to this day, I will park it so I can look out the window and see it.
Tom
