Faults:

Poor build and engineering quality.

Transmission vacuum to carburetor line fell off in the first week of ownership; dealer belittled me for being upset over it.

Front circular grille emblem fell off in the first 3 months of ownership.

Persistent squeak from underdash "parcel shelf" that again the Ford dealership belittled me for mentioning; very poor paint quality that began peeling and fading within 6 months.

Suspension squeaks not cured by installing grease fittings.

Great looking car, but the dangerous "drop in" fuel tank (a la Pinto) meant I watched for being rear ended big time.

Paid $2400 in '70, only got $750 in spring '73 when sold.

Amazingly on the positive side, towed a heavy U haul from Michigan to Nevada with no problems (but rear axle leaked fluid, which sprayed onto the fuel tank when I got to 2700 miles, but again I was amazed nothing broke because the trailer was too heavy for the car).

With just a bit more work (body insulation, fewer rattles, tighter quality) it could have been a great car. My experience hardly got me thinking Ford in my future.

General Comments:

Minus: quality of body paint and mechanics.

Pluses: durable and economical, great looking.

Faults:

My Maverick is the first year with the Grabber package, which meant dual mirrors and a strip package on hood and sides of car.

I replaced the 170 six cylinder with a 302, along with bigger coil springs, and am still running with the small 7.5 rear end, with no problems. I have an 8.8 ready to go in though.

I love this car, and man does it turn heads. This is my second Maverick Grabber, my first was a 72 with the hood scoops, white with orange stripes, I always regretted selling it.

I am currently working on the interior, replacing piece by piece when parts are available.

General Comments:

The best part of having a Maverick to cruse around in is that you just don't see many any more.

It had a small three speed standard transmission, which I replaced with a C-4, next year I plant to put a five speed in, and that will be the extent of my restoration.

The V-8 along with the shear lightness of the Maverick makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Faults:

The original running gear (250 six-cylinder automatic) was still in place at time of purchase with no visible problems. For performance reasons, I replaced it with a 302 V8 and a 5 speed manual.

Front suspension components were replaced on a regular basis until I rebuilt the entire front suspension.

Rear axle seals leaked, axle was OK but I replaced it with a heavy-duty 9-inch rearend.

General Comments:

Car has been a suprisingly reliable 12 second 1/4 mile car.

It's been a daily driver with monthly track trips since 1997.

Interior is mostly original and still in great shape.

The car is very light, to the tune of 2900 lbs, even with the heavier engine and rearend. I have done no weight reduction at all.

It's very sporty looking, with original Grabber stripes and bright orange color.

Faults:

Only general maintainance.

General Comments:

Great car, very fast and fairly reliable, and it sure turns heads!