SERIOUSLY NOW, IF the Ford Motor Company really thinks that their new
Maverick is going to instantly render the imported economy sedan unnecessary 
for the American driver, they've got to be out of their minds.  It isn't a bad car, 
taken on its own grounds and given all its due, but outside of peppy performance 
(with the larger optional engine), it has almost none of the virtues that are common 
to the best of the economy imports available to the U.S. buyer.
	Let's take a look at it.  First, it looks like an American car.  That isn't 
necessarily bad; in fact, for most of its potential buyers, it's probably good.  The 
styling is contemporary and the overall impression is detracted from only by the 
tiny tires, its fat-hipped look and the rather unattractive grille. The front fender and
hood forms are nice and the upper section has a good line but the vogueish 
blind-rear-quarter routine makes all three rear windows to small from both the 
visibility and the styling stand point.  
	The particular model we tested used up most of the mechanical options
that are offered for the Maverick.  It had the bigger 200-cu-in, 120-bhp engine 
(instead of the 170-cu-in, 105-bhp standard version), the 3-speed automatic 
(in place of the 3-speed manual) and optional 6.45-14 tires (not the standard
6.00-13s).  It is anticipated that there will be more performance options available 
in the future but for now we had what might be called the all-out version.
	The first thing you notice on getting into the Maverick is how bad the 
bench seat is.  This is one of those uncomfortable contraptions where your 
rear sinks way down, leaving your knees high and your back wondering how 
long it has to live this way.  It's typical of what most people associate with a 
cheap car and the impression is unfortunate.  No wonder, with terrible seats like 
that, that people think cheap cars are uncomfortable.  There's also a maze of lap
 belts (a full three sets for the three persons that can theoretically be carried in
 the front) plus separate shoulder straps for the outboard occupants to add to the
 confusion.