Return of The EXP
By the mid-1980s, two-seaters were in vogue. Cars such as the Pontiac Fiero and Toyota MR2 (both mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars) were so popular that even Cadillac was considering producing one. Yet despite their popularity, Ford EXP sales were sluggish. Its styling was stale, and for a sports car, its performance was generally regarded as less than adequate. Build quality and refinement were also inferior to Japanese competitors such as the MR2 and Honda CRX. Based off these factors, Ford decided to discontinue the EXP. However, a group of employees at the plant that produced the EXP took one off the line and fitted it with parts from the recently refreshed Escort to create what they thought would be a more appealing and competitive model. The "prototype" was presented to Ford CEO Donald Petersen, who liked it and approved it for production.
The result was the 1985½ Escort EXP, and after a brief absence from the lineup after the end of the 1985 model year, the EXP returned with a new look and a re-badged nameplate. During its first three months it posted steadily increasing sales, but even with the upgrades it remained a slow seller.
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