Here Are Ford Authority’s Top 10 Posts Of 2023

It’s almost time to close the book on 2023, and what a year it’s been. The company dealt with a lot of issues this year – a perceived drop in demand for future EV products, the ongoing UAW strike, and some quality checks that slowed down production of high volume vehicles like the Ford Super Duty and Ford Escape. But some of those stories didn’t make the top 10 list for 2023. Instead, it seems like a lot of transparently interesting or sexy topics persuaded readers to check out what ultimately became the most viewed articles of the year, with the top post taking us by surprise.

10 – GM Follows Ford By Ditching Its 9-speed Automatic

When the 2024 Chevy Traverse debuted in October, our sister site GM Authority quickly realized that General Motors either opted to develop an entirely new automatic transmission for the three-row, or modify its existing 9-speed. Clearly, it was the latter move, and interestingly enough, a decision that Ford made several years ago. Ford and GM have collaborated on automatic transmissions for just about 20 years now, meaning the vast majority of vehicles from both companies utilize variants of the same transmission. In this case, GM opted to ditch a gear to create a new 8-speed to improve fuel efficiency on their latest three-row. Ford made that realization years ago, which is why model year 2020 vehicles like the Ford Escape and Ford Edge utilized The Blue Oval’s take on GM’s 9-speed. Any time GM follows Ford’s example, it’s noteworthy, which is probably why readers made this the tenth most viewed story of 2023.

9 – Florida Man Spotted Driving Ford Crown Victoria Convertible

The title of the article really says it all, doesn’t it? It’s not surprising why this post ranked ninth on the list. This is a whacky claptrap vehicle that clearly turns heads.

8 – 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Reproduction Revealed

While it isn’t surprising that news of a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 reproduction model would resonate with so many readers, what is interesting is the fact that we published this story just ten days ago, meaning this relatively fresh news took the eighth slot relatively quickly. But this is an iconic vehicle after all, and that’s why it’s in the top 10.

7 – Ford 10R80 Transmission Class Action Lawsuit

This is the second transmission related article to make the top 10, and it’s easy to understand why so many people decided to read through it. As the default transmission for a substantial number of Ford pickups and SUVs from 2017 to the present day, many owners are interested in any developments related to it. And unfortunately, some may have have experienced issues in line with the allegations laid out by the class action lawsuit.

6 – Straight Six Ford EcoBoost Engine Cancelled

Oh, what could have been! Yes, Ford cancelled a straight six EcoBoost engine several years ago. Perhaps because it already has a sprawling EcoBoost lineup and felt it wasn’t necessary. Clearly, a lot of people were interested in the news, as Ford has produced some straight six engines in the past that must have elicited fond memories for current or former owners of vehicle equipped with them. And the story about a straight six is the sixth most viewed Ford Authority post of 2023, which is an interesting coincidence!

5 – 2024 Ford Maverick Drops Standard Hybrid Engine

This is the second of four engine-related posts to make in into the top 10 list, and in my opinion, the most significant of them all. The 2.5L hybrid engine is an excellent powerplant that belongs in as many Ford vehicles as the company can stick it in. Unfortunately, it is no longer standard in the 2024 Ford Maverick, likely to due supply chain issues and the public’s demand for it. But the standard 2.0L EcoBoost is a decent consolation prize, especially since it’s far more costly to obtain it in the Ford Bronco Sport and the Ford Escape.

4 – Ford EcoBoost Engines Should Get 5K Mile Oil Changes

Veteran Ford technician Brian Makuloco operates an absolutely excellent YouTube channel full of fantastic videos. At this point, he likely has an insightful video for every Ford owner looking to keep their vehicle in good condition. He’s an excellent resource for those who want to avoid running into common issues on Blue Oval vehicles, which is why it’s easy to understand why his take on EcoBoost oil changes made the final four.

3 – Here Is What Ford Is Offering The UAW

The 2023 UAW strike is one of the most significant automotive developments of 2023. While we’re a little surprised that this specific bit of coverage made the top 10, we fully expected at least one strike-related post to be on the list, and here we are. This was the first time the UAW fully outlined online what Ford had proposed at that moment in time, which is probably why so many decided to read it.

2 – Ford To Debut Mid-Engine Mustang This Thursday

Our second most viewed post of 2023 is about a vehicle that didn’t exist at the time of publication and one that still doesn’t exist today. Sadly, our sources got this one partially wrong. While the Ford Mustang GTD did debut that week, it is not a mid-engine vehicle. But it’s still a completely wild and unexpected S650 variant.

1 – Historic Ford Dealership Demolished

And here we are, at the top post of 2023. This isn’t the post we expected to take first place this year, but it makes sense why people may have gravitated towards it. Readers may have fond memories of a Ford dealer that is no longer around, or operating out of a building that replaced the one they used to visit in their youth. Either way, this post sits at the top of the Ford Authority podium for 2023. Stay tuned for more 2023 superlatives in the coming days.

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