The Ford EXP is considered as the first two-seater introduced by the Ford part of General Motors. The Ford EXP was introduced in April 1981 as a 1982 model car. The Ford EXP is an affordable, fuel efficient compact car. The Ford EXP was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show in 1981. Ford described the EXP as a, "lively little car that is dependable, efficient, and good-looking". The name, EXP is considered to mean, 'Experimental' and few claim that EXP was used as a short form for Erika Project Personal car, where project cars are designated X.
The Ford EXP was a two-seater car with a shotgun seat for the third person if required. The Ford EXP was longer, lower and sportier than the famous Ford Escort. The Ford EXP used the 1.6 Litre CVH14 engine rated at 70 hp (52 kW) and a standard 4-speed IB4 manual transaxle. In 1984 the EXP turbo coupe was introduced and used the 1.6 Litre CVH engine. In 1986 the second generation EXP was introduced with modified parts and used advanced technology. The EXP also came in the Luxury Coupe and the Sport Coupe variations.