Admiral

Yeah, I'd bet manual windows and door locks (curious, not a choice on the 'thrifty' CV), AM-only radios, four-wheel drum brakes and burlap seat trimmings would save some coin too.

Yeah, and you have the gall to carp about the Mustang having a 'cheap' interior, a live axle and antiquated styling when the car you're so infatuated with epitomizes these deficiencies MORE than ANY OTHER vehicle on the market today.

There's no six cylinder engine offered on the current Mondeo.

Are you describing the Panthers?

From all accounts I've heard, Japan is a great country and the people are really friendly. Have fun.

This is getting exciting.

Oh snap!

^^^ HA HA HA That's priceless.

If you don't need a tachometer, why did you install one? That's right, they're nice to have. Since luxury is all about features, luxury cars should have them. But it's funny, I don't think there's a Kia sold today without a tach (Ovaltine?). What does that tell you? Regarding your cluster retrofit, I'm sorry, but I'm fresh out of medals.

No, automatics don't need tachometers, but it's nice to know what the engine's doing. And since when is luxury ever about need? If luxury didn't exist/matter we'd all be driving Carollas. There are manual transmission-equipped cars from three years ago without tachs. Because of Ford's cost cutting my friend's 2005 5-speed focus doesn't have one.

Actually, the last one I drove was a 2004 Town Car. It sucked. Beyond all the other 'issues' inherent to the Panthers, it didn't have a tachometer. Fucking pathetic in a $30,000 plus 'luxury' vehicle.

Here Here! This ought to stir things up. I can honestly say, without reservation, that I am ashamed to be a Ford fan because they still make the panther cars. I can't understand why so many people on this message board are infatuated with such antiquated, uninspiring and down-right embarrassing vehicles. Sure they’re cheaper by the dozen and they’re tooling was paid for during Regan’s first term, but come on! They should have been put out to pasture YEARS ago. Downsides: * Fit and finish - Absolutely abhorred. There isn’t a vehicle on the market today that has worse fit and finish than the CV/GM. Ragged mold part lines, canyon-like panel gaps, crooked light fixtures, pop-bottle plastic interiors, etc. are hallmarks of these cars. Thank God the elderly clientèle that buy these vehicles can’t see too well, they miss all the glaring quality flaws. * Ergonomics - Shameful -- "Let me reach into the next county to change the radio station." That’s all I’ve got to say. * BOF - Yes, they’re rugged, but even the best frames flex more than unitbodies. That must be (part of the reason) why panther handling is ocean liner torpid, and the ride necessitates Dramamine. * Live Axle - They’re rugged, cheap and great under the F-150 but their inherent side-to-side shimmying (in the panthers) is unacceptable. Who wants to drive the automotive equivalent of Michael J. Fox? * Appearance - I’m sure it’s wonderful piloting a vehicle that sports Soviet-inspired communist-block styling. From the upright greenhouse to the massive overhangs to the slippery slab sides, the CV/GM have a confident stance and a road presence that’s second to none. Socialism never looked so good! With panthers, you never know when Brezhnev might slide out of the back seat of a chauffer-driven CV/GM. * 2-valves, 4-speeds - Hurray for Ford. They’ve managed to do nothing significant to panther power trains since the introduction of modular power for the 1992 model year. Perhaps it’s ok to have your 4.6-liter V8 out-powered by countless V6s that displace a liter or more less! Yes, I know, “It’s all about torque, and the area under the curve!” I’m sorry, torque or not, asthmatic, 2-valve, 4.6s just don’t cut it (and they’re just as shameful in the E-series). Another reason to hate these cars. Ford, KILL THE PANTHERS!

As far as I know, no. But I'll be at COBO Hall on Sunday, the first day of the press preview.

I'll know everything on Sunday (press pass baby!). :yup:

Thanks Robert. Craig -

What a travesty.

Please explain. What failures do you notice more often in Japanese/imported vehicles? What makes domestic cars last longer than the imports? What are the best vehicles/brands? The worst? Just curious; I love comparing and contrasting anecdotal evidence (albeit unscientifically ).

Naked frame looks like Swiss cheese; all full of holes.

I don't particularly care for the 'new' Duratec four cylinders. There's just something cheap feeling/sounding about them (at least the ones I've driven), that and I've read of a lot more failures (mostly due to oil starvation from oil disappearing/burning up through the PCV system) than the Zetec it replaced. Honestly, I much prefer my Focus' 2.0-liter Zetec (although it's been 'spruced' up a little bit). I think the Zetec is a longer lasting engine too.

I've met Jason on several occasions. He's really a quite a character.

Huzzah, we won! Common sense prevails!

^^^ I can drive you to his house if you'd like to kick him in the balls for me. :lol:

David Lehre is a colossal douche bag. I went to high school with him. That's his V6, automatic, S197 Mustang with some poseur bullshit tacked on. His 'movies' suck ass too.

^^^ Very true. And yes, it is Ford related. But the whole topic is ridiculous. :P "Ford should rename the stodgy Crown Victoria Partial Birth Abortion. It's classy." "No, no. Ford should rename the Crown Vic China Buffet because if connotes crispy and deep fried." Why not drop the Crown Victoria entirely? Wait, that would make sense, they'd never do it.

I can't believe this thread exists. *shakes head*