atomcat68

My opinion...

Wow! 8 pages... Ok. the bad first. I don't like the rear back window and from behind it looks like a mini mini van. The good... Everything else inside and outside of this suv... I mean wagon. (Never consider wagon an insult if it is done beautifully like here!) It does look mostly like the Verteck (sp?) concept and much better than the camo pics led me to believe. I think the loud clank is the sound of the the GM, Honda and Toyota execs' jaws hitting the floor. They just got owned!

It's not a great physical change, but it does make a big difference! I did not like the look of the 2010-2012 front end. It looked squished. This is much better and very bad-assed! I'm a little on the fence about the brake lights. They are a little juvenile looking. Maybe in person I'll like it better. But over all, they made a design that is old still look fresh. A great effort!

Wouldn't that be all three they sold so far?

Also... Many car companies name their style themes (New edge, Art and Science, Fluidic Sculpture). I name this Cadillac theme, "Stylized Blah".

Lt. Dan's comments about it not "knocking my socks off" are correct. It's not bad, but it does not make a statement either. They could have done better. The Buicks are all better (even the Verano.) I also think the MkS is a better looking even though it is a style that's been out for a few years. It does look almost like the show car last year. (That didn't knock off my socks either.)

And to make matters worse, those cars were mostly hood and trunk with a small passenger space.

I love a good standard transmission, but one day I smashed my right hand and I had the most difficult time driving. I've had automatics form then on. If I ever get 2 cars, then my sporty one will be a 6 speed manual. :shades:

No way! Have you ever been around a horse that farted?

Agree! The reason the Japanese took the car market is that Detroit gave it to them and the Japanese earned it. Detroit learned this lesson and is earning the customer's car business back. Detroit has always made a great truck and Japan has done very little to earn this market. And nothing they have done lately has changed that.

After looking at this for a week, I don't like it as much. The front (the part that's different) is the part that looks odd. It's too big! They put a Jimmy Durante nose on a sexy face and ruined it.

They did sell the Escape in Europe as the Maverick. It only lasted 4 model years.

I agree. I would have much rather seen an Explorer like back to this and have the glass of this be a Lincoln version. I think the Explorer back end is the best design element.

As far as the transmission goes, I believe the cause of the problem is the fact that the government mandated that cars must increase fuel economy by a huge margin over a small period of time. This results in products being rushed to the market to meet it. Consumer demand will eventually take the market there, but the auto companies would have had a longer time to meet it. With out the government mandate, the Focus would have probably come to the market with a regular 6 speed and a little less fuel economy. There was no magic trick to up the level of technology. As far as MFT goes. Everything i've used with a touchscreen has been buggy, form GPS to my Ipod. What made Ford think this would be different? Ford rushed this tech and made it handle too many systems at once. This won't make me not consider a Ford or a MFT (after all i still like the IPOD). People still buy BMW with the I drive and MB with its clone of the I drive. Every car company has its problems and works through it. It is not the end of the universe. I have a Mustang with that gas tank problem (shutting off gas pumps fifty times during fill up in some gas stations.) and I still love the car. The test will be how Ford learns from its mistakes.

Could Chrysler be the one to assemble Fiat now? If this gives America more jobs, it is great news- especially if the cars are exported all over the world to help with the trade imbalance too!

"The Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine, which was developed over a period of 52 months and cost 69.5 billion won," ...Geez! They spent 12 dollars?!! I think that is too much for an engine. Yes, That is a joke. i know a won is worth a more than that.

It is interesting that a Fusion-like 3 bar grille was used with less drama on the Tempo and Escort.

Wow! Now I know what happens to a Focus when it hits a wall at 120 mph... It turns into a Chrysler!

How can they mistake this for the Taurus? How can they call the Taurus "staid". The Taurus's looks are one of its strongest points!

Also, I believe the unions are partial owners like the government. Striking against yourself would look foolish and diminish their investment. Also to stir the pot, couldn't this give Ford a case to take the UAW to court over their actions due to conflict of interest? ( By striking Ford and giving GM more value and therefore the UAW more money.)

Judging from the sales data... That Flex was probably followed by 20 Edges.

Judging from the sales data... That Flex was probably followed by 20 Edges.

The biker would be in better shape and as a result, be more attractive. Hell, those bikers are lazy fat asses next to me. I'm a runner. ...Yes, that is a joke, so don't get pissy if any of you ride a bike.

I have always bought Ford for the past 30 years. I am the only Democrat in a family of Republicans who blast unions and who support corporations actions when they cut pay and benefits by saying it's a global market , "and if you can't compete..." I have had so many fights with them about this. If Everyone in this country is reduced to making minimum wage, how are the rich going to make money if no one can afford their products. I was so proud that Ford did not take the bailout money. But now it seems that GM will win by doing the wrong thing, but that argument is for another time. To the UAW who I defended tirelessly... I work for a major retailer of electronics in the warehouse.(I'm sure you can guess who as they are the only one left). I make 13.27 an hour. I have a fraction of the benefits you have and they now took away most of the employee discount. (which didn't do me any good as I can't afford that stuff anyway. I despise that job and I would love to have a union represent me. During holiday seasons, I work until the skin peels off my hands. I have had stress fractures on my arms and worked with them. My department constantly gets cut, so I do the work of 5 people minimum. I hate my job with a passion! I am there because the places I worked before (small businesses) had to close the doors because they "can't compete" My employer can fire you at will and never needs to give you an excuse. It's what you get with "at will employment". One benefit you don't have to worry about. Yes, I could quit, but as you all may find out, most jobs are like this and not like yours. Despite that, I do the best job I can do. I treat my "menial" job with the same care as you would want a doctor caring for your mother or the same care an airline pilot operates the airplane your family is on. If I am there, I will do the best work I can possibly do. If I am doing a job, I am going to treat it as the most important job in the world. I am trying to sell my sitcom and spent my life savings on it because that is a job I feel passionate about and want to do for the rest of my life. (it's on my face book link.) That job would also get me union representation (SAG and WGA) But I treat my work in both these jobs the same. I work to a goal of excellence. I would never treat my job like the Focus is being built and I wouldn't think of striking against my employer if they were offering me a better pay then the other stores and better benefits. If the auto workers of Ford strike, then I regard it as a slap in my face and I will never support you again! Your actions make you who you are! If you don't like to build cars, then move on and take another job. Hell, I'll trade with you! If you choose to strike, then maybe a Honda will be parked in my driveway next time! ( or maybe a Mexican or Canadian built Ford). Worst of all, you will only reward GM for doing the wrong and immoral thing! Pioneer, you did the right thing. You may not like the situation, but like me, I think you want to do your best. I wish you good luck.