iteched

I like it a lot better than the current model. The trunk on the 2 door looks a bit odd but it could just be the camera. I've been looking for a bargain ZX3 to drive to work but I may just wait for the new one.

California Lawsuit

My wife has the 2004 40th anniversary V6 model as a daily driver. We like the car a lot and it performs well enough for our use. Only thing I don't like is the electronic throttle. There is too much delay when the throttle is pressed as well as released. It reacts to the throttle completely different then my 4.2 (F-150) which has the normal cable.

Yep - got caught up in the derailment....LOL Just about all the ads I see are for the trucks - few if any car adds. The fusion is a nice looking car and a good ad campaign should help. If they create some I hope they stay away from "were just as good as (other brands)". Just show the car off. I remember all the Oldsmobile "Acheiva" ads from years back - they were all about how they spent tons of time roadtesting and making the car as good as or better than brand X. A lot of good those ads were... ed

Dang - 268hp in the newest Camry? I owned a 96 LE fully loaded with the V6 and I think it was rated at 188hp. It was a very quick car (passing cars was a blast in that thing). If they are using the same basic engine that is a hell of an increase. Hell - even the 4 bangers could move - I'd get passed all the time by 4-banger Camrys hot footin' in down the tollway (..course I could catch them easily). It sure was funny (and quite common) to see those 4 bangers running balls-to-the-wall down the road. I like the Fusion - an employee at the local strip mall has one with some damm nice aftermarket wheels. I would hope others are seeing that car and thinking about a visit to one of MANY local dealers. Based on that old Camry I would have to reason that 221 is plenty for this kind of car - except the competition has more - thus part of the issue. Why not offer both V6 engines? Charge a little more for the 3.5. Just curious.

Well - I never had one blow out but my 98 F-150 came with General tires and they were trash by 22K. They also behaved terrible in wet weather and were downright dangerous. I think the market name was "Ameristar - 550" or something like that. Junk more like. The second set of tires were BFG "Long Trail T/A" and they were far superior in wear and wet weather (45K). I also have used Wranglers since - and they were/are great too. I've seen lots of Expy's with Generals that have worn off the black rubber on the sidewalls and look pretty bad (like a wide white wall gone bad). Its a different tire but with all the curb wear (assuming that was the cause) I've often wondered how many of those folks experienced some kind of trouble. Ed.

Why call it a 1/2 cab? It looks like a regular cab to me. Giving it the option of a longer bed would be nice. I like the pictured version too.

1998 F-150 EX-Cab XL 4.2 V6

I watched my odo turn 130000 today. Total repairs to date: Replaced MAF at app. 124K - Less than $200. Not too shabby! :happy feet:

Looks good to me. I like it better than our old Highlander.

Yes - some sarcasm - and no offense taken. These forums are all about debates. However, I wouldn't be surprised if my 4.2 has lasted much longer than average. I've never thought of the engine as crappy - but I'll bet it will never be considered a great truck powerplant by anyone. Any "base" engine should be every bit as good as other available engines - not just a medium to an inexpensive way to get buyers on the lot. IMHO "Built Ford Tough" means every engine, transmission, body, frame, and every other part that comprises the vehicle - no matter what model - is the best it can be under all rated loads. Ford suffers from the vocal minority - so very true. My next truck will be another Ford - but I'll definitely research the powerplants before choosing.

Ah - yes - I was not overjoyed to find out my 4.2 wasn't a TRUCK engine, however, mine has lasted 122,000 miles so far and only quit once (bad MAF sensor). Otherwise its been a great truck and I've pulled lots of trailers near or at the trucks tow limit. When it finally quits, however, I won't buy another engine not deemed TRUCK rated. Based on all the bad press on the 4.2, the 97 leak debacle, and its general dislike in the community I consider mine to be an anomaly. :happy feet:

I would also recommend the V-8 as the current F-150s are heavy. I would only consider the V-6 in a single cab configuration. I own a 1998 F-150 with the 4.2 and now have over 120,000 miles on it. Its never been in the shop - ever. I've pulled many heavy trailers (for this truck...app 4000 to 6000 pounds) including a recent move where I used a combination of 16' utility trailers and the big u-haul trailers. No problems, ever. So I can't say anything bad about the engine in my truck...its met my needs very nicely. I get about 19 MPG on the highway. However, as stated, my 1998 F-150 XL supercab is much lighter than a comparable new model. Ed.