rsgnome

Yes! that sounds like a fantastic idea! The fact that it's typed in all caps really sells me on your points.

They are LED taillights. But without seeing them turned on, it's hard to say if they are an LED array (like the outgoing Montego) or if they're LED's that mimic incandescent bulbs. Personally, I hope that they are a well disguised LED array. I have LED bulbs installed into my 96 Taurus. They are bright and look great. However, I like the look that an array-type setup has.

A Pig in Mazda clothing is still just a pig. To the topic at hand: I think this 08 Taurus(and Sable for that matter) are going to do well. I think about it this way. The car made no real emotional connection when it was known as the 08 500. It looked "ok" and the refinements made surely will be nice. Taurus, imho, really brings the design to life. Even the derivative side profile makes more sense. It seems more like an evolution of the older Taurus profile. I don't think Ford is going to have any problem selling these vehicles. I can't wait to see what is in store for 2010/2011.

Well, this seems like a real political tar baby... he sure won't have my vote....

Not only that... How dare they make a derivitive copy of another manufacturer's vehicle. They've never done that before! :

I really liked this line from this article: • Why do we admire the design and dynamics of European Fords like the S-Max and the new Mondeo but sit on our hands instead of using them to spice up Mercury's meager lineup? That's a very good question and one that I hope gets some serious attention. Mercury is highly underrated. I really like the designs that have been coming to Mercury lately... especially the new Sable. Even as bastardized as its power train is, I rather like the new Mariner as well. I don't know about our "loveable" BON trolls, but this guy(Mulally) really seems to get it. He is asking all of the questions that need to be asked. I sincerely hope he's planning one addressing these issues head on. I think it was a great move to get the Taurus(and Sable for that matter) back into the product line ups. I think we'll be in for a very interesting show the next few years

No, You're not the only one. I too am very optimistic that Ford is going to be pulled out of this tailspin they're in. I really think a lot of the credit does need to go to Mulally. The changes he's making all around, especially stripping the bean counters of their power, really makes me think "Wow, Ford finally has a guy that understands what needs to be done." Everything you have listed is something to look forward to. I am really looking forward to seeing the fruits of the companies new direction. Now if I could get a Fusion V6 with a manual transmission... :lol:

The powertrain the in Edge. Granted, its only true competitor is the Nissan Murano... but for now, it is class leading. With the easy scalability of the Dureatec 35, in terms of being able to add new technologies, I see no reason why the Edge can't remain at the top of its class. Especially when the class becomes more crowded. I think it's great that Ford is *finally* doing away with the CD4E transmission. That piece of shit should have never been allowed to stay in the Escape trio for as long as it has.

You can't be serious... that *thing* is horrid! Putting it into production would be like reviving the "Pinto" nameplate! :o However, the technologies it contains should be put into production... but not in that form...

It looks ok. But I'm gonna have to see one in person before I make up my mind. The only thing that disappoints me is the lack of CVT.

That large of a sales decrease doesn't seem too unreasonable... considering the fact that the Taurus is no longer there to prop up the sales numbers.

you have too much time on your hands...

The more I see of this version of the Focus, the more I like it. The interior looks great! I'm not sure I like this integrated stereo setup. I much prefer my aftermarket head units over the factory units. That is the only reason I would not get a Mazda... and it's looking like there's going to be an issue with future Ford products as well. Why the *hell* can't they simply use the head unit designs from Ford of Europe. They look great, and use a DIN slot. This integrated design however... :slap:

that link doesn't work...

Nice Find! Thanks for posting! :shades:

Edmunds.com If you notice, in the video, the sedan has more camoflague around the C-Pillar. Looks like this may be more of a substantial exterior update then Edmunds is willing to admit. Can't wait to see the final version in January.

I'm surprised the Freestar/Monteray duo didn't make thier list. I'd put them up there with the GM minivans. Their little rant about the Saab Trailblazer was quite annoying... but their description of the Subaru Tribeca was great! :happy feet:

I find absolutely nothing to disagree with in you post. I do want to clarify my point. The Fusion conquest rate may be around 40%, but all of the sales aren't necessarily coming from the CamCord duo. However, it would stand to reason that a fair percentage of those conquest rates are coming from Toyota and Honda. Seeing as their vehicles are among the strongest selling on the market today. Thanks for the correction on that Richard. I find myself in agreement with your assertion about the Chinese. They haven't managed to survive, as a civilization, for this long, for nothing. I do see the Japanese (particularly Toyota) downfall being arrogance. The same type of arrogance that Ford and GM had when the Japanese first came to the US. The Chinese are not ones to underestimate. I really do feel that the CD3 vehicles are a major step forward for Ford. I drive a 96 Taurus. It is a decent vehicle. However, it is also easily forgettable when compared to the Fusion. My parents bought a Fusion, and it is an amazing vehicle. I will reiterate that the Fusion(and it's brethern) will do awesome if Ford does not leave them to languish. See! We can have discussion, without resorting to trolling.

uhh... and a 40% conquest rate isn't cutting into the Camcords' sales? I'd say that's a remarkable feat considering the CD3's are new nameplates in their first year. I think the sales success of these vehicles is only beginning. What really counts is how willing Ford is to keep the cars fresh and offer features that people want. The AWD models are a perfect example of Ford offering something that everyone wants, but isn't available on pretty much any of their competitors... save Subaru. Furthermore, if any of the reports about the CD3's quality are to be beleived. The CD3's quality is actually on par, if not better than the Camcords. Not to mention they are available at a much lower price. If that doesn't appeal to these value seeking consumers , I don't know what will! As far as these cars retaining their value, I may be mistaken, but their residuals are also on par with the Camcord. To the topic on hand, I really think the Chinese are going to have a struggle to get their foot in the door here. I feel they will eventually have success. Whether any of us like it or not is another matter entirely. It's a sad fact that a vast majority of Americans are a bunch of sheep. The baffling and continued existance of things like Tabloids and reality tv are proof of this. If the Chinese were to market their vehicles successfully, i don't think they'd have much of a problem selling their vehicles here.

What is even more ironic is that it is based on a Swedish design. However, this recall is for the 2005 models. Obviously, they're not as inept as you imply.

wow... ummm... If Ford did bring back the Excursion... It would prove, in my mind, that Ford has no idea wtf they're doing. I can see that you personally want it. However, you run into the problem of: How do you make a business case to bring such a vehicle to a segment that is rapidly shrinking? I think once Ford gets a diesel into the Expedition XL, that would be more than sufficient. Furthermore, there is no point in throwing away R&D money on such a project. They appear to be creating vehicles that consumers actually want! I think the Fairlane concept coming to market is a great idea! I'm really interested to see how Ford executes it. If it's anything like the Edge and the Fusion... WOOT!

the link doesn't work. but I think this may be the same article. Detroit Free Press

Just for you Ovaltine: :cheerleader: :cheerleader: :P My parents bought an I4 Fusion with manual tranny. VERY nice car. I haven't noticed any sort of unwanted vibrations from the engine at idle. I have noticed that when climbing a steep hill, it does have a bit of vibration. All in all, they're very happy with it. It is, indeed, a blast to drive. I don't find the noises from the engine to be obtrusive at all. My only complaint about the fusion is the fact that it came from the dealership with the alignment out of whack. That and there's, I shit you not, an eyelash baked into the paint. I'm not really impressed with the V6 idling characteristics. I test drove a Zephyr a few months back. I came to a stop light... and the steering wheel and dash were vibrating so badly, I thought they were gonna start thowing parts. Not at all what I was expecting from a car that is supposed to be a luxury automobile. I think, considering Ford's recent track record, the CD3 triplets are amazing. I think they can evolve into homerun products if Ford listens to customers complaints(even on nitpicky details) and implements these changes asap.

I think this strategy of Fords is a good idea. I do agree that it is premature to say it failed or it succeeded. One thing is certain: If Ford hopes to have this strategy pay off, they MUST keep their vehicles fresh and up-to-date. They cannot afford pull another Taurus or Crown Vic!

:bandance: The CR-V on fire pic never gets old! :lol: