meyeste

The 2013 Fusion is a major step up in styling for the Fusion, my bet is it will reach the 300,000 in sales mark first year (1 will go to me). I wonder how popular would the Fusion have to become (what sales mark) before Ford considers a two-door variant?

I have to ask wouldn't the EB 5.0 packaging pretty much just match the 3.5L EB? I saw a Crew Cab Raptor the other day and it was simply awesome, I am pretty sure the ground actually shook as it when past. I don't know if perhaps an after market exhaust was on that monster but I'll cease and desist calls for a replacement for the 6.2L. I live on the east coast but am trying to convince my wife we should move to Colorado - where I could see actually buying a Raptor, but out here I don't see a use for one unless I lived closer to the outer banks or the eastern shore. I am saddened with the higher gas prices because I know this likely means an end to the V-8 in just about everything but the high end sports cars and trucks.

Each to his own of course, I have a '99 F150 with the electric switch with electric lockers and have never had an issue with them. My father has an F150 that did have a problem, he says it was a vacuum hose that became clogged he was able to get it working again, the electrical components of the system did not have an issue. He did know how to crawl under the truck and use some switch to engage 4x4 and did this for a while until talked him into getting it fixed correctly. I will say having a switch on my dash board that will switch into 4x4 "on the fly" has been a plus. At least a couple of times I have hit a corner on a dirt road and had the back end begin to swing out, all I had to do was switch it into 4x4 hit the gas and I recovered quickly. Also once on the road in busy traffic I hit a patch of ice on a corner, had I not been able to switch into 4x4 it would have been a multi-car accident for sure as it was I switched into 4x4 and brought it back under control instantly. So I'd have to say I'm clearly in the camp that is all for the electronic shift on the fly 4x4, also I am happy with my limited slip differential, I've never had an instance when it didn't lock when it was needed.

i had a similar issue with a Mercury Sable, the issue then was an electronic control module. It was due to a short in the module and would only occur when the car was warm, if I let it cool down it would eventually start, but sometimes it would start right up after a few minutes. It was a pain in the ass to find because I actually took the module off the car and tested it at NAPA, their machine said it was good. Also I replaced it with a NAPA part and that one didn't work at all. I would say that though this may not be your exact problem, if your symptoms are similar (only happens when it's warmed up) there is probably an electrical short in some electrical logic component.

Considering how well the 3.5L EB engine is being received in the F150, how about adding the technology to the 5.0L? I would suggest this engine could replace the 6.2L as the high-end engine in the F150 and the Expedition (if Ford ever sees fit to update the Expedition engine line up). Considering Mr. Mulally's proclamation that Ford is a technology company, it makes sense for your top models to have the top technology and the 6.2L while a great engine in it's own right, loses technological bragging rights to a Twin Turbo DI 5.0L. Now a DI 5.0L is fully expected with the 2015 model of the Mustang and given GM's plans to have DI on all next generation small block V-8's Ford has to be planning to release this DI on the 5.0L. And I have heard that the SVT team has a put together at least one EB 5.0L, so let's have it already.

Does Ford have anything like GM's magnetic ride control in the pipeline?. Considering how well the magnetic ride control equipped ZL-1 performs there is definitely something to it. The MT comparison of the ZL-1 and BOSS LS, seemed to indicate the ZL-1 was remarkably better in handling than the BOSS, granted it's 10,000 more expensive. While the magnetic ride control is probably too expensive to put on lower cost, higher-volume vehicles, that may well change someday.

I have to agree, I personally have no use for the 2.0L Front Drive Explorer, these people should just buy minivans, that's what they really need. As far as an SUV goes I need to be able pull 1-2 horses, so the new Explorer just won't cut it. For me the decision is either the F150 crew or the Expedition, I can't say the Expedition is a consideration with the 5.4L when I know the 5.0L or 3.5L EB versions are soon to be released. It amazes me that Ford does this (hold back well-known technology from the Expedition or IRS DI from the Mustang), most people that haul know Ford has the new engines in the F150 and it's just a matter of time before the Expedition is updated, so if you already own a Ford getting a few more years out of it is a given, why not wait....

Why would you say the 5.0L is at death's door? Just me I'd rather see an EB 5.0L than the 6.2L.

Any idea when the 5.0L in the F150 will get Direct Injection? Supposedly all versions of GM's 4 gen small block V-8 will have DI, so even if Ford doesn't want to incur the added costs, competitively they will have to ante-up, why not pre-empt? My guess is with DI the 5.0L will see a 1-2 mpg efficiency improvement, not that I have calculations to back that up.

I'm pretty sure if the 56 mpg requirements come to pass, all Ford's cars will have some type of electric drive assist, I believe Popular Mechanic's ran an article supposedly with Ford's assistance showing how this would work. As I recall the Pop Mech article showed electric assist used in-line with the 5.0L drive train, producing a car that when babied could get 40 mpgs and accelerate like a bat out of H!

Why is a 4 door Mustang silly? It's not, it would be Ford's greatest vehicle. Sure the Fusion is a great car, the Taurus eh, but a 4 door RWD sports sedan with over 400 hp? I believe the evolution of the Mustang will take it there. A sedan variant would actually serve as an ambassador to those that have completely given up on American cars and bring them in. I live in European sports car central - DC, but I see more Mustangs all the time. A Mustang GT driving down the GW with HID lights front and back is more of a head turner than an M3 or S4; A four door version would probably cause accidents.

I appreciate your support.

The Panamera is pretty much a stretched 911, albeit a front engined version, I'll accept soft touch, etc, but still I'd like to see a 4 door Mustang. What's more I don't see how a global Mustang platform can exist without 4 door Variant. As for an A4 and the Mustang GT - well check the price point it's very similar. Keep in mind I am interested in the Mustang now because it now a world class car, the interior is nice, it handles well and has best in class technology, it's interesting you could say the same thing about an A4. In short I won't be drag racing between stoplights, but will be hitting the twisties with spirit. How did you get a "moderator" label, as you are simply demeaning my post with your comments.

These names just don't resonate with most folks anyway, especially Falcon. I remember Falcons - barely, it doesn't instill a want to buy. And T-bird is dead plain and simple, if Ford does a high performance door door it'll be the GT. Ford cannot alienate 2 door Mustang loyalists unless they stop building 2-door Mustangs, however there are those of us - a 68 coupe was my first car that would love to have the Mustang nameplate but as mentioned can't quite live with a 2 door with a family of four. 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!! 4 door Mustang!!!

Well here's the thing Mustang loyalists aren't exactly chomping at the gates for the current Mustang, so you vomit - you probably don't own a Mustang anyway. Plain and simple people with Money - I'll throw myself in that category, want a sports car, however we have families so as much as a 2 door appeals to me, the reality is I don't want to torture my kids so a 4 door sports sedan is what I'll have. I love the Mustang GT but an Audi A4 fit's the need for about the same price, as much as buying an Audi or BMW makes me want to vomit, I'll get one because objectively it's the only choice (buying a Chrysler is even worse). Perhaps Ford doesn't call it a Mustang - call it an 'M4', tone down the front end just a tad, put two more doors on it and sell the thing for crying out loud!! Still the 4 door porsche has been accepted with open arms, it's time to think out of the box. A 4 door AWD Mustang would be America's darling I am absolutely sure of that. As for Ford creating a 4 door sports sedan and putting the Lincoln name place on it, I just am not for that I'm a Ford fan, I have no intention of ever buying a Lincoln.

A 4 door Mustang, after all truck buyers surprised you by buying more V-6's and v-8's I'll bet you Mustang buyers will surprise the heck out of you and buy more 4 door mustangs than 2 door Mustangs. It seems to me a direct injected 3.7L or 5.0L is going to allow the heavier Mustang 4-door to get nearly the same mileage. I'm one of those that would love a Mustang GT but look at the back seat and just can't put my kids back there, I bet there are a lot of us. .

I have to admit I have heard rumors that Ford is going to bring out a 5.8L engine based on the 5.0L and this sounds like a MUCH better top of the line engine than the 6.2L. In comparison test the 3.5L TT kicks the 6.2L's butt and the 5.0L is able to match or nearly match it. In the 4x4 the 5.0L is getting much better mileage and its nearly as strong, frankly I believe as do most Ford detuned the truck 5.0L to give the 3.5L room and of course likely so they can easily kick it up a notch when Chevy finally gets off there arse and replaces the 5.3L.

Actually 3 cross-overs had the AWD fail and three didn't; the Honda, Toyota and Dodge didn't have issues.

Yes, however not all clutch based center differentials are built the same, I've never read a report of an Explorer or Expedition's center clutch pack over heating. As a matter of fact has I understand it the Explorer was the first application of a clutch based center differential by borg-warner. In initial testing they identified issues with the clutch pack over heating and changed the design so this didn't happen. So apparently the system in the new Explorer didn't get a similar design.

Ford claimed the new Explorer would be "as capable" as the old one, well I've never heard of the Control-trac system overheating in the Expedition or the Explorer. In fact I've heard people say the Control-Trac system was very, very good - unstoppable, bullet proof, this is what we expect from Ford, let's insist we get it and not make excuses or accept them.

I'm a Ford fan and a proud Ford owner, I didn't get that way making excuses, the Ford's I have owned and those I have rented I have always been ecstatic with my '99 F150 has been so dependable that it's not a question that I'll replace it with another. However when my 89 Sable need to be replaced I looked at the 99 Fords and couldn't find anything I liked I bought and Oldsmobile intrigue and were Oldsmobile still around I'd buy other I love that car. Now that car is ready for replacement, we have 2 kids now so I'm thinking maybe a SUV. However I will make an objective decision when buying it's replacement and objectively I could not buy the new Explorer; what I end up with I'll get because objectively it's the best choice, being a Ford is not requisite. I am posting here because I'd like to see Ford make an Explorer that is the best objective buy. It isn't like I am the only person giving it bad reviews consider MT which make no bones about stating the Mustang is head and shoulders better than anything in it's class, couldn't possibly give the F-150 truck more accolades doesn't have anything good to say about the new Explorer.

Sometimes you need to ask yourself "why am I making excuses?". Sand is a special case sure, but the Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai were driven the same exact way and didn't over-heat. I know I was promised the new Explorer would be as capable as the old. well it seems this vehicle is not even close. Sadly borg-warner pioneered the infinitely variable center differential using the 1995 Explorer as a test mule. They identified why it was the system overheated and designed them not to have that issue ever, in any situation (which is why some did and some didn't fail). The fact that it over heats is a design characteristic, it wasn't made to handle the heat generated in poor traction situations. For me this design characteristic is a problem I own land in hill country and if I were to be in the new Explorer and get caught in a sudden down pour likely I'd be stranded, well I am not going to knowingly put myself or my family in that situation; verdict I won't even consider buying this new Explorer. Perhaps if the Expedition gets the new engines however that new Wrangler unlimited looks workable though, and it is going to get around 23 mpgs, it seems a fair compromise.

If it were the same then why did the Explorer's version cop-out and leave the car stranded? If you mean basic in that both are multi-plate clutch packs in the way that a Volkswagen beetle and a Lamborghini are both cars then yes they are the basically same. However as always at really matters are the details; The Explorer's front and rear differentials are both open, with the brakes used to mimic locking differentials. This fact alone is going to cause excess heat and wear of the center clutch pak, and I suspect this is why the Pilot's clutch pak doesn't fail while the Explorer's does; the Pilot's uses electronically locking rear differentials, and I am fairly certain the front axle is locking as well based on my experience with them. Also since I've been called out here I read up on the use of multi-plate clutches as a center differential, from what I have read they can be made so that overheating is simply not an issue, that doesn't mean they always are. I'm a Ford fan, I have a 99 F150 4x4 Lariat and just this weekend took it into some difficult rocky, steep terrain in which it's 4x4 system with locking differentials made a non issue. I expect to buy an SUV in the next 12 - 18 months, I would not buy a "4x4" without a rear locking differential, perhaps I'll keep waiting on the Expedition to get the new engine line, perhaps I won't.

I read through the comparison Popular Mechanics did on crossovers and will say I am very, very disappointed with AWD system in the new Explorer. Based on their article this new vehicle isn't worthy of the Explorer name; perhaps Urbaner or something, it definitely should not be out exploring. I was looking to replace my wives' car with an SUV and will go with either than a previous generation Explorer, Jeep or perhaps a Pilot. The decision that neutered the off-road capabilities of the "Explorer" and brought it's clutch based "AWD" system will go down next to the live axle for the 2005 Mustang as a nickel smart ten cents stupid decision. You've basically regulated the Explorer to the Kia, Traverse status and handed the segment to the Durango. I know this seems harsh but I've seen clutch based AWD systems at work and it isn't pretty, it doesn't really take all that long in the slippery stuff and the vehicle will become an immovable object. I will say hat's off to Popular Mechanics for actually testing the off-road capability of these new cross-overs, I am not surprised the kia and Chevy AWD systems failed in the sand, but the Explorers? I hope someone gets shown the door for that one, how difficult would it have been to put a center differential vs a clutch pack? Yes great mpg's deserve acclaim, though without a doubt other manufacturers will follow suit within a few years, however putting a competent AWD system that won't shutdown in an extended limited traction situation will be a considerable undertaking.

I wouldn't say that is news, my 4 year old daughter tells me I need to buy a red convertible on a weekly basis; my two year old son likes the biggest trucks he sees. When I was a kid, and I do have a hard time remembering though I am not quite 40, I do remember wishing my dad would get a 4x4 with a 351 vs the 2wd with a 302 he had. Now that I am older I realize they were teaching what it means to live responsibly. Today my dad is retired and has no money worries lives a very enjoyable life, he does now have a 4x4 F150 but he didn't get it until each of his kids was out of college. On the other hand my cousins had the Chevy 4x4s with a 350 (396, 454) (not that Chevy has anything to do with this), 350 Camaro, 350 Firebird and their parents had the latest nicest cars. Today those cousins all live at home or off their parents, a big reason is they have terrible credit because they were buying nice cars all the time, don't have a penny to their name and even still basically expect the nicest things in life to be given to them. So even though I am now in a financial position where I could easily match the neighbor's A4 or one up the 330xi, I'm driving a 10 year old F150, a 99 Olds and a couple years back bought a mid-level Odyssey (without the DVD system intentionally). Of course my 4 year old can read and understands basic math, my two year old can recite his ABC's and actually writes a few recognizable letters. With any luck after years of them suffering through whatever non-glamorous vehicle I decide is appropriate my kids will leave home and live responsible lives, and then I might just get whatever catches my eye.