92merc

I've been hearing that swapping tires makes a huge difference in braking. Contact patch on the stock tires suck.

It would be meant as a replacement to the 4.2 V6 currently in the F150. The new engine would develop more HP, and get better gas mileage. It is not a replacement for the V8's...

The 500 isn't "anemic" as it sounds. It does 7.61 0-60, quarter in 15.9@ 90 from the Googling I could find. I couldn't find as much on the Avalon. I found results as low as 6 and as high as 8.4. I do believe the Avalon runs on premium only, so it'll cost you to get the higher HP and faster speeds. The 500's 6 speed does a damn good job of using all 200 some HP. I'll bet if you drive one back to back, you'd be surprised that there isn't really all that much difference. Plus, we're talking a "family sedan" here. Rocket power isn't typically necessary. Throw on top of that, the Avalon has had crap for a repair history. Between Toyota's sludge problem, and dropping trannies, I'll take a 500 any day of the week. And I'm not even talking about the updates coming out as a Taurus here.

For the Taurus to sell, they're going to need to advertise it! When's the last time you saw them advertise the 500 or Montego? Same car, before updates. But Ford hasn't done squat to advertise it. Most people don't even know it exists. So just slapping the Taurus name on it won't do any good unless they advertise it to let people know it's on the lot... BTW, Love my 2007 Montego...

The only part I think the Edge "failed" on is braking. Ford needs to fix that on next model year for sure. After that, I think most the gripes about the Edge are subjective. Outside of braking, Ford meets or beats the competition. Everything else is personal preference. And like OAC said, lets wait and see how the reliability goes. If it's anything like the Fusion, 500's, it'll be hard to beat.

Name: FWD-MPG, AWD-MPG Nissan Murano 20/25, 19/25 Hyndai Sante Fe 19/24, 19/24 Ford Edge 18/25, 17/24 GMC Acadia 18/26, 17/24 Not sure where you guys are thinking the Ford is "failing" or not beating the competition. 1-2mpg difference isn't exactly walking away from the competition. Given they size, weight, use of these vehicles, it does well.

Not good for Toyota. Especially since most IIHS tests are usually even harder on the tests than NHTSA. So if you didn't ace the federal test, you're not acing the IIHS test. Not that IIHS is any more or less valid a test. So the "new" Tundra gets about the same saftey rating as my old F150...

Sure they are, with coupons. Maybe they'll start a double coupon Wednesday. LOL!

I think Ford NA would do fine by either Escort or Festiva names. However, I think Ford should pick a global name and go for it. As far as Escorts having a "bad rep", I say bull. My family has/had two of them. My brothers 99 Escort went 200k miles before he bought a new car. Other than tire, brakes, oil, it needed nothing. My mom still has her '84 Escort. 250k miles on it. I think my dad just replaced the intake gasket and something else because of a minor anti-freeze leak. But exhaust is SS and like new. No engine problems. And it's a true HEMI! :-)

I haven't heard anywhere that they put the truck on a diet? Where'd you hear that? I'm just curious. Not trying to call your remark into question as this diet is really needed.

"So how did they finish? Truth told, no clear favorite emerged, no runaway winner." Glancing through it, I didn't see any mention of braking. But looking at the charts, it was the worst. Plus you can see the weight. But really, they echo'd what the BON's people have been saying. Drop some weight, get better braking. The only other variable MT didn't like was "fit and finish". It seems some reviewers think it's great, others hate it. Not sure what you can do there for a car under $40k...

I wonder if there's a typo going on somewhere. One link I read today read the 4.6 Powerstroke's are on hold. These are the smaller diesels based of the now old 6.0 PS diesel. Ford uses them in the low cab forward comercial vehicles. But now, some links are saying production of the 6.4 diesel are being stopped. Is there a typo somewhere? Someone either has their numbers transposed, or both engines were stopped.

I'd say it could very well be the MKS. Mirrors look a lot like the 08 Taurus/Sable/Edge. Wheels look a lot like my 07 Montego. If you look at the brake light, it looks "squarish". A lot like the 427 concept had. So I definitely wouldn't rule out a Lincoln.

Unless Ford came up with some "magic bullet" to update the 5.4 for mid 300HP, I just don't see Ford dropping this engine. While I don't think it'll be the bigger selling V8, it is needed. And bad...

I think those two guys were "voluntarily" moved to new positions. The bigger problems have been with quality relating to some suspension components. The maker of the parts had some issues and they had to make some changes. Right now, there are some Edge's in a back lot waiting to have parts changed out. So basically Ford slowed the launch down to make sure every Edge that left the plant was 100%. Better to fix it first than have a damaging reputation for bad quality.

If you are hauling someone around who is in a wheel chair, the Edge would work. Work well? I'd say it's debatable. Looking at the pictures, you could stow a wheelchair up right in the back. You would probably want to secure it. But with only two rows on the Edge, it would get crowed after three people and a wheelchair. Now if the wheel chair person is the driver, I don't think the Edge would be any better than any sedans out there. Probably worse when you consider the Edge rides higher, like a SUV. Now the Freestyle on the other hand would be a bit better if you haul more than the wheelchair person. It's a longer and lower vehicle. Plus, with the third row folded, there's more room back there. So that might be easier. If you're in no hurry for a vehicle and want a Ford, I'd recommend waiting to see how the Fairlane concept turns out. I think that vehicle would fit the best for a wheelchair person. However if you need one sooner, sorry to say this, but I'd recommend a Dodge/Chrysler mini van. They've been heavily discounted in recent months, and I have a neighbor with one. He's the driver and in a wheel chair. It converted quite nicely for him. He needs a lift obviously.

I would guess not. Not unless they put some sort of isolator or load balancer built right into the replacement bulb base. Otherwise your blinker won't flash at the right rate.

My only suggestion would be to complain about the shifting to the dealer. The early 2005 and 2006 500's/Montego's didn't have the best shifting. But with the most recent updates of the PCM and TCM, it's been cured. I realize the MKZ has the newer 6 speed transmission of the Fusion/Edge vs the older in the current 500. But it would be worth a complaint to the dealer. The MKZ has been out long enough, I would think they probably have some updates.

As far as Lincoln goes, I'd rather they took the Continental Concept from a couple years back as a Lincoln instead of the Interceptor. But there's nothing saying the two couldn't share the same frame and drivetrain. I think the Interceptor name should still stay if it were to be used as a Police Interceptor. First, the name itself implies to the public a perception of speed and power. That would help sell it. Just slap a P behind the name for the actual cop car. "Interceptor P". Done! Of course, I'm assuming Ford would be backing up that name with some real HP, decent fuel mileage, and safety to compete well. And ditch to the total retro interior. Need something a bit more functional.

The earlier Montego has HID headlights and LED tail lights. One of the big reasons I bought a 2007 Montego. I sure hope they kept those. But otherwise, looks good.

They basically took the two newly updated trucks, and compared it to the previous winner. So it's not a "half ton comparo" as much as it's a "what's new" test. All I can say is if they are to be fair, they'll need to test again when the all new '09 F150 comes out.

... and yet, the Silverado brings nothing new to the truck scene. Just updated to match what's already out there. The only thing I'd lust for in the Chevy is the better fuel economy while keep decent HP.

Can't wait to see the IIHS crash tests on these puppies!

The Ford 500/Merc Montego is 5 Star all the way around except roll over rating is 4 star. It was IIHS only American made Gold Pick last year. But yes, Ford needs to advertise this!

I'm hoping that "free pass" will come back and bite Toyota. Now that the press is announcing all these recalls, the average consumer is going to think Toyota is having big problems all of a sudden. Us car guys know better. But I think if Toyota doesn't pull off a miracle in quality control, they'll be behind the curve. And Ford and GM are already a few years into their quality programs.