92merc

I sure hope Ford doesn't start buying steering columns from Toyota. Now there's a disaster. Course, the public would see failing Ford parts and not care if it was Toyota who actually made them. I'd rather Ford went elsewhere, or keep the parts to a minimum. Parts that won't be "major" to the car.

"which is why the Japanese never adopted it" Yeah, that's why the Toyota/Lexus shares so much these days. Or the Honda/Acura....

Here's another Ford vs Toyoda twist. Can't remember for sure if it's the 2.0 liter or the 2.3 liter 4 banger in the Focus, but one of them puts out less emissions than the Pruis does. I want to say 2.3, but I can't say for sure. So a full gas beats a hybrid on emissions?? And what does the green crowd say about that? Not much, because they don't want to hear it. Too busy patting each other on back for buying a hybrid...

Not exactly the same. All are usually bought by suburbanites, and not off-roaders. But the Edge is shortest with only 2 rows. The Freestyle is a three row and longer and lower. Explorer is more truck like with BOF frame, more HP, and better towing capability. But a 3 row plus a bit more.

All I want to know is if my 2007 Montego can be upgraded to this! :-)

Anybody else notice the stero is CD/Cassette? WTF!? Hah! I'm guessing they didn't have any of those Sync stereos to pop in for the pictures. As far as the updates go, I think it'll do some good. Keeping the MPG is necessary, suspension and safety tweaks are good. But is it going to stop me from picking up a used Montego next weekend? Nope. Found a 2007 Merc with few miles coming off a lease. Nothing in the new vehicle will justify me spending a good $10k more on a new one than the Merc.

So instead of fixing their safety issue with rear collisions and the rear seat, they just added a bunch more crap like tables to go flying through the air in an accident. Good Job!! :-)

I chuckle everytime I see the "TRD" on the side of a Toyota. I can't help but think "TURD".

I think you mean Freestar, the mini-van. I don't think the Freestyle is made in Oakville where the Edge is made...

None that I can find Googling it... http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehic...rd/model/Fusion

With all the rebates, you can get an Explorer for cheaper than the Edge, and with V8 power and little MPG loss. My biggest problem is I don't want a full blown SUV. Freestyle is all "free" and no "style" though. Thing looks like an 80's Volvo wagon to me. Hence, wife won't even think about one of those. So, I'll test drive the Edge. If the ride/power/braking all that is met with approval, I guess I'm just going to be paying for the look. But I do agree with you on the overall volume. I would be quite surprised if it got to the 100k mark. I see it only doing slightly better than Murano territory.

"Isn't the EPA going to be downgrading the mpg of every vehicle for 2008?" Not exactly. They're revising their testing methods. What you'll see is some cars came out "optimistically" rated, oh I don't know, say a Prius, will come out much worse on the test. Others may only drop 1MPG, if that. It has to do with a lot of variables. Such as the original testing and how hard they drove it. Weight of the vehicle, engine size, tranny speed, etc. From what I've read, the testing is now more real world and should reflect a lot closer to what people were actually already getting. I think it includes now some 70-75 mph tests. While technically over the speed limit, it's real world...

Hmm, that would be curious. Instead of "updating" the CVPI, just make a new four door based on the Stang. Put the 3.5L in it for a base engine for economy. Then you still have all the V8 variants you could use if they want more HP. Definitly a shot at the Charger PI. If that works out, Panther's are a gonner.

While the concept car may be built off the current Mustang platform, there is nothing saying that a production model would be. They can change that out if interest for the car is high. Didn't they change the "Fairlane" platform from concept vs production??

But if you're using that reasoning, the F150 is more "significant". It's been the best selling truck for I forget how many years running. Outselling Chevy for quite some time now. So how many you sell shouldn't be the major distinction.

Camry styling is more "ground breaking" than the Edge? Funny, I've been looking at the Toyota/Honda offerings of late as being as bland as the Ford 500. Cookie cutter styling the doesn't do a dang thing for me.

What I find interesting is that the guy keeps talking about these leaders leaving. But neglecting the fact that these so called "leaders" are the ones that have lead Ford into trouble to begin with. Oh it's so bad all these guys are leaving and the company needs money to bail out. WTF? You can't have it both ways. I say it's good that these guys are leaving. Many of them are the reason Ford is in trouble to begin with. The real challenge will be hiring in good new leaders. Without those, it'll be hard for Ford to follow up with good products AND good customer support. And both of those are sorely needed.

We wish you'd leave BON, but that isn't likely to happen either...

I'm sure there's a few guys that would like to see the Focus RS too....

Under the Ford Employee section... http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?showforum=45

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/28/fatal.bus.crash/index.html Toyota steering system has mechanical failure...

I wouldn't call the Edge reviews exactly lukewarm. Only two of them had anything substantially negative to say. Most of them like the design and function quite well. And as far as comparing it to the Edge, there is only one other vehicle out there that truely compares to either, and that would be the Murano. So it's currently a limited field, but obviously getting bigger...

I'd say Buick will hit the mark. It'll give the Edge a run for the money. Looks more luxiourious. But I'm guessing pricewise it'll be just shy of the MKX though. So it may end up being more of a competition for the Lincoln than the Ford. But of course, I'm sure all the dumbass car reviewers will compare it more to the Ford...

I have a quick question about my father's 2002 2.0L Focus sedan fellow forum members might have some insight on. He's mentioned his cruise is "overly aggressive". What I mean is if you had it set at 75, had to slow down, then resume, it not only hits the gas pretty hard, but it over compensates. It'll shoot up to 78, then back off again to 75. Anyone else notice this??

If I had to guess on those two changes he wouldn't disclose, it would be brakes and transmission downshifting...