tzach

Did you even read my post? I said nothing about not buying a Camry, in fact I totally support anyones freedom to do so! My problem with the statement that it the "Most American Car" . a subjective statement meant to play to peoples Patriotism (if anyone has any left). I understand Ford is now a global company but it was founded in this country and helped turn this country into the great country it is (or was). It is part of americana. Buy anything you want just dont try to tell me any foreign product is the most american because it is an import and nothing can change that, no matter what Cars.com says. That doesn't make the Camry evil or bad to me just the competition, its just not american no matter how anyone tries to justify it.

Saying that the Camry is " Most American" is just annoying. It is just a way to state it to make it sound like they are an American Company, they are not, they are a Japanese company and nothing can change that. I support anyones right to purchase one because that is their right as a free American. Even if you want to state facts to claim domestic content ( though even this has been questioned ) fine, but to make what is a patriotic statement is a spit in the face to all that died defending the freedom we all enjoy and take for granted. I support their right to say it because again that is the freedom they enjoy here in this country, but I wish they would think a little bit more about what they are saying means.

There is no getting around it the manual market has shrunk to an insignificant level. Is it sad to us manual lovers, Yes! But we have to face the fact that most people have no desire to shift for themselves. For most people cars are either just a way to get where you want to go or a good way to show off statis or how cool you are. For those of us who love the vehicle interaction and the joy of driving for no other reason than the pure enjoyment of the act itself, our choices will continue to be limited. I doubt this is the bottom of the manual % either. My car I would love to see is a new Taurus SHO with a manual, I will keep my fingers crossed for the next generation, I know only in my dreams.

While I agree that there are all sorts of distractions and reasons for distracted driving at this moment in history cell phone usage is the largest easily visable one. I drive around all day for my job and I see everyone on the phone. Now I am in no way for banning cell phones or infotainment systems, like anything else it is the abusers that are the problem. Texting while driving is a huge problem, see way more people doing this than putting on make up or reading the newspaper. Part of the problem is the states use the cell phone ticket as a revenue maker and not a deterent. Here in Jersey the ticket is like $200 I think, not enough to stop most people from doing it. If they wanted to stop cell phone use it would be a $5000 fine, then you would not see people doing it. Would this change the total number of accidents from any type of distractions, I think it would just because of the sheer numbers of people I see exhibiting distracted or dangerous behaviors who are on phones. Of course that leaves all sorts of distractions left to cause havoc on the roads! Ironically every phone has a speakerphone option, so it would be very simple to use it and put the phone down so both hands can be on the wheel. Does this eliminate the distraction, no and you still have to look at the phone to answer and put the speaker on. The safest way is a system like sync.

We have the Vista roof on our Edge and the roof opens about the same as that shows on the first push of the button. You need to push the buton a second time for it to open all the way.

I can think of about 1000 ways the government wastes money and they are all bad but I personally see a reason for front plates so I dont see it as a waste and if you worry about the aesthetics of your car over peoples safety you have some vrowing up to do!

You can not see any reason that a front plate might come in handy to law enforcement? Really! Maybe you should think a little harder. Denying a tool to all cops because some don't do there job properly is moronic. I suppose whatever profession you are in is full of all hardworking , honest, rulefollowing perfectionists. And the whole argument is pointless anyway because it is not the cops in any given state that decide wheather there is a front plate or not. It is the politicians, now if you want to get on them for not doing there job properly I will be right with you. But front plates are not one of there mistakes. Finally what is the big deal anyway? If you live in a state where they are required you really don't even notice them because you are so used to them being there.

WOW! Hopefully now people will buy them. Otherwise the manual cause willl take a hard blow to the face. Wonder why they just would'nt make it optional in the SEL also. I also wonder if this does sell could it effect the Escape and the Fusion as far as availability goes.

I don't think so actually. The S is available only with the 2.5L and from Fords website it says • Available new 1.6L EcoBoost* engine. Coupled with standard SelectShift Automatic® six-speed transmission or optional manual transmission. So I would assume it will be available on the SE at least.

I am not blaming Ford Not blaming anyone! I am just sad for the disappearing of manual transmissions. Funny though I think if more people at least tried out driving a stick for a week more people might discover that they like them

I beg to differ, there is a reason. That being that there are people that want them. Efficiency is great but it is not like there is a 20% difference! I am more than willing to give up 1 or 2 mpg for a stick. And I get that the number of people who want sticks are dwindling and the number that will not buy a car they want because one is not available is far less still. I think it is a sad time and over the mext ten years i would not be surprised for the stick to disappear from the Fiesta and Focus. Hopefully it will stay in the Mustang forever. I will not buy an auto until I loose the ability to push in a clutch, and at that point I might as well let my wife drive.

Manuals used to be more fuel efficient and autos were still around for those who wanted them! So why is it different now that things have switched. The only Ford that will be left with a stick soon will be the mustang. So sad!

If you do live in this country and are not joking, I will be counting the hours until your drivers license is taken away or you kill yourself. I just hope you don't take any innocent people with you.

I don't know how old you are, I am 46. Having grown up during the 70's maybe gives me a bias I don't know, but I really love Fords 70's styling. At least the first 1/2 of the decade. i think the worst time for Ford was the early 80's. Example '77 - '79 T-Bird awesome and '80 - '82 horrible. I agree with you as far as triing to create luxury with grilles and vinyl roof however.

WHAT? I don't know that! Ahhhhhhhhh

So your saying that every car company that offers a manual transmission, basically all of them, are wasting money just to keep a small minority happy? OK whatever you say. It is not even worth debating this with you, because no amount of logic, good reason or number of people will change your mind.

I fail to understand why it gets some people so angry that some of us prefer to drive manuals. Obviously you do not drive a manual because you would understand that just because there is more involved with driving one does not make it more difficult. I do not find it harder just more enjoyable. You should not comment on things of which you have no first hand experience. I regularly drive both, my work truck and my wifes car are autos. My car is a stick and always will be. Try driving a stick for 6 months and see what you think ( I know unrealistic ) before making uninformed comments and putting other people down for choices they make.

Oh boy, here we go again. First of all by using the word snob you are implying that we think we are better because we prefer to drive a manual. That is not true. Second of all you are saying that driving a manual is harder thean an automatic, for some maybe, but not for anyone who is experienced. You anti manual guys are always starting this argument. You think manuals are old and modern autos are better. Well that all depends on your point of view. So in my opinion you are the snob, you think just because something is new and easier ( your opinion ) everyone should prefer it, well they don't so leave us alone to do what we enjoy.

It is not a sexist satement, it is a true statement. My wife can drive a stick, she learned on one and my sister-in-law will deive only sticks like me. I get worked up with the anti-stick crowd enjoying the decline in manual transmission percentage. The try to tell everyone that modern autos are better. But more efficient does not better make! Not wanting to drive a stick is fine but thier joy at our pain is annoying. Women are safer drivers, yes no doubt, better, some are some are not. Not the point. Sticks are for enjoying being part of the machine not for stroking. A little projection there I think. And sticks were not invented because autos were not good, there were sticks only because that is what was invented with the car, autos came later. You can have all the reasons you want that sticks are no good, they are your opinion and you are entitled to them but don't try and act like they are fact for everyone. I am sick of the auto crowd and there critcism of the stick because they feel inadequate. Get over it and like was said there will be sticks forever for us who want them, so take glee and shove it.

Having to work the stick and clutch involves you in the entire driving experience, the steering, accelerating and breaking are all interrelated in the whole driving experience, and the stick is one more part of this experience. Driving a stick is not a distraction to driving it is very much a part of it and does keep you more focused on that job. Anyone saying it is a distraction does not drive a stick everyday and the statement is laughable. Driving a stick is in no way a compromise it is a choice for people who like to have greater control over their vehicle, it is not "essential" for most but it is for us "enthusiasts" which you use sarcastically, but should not, if you are really into driving and not just cars, you would find it "essential". If you do not want to drive a stick that is your choice and fine with me But remember automatic transmissions were invented so women could drive!! So enjoy your manual. I will keep driving sticks till I am dead or can't push the clutch. Oh and by the way being happy that sticks are going away because of all the lazy @ss drivers out there shows you are imature. Manuals are not better alternatives to the complete driving experience, just to those just looking for transportation! If these kids can't shift and drive mabe they should ride the bus! My son will start driving this year and he will learn to drive a stick, everyone should.

What is the difference between D3 and D4 and why are Flex and MKT moving to D3 for the MCE. Why not just wait till 2nd generation and the switch to EUCD. Why will Explorer and MKExplorer stay on D4. Sorry for all the questions just curious.

I think he was referring to them with respect to each other, not that the next MKX will be smaller than it is now.

Sorry Baggs32 but it really is very simple, and don't see how it can even be interpreted your way at all. Could we be wrong and you right, anything is possible. We shall all see eventually.

I read it just like akirby. SelectShift comes with the package if you get the Auto. Otherwise the package would specify it came with auto.

Good point, I wonder what the price bump will be for the ST. Of course I would prefer my next car to be a loaded mustang gt convertible which I could get loaded with a stick. But in all reality the Focus se with sport package and manual is probably way more financially realistic!