aneekr

The Malibu is made in the United States. The Impala is not.. +2 for the Malibu..

Apply peanut butter on the affected area, rub it in, remove with a towel, and wash.

Excellent point, Furious. I looked at the description for Microsoft Auto, which is the Windows CE based platform used for SYNC, and it does mention "vehicle bus interface" as one of its capabilities. What I don't know is whether this feature is implemented in SYNC for connectivity to the powertrain CANbus. It makes sense that the infotainment stuff would be kept distinct from powertrain and body control software, but I can't say for sure here. My impression is that SYNC is just a separate computer (400 MHz Freescale i.MX31, 64MB RAM, 256MB flash, Windows CE based OS) installed in the vehicle, without connectivity to other modules. I'm waiting on the first person to extract the SYNC module from an actual Ford car and reverse engineer it

Well, they're better than the Hankook Optimo H725's that Focus models with 15" wheels come with. It seems that low rolling resistance and low price trumped all other criteria when Ford chose these as the OEM tires.

Well said focus05. The sooner these "cushy" UAW jobs (and hopefully the UAW itself) disappear, the better. The Indianapolis area presents a perfect example of the "reality of the economy." Indeed, central Indiana has seen an exodus of UAW represented automotive OEM and supplier jobs for the past three decades, and that's been a strong impetus for the region to diversify its economic base since then.

Re: door handles- black on S and SE, chromed on SE Deluxe, body color on SES 15" wheels are same as last year; 16" wheels are different designs.

Highland Green Clearcoat Metallic appears in the "Ford Cars Exterior Colors for 2008" foldout, and is indicated as being "late availability" on the Mustang. I think this is the special paint for the Bullitt Mustang. Don't know if it's the same color as the 2001 Bullitt. Yeah, my scanner sucks- apologies for the low quality...

Nothing substantial- here's what I was able to glean from the order guide: SE with Deluxe Package does not have cruise control, autodimming inside rearview mirror, SYNC, or the rear spoiler. All of these items are standard on the SES. The first two items are optional on the SE (67V Driver's Package, $415), as is SYNC ($395). The Driver's Package is required to get SYNC on the SE. The exterior door handles and mirror skulls on the SE Deluxe are "chromed", whereas those on the SES are body colored. You already noted the wheels (16" on both) are distinct designs. I think the seat fabric differs as well. Also, the SE Deluxe has a more extensive color palette. SES is only available in Black, Red, Vista Blue, and Silver Frost. SE Deluxe adds White, Vapor Silver, and Light Ice Blue to that list. Curiously, a SE Deluxe costs $205 more than an identically equipped SES (sans rear spoiler).

You're absolutely right piper. The head unit on my '04 Accord LX V6 was replaced twice for the very issue your friend's Accord exhibited, and had to be replaced yet again because it simply spat out any audio CD I tried to play in the unit. I suppose the OEM audio systems in Honda cars have traditionally been a weak point. I hear that the audio system in the '08 Accord is much improved, and incorporates RDS for FM stations (about time!) I find it rather interesting that the Civic has 60/40 split rear seats, but the Accord does not.

Here are the Mustang HID headlamps (using mercury-free D3R bulbs):

Indeed, the 17" wheel isn't a true chrome plated wheel; rather it uses Lacks Enterprises' "Chromtec" process. In essence, cladding consisting of electroplated thermoplastic composite is bonded to an aluminum wheel. Several GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles offer this kind of wheel. Ford markets them as "chrome clad" wheels (at least that's what I saw in the '08 Escape order guide).

Didn't quite work for the Accord Hybrid, Insight, Prelude, Echo, Celica, T100, or Supra, among others. I think Catalepsy's answer sums it up perfectly.

The '08 Sable retains the LED taillamps from the Montego, but not the HID headlamps. It uses the same H11 halogen bulb the '08 Taurus does, though the Sable does have a projector (ellipsoid) lens for the low beams, whereas the Taurus uses reflector optics. You are absolutely correct on the better value offered by Mercury brand products. I think a fully loaded Milan Premier actually costs about $100 less than a comparably equipped Fusion SEL, for instance.

Check out this report: http://www.strategicvision.com/press_release.php?pr=24

Most definitely... (Source: The Detroit News)