Bagrah01

By that metaphorical definition, Lincoln isn't exactly "swimming" in the luxury automotive segment.

Why?

So do they or do they not have respresentation in the 60-70K market?

Cadillac is already swimming in that pool. Please give credit where credit is due.

This is what you guys don't get, reliability is just one aspect of a buyers decision to purchase. Design, powertrain, unique attributes, and prestige can carry a brand a long away. I should know as a proud former owner of Land Rover Discovery Seriess II. If that's not enough, just look at VW sales. Sure it wasn't the most reliable vehicle on the planet but damn I loved it. Now just the opposite with my current vehicle. Subaru has been making solidly reliable, albeit quarky, vehicles for sometime. The Legacy didn't cross my or many other buyers minds until the current generation. Why? Reliability plus design, plus AWD, plus 243HP, etc. That's what I want from Ford. However, the future is looking bleak. If the MKS is Ford's best effort, the (Warning: Opinion Ahead) '09 Fusion is going to underwhelming.

Just say it, "I was wrong" , then you don't have to bloviate for 3 paragraphs.

So again by your logic the NA Acura RL and Euro Honda Legend aren't the same car because they have different names, and I'm guessing because the NA and Euro Ford Fusion share the same name they are more closely related. Just say your wrong and we can move on.

So Richard, if you knew the NA Accord was sold as the Inspire abroad, why would you write this?

Richard, splitting hairs again I see. A rose by any other name..... is still the NA Accord, just as the NA Acura TSX is the Euro Accord. By your logic the Fusion sold in NA is the same Fusion sold in Europe. Just admit you don't know everything already. Its O.K. to be wrong. :reading:

Then, why sell Jaguar and Land Rover? They are already competing with MB, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, etc? Why not create more "senergies" ?

So Lincoln well be...............................?

The Accord isn't NA only. :reading: http://www.honda.co.jp/INSPIRE/new/

Lincoln is relevant to those who have interest in the Ford Community. I think Lincoln is relevant as a marque only and however, as a luxury contender, I would not purchase it over a comparable Lexus, Infinti, etc. It's great there is enthusiasm among blueoval fans for the MKS but it would be fanstatic if the same could be said for those who purchase Lexus, Infinti, MB, etc.

You said this vehicle was mid grade and had a price to reflect, these were the vehicles in the same price range as that is the current measure of comparison. As far as sales go, we are speaking of the MKX not Edge, but since you bring it up. Why purchase an MKX over and Edge?

But you can get better middle ground priced CUVs. RX, FX, MDX, CX-9, Murano, Highlander, Enclave, etc. What are they doing to stand out?

Well I and other won't pay a premium for middle ground.

What meter stick are you going to use to determine competition. One moment you guys say price, then driveline, then size. What is Lincoln's competition? Everyone and anything or some narrow esoteric enclave?

Ever hear of the Q7?

Last I checked the STS, CTS, SRX, and Escalade could be had with AWD.

Its goes like stink, snow or rain, too, and I would like it vacuumed as well.

So Richard, now do I tell you to come down here and wash my Subaru? Do I own you now? :shades: That's what I'm suppose to do right? Right?

Not every BMW buyer can afford or want an M3.

Know I doubt they did, but you must admit, FoMoCo, was on a bit of a retro kick at the time.

Please, Please, Please. Remember that statement when people discuss the Fusion or MKZ.