Davew

Joe, By traditional white do you mean like Cotillion White from days of old? I saw both the Vapor Silver and Candy Apple Red samples on a Mustang site. As I mentioned, the silver is really bright. The Candy Apple Red should be a hot color for 08. The person who offered the info had gotten large spray cans of paint from some unknown source, complete with Ford lables and part numbers, and sprayed out small samples he posted. I wasn't aware that Ford body colors came in large, family sized spray cans. LOL The power running boards are cool. I just wonder how long they'll work in cold regions before ice and salt fry them out. I'm getting the standard chrome step bars on mine. I hardly use them, so I'm not fussy about the style. At least customers will still have a few choices. I can't wait to try out the voice activated Nav. Is it just the Nav that is voice activated or will I get to talk to the sat radio, too? My guess is that the push button start was borrowed from Land Rover. However, I don't know anything more than what the push button looks like. Do you have any 08 Explorers on order? If so, when do you expect them to arrive? Thanks

I'm sure the dealer will send me an email as soon as they get the color and upholstery album. At this point, all I can do is wait and hope for the best. So, you say the "Earth" color is really as ugly as it seems to be. Maybe it will look better on a vehicle than it does as a swatch in the color and upholstery album. It's a relief to hear that Stone Green is not the same. Does the White Suede color look like the Creme Bruelle color? I saw the Vapor Silver on a Mustang site and thought it was almost chrome-like. I don't understand the logic behind using the same grill and wheel lip moldings on the XLT as on the Limited. Talk about lessening a model's image. I wonder what the deal is with the step bars? I assume this change was based on price considerations. At least for those that want them, the power running boards are still available. Do you know what the push button start on the 08 Explorer looks like and how it works? Do you still have to insert a key somewhere or do the keyless entry fobs communicate with the vehicle? Thanks again for your input.

As usual, you're the first source for credible info. I just responded to an email from my dealer who says they have not received the 2008 color and upholstery album. In checking out Ford Fleet, they show no Stone Green for the 08 Explorer. That is unless they misidentified the color as "Earth" which, as far as I know, is an 08 color for the Expedition and Mountaineer. Thanks for taking the time to help.

You're welcome. As they say, "Quality is Job 1" and it seems that your dealer has proven that. However, some people seem to think that manufacturers employe super humans who do not make errors. Obviously, your vehicle had a small (but nevertheless important) detail that was overlooked. But, heck, who among us is perfect? I'm glad to hear that you were treated well and that the problem was resolved to your satisfaction. I have owned many Ford products and have great faith in their reliability. I hope my new 08 Explorer will be as good as all the others have been in the past. Enjoy your new Edge.

Since a long term decline in sales has yet to cause Ford to budge from their normal position on incentives, I think no changes will occur before July 2. If changes do occur before then, and the 08 Explorer my dealer ordered for me in a color which does not appear to exist comes in, I'll be the first one to let everyone know.

You're quite welcome. I've been having a real go of it trying to find out what the new colors for the 08 Explorer look like. My dealer ordered a vehicle for me in Stone Green, a color which now appears to be non-existant. If/when it shows up and is Earth color, they'll have to keep it in stock if the color turns out to be as ugly as we assume it to be. I though the same thing about the color being similar to baby poop. It never ceases to amaze me that Ford puts out order guides for new vehicles and offers colors nobody has seen. I guess they assume that the customers and dealers should just take a leap of faith. Good luck with your purchase.

Ouch, sorry to hear about the BAMR. At least you're not going physcho over it. Heck, you have a new vehicle and your first baby on the way. Don't let anything overshadow the happy event. Good luck with your Edge. Congrats on becoming a DAD!

Do a google search for Ford Fleet. Click on SUV, then select your model. The link to colors is on the right hand side. You'll get some (let's say poor) idea of what Earth metallic looks like.

That's why they'll hack Chrysler apart and sell the pieces. Another company ruined and its employees without jobs thanks to the greed of a few. Maybe the three headed dog will watch over them when they all burn in hell.

You can always hope. Just don't hold your breath. I get the impression that current incentives will stay in place until midnight, July 2. IMHO, I don't think Ford factors in holidays or gas prices when doing incentives.

You hit it right on the head. Ask anyone in the midwest who used to work for Cub Foods division of Supervalue. Cerberus bought them and, within one year, sold all the stores and gave everyone their walking papers. This is what this company does. Why would they treat Chrysler any differently.

At least I got the June 25 part right. BTW, can you explain how ordering scheduling and production dates work? My dealer is going to order a vehicle for my approval, in the beautiful unknown color. I still can't believe Ford has people ordering vehicle in unknown colors.

Orders are being taken now. I've heard production begins June 25.

Hey Joe, You are the one that deserve our thanks for all the time and effort you put into helping us. On a change, and a stupid one at that, I sent an email to Ford CRC to ask about the new 08 colors. Rather than simply getting a yes or no response, I received a bunch of crap and excuses. If Ford needs to cut costs, they should start by dumping the CRC. OK, vent mode off. I'll keep you posted on my progress which, if gas prices continue to soar, will be to get a Segway.

Well, when most of us deduct taxes, a gallon of gasoline would be about 20-30 percent cheaper. Everyday the new reports record high gasoline prices. If the powers that be don't step in and nix the taxes (at least for a while), we're all screwed. I feel for the people who have/had to drive for a living.

Cause - Probably a computer brain fart. Dealer Action - "Couldn't duplicate customer complaint." If it were me, I'd take it in anyway. I know engine problems will set a code which can be read, but I'm not sure to what degree accessory problems would set a code on Ford products.

As usual, you've been extremely helpful and up front with the "Insider" info your average customer nevers hears about. Thanks! So, you mean to tell me that I can't run around town and order vehicles just for kicks? LOL It looks like I'll have to take your sound advice and make sure that if the vehicle is not acceptable, I'm off the hook.

Now that's wild. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I should have my salesman order an 08 in Stone Green, equipped the way I want. If I don't like the color of the vehicle when it arrives, it's the dealer's problem. Is that right? I'm not doubting what you say. After all, this is your line of work. However, it just seems strange to me that anyone would order a vehicle in a color they haven't seen.

x 10

True, but the only greens listed for the 08 Escape are Kiwi and Light Sage and neither are the same paint code as the Stone Green.

Have you considered that Motorweek's findings may be flawed?

So true about the rubber flex mount. On my vehicle, the inexpensive bracket failed as did a few little heat shields. But, the expensive parts are still OK. :happy feet:

The color of the Escape in the pic looks like Kiwi and IMHO, it's not pretty.

If it's any help, it took about eight (8) years for a similar part to fail on my Explorer. Will you be keeping your vehicle for ten (10) years and 100,000+ miles? If so, better save up because it cost me all of $10.00 to get a new bracket welded on. The brackets are a low grade, bare steel and are expected to rust. Come on, relax, have a little faith, stop worrying and enjoy your ride.

Does anyone know what the new stone green color looks like?