StangBanger

Rumor has it Honda made the Ridgeline so Pontiac Aztek owners would have something to call ugly! ok, maybe I started that rumor, but it makes sense.......LOL

I too, just drove one the other day. It was a Base "S" model. The only option it had was an auto trans. I was actually quite suprised at how solid it felt overall. Still has quite a bit of tire noise, but otherwise not too bad at all. My daily driver is a 2005 Focus ST so it wasn't exactly apples to apples as far as "sporty" but it handled fairly well for a base type setup. The looks are growing on me (at least the 4 dr). The inside is a big step up compared to my 05. I will definitaly consider the SES sedan at some point in the future. All things considered, it would be a fine "baby brother" to my wife's Fusion.

Aren't there still plenty of new GTO's rotting on dealers lots? LOL

All I know is my daughter (25 yrs old) is VERY interested in the new Focus. Thinks it's "cute". Her 2003 Focus will be paid off in Feb 08 so she is already car shopping. Her friends want her to get one with SYNC so they can all play with it. Personally I like the new Focus too. Maybe not "cute" in my book, but a good looking little car. If I trade in my 2005 Focus ST I want a SES in blue and I would for sure have the chrome part of the fender vents painted body color (leaving the little black mesh-type stuff there). Throw some decent looking wheels on it and it'd be fine. Starting to see em out on the road around here. They kinda grow on ya in an odd way.

Mine was in a 1974 Ford Maverick sedan. Other then the frt suspension squeaking like mad if there was ANY moisture in the air, it was a great little car. Right after I passed, my Mom suprised me with a new 1977 Pinto as a pre-graduation gift. Aw, the good ol days....LOL

I wouldn't say I LOVE it, but I think it looks pretty sharp in person. A few details are not exactly what I would pick but thats true of any car. My biggest complaint is the way the fog lights (SES model) bulge out so far. If I replace my Focus ST with one, I will find a way to move em inboard and leave that area open or something. Probably would go ahead and paint/remove the fender vents as well. Otherwise they did a nice job. I definitely like the interior as compared to the previous two interiors.

We just got in 3 today (Northern Calif). Not feelin the love for the 2 dr (kinda Scion-ish) but the 4 dr looks really good in person. The fender vent looks "ok". Not something I would personally choose but not too bad. The SES wheels would IMMEDIATLY be tossed out and something better put on. Of course I felt the same way about my Mach 1 "heritage" wheels too so what do I know? LOL The interior is very nice. The SES model we have has the leather. The seats are VERY nice. Actually look almost too upscale for a Focus. I like em even better then my wifes Fusion seats. Having now seen the new Focus in person, I would consider trading up from my Focus ST. The SYNC system is a MAJOR factor in my choice. SYNC vs 2.3 ltr/4 wheel discs. My Mach is my toy so losing some performance isn't a real big deal. May have to crunch some numbers and see where I end up

I just saw a (sedan) today. Looks like a blend of several cars only with an UGLY grill and "upsidedown" door handles. Other then the grill, it looks like a Sonata at first glance. Not bad, just boring/generic. ZZZZZZZZZ

I am VERY interested in the new Focus. Not sure I want to give up my 05 ST to get one, but the SYNC feature is a big draw for me. Maybe I'll wait a bit to see if they do a sportier model.....2.3 perhaps? For the level of equipment, the pricing seems very reasonable (assuming my D-Plan price is on scale with my other purchases). It's hard to say from the pictures, but I think it's a very good looking car so far.

True. I hope they "tweak" the Foci lineup soon and do another sleeper version. Something to be said for "low key".

The Focus ST is for sure a sleeper (see my list of cars), but for a FWD is really kinda fun. Personally I love TORQUE andRWD, but all in all, not bad. I guess "nimble" would sum up my Focus ST. When I want to play the Mach 1 comes out, but if I need to be a little less obvious, then it's time for the ST. A gray Focus is almost invisible to the CHP (I hope) as compared to a torch red Mustang with chrome wheels and loud exhaust. I would by no means call the ST a "sports car" but "sporty".....YES!

I've had my ST for almost 2 years now. Had to have the parking brake adjusted when I first got it. (engaged way too high). That's been it. It's been a great little car. Granted it's not like driving the Mustang when I want to play, but I love it. For a FWD, it's actually kinda fun. When I bought it all I wanted was a 4 dr sedan w/stick and a/c. Ended up with the ST model. Good karma I guess! LOL On a side note: My Mach 1 now has a rear license plate frame that says: SCREW YOUR PRIUS THIS CAR GETS SMILES PER GALLON!

Having previously owned 6 Taurus's (tauri?), a 2005 Five Hundred and now a 2007 Fusion I feel fairly well qualified to speak on behalf of "the taurus customer base". My wife loved her Five Hundred and was very pleased with it. Granted it was somewhat bland in appearance, but a nice safe, comfortable car. Kind of a sleeper for sure. We had planned on getting another when our 2 yr lease was up, but she fell in love with the looks of the Fusion and wanted one just based on looks alone. We've had it for 6 months so far and everyday she is more pleased with it. She says "it fits her better". Now that Ford has "tweaked" the fivehundred/taurus it will be back on our shopping list when this lease is up (another 2 yr). She really likes the nose-job it got. Of course I like the 3.5 litre. If the Taurus is priced right, I think it will be one of the best values on the road. Decent looks, reasonable performance, safety and lots of room. They should move lots of em. The biggest problem with the Five Hundred seemed to be marketing. My wife would tell her co-workers she drove a F/H and they would either ask "what is that?" or "why do you need a big truck?"