rmc523

good point, maybe the Explorer would be able to take some of these customers (back, in some cases), who need a midsize SUV that can tow, etc. I could just be hoping too much, but who knows?

I suppose there are many more alternatives to an Explorer now as well, which would also obviously hurt sales. Doesn't the Escape have the same greenhouse/roofline, i know they raised the beltline, along with the other improvements. True, there aren't many other options for a large vehicle able to carry tons of people, stuff, and haul any boat, etc. (except for Tahoe, etc.)

I also am wondering why (according to the Ford website) the 292-hp V8 gets the same MPG ratings as the 210-hp V6?

maybe they should make the Mountaineer front end look like that (if it lives through another refresh/redesign)

maybe it could be a halo car for the Edge brand, you could either keep the 3.5L V6 or even give it the "Lincoln only" 3.7L V6, as there (probably) wouldn't be a MKX 2 door, so it wouldn't steal sales from the Lincoln counterpart (because there is none)

this is a quick drawing of mine of what a sporty 2 door Edge could look like, similar idea to the Explorer Sport of a while back what do you guys think of the (quick) drawing/idea

BMW has a similar system, although theirs runs the length of the doors front/rear, and they have a light that shines down onto the center console area, in an orange color, it looks really nice (when you can see it -many times its blocked out by road lights)

although, IMO it looks nice, it's current refresh outside (using the same roofline, etc.) still looks too similar to the 05 explorer, which is probably as Deanh said, the main part of explorer sales falling (along w/ fuel economy), people want something different, something new looking all over (but then again, look at expedition sales, even escape sales, they're refreshes are similar to the Explorers, but their sales are up, go figure, maybe customers think Ford did a better job on them? :shrug: )

Would there be a market for a sporty, two door Edge? Here's a quick sketch of one I did what do you all think?

:beatdeadhorse:

I would assume that they will offer a tan dash, etc. If not, then I think Ford is making a mistake. Didn't they offer a tan dash in the 05/06?

I think just about anything (except for another X-Type, or more extremely 'retro' designs) could help Jag right now, although Jag's future isnt looking too bad right now with the XF coming out, IMO

Do you mean a power retracting rear window like the old Bronco's had? If so, i believe that the Toyota 4Runner, maybe the Sequoia too have one, I'm not sure though

They did for a while, the 03-06 body style (I don't know what year exactly). I just saw one the other day

:lol: there's an idea!

That's what I was wondering too!

What makes/made you not want an Explorer? Also, what would you switch to if you did go to a GM product?

What if Ford just made Mercury a trim-line of Ford products (they basically already are), then Ford could condense dealers to Ford/Lincoln dealers w/ Mercury editions of Fords. These Mercury trim vehicles could keep the Mercury styling, even the Mercury emblem. You could have the Ford Fusion "Mercury edition", eliminate the Mercury names, and marketing could be absorbed into Ford marketing, you could still have the current ads running, they'd just be the Ford Escape, Mercury edition. I know this is probably more complicated than just keeping Mercury a separate division, but it's a thought.

I think that it's based on personal opinion. I beleive it's more about the interior, quietness, etc. -- the qualities that create a luxury aura. Some companies have different sheetmetal, like Camry/ES350, which is based off the Camry but has a different shape and interior, I guess giving it it's luxury feel. But I think that sharing sheetmetal, but having more luxurious interiors can work as well. Look at Lincoln -- sales up 15% so far this year, with essentially rebadged Ford products, albeit w/ nicer, more luxury appointed appearance both inside (especially) and out (not as much). Those are my thoughts, but, as I said, I think it's based off opinion,

I'm also curious to see this new liftgate handle. I'm gonna assume there's a handle below the license plate like the Expedition? that's my guess

what "Mustang buttons" are you referring to? its the same switchgear except for the chrome rings

sure :rolleyes: , whatever you say

I agree. I believe that the MKS appeals to a different, although similar market than the Town Car (similar situation to Cadillac, although opposite, the RWD STS and FWD DTS, as opposed to the FWD MKS and RWD Town Car. GM is also rumored to be dropping either the STS/DTS, which could send Lincoln some customers as well.) Most Town Car owners, I assume, are pleased with Lincoln's current product. When it's time to replace their Town Car, some may move to the MKS, but I believe there will always be a market, no matter how small, for a classic American RWD large sedan. I hope that made sense.

did they really? i just made up the name, going from XKE to XE, following the XJ and XF theme

i know its extremely unlikely, but it's just a chop most chops aren't realistic, it's just a chop for the sake of doing a chop, just my idea of what a small 2 seat Jag convertible