stpatrick90

Well there is a reason you didn't use SelectShift in your first MKX...it didn't have it...

You should stop making this claim that you can't support. Unless you have seen both the new Fusion and MKZ completely uncloaked (which we know you haven't), you have no right to make this assertion based off prototypes that are heavily camouflaged. X-Ray vision doesn't exist.

My Explorer has almost 5k trouble/rattle free miles on it already. I have to say that in all of those miles the MFT has only acted up once too. I believe the A Pillar problem has been addressed in the 2012 models too.

If you go to Ford Australia's Website you will see that they only offer a manual and the powershift.....

I disagree with your assertion that ABS, Air Bags, or even TC makes drivers feel invincible on any level. Maybe initially when those technologies first emerged on the market in mainstream vehicles this was an issue, but now these technologies have been around long enough that most people recognize the fact these technologies are not necessarily going to prevent a crash or injury. I think that the average person recognizes the fact that these are merely safety aids for when something does go wrong and that they are not in place for them to test the limits. Maybe I give people too much credit? However I do agree that some of the newer technologies do allow for people to become more inattentive while driving. You are always going to have bad drivers, I remember as a child that we would see people in the ditch when it was snowing and that was a time when most cars had none of the above technologies.

When I recently purchased an Explorer we narrowed it down to the Highlander, Explorer, and CX9. The Highlander is a good vehicle as is the CX9. However what ultimately sold me on the Explorer was its price and high level on content. Also if you plan to use the third row often I would definitely suggest the Explorer over the Highlander, it has a much more usable third row. I don't know how important gas mileage is in your purchase but I have been averaging around 22-23 mpg in mixed driving. Over Thanksgiving we eeked the gas mileage up to 27.3 mpg (was mainly hwy and interstate driving) which is mighty impressive for something of this size.

As Borg pointed out it is nice to have a fully integrated system that responds to voice commands which means you don't have to fumble with a separate device. Like I said before it comes down to personal preference and that is all it really is. I personally prefer the integrated nav but recognize that others might not. Also I have an affinity for the latest tech which might explain why I like integrated GPS systems as well.

To each there own. I appreciate Navigation systems in my cars. Also in the Explorer the GPS is only a $795 option not $2000. I mean I would go as far as to say that Tom Toms, Garmins, and the like are obsolete nowadays with the advent of smartphones with GPS systems. Like I said though, it is to each there own when it comes to these sort of things and I am in no better position to pass judgement on the subject than the next.

Agreed, the GPS portion in my Explorer has been every bit as good as the GPS in the MKS which I believe is the Clarion system.

cnet.com did a review of the new MFT update. My link

Apparently Jeep doesn't want that market even.... Next Jeep Liberty...

I agree completely with you assertion about politics. I deal with politics - both domestic and international - all day at work and it would just be nice if just for once someone would attempt to have an apolitical conversation. Especially when people make political assertions that are wildly misinformed. /Rant More to topic it seems people care more about perceived capability based on appearance versus real capability. I think many of the people criticizing the new Escape for some reason associate 'box on wheels' with more capability when the new Escape most likely is every bit as capable as the old one. This is my opinion and I know that not everyone criticizing the new Escape is not necessarily following this line of thought. People just need to remember that looks are subjective not objective, so while one person may dislike a design another can like it. Ultimately decreeing a design a failure or reiterating your opinion numerous times accomplishes nothing.

Socialists? Really you use that as a defense? Laughable and naive at best. It is hilarious every time Ford changes the design of something there is a select group of individuals that 'spaz' out as if the world is coming to a end. Yet despite these individuals everything is always okay. A select group of individuals also said the Explorer would be a failure and would never buy one yet now it is selling in excess of 10,000 units most months. Luckily there is always the Jeep Patriot or Liberty for people who still want a box on wheels.

Maybe it is a shame for you but I feel like a lot of us like it. I wouldn't have even thought about buying the previous Escape but now the new one I could definitely see myself purchasing - if only it could tow more than 3500 pounds or my boat weighed less.

Well European design language is NA design language now...so when it comes to Ford Cars, CUVs, and SUVs they all most likely will use this new intercontinental design language. Trucks might be the only ones exempt from this and I feel that even they will showcase elements of this new design language - already evident in the T6 Ranger.

I disagree about the XTS, in my opinion its design is finicky and pretentious. If anything I would argue that it is less cohesive. I feel that the LaCrosse - specifically the GL model - is actually the best design out of the three in terms of exterior cohesiveness. The XTS simply has too much rear end overhang and the design does nothing to hide it either. Viewed in profile the MKS just looks so balanced compared to the XTS. The emblem placement on the front of the MKS is the most unfortunate part of the whole design in my opinion.

Completely agree. I feel most people shopping for this type of car don't particularly want a car that 'yells' look at me which is the styling direction the Cadillac subscribes too. Every time I see the XTS I immediately see an Avalon wearing a bunch of gaudy bling.

Yeah I see that now...going back and forth between the MKT and MKS threads must have gotten disoriented. I agree completely that the MKT is much better suited for livery duties.

The MKS has a 18.7 cubic foot trunk already, the problem with the current MKS is the access to that space. It sounds as if that was addressed with the refresh, it apparently has a larger trunk opening. The current MKS has a backseat that is already comparable with the competition...why does it need to get larger? Compared with the 300C the MKS has more rear head room, 1.5'' less rear leg room, and less than an inch less hip room. The total interior volume is only .5 cu ft different. Also the 300C has 2.4 cu ft less trunk space...

At Lincoln's website you can view the car in different colors and in 360 degrees. I personally like the Smoked Quartz the best. In that color it really impresses me actually.

I actually don't mind this redesign too much and I particularly like what they did with the rear end. I think the color isn't particularly flattering for this car, and will reserve final assessment till I see some live photo shots of the car in other colors tomorrow. As of what I see right now I wouldn't have too much of an issue replacing my current MKS with this refreshed model.

Definitely an improvement. The front end now isn't offensive anymore and if anything looks somewhat good. However the rear end (the problem I have had with it all along) needs a massive rethink, I am surprised they didn't even touch it...the light bar on the back is simply atrocious and emphasizes the terrible proportions of the rear.

Kudos to Ford, given the design of this I am even more anxious to see what the Fusion and MKZ will look like.

My link

They're fussy, what does that make you? Also I live in the country (my nearest "neighbor" lives about 2 miles away) and I have owned many vehicles you would call metro including the new Explorer and I have to say that never once has it crossed my mind that they look out of place.