brucelinc

I only buy Ford trucks now but I still try hard to be a "Ford man." If I were in the market for a well equipped SUV, the loss of the 3.0 in the Platinum trim would send me straight to a competitor. It is not all about power. It is more about refinement for me. Based on rentals I have had and friends vehicles with the 2.3 in Explorers or Rangers, I find it unacceptable for any model other than the base. It still has the typical 4 cylinder nasty growl when accelerating and never feels totally smooth or refined. For once, I mostly agree with Car & Driver when they wrote: Despite its copious grunt, the powertrain fails to charm. Blame the engine's industrial drone, its relative lack of low-end torque (its maximum of 310 pound-feet peaks at 3500 rpm), and the automatic transmission's constant gear hunting and occasionally harsh shifts. I didn't think the low end torque was too bad but the overall NVH is not to the same standard as Ford's excellent V6 Ecoboosts. The 10 speed auto also operates better with the larger engines with fewer downshifts or gear hunting.

These things are not fragile. It would take a helluva lick to bend something. If it wanders when driving straight, it wouldn't hurt to have the alignment checked, though. You might want to test drive a similarly equipped F250 for comparison. My brother had one that he used to pull his 5th wheel camper. It was a real workhorse but not exactly plush riding or nice to drive when empty.

That is not a truck. That is a TRUCK! What will you be using it for?

There is not a Genesis dealer near me so I will not be shopping any of their products. However, I did have the opportunity to test drive a G80 while I still had my Continental. The Genesis put my Lincoln to shame in terms of ride quality, quietness and overall luxury feel. They may not have an image like Lexus or the German luxury cars, but they do offer damn nice upscale vehicles.

Lol...extreme sports car like handling? My last 3 daily drivers have been an MKS, a Continental and a 5 series BMW. Those offer about the least extreme sports like handling I can think of. They all offer extreme comfort and luxury features and are roughly 3 feet shorter and 20 inches lower than my F150 making them easier to park and maneuver...especially in tight downtown ramps. I like my F150 Lariat with the 3.5. It has nearly the same features as some luxury cars and the acceleration is probably as good or better than either of my former Lincolns. It still takes up space like a truck, uses fuel like a truck and maneuvers like a truck compared to an upscale mid-size sedan or cross-over. I agree that different folks can have different needs and different tastes and there is nothing wrong with that.

Interesting video. I can understand why many folks like SUVs or crossovers for the room, practicality, ease of entry/exit, etc. Many friends have them and my wife likes hers. What makes me scratch my head is why so many people like big crew cab trucks as their daily driver. I have an F150 Lariat that is reasonably comfortable and has plenty of safety and convenience features. I use it to haul stuff, occasionally tow my side-by-side and drive it when the roads are snowy or ice covered. I sure as hell wouldn't want to use it as a daily driver. My sedan rides better, handles better, gets better mileage, is easier to park, takes up less space in parking ramps or garages, is more maneuverable and has better overall performance. Every day, I see tons of F150s, Silverados, GMCs and Rams with one person inside hustling down the highway, presumably on their way to work. I have no objection to what anyone else drives but I just don't understand the fascination for trucks as daily drivers. A few may only have one vehicle and actually use it for truck stuff when not commuting. However, I am fairly confident that many trucks never have anything in the bed or anything attached to the hitch.

The 10A is now a no-cost option on 2025 models It was $1,595 before. However, the B&O sound system used to be part of the 401a package but now it is a separate $995 option. The S650 has a more modern dash layout, although some purists hate it. I prefer the appearance of the S650 but, again, many disagree. The tech is improved as are the materials vs. the S550. My 2018 GT stickered for 48.5K. A 2025 with the same options stickers for 62.5K. That does not strike me as outrageous but it has shocked some of my Mustang friends who just do not care for some of the changes. Just based on the Mustang forums and Mustang groups in which I am a member, the primary complaints are as follows: It looks too much like a Camaro. The dash looks like it came out of a Tesla. The ECU is locked so it cannot be tuned. The differences from the S550 do not justify the higher price.

I have no interest in the EV version or the 4 door. However, the 2 door ICE version is the first vehicle that has interested me in years. It reminds me of the MN12 Thunderbird Super Coupe....one of my favorite vehicles. These things may be a dismal failure. However, I tip my hat to them for creating a unique vehicle in a sea of tall boring people moving appliances.

Ford doesn't have a direct competitor to a large 2 door EV but this is a pretty positive review by Motor Trend. There are several other "first drives" of the Charger as well. My opinion is that if they had offered this with a V8 (hemi) first, it would be a hit with the Charger/Challenger faithful and possibly others. I have my doubts about the EV version. However, when the turbo 6 ICE version arrives next year, it will be interesting to see how buyers react to a 206 inch long sedan/coupe that combines performance, tech, comfort, civility and practicality. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-dodge-charger-daytona-first-drive-review/

All injectors tick but some 5.0s have an additional tick besides the injectors. There is a lot of controversy on the cause but it usually presents itself after an oil change. My Mustang never had that tick but I was in a Mustang club and several members definitely had it. Ford says it is not harmful to the engine and calls it normal. Adding Ceratec to the oil has been known to stop it. I have witnessed that myself but do not have an explanation for how or why it works.

BMW also uses 2 batteries. My M550 has one under the hood and one in the trunk. Of course, if BMW had invented the paperclip, it would have 7 moving parts.

That is stupid. Those two items are important for an off road vehicle likely to maneuver in tight places. It is not the only irritating thing that Ford does with options. I did a "build & price" of an F150 XLT Supercab and found that the higher option packages are only available on a SuperCrew.

It is a pretty complete package with most of the good options...401a, 10A, 3.55 gear, active valve exhaust, etc. 65k seems a bit steep, though. My mind is not blown.

One thing that would doom Dodge for sure would be if I buy a two door six pack when it becomes available. Every damn car I ever have owned has been discontinued except the Mustang and F150. It is a miracle they have survived considering my history. Thunderbird, Lincoln LS, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln Continental, Ranger Supercab, Taurus, BMW M550i..........I killed them all! 🤣

While losing the rain sensing wipers may not a deal breaker, it would be very close to a deal breaker for me. I have had them on a number of Lincoln vehicles as well as my BMW. They have all worked flawlessly and adjust the speed perfectly.