T'Cal

As good-looking as the last Charger was, the 2011 is beautiful! Could you please make a coupe version of the new one? Again, I love the Challenger, but I wouldn't be too disappointed if Dodge replaced it with a Charger coupe.

This vehicle required premium - it wasn't merely recommended. "PREMIUM FUEL ONLY" was imprinted on the fuel/temp gauge face. When fuel prices skyrocketed, I tried mid-grade but performance was down noticeably and I even heard very mild pinging, which wasn't worth 12 cents a gallon. It ran flawlessly on premium but it was a big car. I had it two years and never took it on a long trip where I might have broken 20 mpg but it was rated at 18/23 and that was with heavy 18" rims and 3.55 gears. What made this difficult for me was I had traded an '02 Monte Carlo SS for it and that thing got phenomenal mileage on regular gas. Stepping up to the Marauder meant premium fuel for the bigger engine in a heavier car, which resulted in lower fuel economy. I expected that, but it was the huge jump in price at the pumps that made it even worse. Still, what a great car! It combined the best attributes of a performance sedan, a luxury car, and a safe family vehicle. And, as I said, the pipes were intoxicating. I miss it a lot.

I had an '03 Marauder that I got in the middle of MY '05 with 11K miles on the clock. It ran wonderfully but I consistently got in the 16 MPG range in an even mix of city/suburban/highway driving. The roar of the pipes was so intoxicating that I would accelerate just to hear them. I'm sure that didn't help but even when I drove very calmly, I was still in the 16 MPG range, high 16s but nothing better. I bought it just as gas prices spiked and it burned premium but it was worth the extra cost.

No offense taken. By starting with the existing platform, Ford has decided not to start with a clean sheet of paper and that limits how much the appearance will change. The changes that MT envisions are not as retro as the last two versions of this car including their take on the bluntish grille, the more pronounced wheel openings, and the tail treatment. The changes are less retro but overall the vehicle certainly is retro looking and very much a Mustang. It needs to lose some weight and I'll be interested in seeing if Ford is successful at removing enough, which might be cost ineffective since again, they are starting with an existing platform.

Go to Motor Trend's site to see their latest illustration of the 2015 Mustang based on what Ford has told them recently. It looks very good to me. It's based on the current platform with the grille made more vertical and it's squared off a bit. The tail is also more vertical with a bit of a spoiler and I like their guess at the lights and bumper. The roof is narrowed in at the back to give it a slimmer, faster look - it looks great, too. The wheel openings seem wider and more pronounced, and the wheels are larger. MT claims that the current engines will stay perhaps with Direct Injection but they speculate that the Ecoboost V6 will not be used at least for '15. They do write that a new SVO model may appear with possibly a 2.3L or larger Ecoboost I4. Are they right? We won't know for a while but it isn't an over-the-top guess. It seems very plausible and looks very good.

I'm hoping for a leaner look as well as loss of weight. I really like the current model but its beltline and trunk are high. Increasing the side glass area a bit would help it visually. I'm not at all opposed to an EB2.0L or 2.3L I4 for the base model. I still hope we'll see V8s for the performance models. There is nothing like the roar of an American V8. I don't care if a V6 is made to be more powerful; the V8 adds to the appeal and experience. I would like to see Ford make a smaller V8 optional on the Pony Package Mustang. Same with the Camaro - I would prefer an RS with the 5.3L V8 and automatic for a great cruiser.

Since GM is sitting on the Holden Ute (re: zeta-based Chevy El Camino), I wonder if Ford would consider its own Ute for America. If so, IMHO, it should it be built only with AWD and have an SHO version optional. I'd skip a Lincoln version and keep it Ford only. Anyone here have the skills and software to create such a car-based pick up with the Taurus SHO front end?

I brought to a Ford dealership rather than a Mercury and they made the same repair. The next day the noise was back...

I have the Sony MyFord Touch system in my '11 Explorer and it sounds great. I have a couple of issues with it, though: * It is slow to respond when the system is first turned on * I've had it cut out several times over the last week for "scheduled maintenance" * When using my iPod and I'm listening to a song within a playlist, it takes me all the way back to the main page when I hit the "browse" button instead of to the previous menu, which would be that playlist. It pauses on the playlist page briefly and then goes immediately to the main menu.

Forgive me: what's GSA? Are the Explorers all Police Interceptors or are any civilan models? Would you be able to post interior shots of the Explorers once they are equipped?

So then the Bronco would fit above the Escape and below the Edge as a true off-roader. That could work especially if Ford used this heavy duty platform for the next Ranger.

Cool. When do you expect to take delivery of your new Fords? What will you be getting, Sedans or Utilities? Both?

I finally brought it in but chose a Ford dealership instead as the Mercury "repaired" it twice. The noise had gone from intermittent to constant. I explained that this was the third time for the same problem to give them some history. When I picked it up later, the service tech explained that his mechanic made the same repair as the last two. The next day the noise was back. SUGGESTIONS???

Not necessarily so. You may have to change only the brackets to adapt them to the replacement car/ute.

The Ford TC has tremendous potential. I was very impressed by Ford's display of them at the last couple of NAIAS's. The tall TC in the taxi version was very roomy with no sacrifice in cargo space. The TC would make a great conversion van replacement. I'd like to see Ford add the larger 2.5L/6 speed automatic from the Escape as well as the hybrid drivetrain for those who fall for that voodoo stuff.

No LE agency will be surprized. Ford has been targeting its police audience for several months - maybe even the past year - with info on the Next Gen PIs along with notices that production of the CVPI is ending. Ford will sell a lot of the CVPI as some agencies, knowing that it will no longer be available, are buying extra to stockpile. Fleet managers have convinced their cities/villages that it'll be cheaper to stick with the same model. Even in these tough economic times, municipalities have accepted this argument and bought extras. I don't know if it really will be cheaper as the actual sale price of the PI Sedan and Utility haven't been established just yet. In addition, most of the existing equipment will bolt right into the Taurus and Explorer models with little or no modification.

The ZX2 always hit me as a 3/4 version of the T-Bird! I always hoped Ford would've at least offered a GT version with a larger engine, bigger wheels and tires, driving lights, a spoiler, etc. As for the MN12, I've always loved those cars and wished I could've afforded a new SC or a Sport or maybe the Cougar XR-7. I actually test drove a used V8 powered 1998 LX a few years back but was disappointed by the lack of low end torque. I rented a V6 model back in 1990 and it was worse. The other thing is I have so rarely seen them in good shape now that they are several years old. They just don't hold up cosmetically as they always seem to have badly faded paint, body rust, chaulky black trim, windshield trim that's pulled away, cracked dash and leather seats, etc. You'd be very lucky to find one in good shape, in my experience. I hope you're lucky!

I seriously considered a Flex but bought a 2011 Explorer instead. I just can't get past the looks - too slab-sided and boxy for me. Roomy, though. What with the Explorer now available as well as the Expedition and Expediation L, Ford should consider reskinning it and moving it over to Lincoln as the Aviator.

This is excellent information/confirmation that I've been looking for since the Detroit Auto Show in January. There and at Chicago's was a PI Utility with a placcard next to it indicating that the plant was the 3.7L and not the 3.5L that Ford has been stating. I'm happy that they've made this standard in the Utility and surprized/disappointed it's not standard in the Sedan as well. As it is, there will be five configurations between the two cars: Sedan with the 3.5L/AWD, 3.5L/FWD, and EB3.5L/AWD plus the Utility with the 3.7L/AWD and 3.7L/FWD. If Ford dropped the NA 3.5L, that would drop down to only three configurations, which would have to save money, time, and effort but most of all money. In addition, it is more in keeping with the theme that Ford has been touting: the sharing of drivetrains, platforms, parts, servicing schedules, etc. I realize that the 3.5L and the 3.7L V6s share a lot, but why offer both when offering one is better? Since the MkS already offers the bigger displacement engine, this should be a bolt-in. A minor issue perhaps, but the higher HP/torque engine would be appreciated by buyers in this very competitive market for new police vehicles.

I recently bought an Explorer and opted for the mid row buckets and skipped the middle console just to ensure that my four teens have enough legroom in the middle and rear rows. The buckets move fore and aft, but the three passenger split bench in the middle is fixed. A three person bench in the rear is a great idea for the Explorer and the Flex. With the Explorer taking the place of the smaller Taurus X, there really is no need for the Flex to be on the same show room floor as is. I would rather it be reskinned and turned into a replacement for the ugly and cramped MkT.

Thanks for all of your input and recommendations. I opted for an 4WD Explorer Limited. In checking specs, I learned that the room in the rear seat in the Freestyle/Taurus X/Flex/Explorer are identical are darn near. Where the Flex shines is in the middle row but by opting for the buckets in the Explorer, the middle row seats are adjustable and there is plenty of room in all three rows for me and my family. If you get the split bench, it's fixed. The Explorers more up to date and stronger engine along with the TMS were deal makers. I prefer the look of the Explorer in and out but I certainly don't dislike the Flex. I also went with a lighter interior and the dual moon roofs so the interior feel airy and bright. I was very pleased with the dealership experience and the deal itself. I'm amazed at all the toys that come with the Limited and the 301A.

I really liked the Scorpio. I remember it had some really nice features including reclining back seats. It had a smaller V6; IIRC it was the German 2.8L - not a screamer but smooth. The styling was unique in a very good, but not great way.

How closely related are Ford's DOHC 3.0L and 3.5L V6s?

I've had it 3 1/2 weeks and have seen only two others around metro Chicago.

I have it in my '11 Explorer LTD. It sounds great and cranks, especially with the big woofer housed in back. My biggest beef is the way it takes so long for the system to read my iPod, which it apparently needs to do each time it starts up even though I haven't disconnected it. Is that normal?