The_Shadow1963

For what it's worth, that was me. I've only put about 7500 on the truck since July. I absolutely love it.

FWIW, I ordered a 2009 EL LTD in Feb and finally got it in July. I too found it strange that you couldn't get the factory nav w/o the rear DVD, and was initially concerned about the lack of LSD. I came out of an 01 EB, and do use my Expedition for hauling. The seats do fold pretty flat; there is a slight angle to the second row but it's not a showstopper. I had a chance to monkey around in the snow a few weeks ago, and I didn't miss the LSD when in 4x4. Being an EL, it's a massive SUV, but the ride is very stable. I wouldn't call the suspension soft, but it is very smooth. While I was awaiting delivery, I drove a Sub for comparison and walked away shaking my head. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm assuming you've driven one?

Mine's the EL 4x4 with 3.73 gears, so mileage is off a bit averaging 15.5 or so, calculated. The computer is close, but mildly optimistic at 15.7. Mostly driven around town, so hwy is unknown yet. As for the tranny, so far so good. I was concerned after reading about the 07/08 years, but mine is very smooth. Overall, an excellent truck!

Hey Big Steve, This will give you a look at your window sticker. Replace the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX at the tail end with your VIN, and post in the URL window of your browser. I hope you enjoy your new truck; I sure do! http://services.forddirect.fordvehicles.co...XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Not only does the new Sonata clearly mimic other designs (poorly I might add), but it appears that they will play second fiddle in the technology arena as well. Okay, okay, I made that up! Sorry for any undue excitement...

Toyota. Moving forward, whether you want to or not. Sorry, couldn't get that out of my head.

Actually, I did think about it and found it pretty darned funny. The Onion is for entertainment only. Also, as I'm now thinking of expanding my stable, I'm actually impressed that it's a pretty good deal. Move quickly, as they may run out soon...

Check the mighty Mlhm5 poll thread under the Ford Motor Company Discussion Forum, post 3700. It's got a link to a great video of the lap. It's probably a good thing that car isn't available here; I'd simply have to find a way to buy one!

And back on topic, I'd never watched the X-Games, but when I heard about the WRC segment, I tuned in. An abolutely awesome performance from the Ford stable. I loved Tanner Foust's comment that the car was "like an angry badger on linoleum" What a wild ride!

Ah yes, the Cortina; the car FJ won't ever, ever let anyone forget. :happy feet: :happy feet: How many miles on the Cobra? I bought mine with a substantial number of mods and ran it for about 3 years until I had a CATASTROPHIC failure. End result, DSS 331SP longblock w/ AFR185's and an AFM B-31 bumpstick (I think), re-used my SysteMax intake and long tubes, added a V2SQ with the 2.75 pulley. It's pretty nasty. Believe it or not, I'm still running the original T5. Hope you enjoy yours even half as much.

Hey Nick, To his credit, it's pretty hard to drive sideways with FWD. I'm sure as a fellow SVT owner you know exactly what I mean. Not that you or I would ever stoop to hooning, but I've heard stories... (snicker). BTW, any mods on yours?

I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry, or maybe laugh until I cry. Think about this though; she's out on the, uh, street, perhaps driving a, um, car, and she may even breed...

I love the power fold mirrors on my new Expy. When I'm happy, I open and close them repeatedly while driving down the road and it feels like I'm wiggling my ears!

Pics as promised. I still haven't taken it any great distance but I'm looking forward to the next road trip.

I went with the Royal Red Clearcoat Metallic exterior, and the Stone leather interior. It looks absolutely awesome. I can't believe this is such a rare combo. While I was waiting, I noticed that you can buy practically any other color you want, so long as it's either black or white. Anyways, it was definitely worth the wait. Thanks again!

...that I had to wait this long! 5 months, but well worth the wait. The power difference between my old 01 and the 09 is noticeable. The paint is fantastic, and I've got the only Royal Red I've ever even seen. As a loaded Ltd, it's got more gadgets and gizmos than I've ever seen; it may take a while to learn them all. The Nav/Synch however, is the most intuitive interface I've used. I'll be travelling until Sunday but I will post pics when I return. It's particularly funny; I'd spoken to my sales guy, Lenny at Sheehy Richmond, and told him that after this long of a wait, I wouldn't be surprised if Elvis drove it into the parking lot personally. When I turned the key for the first time, Sirius channel 13, the Elvis station was already on. It couldn't have been any better. This has been a long strange trip, but I'm glad I waited. :happy feet: Thanks to all the Ford workers who helped make such a beautiful vehicle. I'm with you all the way.

That would be an 09. This is pretty frustrating.

I just called my dealer for an update on the Expedition EL Ltd that I ordered on 21-Mar. According to what they were told by the Ford regional rep, my truck is still sitting in the rail yard at KTP. Apparently it's being held for QC; no further clarification. Like a dumb-ass, I've already paid for this vehicle, as I didn't want to take a chance on losing the incentives in June. Oh, forgot to mention that the regional says it "might" be released in a couple of weeks. I am so PO'd right now I could chew roofing nails. Anybody got any ideas as to what might be happening? I'm almost afraid of whatever reason the truck was held; should I cancel for non-delivery?

Is Ab-original sorta like Ab-normal? Quick nod to Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein.

Does anyone have contact information for Ford management? I'm just about at the breaking point. I've had an 09 Expy on order since 21-Mar. I understand there were delays and that my timing was poor on the order, due to the move from MTP to KTP. I've been patient, but this has really had more impact both personally and professionally than I ever would have guessed. Long story short, I waited over 2 months just for the VIN. I was told in the first week of June that the build was scheduled for 14-Jun, and delivery would be 29-Jun, give or take a few days. I just had my dealer check and was told that the truck has in fact been built for 2 weeks, and is currently sitting on a rail, still in Kentucky. On the sticker, it stated the method of transfer as convoy BTW. I should add that this truck is paid in full, sight unseen. The entire ordering process has been as painful as anything I can remember from a buyer's perspective. This is the first time I've ever ordered a vehicle to be built, so I didn't know what was involved. Information has been sketchy at best. I feel my dealer has been very helpful. FoMoCo, not so much. Vehicles are big ticket expenditures for most of us. I don't understand why there isn't a consumer friendly portal that would allow access to information about a vehicle build, schedule, etc. Let's face it; I can track a $5 package as it moves across the country with UPS or FedEx. Right now I've got a $50K vehicle sitting God only knows where, or why it wasn't shipped when and as expected. FWIW, my company sells and installs large, complex telecommunication systems. If we can't meet a schedule, we always communicate with our client. If we missed a schedule and didn't bother to communicate, I'd expect we'd be fired by the client and rightfully so. I joined the forum after the order, and see that I'm not alone in this situation. I think Ford management needs to know how we feel. I really don't know if I'd do this again, knowing what I know today.

Congrats to both of you; I'm still trying to be patient. Sure hope I hear something soon...

Yen or USD?

I loved this part... "As part of his opening marketing push, Fuccillo will give away five Kias and four Hyundais to one person. He's going to deliver all nine vehicles via car-hauler to the individual's home. That's a bit crazy, but converting Saturn dealerships to Kia stores seems to be anything but."

Actually, the bashing is probably just a reaction. I like some of the ideas. From a buyer's perspective, the tracking system would be awesome. FYI, I've been waiting since mid-Feb for a new Expy, with little to no information from the dealership, and I don't really know where else to turn. I don't think it's for a lack of effort; they've been helpful but still no real information. I understand it's now in transit to the dealer, but nobody knows where. The point in this post is simple. I can track a $5 package through UPS or FedEx over the web. It probably wouldn't be that difficult to give consumers access to some of the logistics information that we all know they have available. Even the tractor carrying my truck likely has a GPS transponder on top. When we're spending what we do on a new vehicle, I don't think that's too much to ask. By the way cash, saving money is critical to survival. Don't think the market share isn't important, but no one can expect tremendous capital outlays in this climate. Not from a survivor anyways.