Chester

You guys/gals that said to use the upper trim level name on Fords as Mercury could be on to something. What's the difference between Titanium and Mercury. Both are metals. Not much difference really, except that the name Mercury does have some draw to Ford fans. I know if I was buying between two exactly the same vehicle, but one was the titanium edition, and the other a Mercury edition, I'd pick the Mercury. Seems like a good idea to me. But, to do this, you may need to kill the Mercury lineup for a year or two at least.

I wonder how many people replying to this thread actually own trucks. And if they do, have they ever had a diesel? I've owned a bunch of trucks, both half tons and higher. Have had 3/4 in in diesel, and gas. I've had the straight 6 F150, 5.0 and 5.4 liter. Even had an F100 with a three on the tree transmision. I can honestly say, that I will NEVER own a non diesel truck again as long as I live. I'd love to have another half ton truck (hopefuly Ford), but I will refuse until one is offered with a diesel. My current extended cab 3/4 ton truck (it's a Dodge Ram), makes an average of 20 miles to the gallon. My last half ton 5.4 Ford made on average about 13-14 mpg. Pulling tralers is no comparison between a diesel and gas. I don't care if you only pull a trailer a couple times a year, I'd much rather have the diesel to pull the trailer. I'm hoping this 3.5 Eb engine does well for Ford, but PLEASE Ford, don't forget about us diesel lovers. I'm not going to buy the EB no matter how good it is. I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks this way either. And I'll also say, that f GM or Dodge does come out with a half ton diesel, I'm jumping ship. I've long been a Ford fan (particulary trucks). The dodge diesel I currently have is my first non Ford truck I've owned. The interior sucks on the Dodge, but the cummins diesel motor is great, and more than makes up for Dodge's deficiencies. I really dont need the 3/4 ton anymore either. I just don't pull trailers like I used to.

I love the Jetta Sportwagon TDI. Name another vehicle in it's class that get's anywhere near it's MPG that actually feels like you are driving a car. In fact, it's the only car I would consider besides a Ford right now. I'm hoping the new focus comes close, but we will see. The interior on the Jetta wagon is very nice, way nicer than other compact wagon's I've seen. Plus it has the interior volume of the above listed SUV's, only it averages in the high 30's in mpg's, and handles like a nice sedan.

Lincoln needs the C concept in the worst kinda way. A premium distinctive C class vehicle. It's style is definatley polarizing, but it is certainly noteworthy. Something Lincoln lacks at the moment.

My wife has a FIT, and while yes, it does seem to have more room, some of that space is way up against the ceiling (places you'd never use anyway, unless the car is stuffed to it's gills. Actual usable space is much closer. Still the fit is a little roomier than the Fiesta. But, that's about the only plus the Fit has. When Ford had both the Fiesta and new Focus out, they will have a much better lineup than Honda. Someone looking at smaller vehicles will multiple choices on the Ford lot.

Take a look at the finer details. Such as weight of the lift gate, the finish around the door frames etc. I had a 08 Elantra for about a year. It was an OK car, but overall left a lot to be desired. Everytime I opened the trunk, I couldn't belive how light and thin the trunk opening felt. It was felt very toyish to me. The gas cap opening was a cheap plastic (I've seen several broken off). The paint on the inside of the doors was not finished. It developed a rattle in the steering column that I had the mechanic look at repeatedly, and they couldn't fix it. The best thing about the car was the radio (nice sound system). The dealer wasn't the best either. Overall, the buying experince was low, and I wasn't all that happy with the purchase. Probably the worst car I'd say I've owned (of about a dozen vehicles including two similar sized Fords Sabel and Taurus). Learned my lesson, and my next behicle will be a Ford again.

Wrong. You mis-quoted me. I'd love to get one, but it's not the type of car I am looking at (need a bigger car for a growing family). If my situation were different (which it is for many people) then I would certainly be in the market for this. Why wouldn't people be interested in this? A small well appointed car that can seat six and make 40 miles to the gallon. You may hate the styling, but just as many people like it.

I think their are many who would buy it. It's a little like a PT Cruiser, but only in a good way. Older folks will flock to this thing, but a younger crowd will look at it as well. It will be just a much better car than the PT. The styling is unique. Many traits are ideal, like the wide open seating with the gear shifter at the steering wheel. The styling grows on you the more you look at it. I think Lincoln needs something like this, something different that gets noticed. I don't know if I'd buy one, but it's not because of the styling (I just need something with more space with the family). If the space requirements were different I'd love to have one. Single's, married couple with no kids or emptynesters will all look at this. It's styling will turn some people off entirley. That's a given. But, at the same time, this styling will bring people in looking at Lincoln's that never would have given the car company a first thought. And that's something the old limousine car company could use.

I really like the concept C. I think Lincoln would do well do bring this to market.

So was the MKS at the NY show?

What does it make while pulling a trailer?

1. Historically it's been cheaper. Their are more taxes on it though. Currently, it's just a few cents more than regular. 2. It's not for the niche market. The F150's today are as capable as the 1 tons 15 years ago. Just about anyone I know that pulls anything with a half ton could benefit from the diesel. And those just commuting could benefit from the better gas milage. 3. Stigmas like lasting more durablility. The stigmas like being loud and rough etc. are the same stigmas all trucks in general had not long ago. 4. Yes, they do cost more, but make up for it in durability and gas milage among others. They will sell well. 5. The ecoboost in a F150 is for pure gas milage only. I don't think it's a bad idea for the F150, but it's not at all the same.

Why? Just drop a smaller version of the new diesel into the F150. Would get just as good of gas milage, and would have more power. I find it hard to beleive that not one of the the truck makers puts a diesel into a half ton pickup. Please Ford, put a diesel in the F150. Don't want no stinking hybrid plug in truck.

Maybe the new PI ????

Nothing wrong until you need to replace them.

It's good looking and has sensible sized wheels. Not sure why the domestics want to put 20 inchers on everything. ughhh.

The main focus of a new Ranger should be increased gas milage. That will sell the vehicle. If someone needs power, then step up to the F series. Ranger should be all about fuel economy and fun. It's a great utility vehicle that can haul small loads and bikes etc.

Your more than likely correct, but it will be up to Toyota to prove otherwise. Can they do it?

Do you have a link? Just interested in the story.

Needs bigger and thinner tires.

I like Saab. I've owned three over the years. A 900 that I gave to my niece at 260k miles. And two 9-5's (1 sedan and 1 wagon). All bought used. The 900 was one of the best cars I've ever owned. It was tough, but sporty enough. Decent build quality etc. Hardly anything ever went wrong with it. When I bought it, Ford really didn't have anything like it. (Looks to be changing with the new Focus, Fiestas coming out). The 9-5's were purchased after we gave away the 900. I bought the Sedan and not long after my wife got the wagon. They were pretty good cars as well, but both had a fair amount of expensive repair work done. I don't think I'd get another 9-5 after the experience (although they were pretty decent cars). The 900 was very nice, just too small for the family. I hope Saab does well, and it's a good to see them set free from the GM umbrella.

So when will Toyota admit that the original recall is the same issue as the latest recall. Who really thinks that the floor mats are at fault?

Sounds like it has less cargo room than a Honda Fit. No where near the utility of the ultimate style cuv err.. minivan.