Anthony

But not as practical. Don't get me wrong, I love the Flex. But,, if I have enough kids to warrant a third row, I'm getting a mini. The walk through arrangement and sliders of a mini make it a no-brainer. I see the Flex going to people who are more image conscious to the point of not wanting a mini.

I'm not sure why everyone tries to keep these links a secret, its not like they bite. Bookmark this page: http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_resource...?action=af_stat It is updated and has fleet (and specific model) info going back a good 7 years.

Eeesh...sorry Richard, that looks even worse. [opinion]I don't think I'll ever warm up to that upright 70's styling. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the quality is there, but the binnacles work in a Mustang, not a Lincoln.[/opinion]

Sorry, I was actually referring to the triangular piece on the fender (but I write strip...d'oh). It seems like it would stand out being the only chrome piece I can see along the entire side.

Back on topic....for those that have seen the new Focus in person. Does the chrome strip look as prominent in person as it does in pictures? I do notice a very "ZX2" vibe in the cope, which is not a bad thing.

No, its coming from someone who knows better then to spend $30K on car with "great interior materials".....that looks like Rubbermaid.

I was going to argue the point about the interior of the Zephyr/MKZ winning an award until I came across this in the press release: I googled each interior of those cars and realized they were just as ugly as the MKZ's interior. So, my guess is they picked the best value for bad interior styling. It may use quality parts, but it is ugleee.

What I find funniest about this type of car is that NOT ONE of the vehicles actually has a "name". Alpha-numeric apparently means "I drive an expensive car".

The close rate on the Five Hundred is impressive, but the only people who would test drive them had already gotten over the initial shock, which would be the dull styling. No problem with that. Ford has addressed that part of the equation (well, at least partially). By giving the car a face lift, which most think is better looking...they will get more people in cars to test drive. If Ford can retain that closing percentage...you'll definitely see more retail sales for the Taurus. In theory naturally.

Looks nice from the pics. Can't wait to see one in person.

Wow... Where the old car looked intimidating, this looks about as menacing as pancake syrup.

Can the background music not match any worse? Driving fast through the streets of SF with Muzak blasting doesn't really go well. Otherwise, pretty cool commercial. Amazing what they can do with computers these days.

The changes from the regular Ram were not designed by Chrysler...its an aftermarket being sold through Dodge dealers:

First thing that came to mind when I saw that picture: Dan: So what's the verdict? Harry Stamper: They'll do it. They've made a few requests though. Dan: Such as? Harry Stamper: Well, there's uh, few things here [rifles through sheets of paper] Harry Stamper: ...nothing really big, uh, well as an example uh, Oscar here's got some outstanding parking tickets. Wants them wiped off his record... Oscar: [shouting from balcony] Fifty-six tickets in seven states... Harry Stamper: [to Oscar] I'll tell 'em Oscar, you got it. [to Truman] Harry Stamper: Uh, Noonan's got some women friends he'd like to see made American citizens no questions asked... Max would like you to... bring back eight-track tapes. Not sure if that's gonna work, but let's see what else... Chick wants a full week's Emperor's Package at Caesar's Palace. Um - hey, you guys wouldn't be able to tell us who actually killed Kennedy, would ya? Didn't think so. Um, Bear would like to stay at the... [tries to read writing] Harry Stamper: "White horse"? [looks up at Bear] Bear: White, *House*. White House. Harry Stamper: White House yeah, he'd like to stay in the Lincoln bedroom of the White House for the summer. Stuff like that. Dan: Sure, I think we can take care of... some of that. Rockhound: [shouting from balcony] Harry! Harry Stamper: [Motions back at Rockhound] Yeah one more thing, uh... none of them wanna pay taxes again. [pauses] Harry Stamper: Ever.

Jim..................Remember! <fade to Genesis Planet and Spock getting torpedoed whilst Jimmy Doohan plays the bagpipes> KKKKKHHHHHAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going to post the same thing...

Wow, we have a member of the engineering staff here! Amazing how everyone is quick to put down a competitor's product (based on a one inch square photo) when Ford has nothing to compete. What happened to the LS? A nice 2nd Gen LS would've com in handy right about now.

From what little I can see from that picture it looks pretty nice.

I have no doubts that the Flex will be a better looking vehicle and most likely a nicer vehicle then your traditional minivan...but will it drag people out of cheaper, more practical minivans? I'm not sure Ford is smart to bill it as a minivan alternative. As far as I see it, its just another CUV in a sea of CUV's. Not a bad thing...but the Nissan Quest proved that minivan buyers do not buy "style", they buy practicality. They don't care how nice an armrest is, they care that crayon will wipe off it easily. Most minivan and truck buyers are purpose buyers (though not all...that's why you have $40K T&C's and Harley Davidson F-150's). SUV/CUV/Car buyers are image/emotion buyers (with a dose of "purpose" thrown in for good measure). Caravans base at $19.7K (albeit for a 4 banger, but it is a true 7 passenger vehicle w/ dual sliders) $23K gets you a V6, aluminum wheels, upgraded interior, power locks, CD, keyless entry w/ alarm, etc etc...

..and any vehicle short of a Sherman tank would look different after THAT?

Some of the cars on that list have many features that are too confusing for seniors. I'm sorry, half the things they tout as "pros" for seniors on the Prius would make half of them not buy one. Too much tech-crap for them to understand. Buicks and Panthers.

Doesn't look finished with the missing window. I think perhaps a different shaped window as opposed to taking it away might look better..a bit overused, but perhaps a dogleg?

Actually....yeah, just not in the US....(where people want sliding doors on their minivans).

This had no sliding doors but was a minivan:

So does this hamper the 2009 refresh? Or will it be available to the public again then?