No wonder why the Panther Mafia is so brain-washed

[Sherminator98]

The claim they want a good cheap car...

 

This is the reason why...

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp;js...mp;aff=national

 

Only keeps 31.62% of its residual value after a year!

[Jazzhead]

Funny thing is, I've been shopping around for new and used Rangers and it seems the three-year old Rangers are bringing $16,000 - $17,000 retail, not that much less than a new one at $22-23,000. I was thinking that Rangers hold their value quite well, and then this reports says exactly the opposite.

 

Go figure. Only thing I know is that those dirt-cheap 3-year old Rangers aren't anywhere around these parts!

[Traveler]

Yeah, about the only fault I can truly find with the Panthers is the depreciation for sure. Of course, a car that is built like the Crown Vic or its Mercury and Lincoln stablemates will last for a decade or longer and will retain a solid feel for much of that duration. A person buying a Panther will have to keep it for the length of the loan in all likelihood, but I suspect that most people who are buying them are keeping them for several years after that. Panthers equal comfortable and long-lasting transportation.

[NickF1011]

Yeah, about the only fault I can truly find with the Panthers is the depreciation for sure. Of course, a car that is built like the Crown Vic or its Mercury and Lincoln stablemates will last for a decade or longer and will retain a solid feel for much of that duration. A person buying a Panther will have to keep it for the length of the loan in all likelihood, but I suspect that most people who are buying them are keeping them for several years after that. Panthers equal comfortable and long-lasting transportation.

 

Of course, people buying new Panthers already get a car that looks a decade or older already.

[Roadrunner]

Zing!

[Watchdevil]

Of course, people buying new Panthers already get a car that looks a decade or older already.

 

That is what deters people from buying newer models. They look exactly like the old ones so what is the point. People that have an older one are more likely to keep what they got and people looking for something different and new with shop for something else. Had styling been changed enough to appeal as something fresh, different and new then it's more likely people would condsider a newer model over an older version. It killed the Thunderbird and would have killed the Mustang had they had not made enough changes to the Mustang when they did to keep it fresh and interesting. There is still a coupe market and people are still buying them. There are many current older model Thunderbird and Cougar owners that would likely buy a newer example if they were available. Yes it's a smaller market for coupes nowdays but there are still plenty of them being sold. I do see plenty of people in new coupes. I'd much rather have a Thunderbird as opposed to a Honda Accord, Altima, Pontiac G6 or any of the Audi/BMW/Mercedes/Infiniti coupes that are on the market today. Ford doen't even think it's worth making a Fusion coupe yet for some reason they think people are going to buy a cobbled up new Focus coupe which has no appeal at all. The magic of a coupe is designing a roofline and greenhouse that is personal and expressive, not just slapping two doors on and creating a quater window to fill in a 4-door roofline. I can even give credit to *gasp* my Cavalier coupe for having a much lower roofline and fastback profile than it's 4door variant.

 

I wonder what the reaction would be if Ford had presented the Iosis concept as a new Thunderbird instead? However we do know what the reaction was to the 427 Concept and Interceptor as a replacement for the Crown Vic...

 

 

[suv_guy_19]

Of course, people buying new Panthers already get a car that looks a decade or older already.

 

 

I think that's why Ford stopped upating them. They realized that the people buying them don't care anyway. It's never really been a car, at least in the last 15 years, that young people wanted.

[taxman100]

Yup - new ones look no different, so why buy a new one when you can get a used one for substantially less, and it will still run another 150,000 miles? I will buy a new one the last year they are produced, so I'll be set for another 10-15 years after than.

 

Of course, based upon the new Ford "styling", it might be a good thing they have not tried to update them - take a look at the turds they have produced lately.

 

Besides office politics, I think Ford listened to the dealers who never got any service work from them, so that is why they are phasing them out. ^_^

[suv_guy_19]

Yup - new ones look no different, so why buy a new one when you can get a used one for substantially less, and it will still run another 150,000 miles? I will buy a new one the last year they are produced, so I'll be set for another 10-15 years after than.

 

Of course, based upon the new Ford "styling", it might be a good thing they have not tried to update them - take a look at the turds they have produced lately.

 

Besides office politics, I think Ford listened to the dealers who never got any service work from them, so that is why they are phasing them out. ^_^

 

 

Yeah, sure, it would have nothing to do with trying to fill the lineup with current product. And Ford's new styling, to most anyway, is a big improvement. Again some people jsut refuse to let themselves see.

[Traveler]

Well, the above notion is partially right. If you're a trend chaser and want the latest exterior style and a nifty new dash, sure the Panther looks old. However, as already spoken many times before the car's architecture is fairly new and simply based on an older, yet proven design. Nothing wrong with not liking the Panthers. At the same time, if you want a cleanly styled car that doesn't age like the new Taurus will in 3 years, then the Vic or Marquis represent a good vehicle with a very solid reputation for longevity. It'll cruise the highway comfortably, offers good power and handling, has inexpensive upkeep and gets reasonably good gas mileage. People still buy Grand Marquises today and yes, they look similar to those of several years past and the Vic even more so. However, would anyone argue that to compare a 2005 Five-Hundred today to a brand-new Taurus, the Five-Hundred looks dated and out of style. The Crown Vic and Grand Marquis ride the outside line of tasteful blandness and their respective appearance maintain favor among their buyers because those spending the money aren't looking to impress anyone except themselves.

 

Nothing wrong with that in my opinion, but it depends on the buyers and the car they are buying. Personally, I don't get that excited over a sedan anyway. Very few exists that demand attention and create passion. We're not talking about Ferraris here. We're talking about Impalas, Tauruses, Avalons, etc. The Crown Vic doesn't offend my eyes and I doubt it is found offensive to anyone else. Its just...there. And I can deal with that. I prefer to motor along down the road without having to worry about what the Toyota driver beside me thinks. Chances are he'll probably be on his second or third car before this Crown Vic wears out.

[NickF1011]

I think that's why Ford stopped upating them. They realized that the people buying them don't care anyway. It's never really been a car, at least in the last 15 years, that young people wanted.

 

Well, it's a chicken-or-the-egg type of situation.

 

Did Ford stop updating them because people stopped buying them or did people stop buying them because Ford stopped updating them?

 

I'm leaning a lot more toward the latter than the former.

[Traveler]

I will agree that Ford could have done more with the styling. Take for instance what Cadillac did for the DTS. The newer model looks considerably different and more rakish with sharper angles than the previous model that was softer around the headlights and taillights. Still, the perception there is that the DTS is newer than what it actually is, exterior-wise. Ford could have done something like that to modernize the cars, but then you still have the same problem with depreciation. That does substantal damage to retail sales for a more general buying public. Few people either recognize the attributes of the Panthers to justify keeping them long enough to be right side up in the car's value.

 

You know, someone like myself can testify all they want about how good the Panthers truly are, but few people want to be locked into a car for a few years. Someone who appreciates these cars can somewhat overlook it if they have plans on keeping it. Yet, few people will keep a car past 3-4 years. Plus, as already stated most people want the latest trendy styling. That is why the Panthers are in a death spiral, plummeting to their demise. The cycle cannot be broken now. There are just too many things going against these cars and these reasonings aren't the platform's fault. Somewhere Ford has failed the platform, I believe.

 

I am a proponent for the Interceptor and MKR for replacements. I've even thought that maybe Ford should immediately terminate the Crown Victoria and sell the Grand Marquis for police fleet duty. Police have used Mercurys before and now the Grand Marquis looks very much like the Crown Vic with a waterfall grille anyway. Allow the Panther to grind to a stop and adopt the Interceptor into the Mercury lineup and leave the Taurus as the Ford flagship. Mercury could probably make better use of the Interceptor given the popularity of the Grand Marquis over the years. Maybe they could call it the Comet or Cyclone and in keeping with the desire for American muscle, do a hot-rod sport version called it the Marauder and a police version called the Mercury Eight and be done with it. I think in the modern age, Ford doesn't need three RWD full size sedans and perhaps the RWD V8 concept doesn't really belong under the Ford brand any longer.

[taxman100]

I shouldn't complain about the current styling - some people like it, and that is certainly fine with me. I'll be properly positive and say I do like the styling of two new Fords - a 2008 Crown Victoria, as well as the 2008 Grand Marquis :yup:

 

Seriously, I also like the F-150, and the Mariner is a nice looking vehicle for a female. I also liked the Ford GT, but who wouldn't like that?

 

Here is a nice little link for you to look at - look at the J.D. Power dependibility survey for a 2002 Grand Marquis (which I happen to own) after 3 years of ownership - highest rating in every category! The only problem is the ratings only go back that far - and that is when a vehicle is just getting broken in at that age.

 

So, you get one of the highest quality cars at 3 years of age, and one of the lowest resale values. Sounds like a perfect used car to buy.

 

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/reliability...andmarquis_2002

[Admiral]

Hip, Hip, Hooray for:

 

 

1) Torpid handling - Squat and dive, wallow and founder; the steering's not just numb, it's Panther numb. It's a wonder the trio doesn't come with nautical steering wheels and Dramamine for the motion sickness-inducing ride.

 

2) Atrocious Build Quality - Suddenly it's 1974 again. That's what the 2007 Panther customer gets, the WORST fit-and-finish that I've ever seen. EVER.

 

3) Storied Longevity? - I have no doubt my Focus will see a trouble-free 200,000 miles, which really isn't anything to a modern vehicle. Big deal Panthers go 200,000, most burn oil like diesels after half that many.

 

4) That's Right - That's all the transmission has to cajole, four lonely speeds. Too bad no one got the memo that Panthers compete in a world of five and six.

 

5) The Grim Reaper Wears a Blue Oval - No wonder Ford's pulling the Panther plug, their clientèle, of whom I can only assume are blind and lame is dropping faster than Bush's approval rating.

 

6) Long-Distance Comfort - Talk about seat support. Panther seats are as firm as soggy loaves of Wonder bread.

 

7) Minimalist Gauges- Because who really needs a tachometer or an oil gauge with numbers? And what exactly is the oil gauge measuring, temperature, pressure, volume?

 

 

 

Game, Set, Match. The new Taurus wins.

[Traveler]

1. HPP feels different. The newer, stiffer frame and rack and pinion makes a big difference. It handles flat and doesn't dive. The standard suspension, maybe.

2. Not sure about the opinion expressed here. Everything feels tight as a bank vault in my car.

3. Maybe, maybe not.

4. Gets the job done and maintains speed at any gear and even with the 3.27 rear, it cruises fine on the highway. Even kicks down hard at 80.

5. I'm 35 and have previously driven 3 Mustang GTs and 2 SVT Cobras for 14 years straight. I like the Crown Vic.

6. Not sure what Panther seat you've been sitting in. Maybe one with a 400 pound passenger having worn out the seat cushions for a few years.

7. Okay...the tach would have been nice, but I don't manually shift the auto...

 

Granted the new Taurus is much better than the Five-Hundred, because I drove the Five-Hundred and it wasn't an HPP Panther by no means. As I stated before, speaking for myself, I have long appreciated Ford Mustangs and I like V8s and RWD. Its great to be able to take a corner, blip the throttle and get a quick snap around a turn. That's something I wouldn't attempt in the softly sprung, FWD Taurus. The HPP with the late model Crown Vics and Grand Marquises made for a very appreciable automobile and unlike what you described Admiral IMO. What you described was a late 90s Panther with the single exhaust, softly sprung suspension and unsupportive seats. I know because I've driven them too. I cringed at the thought of getting one of these for myself, but having driven a HPP before, I knew that was more appropraite for me. Looking into the 2005 that I bought, I realized that this car was a radical (truly) departure from the car I just described above. This Vic was actually quite fun to drive...yeah, fun...sounds incredible, but that's one reason why I bought it. The Five-Hundred was too sedate compared to the HPP Vic.

 

Would I buy a new Taurus? I'm not really sure in all honesty. Again, I like them better than the Five-Hundred, but I still love RWD and V8s. I know a few, such as taxman, who have had a bad taste of Chrysler products in the past. I, myself, have been very impressed with my Hemi Ram up to this point. I've had it brand new since 2003 and now have 63,000+ miles on it. It drives just as good as it did when it was new, doesn't squeek or rattle and everything works just as good as before. If I knew that a 300C or Charger R/T would be as enjoyable after the same period of time and there was no Panther option, I wouldn't hesitate choosing either of the Chrysler cars over the Taurus simply for the pleasure of owning a car that I find enjoyable with a healthy V8 and RWD. That's just me.

Edited September 11, 2007 by Traveler

[taxman100]

Don't use logic with a Panther basher - they have to live in a world of stereotypes, else it might contradict the message that automobile advertising has become - making undesireable traits of unibody front wheel drive vehicles "desireable". Also, the "newer is always better" the classic mindset created by Madison Ave conditioning.

 

I got mine back from my wife after driving her Toyota for a week (she took mine on a 850 mile trip to Virginia to visit her mother - strange how she wanted to drive the Panther.) It was good for me to drive a front wheel drive vehicle for a week - I almost forgot how people have become convinced that engine and road noise, vibration, and harshness through the wheel and floor of the car is "steering feel".

 

Loved the torque steer while trying to turn and accelerate concurrently - clear evidence of a better design as well. Also, the handling when taking off-ramps on the freeway was awesome - nothing like the feel of massive understeer.

 

The only way around it is to engineer a lot of complex solutions that will cost an arm and leg to repair, or you can just avoid them by getting a proper simple rear wheel drive vehicle.

 

Not to rip on anyone's vehicle, but no one would ever want to drive a Focus to 200,000 miles, even if by some miracle it makes it that far, unless you are truly desperate. My wife's car is at 111,000 miles, and even as hopelessly cheap as I am, I'd dump it in a heartbeat if I was stuck driving it every day - the noise and vibration is lousy, plus it is starting to fall apart as a result of said noise and vibration.

 

Oh wait, we'll market that as "sporty feeling" - that will make it sell.

[armadamaster]

Good posts Traveler and Taxman100, could not have put it any better.

 

I disagree though Traveler here:

 

I am a proponent for the Interceptor and MKR for replacements. I've even thought that maybe Ford should immediately terminate the Crown Victoria and sell the Grand Marquis for police fleet duty. Police have used Mercurys before and now the Grand Marquis looks very much like the Crown Vic with a waterfall grille anyway. Allow the Panther to grind to a stop and adopt the Interceptor into the Mercury lineup and leave the Taurus as the Ford flagship. Mercury could probably make better use of the Interceptor given the popularity of the Grand Marquis over the years. Maybe they could call it the Comet or Cyclone and in keeping with the desire for American muscle, do a hot-rod sport version called it the Marauder and a police version called the Mercury Eight and be done with it. I think in the modern age, Ford doesn't need three RWD full size sedans and perhaps the RWD V8 concept doesn't really belong under the Ford brand any longer.

 

I am a firm believer the Panther platform is the most viable, perhaps only option into the forseeable future for a RWD FOMOCO fullsize offering and here's why:

 

Fleet buyers are the one constant now in Panther purchasing, so keep the Panther platform around with the current 4.6 and current 4 speed but throw in a "step up" engine option and a 5/6 speed tranny ASAP.

 

Lure in/back retail customers with a new body and new styling inside and out, 427 may not be too late or Interceptor body perhaps (fix that f&*king snout) for CV/GM/TC NOW.

 

Keeping Panther platform keep R&R down right now at a time that Ford desperately needs to keep costs to a minimum. And run a f&*king commercial on one for a shocker.

 

Not a name change but perhaps some name tweeking would not hurt, Crown Vic > LTD, Grand Marquis > Marquis, Town Car can stay the same.

 

At the rate things are going, the environazis, libs, and CAFE are going to essentially do away with fullsize sedans PERIOD by 2020 unless a miracle happens in legislation or technology. Why invest in a whole new fullsize/large RWD platform for another decade at most when the Panther can still get that job done better anyway for less money invested and effort.

[suv_guy_19]

Good posts Traveler and Taxman100, could not have put it any better.

 

I disagree though Traveler here:

I am a firm believer the Panther platform is the most viable, perhaps only option into the forseeable future for a RWD FOMOCO fullsize offering and here's why:

 

Fleet buyers are the one constant now in Panther purchasing, so keep the Panther platform around with the current 4.6 and current 4 speed but throw in a "step up" engine option and a 5/6 speed tranny ASAP.

 

Lure in/back retail customers with a new body and new styling inside and out, 427 may not be too late or Interceptor body perhaps (fix that f&*king snout) for CV/GM/TC NOW.

 

Keeping Panther platform keep R&R down right now at a time that Ford desperately needs to keep costs to a minimum. And run a f&*king commercial on one for a shocker.

 

Not a name change but perhaps some name tweeking would not hurt, Crown Vic > LTD, Grand Marquis > Marquis, Town Car can stay the same.

 

At the rate things are going, the environazis, libs, and CAFE are going to essentially do away with fullsize sedans PERIOD by 2020 unless a miracle happens in legislation or technology. Why invest in a whole new fullsize/large RWD platform for another decade at most when the Panther can still get that job done better anyway for less money invested and effort.

 

 

You really live in the past don't you. Traveler is willing to move forward with the new platform, and I agree with him. The Panther would cost a great deal of money to upgrade to the level you say. There is nothing wrong with Unit Body cars. The future, for you, is now. Live with it. Embrace it.

Edited September 11, 2007 by suv_guy_19

[LincolnFan]

5) The Grim Reaper Wears a Blue Oval - No wonder Ford's pulling the Panther plug, their clientèle, of whom I can only assume are blind and lame is dropping faster than Bush's approval rating.

 

Ok this is one of the most triple A comments I have ever heard in BOF. :hysterical: :hysterical:

[Blue II]

I will agree that Ford could have done more with the styling. Take for instance what Cadillac did for the DTS. The newer model looks considerably different and more rakish with sharper angles than the previous model that was softer around the headlights and taillights. Still, the perception there is that the DTS is newer than what it actually is, exterior-wise. Ford could have done something like that to modernize the cars, but then you still have the same problem with depreciation. That does substantal damage to retail sales for a more general buying public. Few people either recognize the attributes of the Panthers to justify keeping them long enough to be right side up in the car's value.

 

You know, someone like myself can testify all they want about how good the Panthers truly are, but few people want to be locked into a car for a few years. Someone who appreciates these cars can somewhat overlook it if they have plans on keeping it. Yet, few people will keep a car past 3-4 years. Plus, as already stated most people want the latest trendy styling. That is why the Panthers are in a death spiral, plummeting to their demise. The cycle cannot be broken now. There are just too many things going against these cars and these reasonings aren't the platform's fault. Somewhere Ford has failed the platform, I believe.

 

I am a proponent for the Interceptor and MKR for replacements. I've even thought that maybe Ford should immediately terminate the Crown Victoria and sell the Grand Marquis for police fleet duty. Police have used Mercurys before and now the Grand Marquis looks very much like the Crown Vic with a waterfall grille anyway. Allow the Panther to grind to a stop and adopt the Interceptor into the Mercury lineup and leave the Taurus as the Ford flagship. Mercury could probably make better use of the Interceptor given the popularity of the Grand Marquis over the years. Maybe they could call it the Comet or Cyclone and in keeping with the desire for American muscle, do a hot-rod sport version called it the Marauder and a police version called the Mercury Eight and be done with it. I think in the modern age, Ford doesn't need three RWD full size sedans and perhaps the RWD V8 concept doesn't really belong under the Ford brand any longer.

 

Would you buy a RWD Taurus flagship?

[Sherminator98]

Would you buy a RWD Taurus flagship?

 

 

I dunno that sounds wrong...the Taurus has always been FWD (now AWD as an option), but a RWD Taurus? I'd like to see it called something else like the Interceptor or Galaxie.

[wescoent]

Would you buy a RWD Taurus flagship?

 

I've heard of this car before. I have very mixed thoughts on the matter.

 

On the downside, the Taurus name doesn't seem like a good fit for a RWD flagship. While the new Taurus is simply magnificent, and truly worthy of its $32,000 price tag, the name still befits the large, FWD layout. It speaks of an upgrade of the original Taurus proposition. A RWD Taurus marks a significant departure from the original proposition. The Dodge Charger and 300C have been a great success in the market, due in no small part to their names and badass personalities, which RWD befitted. On a much more friendly vehicle like the Taurus, RWD detracts somewhat from its image. Now, if every Taurus came standard with super-advanced traction control, stability control, ABS, and other features that made the car foolproof in the snow, we might be on to something. Optional AWD is an absolute must as well.

 

I also presume this would be a move to phase out D3 in favor of an EUCD/Huntsman. While the Explorer can certainly move to a RWD unibody platform for its next generation, where does this leave the Flex?

 

On the plus side, this opens up a lot of opportunities for the Ford family. This almost certainly means the next generation MKS would be RWD, which would be an incredible boon to the Lincoln brand. It would also open up many more opportunities for superpowered engines under the hood, as well as giving the Taurus and its platform-mates a very luxurious air about them, kind of like bargain priced Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

 

It would also give me a vehicle to buy.

[Traveler]

In a hypothetical situation, I wouldn't mind a RWD Taurus...even if it didn't have a V8 and even if it did have a unit body. Here's my point of view. I think the Panther is a well-built and well thought out automobile that has not been completely abandoned by Ford. If you take a spin in a late-model Crown Vic or Grand Marquis and compare it to those from ten years ago, you are most likely going to be surprised. Ford has not sat idly by and let these cars go. They are really much improved, yet only someone who actually takes the time to take a test drive is going to see this fact and few are willing to do so because of the stigma of these cars. Plus, as mentioned, the residual value isn't too good with these cars, which is probably due to unknowing ignorance of these cars AND...Ford's lack of marketing for these cars that dates back a decade.

 

I have not really been a huge Panther fan for a number of years, however I was pleasantly surprised with the Vic that I would wind up buying. What I say about the car is meant to be genuinely sincere. I do feel that these cars could be made for a significant amount of time, however realistically public opinion and favor is slipping and the perception is that its a dinosaur and Ford has waited too late in my opinion to attempt to sway that belief. So, its time to move forward and I believe that the Inteceptor and MKR represents the closest thing to the Panthers while presenting themselves as a fresh face and potentially more desirable. It probably won't be the platform that the Panther has been. I personally think the Panther is probably the best automotive platform that Ford has ever made, despite a few shortcomings. The basic design for the platform (not the original platform itself) has been around since the Carter administration. It has been improved upon a number of times, but the general public just doesn't realize it.

 

I believe that if those of us who have an appreciation for V8 RWD automobiles want Ford to stay in the market, its time to move forward, accept that the Panther can't live forever and embrace an acceptable unit body platform and I think the Interceptor and MKR represent the best examples so far for a RWD flagship. Granted, RWD automobiles will likely never be at the forefront of popularity, but that is where the Taurus comes in. It will be the bearer of the mainstream sales for Ford in the large sedan class. Ford, however, in my belief needs a Ford or Mercury and a Lincoln RWD sedan, even if sales will not surpass Taurus. Its like the completion of the model line-up that is required to bridge the gap between the traditional American sedan and the modern intepretation of it. I believe there is room for both and that is why I adovocate putting the Interceptor into an appropriate production status as a Mercury since the vast majority of retail sales has been from a steady, but dwindling stream of customers continuing to buy the Grand Marquis. Police can drive Mercurys just as well as Fords and if its better than the Charger, then it will retain the Crown Vic's years of popularity. As for the MKR, it would be an impressive addition to any Lincoln showroom and definitely one up the Cadillac DTS that I assume it would be compared to most often.

 

I really don't want to talk negatively about the Panther because I see every day how good of an automobile it is, but I really would rather see it pass on with dignity and another successor take its place rather than to see Ford completely abandon the V8 RWD market altogether, leaving just the Taurus, Sable and MKS to be the top offerings from each brand. Ceasing production of the Panther would seem to leave a void in the lineup of each brand in my opinion.

Edited September 11, 2007 by Traveler

[Hemiman]

Not sure why it has to be either-or here. Why can't the Panther co-exist along side the Taurus. There is demand for a heavyduty car. Not everyone want's an SUV or CUV or Pickup. I'm a fan of the Panther and think it could hold its own with some scheduled updates.

 

 

Let's look at an equally "outdated" vehicle.

 

The Jeep Wrangler. This basic body tub on frame, sitting on two straight axles dates back to the Willys MA of 1940. This led to the MB, CJ-2, CJ-3, M-38, CJ-3B, M-38A1, CJ-5,6,7 & 8, and finally, the YJ, TJ & JK Wranglers.

 

The automotive snobs will tell you that there is no room for such an archaic design. The current crop of CUVs are far more advanced in design, giving far better ride, handeling & efficiency. All this stupid vehicle can do better is drive over boulders. And only 10% of all Wranglers sold are ever driven on anything more technical than a dirt road. Less than 2% actually go where the CUV can't follow.

 

So why does this vehicle exist and thrive?

 

1, It's really good at what it's designed to do, even if never asked to do it.

 

2, Steady attention, usually leading to inprovement.

 

3, Unique but updated styling.

 

4, Interesting variants that play up to it's reputaion.

 

5, Good value

 

6, Never insisted that it sell 500K units/yr to be successful.

 

This not only has held a strong cult following, but has made the vehicle popular with the general public.

 

So the Wrangler continues to thrive long after AMC, and Chrysler have introduced more "modern" SUV's

 

 

Could the Panther do the same? It has the cult following. Could it ever appeal to the general public?

 

Well, it does some things better than it's unit construction brethren. Haul heavy loads, pull heavy trailers, and take abuse that would stop most othe cars and possibly total them out.

 

Just like the Jeep, only 10% would ever use their Panther this way. Like the Jeep it's cool just knowing you can.

 

So what's Ford have to do? Refer to items 1 through 6 above.

 

I'll start:

 

1, Keep making it a BOF heavy duty car, see if parts sharing with BOF SUV's can help improve the breed while reducing costs.

 

2, Update and improve on a 5-6yr cycle. A good start would be the Explorer 4.6 3V and transmission.

 

3, If you want folks to consider buying a new car, it can't look just like a 10yr old one. Just minor changes are needed to keep it interesting between cycles.

 

4, Offer subvariants. Change the name of the Handeling Package to: Police Interceptor Handeling Package.... Exploit the cars reputation.

 

5, Panther has this covered.

 

6, Ford seems to be willing to accept this fact with everything but the Panther.

 

 

Now, go ahead and beat up on this whole Idea. "The Panther can NEVER be cool like the Jeep is".

[NickF1011]

Not sure why it has to be either-or here. Why can't the Panther co-exist along side the Taurus. There is demand for a heavyduty car. Not everyone want's an SUV or CUV or Pickup. I'm a fan of the Panther and think it could hold its own with some scheduled updates.

 

By the time you did all of those " scheduled updates" to bring the Panther's visual presence into the 21st century, you'd end up with an entirely new vehicle anyway.

 

I do believe a fullsize RWD sedan can co-exist with the Taurus.....but the outdated Panthers with their equally outdated names aren't it.