twintornados Posted March 20, 2008 Author Share Posted March 20, 2008 You would think the "panther mafia" would embrace the idea of a Transit Connect Taxi to replace Crown Victoria....that would make Crown Victoria a more desired vehicle since you don't see thousands of them on the streets of large urban cities doing grunt work. Instead, they would be sought after as the affordable luxury vehicle they originally were designed to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bored of Pisteon Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 You would think the "panther mafia" would embrace the idea of a Transit Connect Taxi to replace Crown Victoria....that would make Crown Victoria a more desired vehicle since you don't see thousands of them on the streets of large urban cities doing grunt work. Instead, they would be sought after as the affordable luxury vehicle they originally were designed to be. But in order for that to happen (affordable luxury vehicle) Ford needs to bring back the LTD designation and start opening up the vast array of options, interior/exterior trim, seating, and colors to boot like they did in the past. AND FOR GOD'S SAKES... BUILD A 2 DOOR AGAIN! Nobody likes to sit in a vehicle all the time with thin flimsy felt like upholstery and headliners all the time. I sure as hell don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman100 Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 You would think the "panther mafia" would embrace the idea of a Transit Connect Taxi to replace Crown Victoria....that would make Crown Victoria a more desired vehicle since you don't see thousands of them on the streets of large urban cities doing grunt work. Instead, they would be sought after as the affordable luxury vehicle they originally were designed to be. Ford has given up on that market - hence the reason that Lincoln is being taken down-market, and squeezing Mercury out. The rule of thumb for Ford products is if it cannot be cobbed together off of an "international" platform, it won't exist in a few years. Ford of North America will be nothing but the F-150 and the marketing arm for foreign vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Instead, they would be sought after as the affordable luxury vehicle they originally were designed to be. You can't polish a turd, don't give the any ideas of grandeur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 So...what is the big deal with the TC as a taxi? Ford, in their infinite stupidity, just brought over a minivan and painted it yellow. How is this any different than Toyota using the sienna as a Taxi? I guess this means the Ford Box won't be a taxi then... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 How is this any different than Toyota using the sienna as a Taxi? Well, for starters, it's smaller and lighter, and more fuel-efficient. Then there's the raised roof-height, which has been an ear-mark of primarily dedicated commercial-use vehicles. This feature alone adds utility and ease of use to such a degree that the Sienna is not really competitive; a Chrysler Town & Country would do just as well, which also isn't good enough. They are both good sleds, but in this case, roof height is the winner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Well, for starters, it's smaller and lighter, and more fuel-efficient. Then there's the raised roof-height, which has been an ear-mark of primarily dedicated commercial-use vehicles. This feature alone adds utility and ease of use to such a degree that the Sienna is not really competitive; a Chrysler Town & Country would do just as well, which also isn't good enough. They are both good sleds, but in this case, roof height is the winner. Good Points I think Ford wants different product for fleet sales and consumer sales as well. If you sell TC to taxi companies and Flexes to consumers, then resale prices for the Flex will stay good after the taxi companies start dumping used 2 yr. old TC on the market with 200,000 miles on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblood Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I love it, but I wonder how it will be able to go up a hill loaded down with 1500 pounds of stuff with the 2.0L gas engine and a 4 speed auto? How about a hybrid or a diesel? Or a 6 speed tranny? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Well, start planning the funeral for the Panther if not already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critic Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Well, start planning the funeral for the Panther if not already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Well, for starters, it's smaller and lighter, and more fuel-efficient. Then there's the raised roof-height, which has been an ear-mark of primarily dedicated commercial-use vehicles. This feature alone adds utility and ease of use to such a degree that the Sienna is not really competitive; a Chrysler Town & Country would do just as well, which also isn't good enough. They are both good sleds, but in this case, roof height is the winner. I'd be also willing to bet that the TC is "tougher" platform better suited for this type of work vs Sienna or Chrysler minivan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critic Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Then there's the raised roof-height, which has been an ear-mark of primarily dedicated commercial-use vehicles. This feature alone adds utility and ease of use to such a degree that the Sienna is not really competitive; a Chrysler Town & Country would do just as well, which also isn't good enough. They are both good sleds, but in this case, roof height is the winner. Great, with the disco ball hanging in it, you should have plenty of room to party, and it will make a good impression when you arrive at the red-carpet movie premiers. In other words a new replacement for the green vehicle's at Sundance! Stay tuned to Brokeback Mountain Part II Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 (edited) I'd be also willing to bet that the TC is "tougher" platform better suited for this type of work vs Sienna or Chrysler minivan IIRC, it was originally based on C170 Focus, Can't find any info that says it was updated to C1. Edited March 21, 2008 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
range Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 (edited) Edited March 21, 2008 by range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I'd be also willing to bet that the TC is "tougher" platform better suited for this type of work vs Sienna or Chrysler minivan Well, yeah...it uses the ancient technology like a full frame. I wonder how many curbs it can jump? I don't know...I guess I just don't see the fact that Ford imported a 4-seat minivan as anything but confusing. Didn't you all say the the Ford xB was going to be the Taxi of choice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted March 21, 2008 Author Share Posted March 21, 2008 Well, yeah...it uses the ancient technology like a full frame. I wonder how many curbs it can jump? I don't know...I guess I just don't see the fact that Ford imported a 4-seat minivan as anything but confusing. Didn't you all say the the Ford xB was going to be the Taxi of choice? Where on earth do you get the idea that this vehicle uses a full frame? She is built "tough" but it does not have a full frame like the panthers do... http://www.ford.co.uk/ns7/transitconnect/t...el_over/-/-/-/- The Transit Connect will make a very good choice for Taxi/Livery service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Didn't you all say the the Ford xB was going to be the Taxi of choice? You're entitled to your obviously myopic opinion, but the TC is not Ford's xB, for 2 reasons: 1) they don't look alike; and 2) the xB sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F250 Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 You're entitled to your obviously myopic opinion, but the TC is not Ford's xB, for 2 reasons: 1) they don't look alike; and 2) the xB sucks. The Transit Connect is about 300lbs heavier but has a smaller engine with less horsepower and torque than the little Scion. They don't look alike, the Transit Connect is even uglier than the Scion. It's even worse with the primered fender yellow door taxi package. I can see people waving these off and waiting for a real taxi instead of getting in something that looks like a circus clown car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I don't know...I guess I just don't see the fact that Ford imported a 4-seat minivan as anything but confusing. That's the whole thing, its not a Minivan, its a small courier Van. Didn't you all say the the Ford xB was going to be the Taxi of choice? There you go assuming again...Ford is going to destroy the value of a product that starts in the 20s range to dump them on fleets, when they got a cheap/realible platform in the Transit Connect that can do the same thing that doesnt affect the retail side of the house, since 90% of TC sales will be to business/retail fleets (not rentals!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted March 21, 2008 Author Share Posted March 21, 2008 The Transit Connect is about 300lbs heavier but has a smaller engine with less horsepower and torque than the little Scion. They don't look alike, the Transit Connect is even uglier than the Scion. It's even worse with the primered fender yellow door taxi package. I can see people waving these off and waiting for a real taxi instead of getting in something that looks like a circus clown car. Ever try to get a taxi in NYC?? I don't believe anyone will be "waving it off" when it pulls up to the curb. I would not buy it for personal transportation, but it makes allot of sense to the small delivery/courier/taxi market. Small, economical to operate, nimble to maneuver, easy to get in to and out of, and a straightforward design. Not too many negatives to it for it's intended market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Bring back the Checker you need something with character as an extra tourist attraction, would London be the same without the black taxi cab & red routemaster, who would bother to visit Cuba if it was not for all those lovely old Motown Monsters there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critic Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 You're entitled to your obviously myopic opinion, but the TC is not Ford's xB, for 2 reasons: 1) they don't look alike; and 2) the xB sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critic Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Cute, that Fiat actually HAS 4 wheel steering for a cheap car. He has trouble getting them to line up correctly for straight travel it looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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