Lincoln model names *POLL*

[NickF1011]

I too wished the Fusion would have been renamed Taurus - my thought was to change both at the 2010 Model. Keep 500/Fusion names until then and rename them Taurus and Galaxie (500).

 

The 500 should have never launched with those powertrains.

 

Fusion has done a good job of building up name equity since its launch. I think Ford needed a fresh start in the segment. Seems to be working out so far.

[StangBang]

Fusion has done a good job of building up name equity since its launch. I think Ford needed a fresh start in the segment. Seems to be working out so far.

 

Fusion is a top seller. It's also working because I have one!

[StangBang]

The new Taurus wouldn't be selling nearly as well as it is if it was named Five Hundred.

 

I agree with this because of the element of surprise people get when they see the car and they cannot believe that a Taurus could ever be this nice... It just goes to show that it is possible to change a neglected nameplate into something that is credible and projects a positive halo over an entire brand.

[twintornados]

300, not 300M.

Oops...300 and 300C....sorry for the faux pas......I am helping a buddy unload a 2002 300M with a rod knock and I have 300M stuck in my head ....lol

[BrewfanGRB]

Maybe it's just because I like cars, read about them and just happen to have a good memory for this kind of thing, but I have no problem remembering which MK is which. I WILL say this: The names don't "connect" with the vehicle. As pointed out before, the C, E and S "connect"...along w/ the numeric part of the name. Benz and BMW do a good job of putting the numeric part of the name at or at least "near" the engine size. We know a an E350 is that instead of an E300 because the 350 has a bigger engine. It might not be exactly a 3.5, but it's pretty close.

 

The problem with Lincoln's scheme is it's not in alpha order by size and there's no numeric component to help you. There are only 4 models, so for me, it's just not hard to remember which is which. But for a Joe Schmoe buyer who just started his research, there's nothing to help him. "Oh yeah, the E350, that's like a 5-series, right?" Ask him the closest competitor to the E and the 5 in the Lincoln lineup...no clue. I know instantly the MKS, but hell, I remember all sorts of useless information for no reason.

 

As for names, as long as they are NEW, I'd be ok with it. Continental? Boring...old, big, lumpy car by Lincoln when I was a kid. Mark VIII? Huh? Why so many VII, VIII...what are they kings? Super Bowls? Nonsensical, IMO. Speaking generally for my place in the market (mid 30's male w/ no kids), I don't believe names like that are attractive. At. All. Keep the alphanumeric, but fix the messiness. Or give us something new---new car, new style--new name. You instantly bond THAT name to THAT car. I like Sentinel, for example.

Edited September 9, 2010 by BrewfanGRB

[silvrsvt]

While the new Taurus is a very good car, that name has always been associated with a midsize sedan and wagon. The replacement for Five Hundred should've been named Interceptor while the Fusion should've been called Taurus. The old Taurus and the Fusion are actually very close in size.

 

Not really....do some looking back at the late 1980s and early 1990s...The Tempo was slotted under the Taurus and the Escort was under the Tempo and at one point in time we had the Aspire/Fiestiva under the Escort also! The Taurus was always a Plus sized Midsized/full sized car...even with the Crown Vic to contend with. The Contour replaced the Tempo also. Ford finally got the size issue fixed starting with the Fusion

 

 

The new Taurus wouldn't be selling nearly as well as it is if it was named Five Hundred.

 

 

I dunno, the 2010 fixed all the issues the 2005-2009 model had...but at the same time the renaming didn't hurt it either.

 

What shot the 500 down was the near simultaneous introduction of the Chrysler 300M with gobs of Hemi power....the 500 was a damn fine car that fell flat on its back due to the cavalcade rush to Auburn Hills to pant all over the (then) latest offering.....

 

Of course, fast forward to 2010 and the 300M is languishing on dealer lots due to its gas hog reputation, while 500s are doing quite well on the used car lots....go figure.

 

 

I think the biggest problem with the 300C is that its old hat..the Taurus already got redone 2 times in the past couple years (which is unusual but needed) It really doesn't look any different from the 2005MY and the upcoming one looks as to be a big of a change as was the 500 turning into a Taurus in 2008..which isn't far enough IMO

 

 

 

 

[Blue II]

Maybe it's just because I like cars, read about them and just happen to have a good memory for this kind of thing, but I have no problem remembering which MK is which. I WILL say this: The names don't "connect" with the vehicle. As pointed out before, the C, E and S "connect"...along w/ the numeric part of the name. Benz and BMW do a good job of putting the numeric part of the name at or at least "near" the engine size. We know a an E350 is that instead of an E300 because the 350 has a bigger engine. It might not be exactly a 3.5, but it's pretty close.

 

The problem with Lincoln's scheme is it's not in alpha order by size and there's no numeric component to help you. There are only 4 models, so for me, it's just not hard to remember which is which. But for a Joe Schmoe buyer who just started his research, there's nothing to help him. "Oh yeah, the E350, that's like a 5-series, right?" Ask him the closest competitor to the E and the 5 in the Lincoln lineup...no clue. I know instantly the MKS, but hell, I remember all sorts of useless information for no reason.

 

As for names, as long as they are NEW, I'd be ok with it. Continental? Boring...old, big, lumpy car by Lincoln when I was a kid. Mark VIII? Huh? Why so many VII, VIII...what are they kings? Super Bowls? Nonsensical, IMO. Speaking generally for my place in the market (mid 30's male w/ no kids), I don't believe names like that are attractive. At. All. Keep the alphanumeric, but fix the messiness. Or give us something new---new car, new style--new name. You instantly bond THAT name to THAT car. I like Sentinel, for example.

 

Lincoln does not test well with the 30 something age group. It's best interest is in the 48-60 group. When Sentinel is tested the response is a newspaper in Orlando Fl. LOL So it doesn't look like any input from a younger demo would matter because they wouldn't purchase a lIncoln to begin with. A RWD V-8 sedan tests well but no in the younger demo.

[silvrsvt]

Lincoln does not test well with the 30 something age group. It's best interest is in the 48-60 group. When Sentinel is tested the response is a newspaper in Orlando Fl. LOL So it doesn't look like any input from a younger demo would matter because they wouldn't purchase a lIncoln to begin with. A RWD V-8 sedan tests well but no in the younger demo.

 

So your confirming BORG is just weird then LOL

 

How do you appeal to the younger demographic? I like Lincoln, but personally I wouldn't buy one...then again I'm only 35 :P

[FordBuyer]

So your confirming BORG is just weird then LOL

 

How do you appeal to the younger demographic? I like Lincoln, but personally I wouldn't buy one...then again I'm only 35 :P

 

I'm 62 and Lincoln is not on my buy list. A Porsche Boxster is though. In my view, the MKS and MKZ are rip off vehicles, the MKT is downright ugly, and the MKX is only one I like, but big CUVs are not on my buy list. The only Ford on my buy list right now is the 2002 Focus sedan. A new Focus and a Porsche Boxster as my summer car would put me into automotive heaven. IMO, Lincoln needs to go up market a little more and produce a truly outstanding vehicle that is worth the extra money. When I look at the MKS, I look at the new Taurus more, and when I look at an MKZ, I look at the Fusion more. Both are much better buys for what you get. That is why Lincoln need to go further upmarket so that it can produce a vehicle worthy of its higher price tag. If Ford is unable or unwilling to do so, then I say dump the brand.

[Chester]

So your confirming BORG is just weird then LOL

 

How do you appeal to the younger demographic? I like Lincoln, but personally I wouldn't buy one...then again I'm only 35 :P

 

 

Lincoln needs to come out with something smaller, tech infused, and sporty to appeal to the younger gen. They already have the tech. They are coming out with the smaller. Just need a good design, and some sportiness.

[FordBuyer]

I'm 62 and Lincoln is not on my buy list. A Porsche Boxster is though. In my view, the MKS and MKZ are rip off vehicles, the MKT is downright ugly, and the MKX is only one I like, but big CUVs are not on my buy list. The only Ford on my buy list right now is the 2002 Focus sedan. A new Focus and a Porsche Boxster as my summer car would put me into automotive heaven. IMO, Lincoln needs to go up market a little more and produce a truly outstanding vehicle that is worth the extra money. When I look at the MKS, I look at the new Taurus more, and when I look at an MKZ, I look at the Fusion more. Both are much better buys for what you get. That is why Lincoln need to go further upmarket so that it can produce a vehicle worthy of its higher price tag. If Ford is unable or unwilling to do so, then I say dump the brand.

 

Sorry, 2012 Focus sedan is on my radar screen.

[akirby]

In my view, the MKS and MKZ are rip off vehicles, the MKT is downright ugly, and the MKX is only one I like, but big CUVs are not on my buy list. The only Ford on my buy list right now is the 2012 Focus sedan.

 

When I look at the MKS, I look at the new Taurus more, and when I look at an MKZ, I look at the Fusion more. Both are much better buys for what you get. That is why Lincoln need to go further upmarket so that it can produce a vehicle worthy of its higher price tag. If Ford is unable or unwilling to do so, then I say dump the brand.

 

So you're complaining about vehicles that you admit you're not even interested in buying in the first place?

 

Lincoln should make lots of really expensive cars that you'll never buy or even consider.

 

Your opinion has been duly noted and filed under I for "Irrelevant".

[FordBuyer]

Lincoln gives us the MKS and Jaguar gives us this:

 

2011 Jaguar XJ Supercharged

Type: Five-passenger luxury sport sedan

Price: $86,650

Engine: 5-liter supercharged V8

Transmission : 6-speed auto with paddle shifters

Power : 470 horsepower

EPA gas mileage: 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway

 

Report Card

Overall: ■■■■

Exterior: Excellent. Long and lean, the XJ looks well-made from every angle.

Interior: Excellent. The high-tech interior may cater to the technophile but it will win over the most discerning customers.

Performance: Good. Powerful engine and stiff body provide excellent performance on any road.

Pros : A great combination of luxury and sport.

Cons: Price may keep some people out of this Jag.

Grading scale

■■■■ Excellent ■■■ Good

■■ Fair ■ Poor

 

 

IMO, Lincoln has a blueprint to follow here. Not a copy of the Jag, but RWD, and V8 power with better fuel mileage and interior that matches in many respects. And a price tag about $20,000 lower. Lincoln needs to be more than a FWD Taurus clone. RWD or close up shop.

[Chester]

 

IMO, Lincoln has a blueprint to follow here. Not a copy of the Jag, but RWD, and V8 power with better fuel mileage and interior that matches in many respects. And a price tag about $20,000 lower. Lincoln needs to be more than a FWD Taurus clone. RWD or close up shop.

 

Now how do you go about building almost the same thing, but charging 20k less? Where's the profit in that?

[FordBuyer]

Now how do you go about building almost the same thing, but charging 20k less? Where's the profit in that?

 

So you are saying Ford can't build a RWD sedan with V8 power and luxurious interior and features for $70,000? They can only build FWD Taurus clone with pedestrian V6 and interior not even as pleasing as Taurus for $50,000? I certainly have higher expectations for Ford and what it can do with Lincoln than you do. I hope Ford has higher expectations of itself than you do. Ford could even go to Mexico to build it as Cadillac did with the SRX if need be.

[NickF1011]

Lincoln gives us the MKS and Jaguar gives us this:

 

Lower profits and lower sales.

 

So you are saying Ford can't build a RWD sedan with V8 power and luxurious interior and features for $70,000? They can only build FWD Taurus clone with pedestrian V6 and interior not even as pleasing as Taurus for $50,000? I certainly have higher expectations for Ford and what it can do with Lincoln than you do. I hope Ford has higher expectations of itself than you do. Ford could even go to Mexico to build it as Cadillac did with the SRX if need be.

 

And why do you continue to use Lincoln's current lineup as a supposed high water mark for what they plan to do in the future? That's like travelling back to 1993 and saying "Well, looks like the Mustang is about tapped out."

Edited September 9, 2010 by NickF1011

[silvrsvt]

IMO, Lincoln has a blueprint to follow here. Not a copy of the Jag, but RWD, and V8 power with better fuel mileage and interior that matches in many respects. And a price tag about $20,000 lower. Lincoln needs to be more than a FWD Taurus clone. RWD or close up shop.

 

Please lets spend 70k+ on a sedan that has a painted black styling cue on its C pillar...WTF? I see that and its a total turn off for car like that...its fucking cheap and tacky looking.

 

The two best selling "luxury" nameplates both are FWD cars...not to mention you can get AWD

 

And many Audis are FWD also

[Chester]

So you are saying Ford can't build a RWD sedan with V8 power and luxurious interior and features for $70,000? They can only build FWD Taurus clone with pedestrian V6 and interior not even as pleasing as Taurus for $50,000? I certainly have higher expectations for Ford and what it can do with Lincoln than you do. I hope Ford has higher expectations of itself than you do. Ford could even go to Mexico to build it as Cadillac did with the SRX if need be.

 

I just think you need to charge a certain amount for low volume vehicles, and I do not think that quantity should be the goal in the luxury market. I'm sure Ford/Lincoln could make a vehicle similar to the Jag XJ for way less money, and sell a fair amount of them. But would it be worth it for Lincoln to sell a reduced cost luxury car?

[FordBuyer]

I just think you need to charge a certain amount for low volume vehicles, and I do not think that quantity should be the goal in the luxury market. I'm sure Ford/Lincoln could make a vehicle similar to the Jag XJ for way less money, and sell a fair amount of them. But would it be worth it for Lincoln to sell a reduced cost luxury car?

 

 

It does now. Trouble is, it needs to build a better reduced cost luxury vehicle. Lincoln will never be a MB in our or my lifetime, but it can be better for sure. There is price room for Lincoln to move upmarket some more, but still undercut the top German and Japanese imports in price. Let's face it, if Lincoln charges same as MB or whoever, then Lincoln will lose more sales. Ihave every confidence that Ford has the know how to build a proper Lincoln. I just wonder if they have the will and inclination to do so. So far, they haven't shown it. And until they do, there is still a question mark on Lincon's long term survival outlook.

[FordBuyer]

Please lets spend 70k+ on a sedan that has a painted black styling cue on its C pillar...WTF? I see that and its a total turn off for car like that...its fucking cheap and tacky looking.

 

The two best selling "luxury" nameplates both are FWD cars...not to mention you can get AWD

 

And many Audis are FWD also

 

I don't think anyone is expecting Lincoln to go to all RWD fleet. But one would be nice, and preferably a car as in sedan. It still has the RWD Navigator, and hopefully Lincoln will keep a RWD SUV like the Navigator in the lineup.

[NickF1011]

It does now. Trouble is, it needs to build a better reduced cost luxury vehicle. Lincoln will never be a MB in our or my lifetime, but it can be better for sure. There is price room for Lincoln to move upmarket some more, but still undercut the top German and Japanese imports in price. Let's face it, if Lincoln charges same as MB or whoever, then Lincoln will lose more sales. Ihave every confidence that Ford has the know how to build a proper Lincoln. I just wonder if they have the will and inclination to do so. So far, they haven't shown it. And until they do, there is still a question mark on Lincon's long term survival outlook.

 

So because Ford has had about a month since they said they are going to focus more resources on Lincoln, then obviously they should have launched an entirely new lineup and brought themselves up to MB standards? Your impatience is humorous really. Ford said that they were going to fix Ford first. Clearly that is what they did. Lincoln has gotten filler. If you think this filler is all Lincoln is going to do, then we can't help you and you should probably just give up and switch to another brand already because you obviously aren't paying attention to what Ford has been doing for the past half decade.

[akirby]

there is still a question mark on Lincon's long term survival outlook.

 

Only in your warped mind. The rest of us (you know - the ones that actually pay attention to what Ford has said and done the last 3 years) know better.

[FordBuyer]

Only in your warped mind. The rest of us (you know - the ones that actually pay attention to what Ford has said and done the last 3 years) know better.

 

Uh, Ford has a track record of turning itself around, but Lincoln's track record is not near as good. Not for decades has Ford proven it knows how to run a luxury brand properly. Until they do, I will remain skeptical and not a Stepford wife for anyone. I'm a 'Nam era baby and doubt authority much more than you guys do. I'll believe it when I see it. I still remember doing volunteer work at the late 90's Senior Golf Open at the course in Dearborn overlooking the Ford World Headquarters and seeing the new Lincoln Town Car on display there. Ford hasn't done much with the brand since then and what it has done still hasn't worked. You guys can prattle on all you want about how Ford is making money selling 600 MKTs/month, but to me Lincoln is a failure sales wise and every other way. Again, I'll believe it when I see it and that includes decent sales figures.

[FordBuyer]

Ford has called for a big meeting with its LM dealers for October 4, 2010. It's an attempt to re-energize its dealer ranks and also figure out why Cadillac is killing them. Lincoln is losing ground to Cadillac as it is with other luxury brands. I imagine Ford will also reveal in more detail what exactly it's going to do to stem the tide. I imagine it will be a very private meeting and we won't learn much about it.

[Edstock]

Ford hasn't done much with the brand since then and what it has done still hasn't worked. You guys can prattle on all you want about how Ford is making money selling 600 MKTs/month, but to me Lincoln is a failure sales wise and every other way. Again, I'll believe it when I see it and that includes decent sales figures.

You're entitled to your opinion.

 

Mine is that Ford has done a lot with the brand. Some of it has been successful, and some hasn't.

 

They have done what they can through management screw-ups (Nasser) and financial problems. You don't like the MK T, and anybody who says positive things is said to "prattle". Well, it seems to be a nice ride, and considering it's a brand new vehicle for the brand with what appears to be minimal marketing support, it's doing OK, prattle or not.

 

They've managed to produce reasonably competitive product (Z, X, S and T) from the platforms they could afford to use. You're RWD oriented; I like RWD, but an AWD Audi A-8 W-12 is one hell of a nice ride.

 

It's going to be very interesting.