Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I prefer to row my own gears and I wondered if anyone has been able to purchase or even drive a 1.6 liter with the manual. I know the automotive journalists rave about it, but how is it as a consumer? Any reports would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSKershaw Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Apparently the manual will only be available on Special Orders. I don't believe dealers are allowed to order these for dealer stock. Finding one to test drive will almost be impossible, but you might get lucky... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I don't believe dealers are allowed to order these for dealer stock. Even if Ford wanted to do that it would be illegal. There is no restriction on ordering or stocking manuals - that's up to the dealers whether they want to stock one or not. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camride Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I thought someone here had purchased and received a 1.6 manual, but I could be wrong. I don't remember who it was though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 (edited) The dealers are too worried they wouldn't be able to sell a manual as easily...and perhaps rightly so, but having an example for the general consumer does increase interest in the car. Several of my friends and relatives prefer the manuals and we are not ignorant of the fact the row-your-own transmission is slowly disappearing. Take a look at the Fusion's car class segment and very few offer a manual...and if it does, it's on the low end base models. Who said those of us who drive manuals don't want the same equipment as the upper trim levels? Anyway, go Ford for having this option with one of its best motors! Edited November 20, 2012 by Zoomzoom5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 This was also a problem with the 2000 Lincoln LS which offered a manual. Dealers wouldn't stock them so no test drives. I asked the then VP of Marketing Jim Rogers why they didn't just require each dealer to stock one manual for test drives and his response was "because I don't want to go to jail." The implication was that Ford cannot force dealers to buy specific vehicles due to franchise laws. So all Ford can do is offer it and hope the dealers keep some for test drives but they can't force them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Thank you for the input akirby. It's too bad so many dealers are gun shy. Have some faith guys! We enthusiasts are ready with checkbook in hand, but we gotta drive it first. Personal preference, I have to drive it to make sure I can live with it for several years. My Protege still shifts better than a lot of newer manuals out there...and that's with 19 years and 314,000+ miles on it. Yeah, still the original tranny and clutch. I keep telling her to get me two more years! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 The problem is there just aren't enough enthusiasts for most dealers to take the chance. I'm sure some have ordered manuals in other vehicles and had them sit for months and months. It's hard to blame the dealers when you look at it from that perspective. Besides - most people who really want the manual would be willing to order one anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Yeah, that's true enough, but it's little solace for us. Sigh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Yeah, that's true enough, but it's little solace for us. Sigh.... Just be happy you can still order one with a manual. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hermans Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Motorweek said of all the Fusions they test drove, they liked the 1.6 with the manual the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 That's one I haven't seen yet...off to PBS.org to see it! Thank you Hermans! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Already posted here: http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/50812-any-guesses-for-the-first-2013-fusion-review/page__st__100#entry813091 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Just be happy you can still order one with a manual. Amen brother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Once again, muchismas gracias Akirby! They were excited about the manual, that's for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionTime Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Just be happy you can still order one with a manual. I have ordered a 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L Ecoboost Manual Transmission....and can't wait for it to arrive! I will be sure to post my thoughts on the driving experience if the car actually gets delivered sometime before the next generation model comes out. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 I have ordered a 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L Ecoboost Manual Transmission....and can't wait for it to arrive! I will be sure to post my thoughts on the driving experience if the car actually gets delivered sometime before the next generation model comes out. Ay laddie! Hopefully before Jesus comes again! I look forward to the review. I wonder if anyone throughout this nation has seen a manual on a dealer lot? Hmm.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheesyRider Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 My manual transmission Fusion is scheduled to be built next week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpeex Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I have ordered a 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L Ecoboost Manual Transmission....and can't wait for it to arrive! I will be sure to post my thoughts on the driving experience if the car actually gets delivered sometime before the next generation model comes out. My manual transmission Fusion is scheduled to be built next week. Zoomzoom, glad to hear from another kindred rowing fanatic. I took full advantage of tricking out the options on mine. Alas, mine remains in Fusion purgatory...built 10/22.... Outstanding Field Service Actions 12T08 - OR TO SALE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MineralstangGT Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Has anyone who ordered the stick driven a Fusion or Escape for that matter, with the 1.6l. I guess I'm just wondering if the motor itself is good and would want to see its power delivery even with the auto. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheesyRider Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Has anyone who ordered the stick driven a Fusion or Escape for that matter, with the 1.6l. I guess I'm just wondering if the motor itself is good and would want to see its power delivery even with the auto. Any thoughts? I drove the 1.6 Fusion prior to ordering the manual. It had plenty of torque down low and good power delivery. I also found it to be one of the best sounding four cylinder cars I have ever driven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionTime Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 For me the Manual Transmission is the only choice. I do wish, however, that the 2.0L Ecoboost was offered with the Manual I am all for saving gas and being fuel efficient, which the 1.6L Ecoboost does exceptionally well......but there are those of us out there that are choosing to buy manual transmissions for reasons other than cost or fuel efficiency. (ie: Driving Pleasure and Enjoyment) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Strike- Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Now, if I could get my hands on an AWD Titanium Hybrid 2.0L with a manual.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoomzoom5 Posted November 20, 2012 Author Share Posted November 20, 2012 Zoomzoom, glad to hear from another kindred rowing fanatic. I took full advantage of tricking out the options on mine. Alas, mine remains in Fusion purgatory...built 10/22.... Outstanding Field Service Actions 12T08 - OR TO SALE Ay, the chosen few Kpeex, yes, my first manual I drove was when I was five years old, a 1957 Ford 600 Tractor. I had to jump off the seat and hit the clutch just ahead of the breaks so I didn't kill the tractor! Been hooked ever since. I've had a manual 1984 Audi GT Coupe (great dirt road car), 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 (average new to 62,000 miles: 38.1 mpg when I owned it..cried when we traded it for the Honda), 2002 Honda Accord (gutless wonder, but fully laden got 30mpg driving cross country through the mountains...not too shabby) and 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S with the Fox motor (incredible drifting car!). Oh the memories! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Strike- Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 (A bit off topic) Mine is my 88' 300ZX with the 5 speed manual, super fun car. Actually had it down in your neck of the woods this year, for Branson Z Fest, cruised around the Ozarks, had a blast down there, returning next year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.