FORD CARS ARE THE YUGOS OF AMERICA

[sa_seahawker]

You know, my family has been a "FORD FAMILY" for as long as I can remember.

 

We've owned everything! Rangers, Sport Tracs, F150s, Escorts, Mustangs, Thunderbirds....even Festivas and Aspires!!! But after visting the recent autoshow here in San Antonio and comparing Ford to everyone else....I have to say, even though I've been a devout Ford follower.....the car lineup is pathetic.

 

It seems that no matter what Ford puts out, there's always a catch. Take the Fusion, gorgeous car, looks cool, seems like it would appeal to young buyers.....no engine. The Taurus? Beyond boring. The Focus, slighty competive engine, but boring exterior and keeps getting destroyed by the Japanese automakers renovations to their entries.

 

Mazda seems to be coming out with nicer and better performing entries (IE Mazdaspeed Mazda6 and Miata) If Ford has a piece of them, why not borrow some more stuff? They've already got the platform adaptations?

 

Somehow Dodge and the German Chrysler guys have found a way to sell awesome looking cars with big V8s!!!

 

I have to choose between a Crown Vic and Charger? Is it really a contest? Heck, the V6 in a Charger has more HP and slighty less torque than the CVs V8!!! Now add a Hemi and its no contest. Not to mention the whole appearance thing. Okay, so the CV is an aging platform, but I still haven't heard of any major changes scheduled for awhile. I'll thank my local Law Enforcement for keeping Ford's CV sales up. Of course we won't even compare a Charger to a Five-Hundred

 

I think it's also safe to say that the Taurus is pathetic when compared to an Accord, Camry, Maxima for sure, or even an Altima (in case I got the competition class wrong). The only thing that it narrowly edges is the Malibu and Stratus. But at least those cars have some sort of performance or styling packages.

 

The bottom line is this:

 

Other manufacturers, albeit probably don't lead in every catagory, at least offer something to get me to buy it. You will at least get one of SOMETHING. Either a good looking car with a decent motor, or an awesome motor with a decent looking car, or a heck of a warranty if both fail.

 

Despite being a Ford faithful, I find myself ready to hang up the hat and stop buying the same old, slow, boring, Yugoslavian people's car I become accustomed to seeing for as long as I can remember.

 

On a side note, the GT, and Mustang are nice, but no one can afford a GT and remember when Mustangs were considered cheap? Isn't that how the Mustang outlasted the Camaro and Firebird??? A $33,000 GT convertible just doesn't fit the Mustang profile unless it had a snake in the grill.

 

That's just my opinion, I could be wrong

[fllcobra]

While it is taking a lot longer than I expected to get the 3.5L into its line-up, (it was about 2-3 years late) Ford is slowly making progress.

 

We keep hearing about hybrid, all-wheel-drive, and the 3.5L going into the car line-up.

 

So where are they?

 

What management needs is more action and less words.

Edited November 23, 2005 by fllcobra

[sa_seahawker]

I forgot to make another point about the Taurus.

 

The Taurus was the factory-sponsored body for NASCAR for how many years? I think from 1998-2005, if I counted correctly. With NASCAR probably being the epitomy of all that is vehicle performance...where was a performance Taurus? The Taurus is looked at as the poor man's family sedan/wagon, depending on which you get. How excited can you get every Sunday watching your favorite NASCAR driver pilot your moms station wagon to victory??? Not much. Now, we are to drudge on and expect a Ford Fusion to have a believability factor as a NASCAR contender? The fusion is shorter by about 7 inches and has just as meager engine, although 221HP is a significant jump (at least in Ford terms) from 201. But we go back to the tale of the torque and discover they about equal.

 

PLEASE, Ford....give me SOMETHING to buy that i can be proud of. The last great thing was the 03-04 Cobra. Please note, that car was the only thing worth buying (excluding the truck lineup)

 

If Japan can manage to squeeze 265 horses and 255 lbs/ft of torque (Maxima) out of a V6, then I think we can come a little closer than 221. Even GM churned out a 260HP / 280 'b/ft torque V6.

[TheLemon]

You said: "FORD CARS ARE THE YUGOS OF AMERICA"....

 

What about KIA? :rolleyes:

[ZanatWork]

Dear God, it's the bitch thread! Comparing Ford to Yugo-pathetic and just hugely stupid.

 

Stupid...and wrong.

 

Yugo was bottom-of-the-barrel in reliability, never led a market segment, had no dealer network, and was a rebodied obsolete FIAT.

 

F-series, Explorer, Escape, Mustang...all segment leaders, last I heard.

 

The reliability bottom feeders at this time are Suzuki and VW.

 

Ford...well, let's just say the dealer infrastructure is well in place.

 

The FIAT tie-up is the cloest thing to reality, as Ford and FIAT will be producing some subcompacts together.

 

Now...what were the other bitch-fests (excepting the Lemonhead, who is on my ignore list and therfor I'm spared his digital drool)?

 

 

Let's pick out a few favorites...

 

 

1. The Fusion has more motor than the current Camry, which is the segment leader. The 1-year wait for the better V-6 appears to be survivable, as plenty of people are snapping the '06 models up.

 

Note: most people buying mid-sized sedans are NOT street racing. A tenth of a second isn't a big deal.

 

2. The 3.5 engine is taking its time, but rushing things to market leads to bad launches. Think of the old Heinz commercials...good things come to those who wait. In the meantime, remember that Five Hundred customers are even LESS likely to be street racing.

 

3. The Focus is overdue for a makeover, but for all that remains among the most fun cars in its class. Those who absolutely can't live without the C1 cars are welcome to purchase a Mazda 3 of a Volvo S40.

 

4. The Crown Vic also needs an update, but requires few sales to be profitable as its tooling is long since paid for. The 300/Charger are doing very well...but polarizing styling like theirs has a tendency of getting old fast.

 

And now, just because my bitch allergy is REALLY flaring up...

 

 

...what's the point of complaining about things when the often-discussed fixes are right around the corner? The new V6 will address the power issues in almost every vehicle that needs a boost in the engine compartment. The Edge, Fusion, and Aviator are aimed right at the hearts of their markets. The Mustang is the hottest coupe in the market, period. The Focus IS getting an update in a year. The new Sport Trac looks to be just what Ford needs in the midsized pickup category.

 

To quote Dr. Evil, "Boo frickety hoo!" Ford is halfway through a painful transition, and the new motor and crossovers are coming in just months. This is well discussed around here, so what's the crying about?

[ford4v429]

Ignore list???

 

thanks Zan, never noticed that option there before

[sa_seahawker]

ugo was bottom-of-the-barrel in reliability, never led a market segment, had no dealer network, and was a rebodied obsolete FIAT.

 

Uh, dude.....it's a metaphor....chill!

 

 

Anyway, in response to you:

 

I have always thought the the trucks have been awesome. Thus the thread regards CARS.

 

With regards to the Mustang being a segment leader....uh, yeah......mainly because there's not really a competition base out there. Which might be why we now have to pay $33-$35k depending on which dealership is gonna gouge you! LOL

 

 

Also, I didn't know the Fusion was going to square off against a Camry! I thought the Camry, Accord, Maxima, and Five-Hundred were competitors.

 

I'd fit the Fusion in with the Altima or G6, but okay.

 

The point I was trying to make was when was the last time you really got excited to see a Ford car, much less purchase one? Can you recall that special time when you picked up your red hot Ford Taurus fresh off of the showroom floor? Spend all weekend waxing it so you can show it off to your buddies? The look is boring. Fusion shows a little bit of hope, but I'm hoping its not going to be like the Zephyr. The Zephyr is another awesome idea in which I was let down after seeing the entire panel rattle with the window inside as the door sounds like your shutting a 72 Cadillac Eldorado door! LOL.

 

I'm planning on spending about $35k next year on my next car. What should I buy? A five-hundred? A Taurus? A Fusion? Or how about a new Lexus IS, Dodge Charger/Magnum, Infiniti G35, Cadillac CTS, or Maxima? Weigh Ford's options compared to what's out there.

 

Ford cars are good for one thing - Fleet Sales.

 

Cops keep the CVs alive and Enterprise keeps the rest. Of course there are those who think a car is just a way to get to work and dont really care. But for those of us who do? Why not motivate those people? If Ford is just building cars to drive fleet sales and the ability to make high volume/low budget cars a priority, then I can accept that. Just like I can accept that Yugos were made for the same purpose in Europe.

 

Again....

 

That's just my OPINION......I could be WRONG!

 

Btw....Happy Thanksgiving :D

[J-150]

the Fusion doesnt have enough engine?

 

 

have you driven one yet?

 

 

Or are you looking at the number 3 on it? Did you look to see that the 3.0 in the Fusion puts out more power than the 3.0 in the Camry AND Mazda 6?

 

 

Didn't think so.

[68Cougar]

The point I was trying to make was when was the last time you really got excited to see a Ford car, much less purchase one? Can you recall that special time when you picked up your red hot Ford Taurus fresh off of the showroom floor? Spend all weekend waxing it so you can show it off to your buddies? The look is boring.

 

You keep bringing up the Taurus like it's a brand new model. In case you didn't know, Ford will be dropping the model next year. They are only building it still for fleet sales or for people looking for a bargin mid-size car.

[sa_seahawker]

You keep bringing up the Taurus like it's a brand new model. In case you didn't know, Ford will be dropping the model next year. They are only building it still for fleet sales or for people looking for a bargin mid-size car.

 

Maybe, so the Five-Hundred is supposed to get my testosterone and wallet all giddy to buy one? Even my mother said they were kinda bland.

 

Regarding the Fusion outpowering the Mazda6....yes, I know, but as always, when Ford catches up, the competition comes out with something better (IE 274HP / 280 lbs ft torque Mazdaspeed Mazda6). BTW, 2 Horsepower isn't exactly an industry domination standard.

Edited November 25, 2005 by sa_seahawker

[ZanatWork]

Also, I didn't know the Fusion was going to square off against a Camry! I thought the Camry, Accord, Maxima, and Five-Hundred were competitors.

 

I'd fit the Fusion in with the Altima or G6, but okay.

 

 

Every car magazine I'm aware of has repeatedly described the Fusion as a Camry/Accord fighter. The G6 is too mediocre to play, as is the torque-steering Altima.

 

I guess you don't know jack about cars.

 

Also...the $35K region is a tad higher than Fords are going right now, excepting a loaded 500 limited, the Mustang GT convertible and the GT. The vehicles you mentioned-the Infinti for example-are not normal competion for Ford brand vehilces.

 

 

Your metaphor was, well, too far out to even be ironic and your vehicular comparisons aren't based on marketing realities. Go try and learn more.

Edited November 28, 2005 by ZanatWork

[PolkThug]

With NASCAR probably being the epitomy of all that is vehicle performance...where was a performance Taurus?

 

I believe it was the Taurus SHO made from 1989-1999.

Edited November 25, 2005 by PolkThug

[Extreme4x4]

sa, you really need to do some research about Ford cars.

 

First off, the 500 is a full-size car............ not a mid-size. Think of it as a Ford Avalon (although much cheaper and better looking). You can get an AWD 500 with leather for less than a Camry, which is much smaller.

 

Next, the Fusion. This car maxes out at $26K and change. Why are you even trying to put it in a catagory with $35K cars. It is the mainstream midsize model. It is larger inside than the Mazda 6, and drives better than about anything else in its catagory............. short of the Accord (I prefer the Fusion still, as it is significantly less expensive, and has a more direct feel to it). Yes, I have driven the cars.

 

I can't believe you are even talking about the Taurus. As a matter of fact, not just talking about it.............. but going on................ and on................... and on..................... about it. The car doesn't exist anymore. It is an anomaly that is only around for fleet sales.

 

Instead of just looking at numbers, go out and drive the cars. Do yourself that favor. You might just be surprised. When I drove the Fusion.................. I know I certainly was.

 

BTW, if you are looking in the $35K price range, why are you even talking about Ford cars in the first place??? That is not their price range.

[bec5150]

I agree with the "drive" the car part. HP and acceleration numbers simply do NOT tell the whole story.

 

I drove a new 500 with the CVT. Everyone has stated that this car, with a sub 9 second 0-60, is underpowered but to me, the car felt like it has more than enough "pep." It was certainly on par with other cars of that class. Also, if the CVT holds up for the long haul, it's a trememdously smooth transmission.

 

Also, the Fusion, Accord, and Camry seem to be equal on paper BUT all of the auto rags are saying the Fusion drives better.

 

In short, unless you have driven these cars, you really cannot comment. Which reminds me...gotta go test out a Fusion

[CPManx]

Let's all agree that the Yugo comparison is absurd--Ford's quality and engineering are in a totally different league. That said, I do (somewhat) agree with the complaint in the first post here: Ford is making awfully slow progress in putting some style and emotion into its cars.

 

The Fusion is a huge step in the right direction, a truly exciting yet mainstream sedan that can stand proudly next to a Camry (see this month's Car & Driver).

 

But look at the entry segments, where the import brands hook new buyers. Ranger? A million years old. Focus? A fantastic but aging car that has grown blander and less sporty while the competition goes the other way. Escape? A breakthrough product, initially a market leader, now about to be eclipsed by newer, more powerful and, yes, stylish competitors from Honda & Toyota. It's sad and frustrating. I hope Ford's solutions will arrive sooner than the industry gossip suggests they will...