Are CAFE fines not repealed?  If so, and fuel economy is essentially left up to manufacturers (and buyers) on a voluntary basis, we can make a safe bet based on current fuel prices.  It does not only affect engines but also footprint rules that influence vehicle designs, transmissions, electrification, etc.  We will have to see how much manufacturers actually change given it could all be reversed in a few years.

I will say, with my MKZ, it was hard to find one fully loaded without the sliding/pano roof (have a simple moonroof instead), they just didn't age well and becomes a reliability nightmare years after.  A friends Pano Roof in her '16 Edge hasn't opened in 5 years...last time she did you could tell it wouldn't close back up so we just know now to open it.  Could be done not just for cheapening out, but maybe not enough people actually use it?

So what are they buying instead?  Why do you think they killed Camaro and Challenger?

It’s misleading not to include the vehicle count in the headline.  But Ford recalls 171 vehicles isn’t as click worthy.

In fairness to Ford, what if they are “cheapening out” or decontenting in order to avoid having to raise prices, or raise prices even more?  In a way I like the idea of evaluating all features and deciding if the added cost is worth it to buyers, who will undoubtedly end up paying for it one way or the other IMO.   I’ve only had one car that came with a moonroof, a Ford, and probably didn’t open it more than one or two times a year on average, so I may be slightly biased in that it did not add much value to me. 

Not many then again, but it is not good for business, I mean didn’t they invite the press to check the factory and the quality checks and etc etc?

(cough-cough) C2 Global (cough-cough) 

I think it’s more about the changing auto industry marketplace than competition.    25 years ago you couldn’t get a “performance SUV” and sedan options where limited. Nor where their EVs that offer carrier catapult like acceleration     The two door market is small and getting smaller because it’s so limited in functionality. The market place seems to favor vehicles that appear to be multi purpose, even if the features are only used once or twice in the vehicles lifetime.    The Mustang will always have a market, but it’s not going to sell 1 million units like it did almost 60 years ago.     

Yeah oops that is what I get for post past 10PM…I’m old lol 

I think you make valid points, as I think one and three are most likely the biggest culprits. Though the front fascia is acceptable I don’t think it is particularly good looking.  I personally think it is bad enough that it should be redesigned for 2026.  The current design does not feel cohesive to me and the leading edge of the hood is too flat.    With the discontinuation of the Camaro and the Charger/Challenger, the Mustang should have seen a sales increase, not a decline. Not every person in that segment is brand loyal, and since you are the only kid on the block now there really isn’t an excuse.