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Comments
The MACH300 head unit in our Escape is "satellite ready" with a "SAT" button and the ability to work as a satellite tuner. That means wiring and an antenna are about all you need to make it work. No extra external devices, i.e. tuners/head units, are required. Don't know if other Ford head units are the same.
Unless you have a little antenna already on the vehicle, you can expect to pay $350 for the tuner & antenna and an additional cost for the installation.
Ford said 2 years ago it would have Sirius in all its cars and trucks by 2006. What Ford meant was, "You will be able to add it for an additional cost."
Sirius' deal with Ford never amounted to much. XM and GM are working out great. Not a reason to buy one car over another.
Hyundai announced they will have XM in all their vehicles for 2006.
Don't forget this is what made our country a great place to raise a family. Also don't forget management was just as responsible for some of those outrageuos benefits. Besides most got the good stuff before the working guy did.
From a historical view it's the USA's turn in the barrel. Even Mexico has been loosing jobs to China for over a year now.
With China's demand on the main oil pool (raising prices) bet the 4 cylinder options becomes more than 5%?
Here in Ohio the working wage keeps going down and down (if you are luckily to have a job) and yet we see no affordable cars on the horizon. Everything upscale upscale and this vanity type consumerism going to end us all in quick sand.
I love horsepower too, however common sense says wake the heck up America. Our grand kids deserve better than this!
Paul
N8BUU
On the Fusion's dream ordering web page (which I can't remember) I believe a radio package was mandatory??? My wife and I very rarely use the thing we just soon opt out of a radio for side air-bags or something.
Sure it does. If you have one you can have satellite radio installed without a separate tuner. The head units with the "SAT" button are ready to accept the feed from the antenna. In fact Sirius isn't your only option because I just came across a kit for XM that works in Ford vehicles. Again, no second tuner to deal with.
I agree that it's better to have it installed at the factory and not have to pay an extra inflated dealer installation fee (or have to figure out how to DIY), like XM and GM, but until that's an option on Ford vehicles a satellite ready head unit is the next best thing.
I think I read somewhere that Mazda will be offering Siruis as an option for MY06 vehicles. It would stand to reason that Ford will follow/lead.
Over the years, everyone from Jaguar to Mazda has tweeked the engine. The version in the Fusion will be closest to the version in the Mazda6. Here is what Edmunds says about this engine in the Mazda6 review:
"Our 3,311-pound test vehicle was inspired to move by a 3.0-liter V6 that uses variable intake valve timing to produce 220 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Power delivery is smooth, save for a slight deficit in the low-end area. Passing force is plentiful, with a burst at the mid- and upper ranges when you need to merge into traffic, accompanied by a cheery exhaust note to enhance the experience of forward motion."
Ford is currently publishing Fusion HP at 210 so they might have given a different tune to the engine to produce more low end torque.
As for the Duratec 2.3, this is a world class engine designed by Mazda about 3 years ago from a clean sheet. Mazda basically had a blank check to develope this engine family for world wide FMC use.
Here is the quote from the Edmunds.com Mazda3 article which uses the same 2.3L engine
Under the hood is a 2.3-liter inline four that provides 160 horsepower,...the 2.3-liter is quite peppy and caught some of us by surprise with its delivery of ample and linear power. If anything, the engine is more torquey than expected (it's rated at 150 pound-feet), and the result is that the car feels quick off the line....The bottom line is that it's a smooth motor that offers composure (even at higher rpm) befitting a more expensive vehicle.
Mark
"Sure it does. If you have one you can have satellite radio installed without a separate tuner."
No it does not. You will need a tuner and an antenna. Do you really think Ford only left off the antenna? Push the SAT button, what do you get? SEARCHING FOR SIGNAL or nada?
I believe there is NO tuner built into the head unit.
Here'sHere's the XM kit I referred to. No external tuner, but it looks like there is a "hideaway" tuner.
Actually a hideaway receiver and you can use the head unit as a tuner. But $249 plus install. That's what bugged some folks on the Ody boards - it's XM ready but it needs $500-$1000 of equipment and install to work.
Installed or equipment only?
Both. I inquired when we bought our Escape and they quoted me a price of $395 for the equipment and installation. You can buy the kit for about $150 and DIY too.
Http://www.fordaxz.com
Now I'm jealous because my 6 only has the audio controls. However all of the buttons on the 6's steering wheel light up at night. Doesn't look like the Fusion's do. ANT?
That ordering guide reads like a juicy romance novel. Seems Ford has been doing some serious listening to us manual tranny folks. Finally, a stylish midsizer that offers a stick on middle and high-end model lines. Some automakers seem to have the idea that the only people still demanding sticks are Luddites who have sworn off all creature comforts of the modern age. Wrong!
Likewise, making leather and sunroofs a la carte options is IMO very wise. From what I've seen, these two particular options are extremely polarizing. I.e., you have folks (like me) who want nothing to do with leather and others who demand it. The same with the sunroof crowd - a power sunroof is perhaps the only option other than AC that I simply cannot live without. Surprisingly, I've spoken with others who won't buy a car with a sunroof (I refer to them as the Vitamin D Deficient). Not teaming these options in one "premium" package (as GM likes to do on several of its models) shows our voices on boards like this aren't echoing through vacant halls.
WTG Ford!
They are late with MP3 CD playback capability. It would have been cool 3 years ago when Napster mp3 downloads were the rage or everyone was still buying physical CDs and ripping them to MP3 format, but nowadays many people download DRM music that can't be played from MP3 CDs and a simple minijack that would work with any portable music player would solve that problem and is cheap.
Full iPod integration would be better, but costs much more to implement. A simple minijack would be a no-brainer in the meantime.
wave of the imports to offer a clutch on midsized. Alot of us prefer to be a bit more involved
in the sensation of driving. 160 ponies should suffice what with gas prices above $2 a gal.
The handling package sounds top notch also...we'll just have to wait!
Skibry, I agree that 160hp is plenty sufficient. I drove a Mazda 6 a couple years back with this combination and I certainly couldn't complain about the performance. 0-60 in 8 seconds, at least in my mind, isn't slow. And I drive quite "briskly" during my 60 mile commute. If I wanted a $50/week gas bill, I'd pop for an actual sports coupe.
Will the controls/buttons on the armrests in the doors also be illuminated at night?
Was also wondering if the center armrest is sliding and adjustable for a perfect driving position , and does the engine hood have hydraulic lifts or the old fasioned prop thing.
Where doyou estimated the 0 to 60 times will be with the 6 cylinder and the six speed auto to be. I think it has a good chance to get in the range of 7.7 to 7.9...what do you think?
Almost forgot, is there an engine light?
As for armrests, it's pretty much kept simple as the engine bay and such. Final details haven't yet been released concerning that.
As for 0-60MPH estimates, look around mid to lower 7's, thanks to the 6 speed automatic.
I'll be on vacation for the next 3 weeks, in an isolated vacation island with no internet/phone, so I won't be able to answer as much as I have been.
By Richard Feast
German automakers were once synonymous with great quality. What happened?
Unfortunately it can't be read on-line yet even though it's the first day of May, well it is Sunday. Not sure when the folks at Automobile release archives for on-line viewing?
One thing I always thought was Detroit's down fall, their inability to deal with electronics.
Looks like Germany manufacturers have fallen into a similar trap. We'll just throw electronic at the consumers! IE: Quote from the article - "Many quality failures stem from the blinkered pursuit of the latest electronic technology" .
Blinkered, love that description. Richard Feast must be from England? That's the word I've been looking for the last 20 years to describe Detroit's approach to electronics. Bean counter engineered electronics that is. I've been told cost-effective engineering is taught in college. But cut it some more knowing it will fail? I think not! Got that tid-bit from the owner of parts supplier to Detroit.
My point is maybe car manufactures should stick to what they should know best (IE:driving dynamics for one) and let the after market electronics provide the toys? ABS is still pain to cost-effectively maintain or even prove if it's really working as designed. Very few error codes let along performance codes are in my PCM. (OBD II enhanced manufacture propeitary)
I know this one device that needs integrated into to driving dynamics , but a one generitc algorithm fits all? NAW!. ABS has a long way to go. I'll try to explain (I've never been close to an english major) since I unknowingly learned threshold braking and I'm sure Bosch or whoever has played with this design, an ABS system does not need to increase stopping distances even on wet/snowy pavement! I been told by a Ham radio contact, it has been toyed with and works. Best way to explain it - "it's not the stomp and hold design". I'm guessing the better the driver the shorter the distance?
Sure hope the engineers at Ford are paying attention? Actually all car manufacturers need to offer such an option. Option! Not standard if they can't offer a real ABS! At least for the Fusion it is optional - thank-you for not forcing a half-baked option!
Paul
N8BUU
~alpha
What distinguishes the Fusion from the somewhat unpopular Contour?
It almost seems like the late model Taurus will remain the best value for the buck. Older proven tech at a truly bargain price.
This strategy seems to blurs the difference between Ford and GM. Their 3.8 remains a viable alternative to their pricier newer tech in several models. Very respectible fuel economy as well...
This said the Five Hundred really does offer a comfortable, pleasing package.
What will the Fusion offer?
I cannot wait to test drive one.
I
Unless I missed something, since the Contour was discontinued in 2000, Ford has had only the Taurus, Focus, and Crown Vic. So the range of choices in 2006 will be greater than it has been for the last 4-5 years.
From the numbers I have seen the Fusion is larger than the Contour by about 5 inches in length. I would assume this larger size will mean more back seat room...the numbers show 3 inches of additional leg room over the Contour. This should be enough to make for a much more usable back seat than the Contour had.
Length.................Fusion......190.2.......Camry......189.2........Accord.......189.5
Width..................Fusion.......72.2........Camry......70.7..........Accord.......71.5- -
Height..................Fusion.......55.8........Camry.....58.3..........Accord........57.- - 1
Front Headroom....Fusion.......38.7........Camry.....39.2..........Accord.......38.3
Front Shoulder.......Fusion......57.4........Camry.....57.5..........Accord.......56.9
Front Legroom.......Fusion......42.3........Camry......41.6.........Accord.......42.6
Front Hip..............Fusion.......54.0........Camry.....54.4..........Accord.......54.6
Rear Headroom......Fusion.....37.8.........Camry.....38.3..........Accord.......36.8
Rear Legroom........Fusion.....37.0..........Camry....37.8..........Accord.......36.8
Rear Shoulder........Fusion.....55.6..........Camry....56.7..........Accord.......56.1
Rear Hip................Fusion.....53.6...........Camry....54.1.........Accord.......53.5
Trunk Volume.........Fusion.....15.8..........Camry....16.7..........Accord......14.0
Curb Weight V-6.....Fusion......3,280........Camry....3,362.......Accord.......3,384
Length.................Taurus...197.6...Fusion......190.2.......Camry......189.2........Ac- cord.......189.5
Width..................Taurus...73.... ...Fusion.......72.2........Camry......70.7..........Accord.......71.5
Height..................Taurus...56.1....Fusion.......55.8........Camry.....58.3..........- Accord........57.1
Front Headroom....Taurus...40........Fusion.......38.7........Camry.....39.2..........Accord....- ...38.3
Front Shoulder.......Taurus...57.3....Fusion......57.4........Camry.....57.5..........Accord....- ...56.9
Front Legroom.......Taurus...42.2.....Fusion......42.3........Camry......41.6.........Accord....- ...42.6
Front Hip..............Taurus...N/A.......Fusion.......54.0........Camry.....54.4..........Accor- d.......54.6
Rear Headroom......Taurus...38.1.....Fusion.....37.8.........Camry.....38.3..........Accord....- ...36.8
Rear Legroom........Taurus...38.9.....Fusion.....37.0..........Camry....37.8..........Accord...- ....36.8
Rear Shoulder........Taurus...56.6.....Fusion.....55.6..........Camry....56.7..........Accord..- .....56.1
Rear Hip................Taurus...N/A.....Fusion.....53.6...........Camry....54.1.........Accord- .......53.5
Trunk Volume.........Taurus...17.......Fusion.....15.8..........Camry....16.7..........Accord...- ...14.0
Curb Weight V-6.....Taurus...3.306..Fusion......3,280........Camry....3,362.......Accord.......3,384
I think the problem was the lack of rear seat space combined with the price being too close to the Taurus. I think most people just did not see the value in the Contour, when they could buy a Taurus for a few dollars more.
Majority of what he is selling is 2-3 year old Taurus/Sable from the Ford auctions.
I'm keeping my 98 Mystique LS for at least 10 more years.
I'm guessing this is just another automotive design fad or is there something useful going, besides bigger brakes.
Any hint of affordable tire prices yet?
Hoping manufactures don't over do it and leave the Amish tractors wheels where they belong?
Paul
Granted, the Contour was an excellent driver's car at the time, but seldomly appreciated because of it's tight interior dimensions. Luckily, the vehicle has worked great for other markets around the world...Called the Mondeo in Europe, the vehicle has received rave reviews because of it's performance. Granted, it has grown in size since it's '95 birth.
I do have to say I personally believe the Contour gave people a greater appreciation for driving and enjoying their vehicles, and is one of the few (at that time) that placed greater emphansize into displaying that. Remember in the early 90's, the "trend" was cushy quiet non-involving vehicle dynamics, which didn't agree with some buyers, who might have shopped otherwise.
Fast forward 10 years, and suddenly "european atheletism" is the trend, with greater effort placed in giving the driver better control and feel over their vehicles. So you might think... Was the Contour ahead of it's time ?
Now with the introducion of the Fusion, it's being placed above that of the Focus, and it's pricing will top out in the CV/500 territory. Mainly because, people are willing to pay for more luxury/options, given the dimensions of their vehicles.
Old-School thinking was, the price of the vehicle reflected it's size, therefore U.S. buyer's wouldn't be able to swallow a $30K Focus, yet Europeans are willing to pay a price premium for options/toys, without relating it to the size of the vehicle.
The 500 will be positioned above the Fusion, and the CV isn't really classified as their flagship, as does the 500. Unfortunately, there's been numerous comparison placing the 500 directly against the Camry/Accord, maybe it's wishful thinking on some people's part that the "Taurus" has grown up substantially in size, but it's the Fusion that really replaces it, not the 500. The 500 offers a step up in space with FWD/AWD drivetrain, while the CV does do with RWD and V8 power.
In other words, you can cover more bases with more products, rather than trying to fit one product for 400K+ buyers...
Hope the Fusion provides one.
A company, by definition, has a responsibility to increase stockholder value. And intuitively that amount has to be greater than what they pay employees. If it weren't, it'd be better to be an employee than to own the company. Where do Toyota's stockholder's live in majority? That is where the money is trully turning in the economy.
I should probably add that I think the whole idea of Buy American is overly simplistic these days. Even twenty years ago. I shall never forget the Isuzu built Japanese Chevy LUV trucks my local dealer had happily plastered BUY AMERICAN stickers on in my very pro-union home town, nor the steel or oil refinery workers who bought them, perhaps in part because of the stickers and the good old Chevy name. As I type this, GM in particular is putting strong pressure on its suppliers to cut costs, even if that means offshoring. The Equinox engine, for example, is built in China.
I own a Five Hundred. I've owned Maximas and GM Chevy Toyota Novas.
But I bet Ford does NOT go out of its way to trumpet where Fusions are made.
Many other so called American cars are built in Canada, and have been for years.
The whole domestic vs. foreign thing is far more complex than most realize. And the amount of Japanese investment in the US and Canada in parts, engine, transmission and assembly plants is far greater than most realize as well.
Lastly, falsehood? Pretending? I have remained civil here. I beseech thee NOT to call me a liar. There are rules of civility here. There is room for differences of OPINION. OPINION. Not facts. Show me one place I have lied. Otherwise, back off and be nice. Thanks.
What "Japanese sister"? and what American car?
Also- The GM Chevy Toyota Nova- my auntie had an 88 that was a phenomenal vehicle, with its 74 horses and 3 speed auto!!!
Anyway, have a great day!
~alpha
The Mazda 6
and what American car?
The Ford Mustang
Both vehicles are built in Flat Rock, MI at a Mazda/Ford joint venture plant.
You folks can fight over domestic vs import. Today the auto business is global. We drive Mexican made VW's, American made Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, MB's, South African made BMW's, et al. We export American made Toyotas, Jeeps, etc.
As for the money, yes it eventually goes back to the country the company is based in but they also spend billions investing in new plants all around the world - including here. Who owns stock in Toyota? If you own a mutual fund, probably you. As an FYI, you can own a little piece of Honda right here in the USA by buying their ADR's under the symbol HMC.
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Obviously there has to be some cost advantage to Hyundai. Granted it insults them a little bit better from currency fluctuations. But if non-union american workers can build a car cheap enough to may Hyundai happy the UAW is in big trouble.
If the Fed does not do something to take some of the health care burden off of Ford GM and Chrysler, there is a disaster looming for the US economy.
At this rate, the out look for Ford in its current form seems kind of bleak.
Even if the Fusion is a great car, Ford is only expecting to sell about 175k. Compare that to the 300+k Camarys and 300+k Accords.
This product is coming to the market about two or three years to late for Ford.
Mark
Too bad GM and Ford just got put to junk bond status and all the foreign entities are shining! Can't blame it on benefits alone, but sign of the times many many things. I know Kristie but unfortunately politics is closely thighed to car design, a-la global.
all I wanted was bang for the buck, fun to drive, useful within the limits of economical but unfortunately kiss doesn't exist in the globe economy. At least not my budget now.
Paul
i think the fusion can be a big hit, as long as ford doesn't fall into their ways of the past 10 years or so of squeezing the life out of the suppliers, and cutting the overall product as in ages, instead of improving it.