"Rather, it's positive that they like at least ONE version of the 3, and you hit more of your market that way."
I think you are absolutely right about this. I always groan when people complain about "badge engineering" and claim that the Big Three should consolidate all their divisions. The problem with rebadging in the '80s was that the cars were junk, not that there was anything inherently wrong with having a Pontiac and an Olds that shared innards. Little styling details can make a big difference to people's perception of a car. I was shopping for a big old wagon five years ago, and I deliberately sought out a Pontiac Parisienne rather than a Chevy Caprice.
On the top model in a car that ended up costing just barely less than my AWD Ford Five Hundred (an option not even available on the Fusion until fall of 2006), they had ABS listed as an OPTION at over $500. I hope they abandon that idea.
I also doubt I would pay just slightly less than $1000 less than I did for my Five Hundred, when the latter is much larger, probably safer, has AWD and a host of other features not available on the Fusion.
I doubt that ends up being the final pricing. But, if it is, the base had best be very attractively priced, as I doubt they will be selling many SEL's. Then again, I doubt many people will be looking to move up to a Five Hundred for very slightly more money. The two cars, for the most part, don't share the same market. I am an odd duck, and know it!
I don't know guys, I just priced one and pretty much loaded it up. A couple of minor options were left out and the final price was just under $25,900. That's a mighty fine bargain if you ask me.
A comparable Mazda6 would run you over $26,000 and I consider the 6 a SCREAMING bargain. That's why I have one.
If Ford offers the Fusion with 280 or more HP, AWD, MTX, and better handling in 2007 I might consider buying one over a Mustang GT. By then I should have 2 children, and 4-doors plus scortching perfomance would be a big plus for me.
One thing I will NOT accept is what Mazda is doing with the MAZDASPEED6's motor. As high tech and state-of-the-art as it is, they have to give me a V6 or a V8 to keep me interested. I've had it with I4s and the Western PA hills.
I can't believe that ABS, traction control, and side and curtain airbags are optional even on the SEL. If Ford really expects people to abandon Accords, these items have to be standard on the SEL.
The pricing is in the ballpark but Honda doesn't make you search the dealer inventory for one with these items.
I just hope that it will be easy to get with the safety features. According to some of the sales folks here at Edmunds, when safety items are listed as options, people generally won't check the box. If the are included in the price, no issues.
Im sure not everyone cares about safety as much so thats proably fords thinking behind this all. I know right now theyre already having supply issues with the awd and safety packages so they need to solve that before making it standard.
dont forget...a market like southern california, texas, or the deep south, where ABS is not an issue, will not order those items. all you are doing by making it standard is forcing those people to spend money unnecessarily.
I don't buy that. ABS benefits all driving conditions including nice dry roads. ABS is standard on Camry and Accord sold in the United States. That doesn't seem to turn off the 600,000 or so that buy those every year.
That's true but the nature of the market is that the known market leaders offer it as standard. That translates into market acceptance and hence it should be part of the standard package of the new market entry.
Further, standardizing ABS would lower costs for Ford and it dealers.
The following is non-scientific: I drive an Accord. I want ABS brakes. If I have to mess around having to go through dealer inventory, doing a dealer trade, or ordering a unit with ABS - I'm not dealing with it.
But, in reality, for most people it WILL be dictated to them. Dealers order what dealers are going to order. Very few people order a car, they take what is in stock. And many dealers will order vehicles without ABS solely to get a lower transaction price.
There are still some people who have issues with ABS. IN some cases, they believe they can do better pumping the brakes themselves (threshold breaking) rather than let ABS do it for them.
It also allows someone to enter the vehicle at a lower pricepoint than they anticipated. If they can save a few hundreds for them to at least get into the vehicle, then that is all that matters to them.
Granted, the Zephyr obviously has ABS standard because A) The demographics show they have a bit more money It's a luxury vehicle, it should be standard across the brand.
you make a good point about the mustang and the GTO but styling matters a lot more in that category of car.
i think you're mistaken about appearance being the biggest selling factor for family sedans though. it'll be cars that offer the best overall package that excel in this segment.
best in class handling isn't going to matter much if the car doesn't offer a supple ride.
the fusion/milan may well be a big hit. i like the styling of both cars and i'm hoping to be impressed with the car on the whole. it appears that both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines are not best in class though.
my early impressions are that these cars are more formidable competitors to the altima/accord then the G6 and malibu. i don't think i'm going out on a limb stating this since these cars will be similar to the mazda 6.
In the ways that matter to most midsize buyers, these cars are not Mazda6's. First of all, they don't have to find/put up with a Mazda dealer. Second, the cars are slightly larger. Third, the average buyer has no clue that somewhere under there is the bones of a Mazda6.
I don't agree with the supple ride requirement. The Honda Accord's success is the best evidence of the contrary argument. There is NOTHING supple about its ride. Yet it is a success. The Mazda6 also does not have a supple ride.
Then again, I suppose it all depends on what one's definition of supple is. Like styling, I suppose it is all in the eye/seat of the pants of the beholder...
i think the accord has a supple, but controlled ride. no, it's not creamy like the camry but most road tests give the accord high marks for its ride.
i meant it as a compliment that the fusion/milan is based upon the mazda6. ford has the advantage of hindsight with the mazda6 to make improvements to the fusion/milan however. like the car being slightly larger perhaps?
so if i go to a dealer that sell both fords and mazdas, the ford salesman will treat me better than the mazda salesman? since most dealers these days sell multiple brands i don't see how a ford dealer would be an advantage or a mazda dealer.
how you're treated by a salesman has a lot to do with how well a particular car is selling. if the car you're interested in is selling well with little incentives then you're more likely to come accross a salesman with a take it or leave attitude. conversely, the salesman will jump over hoops for you on a car that's not selling well without huge incentives.
That IS what this topic is about, right? For a minute there I thought I was in the ABS forum...
I saw a black Fusion at the Pittsburgh Auto Show today. Too bad it was on a rotating platform, so you couldn't get real close and personal with the car.
LIKES: Well-proportioned exterior, nice rims, the three-slat chrome grille doesn't offend me as much as I thought it would.
DISLIKES: The bling-bling tailights, the chrome surrounds of the foglights (the edges looked rough and very plastic), the headlight modules just plain look weird.
UNKNOWN: The interior! Couldn't see much of it. Also, I wonder what the Fusion would like like in a color other than black. Black sets off the huge chrome grille slats nicely, but on a lighter color car I'm not so sure.
Looking forward to a test drive when this car finally becomes available. It may be in the running to replace my Elantra, but so far the 2006 Sonata has the edge.
I have trouble believing the Mercury version of this car will actually be available with a manual transmission. Perhaps Mercury really IS trying to reach a younger demographic.
I for one must say that I'd NEVER considered a Mercury to replace my current vehicle (I'm only 29), despite seeing a very attractive sketch of the Milan last year in an auto periodical (I cannot recall which). But with an available stick (whether it's mated to a 4 or a 6, so long as the power is adequate, isn't a going concern) my shopping list just got one car longer. If it meets the holy options trifecta for me (stick-cloth seats-factory sunroof), it is probably going to land in the top spot too (ahead of the '06 Sonata, Altima, 6, and Camry).
If you want some great shots of the Milan, I would suggest checking out Autoweek.com's Chicago Auto Show coverage. They've got about 15 shots, both interior and exterior.
I like the Fusion too, but the Milan just seems to "do it" for me: it's conservative (a plus IMO), but at the same time, very stylish (a must IMO). On the conservative midsize spectrum, it looks to be the anti-Accord (very unstylish IMO).
Oh, and ANT is right, *some* people really don't like ABS - myself being one of them. And I don't live in a dry clime (plenty of snow and ice to go around up here in the Twin Cities). I won't rule out a vehicle that's equipped with them, but I would actually pay extra NOT to have the feature. That said, I run my cars with snow tires in the winter months and have never had a problem stopping on snow or ice (I'm a squeezer not a pumper though, so perhaps that makes a difference too).
I fear someday - maybe in the not-too-distant future - we won't "drive" our cars at all, they'll drive us. I don't feel the need to usher in that dark day (of the robot car) in any sooner.
I'm going tomorrow. Did they at least have a spokes-person describing the car and showing off the interior from time to time? Last year they had the Freestyle and Five Hundred up on platforms, but you could see inside and someone was there to answer questions.
Yes, there was a lady describing all the features of the Fusion. She opened the doors as she talked about the car, but you still couldn't get a clear view of the interior.
Hmmm, I *think* I remember seeing the Mustang convertible there as well. If it was, it may have been roped off from the public. A lot of what I saw is so much a blur anymore (sensory overload!). I know Ford had at least 2 coupes on the floor that you could sit in (I believe a red GT and a screaming yellow base model).
You forgot my nemeses maintenance and the cost/quality of ABS parts. As much as they cost, the smart answers the dealer comes up with during the warranty period and after the warranty then they want to fix it. (See I just touched lightly no details) I've rented 100 hundreds of Ford products the brake feel on similar models Taurus/Sables with ABS -- normal pedal feel has vague and inconsistent? No codes or ABS flashing lights either. Then my fellow car buffs friends across the US with Contour/Mystiques (CEG)with ABS, starts to rain or deep snow the ABS light starts flashing. But we know that low quality parts caused that problem even though Ford has told the dealers that's not the case. Great bang for the buck drivers car ruined by cost cutting. When Ford puts an on & off switch on the ABS, then maybe. And it's not just Ford - it's the sensors/equipment and the software the industry is using. Otherwise we could not afford to have ABS, traction control, one of the many Yaw category control systems and now AWD(without transfer case). I'll take my chances Without all these electronic cost cutter/bean counter engineered marketing driven parts. Everything is upscale upscale now ,must be the only way to make a profit? I personally don't need the hassle! KISS! Build me another 98 Mystique LS especially since I know what errors where made and how best to live it. thanks Paul N8BUU
Forget the ABS discussion, you want it and you need it - it does no harm unless you plan on driving like you are in NASCAR and then you have bigger problems.
To the car- Milan does look nice and Fusion will be a hit as it will be affordable. I think the car look s godd for its market segment. My only concern in the cookie cutter approach to Zephyr/Milan/Fusion that will detract from all of them. I thought this cookie approach to marketing was out? I guess not at Ford, too bad.
Agreed. It's HIGH time that the Mercury and the Ford did not bear a near total resemblance to each other that even the average near-sighted four year old could easily see....
If Ford wants to keep Mercury around, it needs to make Mercuries more than just slightly fancier Fords....at slightly fancier prices to boot.
This is even more true of Lincoln. I bet the Lincoln has all kinds of niceties not found on either the Ford or the Mercury. Still, it looks way too much like the Mercury, in particular.
How many more cars were we supposed to be getting based on the Mazda6? I wonder how different THEY will be...
"If Ford wants to keep Mercury around, it needs to make Mercuries more than just slightly fancier Fords....at slightly fancier prices to boot. "
I agree, although unfortunately because of products needed, and putting out fires elsewhere around Ford, this is the direction needed. In the future though (once things stabilize) you will see more differentiating between the two.
"How many more cars were we supposed to be getting based on the Mazda6? I wonder how different THEY will be..."
10 Vehicles in Total. Still SUV, Minivan (Multi Utility Vehicle) are included in that.
How many more cars were we supposed to be getting based on the Mazda6? I wonder how different THEY will be...
It's not just Ford, the Camry and Accord are the same way. In fact, I think Honda is up to 7 variations of the Accord across the Honda and Acura lines now. Ford just has more brands under it's umbrella so they are able to offer a few more variations.
Just because the automotive manufactures can't predict sale size anymore. You missed the point, automotive manufactures (all of them that build affordable cars - the few ) still have a long way to go when it comes to electronics. And I can't afford to pay for their R & D. I've taught myself how to use the OBD II port ( along with many other car buffs sharing ) So the data stream shows no errors, but you know the car not stopping like it should? Of course the dealer can't help. I'd rather that my chances, I lucked out and survived rice paddy land. Also there are 30-40% of us baby-booms who are not in the mainstream job market anymore and don't forget our kids whose wages are lower on average than our wages/salaries where, And that percentage is growing exponentially,(According to an response back from Chairman Greenspan). but yet upscale upscale continues? Just heard new hires at my former employer, are being told no retirement will be provide so I guess that means they are betting privatization will be soon? I'm trying to be short here and not an English major. So I missed it since I don't live on here, ABS optional or not? Or is still too early. Ford at least provide us car buffs/those who appreciate a "drivers car" with on & off switch. I heard rumors and am sure it can be done through the OBD II port? Two problems 1st no password and would take too long. 2nd a simple switch maybe associated with the hand brake. Even a momentary off to keep do gooders happy. TNX Paul
Sorry for my rants, but I started out adult life having trouble in college and getting drafted! And raised by an Ole Marine "lucky survivor" at Iwo Jima. Enough said!
Anyhow Thanks Anthony for the info, good to hear optional! I know many others that will be pleased. Interesting article by Jamie Kitman "NVH" p 111 in the March issue of Automobile, much better take on Ford's return to cars than mine! Hi HI. I'll check out the Ford website John. So you have driven the CVT tranny? Paul
Limiting options allows for greater availability of a specific vehicle which makes it easier for those who need to buy off the lot. Also helps resale value and appaisal. Helps simplify the manufacturing process since there's less complexity.
ANT, you're obviously "in the loop". Is it going to be possible to get the power roof on a base model Milan (with cloth seats and 5spd manual transmission), or will getting the roof require checking the box on a leather/luxury package or popping for an uplevel model equipped with a slushbox?
I swear I must be one of the last people on earth that despises leather car interiors - it's so 1920's...
I too dislike leather interior, unfortunately most of my cars have been equipped with it, standard. I just throw seat covers on it so I don't stick to the leather in hot weather.
Option packages have yet to be finalized at this point. I don't see why such a combination can't occur, but there's might be a low take rate on it, so it's not clear at this point.
Visit the Ford Fusion site, and opt. "build your vehicle". At the end of it you can state your like/dislike and what you would like to see. Option packages have yet to be finalized, but it'll give the group who makes that decision, an idea of what people are seeking.
Got me thinking about a couple of the options on my 65 Mustang, heater and windshield washer bag. Suppose we should feel fortunate getting all those goodies for the price.? Just hope (hear it comes again) Ford didn't beat down the suppliers too much? You know the supposed quality thing that Honda/Camary has or is it had? Since they are playing on our turf now. I refuse to pay the high price for a used one, the parts are too expensive. Of course like many others who honor our WW II parents memory won't buy Japanese nameplates.
I'm very disappointed that Ford didn't make Stability control available. With the fact that is has be proven to cut some accidents by 50%, it should be standard on all of the models. It is probably the most important safety feature as it prevents accidents. Seatbelts and Airbags help you survive when you get in one, but stability control helps you prevent it.
Not many shop for Stability Control in the under $20K pricepoint. It was offered in the Focus (since it's available in the European Focus) and it had a very low take rate for the U.S. , same issue with the Fusion/Milan starting under $20K. What will be offered is AWD, and that will have a much higher take rate to make it feasable.
Why not make stability control standard? The 2006 Hyundai Sonata will offer it as standard equipment on all models, including the sub $20k base GL. If Hyundai can do it, why not Ford? We are talking about safety here, not convenience!
If stability control is not even offered on the Fusion/Milan, I will most likely take my business elsewhere.
"While other cars may call it an option, on the GL, safety is standard. With dual front and front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, active front head restraints and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), you’ll have a hard time believing the Sonata GL is our base model."
To not offer stability control at all on the Fusion is a mistake, IMO.
Comments
"Rather, it's positive that they like at least ONE version of the 3, and you hit more of your market that way."
I think you are absolutely right about this. I always groan when people complain about "badge engineering" and claim that the Big Three should consolidate all their divisions. The problem with rebadging in the '80s was that the cars were junk, not that there was anything inherently wrong with having a Pontiac and an Olds that shared innards. Little styling details can make a big difference to people's perception of a car. I was shopping for a big old wagon five years ago, and I deliberately sought out a Pontiac Parisienne rather than a Chevy Caprice.
-Andrew L
I also doubt I would pay just slightly less than $1000 less than I did for my Five Hundred, when the latter is much larger, probably safer, has AWD and a host of other features not available on the Fusion.
I doubt that ends up being the final pricing. But, if it is, the base had best be very attractively priced, as I doubt they will be selling many SEL's. Then again, I doubt many people will be looking to move up to a Five Hundred for very slightly more money. The two cars, for the most part, don't share the same market. I am an odd duck, and know it!
A comparable Mazda6 would run you over $26,000 and I consider the 6 a SCREAMING bargain. That's why I have one.
If Ford offers the Fusion with 280 or more HP, AWD, MTX, and better handling in 2007 I might consider buying one over a Mustang GT. By then I should have 2 children, and 4-doors plus scortching perfomance would be a big plus for me.
One thing I will NOT accept is what Mazda is doing with the MAZDASPEED6's motor. As high tech and state-of-the-art as it is, they have to give me a V6 or a V8 to keep me interested. I've had it with I4s and the Western PA hills.
The pricing is in the ballpark but Honda doesn't make you search the dealer inventory for one with these items.
A comparable Camry will cost you $28,145
A comparable Fusion with
V6
6-speed auto
17inch aluminum wheels
all-season tires
Heated leather seats
AudioPhile 6cd/MP3 cd changer
side impact air bags
first and second row side air curtains
anti-theft perimeter alarm
auto rearview mirror
compass
auto headlamps
ABS
moonroof
traction control
rear spoiler
will cost you $26,635(with destionation)
So yes the side air bags may be optional, but your saving at the least around $500.
But even ABS as an option? C'mon.
Further, standardizing ABS would lower costs for Ford and it dealers.
The following is non-scientific: I drive an Accord. I want ABS brakes. If I have to mess around having to go through dealer inventory, doing a dealer trade, or ordering a unit with ABS - I'm not dealing with it.
A question for you - why the resistance to ABS?
if you cant handle a little more work in the 2nd largest purchase of your life, then thats your problem...if i dont want to pay for ABS, then i wont.
fact is, i like ABS...but i also like to decide for myself whether to spend more money, and not have it dictated to me.
Sad, but true.
It also allows someone to enter the vehicle at a lower pricepoint than they anticipated. If they can save a few hundreds for them to at least get into the vehicle, then that is all that matters to them.
Granted, the Zephyr obviously has ABS standard because A) The demographics show they have a bit more money
i think you're mistaken about appearance being the biggest selling factor for family sedans though. it'll be cars that offer the best overall package that excel in this segment.
best in class handling isn't going to matter much if the car doesn't offer a supple ride.
the fusion/milan may well be a big hit. i like the styling of both cars and i'm hoping to be impressed with the car on the whole. it appears that both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines are not best in class though.
my early impressions are that these cars are more formidable competitors to the altima/accord then the G6 and malibu. i don't think i'm going out on a limb stating this since these cars will be similar to the mazda 6.
I don't agree with the supple ride requirement. The Honda Accord's success is the best evidence of the contrary argument. There is NOTHING supple about its ride. Yet it is a success. The Mazda6 also does not have a supple ride.
Then again, I suppose it all depends on what one's definition of supple is. Like styling, I suppose it is all in the eye/seat of the pants of the beholder...
i meant it as a compliment that the fusion/milan is based upon the mazda6. ford has the advantage of hindsight with the mazda6 to make improvements to the fusion/milan however. like the car being slightly larger perhaps?
so if i go to a dealer that sell both fords and mazdas, the ford salesman will treat me better than the mazda salesman? since most dealers these days sell multiple brands i don't see how a ford dealer would be an advantage or a mazda dealer.
how you're treated by a salesman has a lot to do with how well a particular car is selling. if the car you're interested in is selling well with little incentives then you're more likely to come accross a salesman with a take it or leave attitude. conversely, the salesman will jump over hoops for you on a car that's not selling well without huge incentives.
I saw a black Fusion at the Pittsburgh Auto Show today. Too bad it was on a rotating platform, so you couldn't get real close and personal with the car.
LIKES: Well-proportioned exterior, nice rims, the three-slat chrome grille doesn't offend me as much as I thought it would.
DISLIKES: The bling-bling tailights, the chrome surrounds of the foglights (the edges looked rough and very plastic), the headlight modules just plain look weird.
UNKNOWN: The interior! Couldn't see much of it. Also, I wonder what the Fusion would like like in a color other than black. Black sets off the huge chrome grille slats nicely, but on a lighter color car I'm not so sure.
Looking forward to a test drive when this car finally becomes available. It may be in the running to replace my Elantra, but so far the 2006 Sonata has the edge.
I for one must say that I'd NEVER considered a Mercury to replace my current vehicle (I'm only 29), despite seeing a very attractive sketch of the Milan last year in an auto periodical (I cannot recall which). But with an available stick (whether it's mated to a 4 or a 6, so long as the power is adequate, isn't a going concern) my shopping list just got one car longer. If it meets the holy options trifecta for me (stick-cloth seats-factory sunroof), it is probably going to land in the top spot too (ahead of the '06 Sonata, Altima, 6, and Camry).
If you want some great shots of the Milan, I would suggest checking out Autoweek.com's Chicago Auto Show coverage. They've got about 15 shots, both interior and exterior.
I like the Fusion too, but the Milan just seems to "do it" for me: it's conservative (a plus IMO), but at the same time, very stylish (a must IMO). On the conservative midsize spectrum, it looks to be the anti-Accord (very unstylish IMO).
Oh, and ANT is right, *some* people really don't like ABS - myself being one of them. And I don't live in a dry clime (plenty of snow and ice to go around up here in the Twin Cities). I won't rule out a vehicle that's equipped with them, but I would actually pay extra NOT to have the feature. That said, I run my cars with snow tires in the winter months and have never had a problem stopping on snow or ice (I'm a squeezer not a pumper though, so perhaps that makes a difference too).
I fear someday - maybe in the not-too-distant future - we won't "drive" our cars at all, they'll drive us. I don't feel the need to usher in that dark day (of the robot car) in any sooner.
cruise. I also feel the aftermarket pop up sunroof
to be the better value. I'm excited about the 2 new
must test vehicles.
I'm going tomorrow. Did they at least have a spokes-person describing the car and showing off the interior from time to time? Last year they had the Freestyle and Five Hundred up on platforms, but you could see inside and someone was there to answer questions.
OT:
Do they have a Mustang convertible there?
Hmmm, I *think* I remember seeing the Mustang convertible there as well. If it was, it may have been roped off from the public. A lot of what I saw is so much a blur anymore (sensory overload!). I know Ford had at least 2 coupes on the floor that you could sit in (I believe a red GT and a screaming yellow base model).
I've rented 100 hundreds of Ford products the brake feel on similar models Taurus/Sables with ABS -- normal pedal feel has vague and inconsistent? No codes or ABS flashing lights either. Then my fellow car buffs friends across the US with Contour/Mystiques (CEG)with ABS, starts to rain or deep snow the ABS light starts flashing. But we know that low quality parts caused that problem even though Ford has told the dealers that's not the case. Great bang for the buck drivers car ruined by cost cutting.
When Ford puts an on & off switch on the ABS, then maybe.
And it's not just Ford - it's the sensors/equipment and the software the industry is using. Otherwise we could not afford to have ABS, traction control, one of the many Yaw category control systems and now AWD(without transfer case).
I'll take my chances Without all these electronic cost cutter/bean counter engineered marketing driven parts. Everything is upscale upscale now ,must be the only way to make a profit?
I personally don't need the hassle! KISS! Build me another 98 Mystique LS especially since I know what errors where made and how best to live it.
thanks
Paul
N8BUU
To the car- Milan does look nice and Fusion will be a hit as it will be affordable. I think the car look s godd for its market segment. My only concern in the cookie cutter approach to Zephyr/Milan/Fusion that will detract from all of them. I thought this cookie approach to marketing was out? I guess not at Ford, too bad.
If Ford wants to keep Mercury around, it needs to make Mercuries more than just slightly fancier Fords....at slightly fancier prices to boot.
This is even more true of Lincoln. I bet the Lincoln has all kinds of niceties not found on either the Ford or the Mercury. Still, it looks way too much like the Mercury, in particular.
How many more cars were we supposed to be getting based on the Mazda6? I wonder how different THEY will be...
I agree, although unfortunately because of products needed, and putting out fires elsewhere around Ford, this is the direction needed. In the future though (once things stabilize) you will see more differentiating between the two.
"How many more cars were we supposed to be getting based on the Mazda6? I wonder how different THEY will be..."
10 Vehicles in Total. Still SUV, Minivan (Multi Utility Vehicle) are included in that.
It's not just Ford, the Camry and Accord are the same way. In fact, I think Honda is up to 7 variations of the Accord across the Honda and Acura lines now. Ford just has more brands under it's umbrella so they are able to offer a few more variations.
You missed the point, automotive manufactures (all of them that build affordable cars - the few ) still have a long way to go when it comes to electronics. And I can't afford to pay for their R & D. I've taught myself how to use the OBD II port ( along with many other car buffs sharing ) So the data stream shows no errors, but you know the car not stopping like it should? Of course the dealer can't help.
I'd rather that my chances, I lucked out and survived rice paddy land.
Also there are 30-40% of us baby-booms who are not in the mainstream job market anymore and don't forget our kids whose wages are lower on average than our wages/salaries where, And that percentage is growing exponentially,(According to an response back from Chairman Greenspan). but yet upscale upscale continues? Just heard new hires at my former employer, are being told no retirement will be provide so I guess that means they are betting privatization will be soon?
I'm trying to be short here and not an English major.
So I missed it since I don't live on here, ABS optional or not? Or is still too early. Ford at least provide us car buffs/those who appreciate a "drivers car" with on & off switch.
I heard rumors and am sure it can be done through the OBD II port? Two problems 1st no password and would take too long. 2nd a simple switch maybe associated with the hand brake. Even a momentary off to keep do gooders happy.
TNX
Paul
Sigh.
Anyhow Thanks Anthony for the info, good to hear optional! I know many others that will be pleased. Interesting article by Jamie Kitman "NVH" p 111 in the March issue of Automobile, much better take on Ford's return to cars than mine! Hi HI.
I'll check out the Ford website John. So you have driven the CVT tranny?
Paul
Price difference between the it and the 500?
Power windows even standard on the S?
I can now understand why so few order a car anymore.
I swear I must be one of the last people on earth that despises leather car interiors - it's so 1920's...
Option packages have yet to be finalized at this point. I don't see why such a combination can't occur, but there's might be a low take rate on it, so it's not clear at this point.
Visit the Ford Fusion site, and opt. "build your vehicle". At the end of it you can state your like/dislike and what you would like to see. Option packages have yet to be finalized, but it'll give the group who makes that decision, an idea of what people are seeking.
Suppose we should feel fortunate getting all those goodies for the price.? Just hope (hear it comes again) Ford didn't beat down the suppliers too much?
You know the supposed quality thing that Honda/Camary has or is it had? Since they are playing on our turf now.
I refuse to pay the high price for a used one, the parts are too expensive. Of course like many others who honor our WW II parents memory won't buy Japanese nameplates.
If stability control is not even offered on the Fusion/Milan, I will most likely take my business elsewhere.
Paul
http://www.hyundaisonata.com/Overview.aspx
"While other cars may call it an option, on the GL, safety is standard. With dual front and front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, active front head restraints and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), you’ll have a hard time believing the Sonata GL is our base model."
To not offer stability control at all on the Fusion is a mistake, IMO.
~alpha