Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

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Comments

  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    get ready to surf the used car ads for the Futura and Five Hundred in a few years. There's no shame, and if it's the current generation, nobody knows except you, the dealer who sold you the car, and the DMV department. (for your tags)
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Personally, I tend to agree that in MOST cases, you get what you pay for, and I also believe in "pay me now, or pay me later", which is similar to ANT's quote in Spanish.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    "So I suppose the Futura is going to closely model the 500? Common sense no where in sight bigger, taller, more upscale and look at me ain't I something,"

    Nowhere does it say that the Futura will be bigger taller and more expensive than the 500.

    Besides, Ford is losing money selling cars at a loss, and losing customers who are upside down in their loans and swear "never again". Something has to be done, they can't rely on rebates forever.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    The Futura sketch was released last year, I believe it's posted earlier on this forum's discussions.

    It'll feature the same traits that the Focus and Five-Hundred have, which is large interiors, for trim exterior dimensions. They also will not be sold to fleet sales (which lowers resale values). Instead, the Taurus will solider on for just fleet sales.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    will compete with the four cylinder Ecotec Chevrolet Classic for Avis customers.
  • f111df111d Member Posts: 114
    My vain attempt at satire mislead? I was attempting to relate frustration at the state of the American buyer and there lack or common sense or lacking knowledge when buying a vehicle. I'm still upset at whatever discontinued the Contiques. Great bang for the buck drivers car, something totally never seen before for Ford. Me my family have owned just about every Ford product since after the WW II. It's like any other car once you get acquainted with the maintenance idiosyncrasies an informed/somewhat blessed mechanical abilities can't turn into a reliable/enjoyable transportation.
    And I won't get into SUV snafu.
    When is government/EPA going to wake up and allow the new common rail turbo diesels? It even a more viable way of doing the "hybrids". The 500 & the Futura would be perfect then. IMHO
    I sent an email to young engineer at Visteon with my request and he said, "talk to the EPA!
    I need to remind all that I was raise by an Ole Marine that luckily survived Iwo Jima who grew up during the depression.
    So bang for the bang vehicles (Germans also call it function luxury) are the only type I can stand to drive. So when the my 98 Mystique LS (built 07/97)came I was and still am extremely happy. "Great chassis", after 5 years 50k miles had its first four-wheel alignment the front toe was the only thing out by 1.5mm??? A first for me, all my other vehicles usually needed at least once a year.
    I'll shut up for now!
    Paul Echelberger
    N8BUU
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    remember, the Contour was a rebadged and decontented 1995 Ford Mondeo. Maybe that's why it was such a driver's car. But sales were slow, because other consumers expected it to be like an Accord or Camry, only better and cheaper. And, Jac the Knife probably was the person who decided to cut the Mystique/Contour. (kinda like Le Cost Cutter over there at Nissan, cutting costs on everything)
  • wsag26wsag26 Member Posts: 124
    It's a cycle! AHHH! Ford's bringing back stupid names such as Futura (remember that small car), Monterey, Montego, Mariner, all these names. They're stupid. They don't make sense. Why can't they come up with a sensible new kind of name, such as this:

    Ford Fifty
    Ford Famille (french for family)

    Please something that hasn't been used before. If Ford, GM, or any of them do it again I will scream.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    All Ford brand passenger cars will begin with the letter "F", while the SUV/Trucks will stick with "E", the exclusion is the Heritage vehicles such as GT, Mustang, Tbird, and F-150.Mercury will carry "M" names.

    These names such as Futura and such, are and have been copyrighted by Ford for years. And they are tested with consumer groups prior to being released... Which is why the Cross-dresser, OPPS I meant, Crosstrainer became the Freestyle.
  • wsag26wsag26 Member Posts: 124
    I really don't care the patterns, though I knew them. That is why my two examples started with an F.... but I don't care whether or not that is happening. Why do they have to pick a name from the past. Are we stupid? Didn't we know that small car that barely sold & had the most problems was called Futura. What? Oh yes. Does this hint the safety features on this car....
  • upsetter1upsetter1 Member Posts: 205
    The most important thing is quality and performance, not a name. Call crap whatever you want - nobody will buy it. And people are buying Accord, though it is the most stupid name invented for the automobile.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    I could make the greatest car in the world, call it the LePiece O'Junk and buyers will still come because my car isn't what the name implies, it's the actual car they like, not the name. (though for such a great car, I'd probably name it something better, something that fits the car better. If it's a sedan, maybe Famille or Gia)
  • f111df111d Member Posts: 114
    So is the Futura getting these ,also? Just how well tested are these CVT's? I've yet to read anything in the last 15 years good about the chain/belt durabilty or is this something the manufactures decided it's time to let the consumer do the R & D?
    What's the weight differences between the Cvt and the 6sp ATX?
  • upsetter1upsetter1 Member Posts: 205
    After Fird's electronic transmissions that ruined Taurus' (and Mazda 626 btw) reputation isn't too risky to rely on new transmissions from Ford ? It has to give an extended waranty on any new transmission. People still have bad memories.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    The transmissions are not being designed by Ford... Initially the 6 speed unit is being furnished by Aisin, while the CVT is being built by ZF Batavia...so you can blame them if there's an issue with them.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    will the transmissions be more reliable?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Very much so. Aisin is a Japanese manufacturing consortium of Nissan, Mazda, and someone else.

    That unit will initially be offered at first, then a joint venture 6 speed auto unit with GM will later be implemented to replace it.

    Allegedly Van [non-permissible content removed] plant will eventually be building these units but meanwhile they'll be using the one's from that Ford co-developed with ZF Batavia, and if demand is high, they'll buy them from Nissan.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    Joint venture with GM is an overstatement. Essentially Ford payed GM to develop a 6-speed auto, which they will both use. It is good for both sides, and I am glad that the domestic marques can finally beat Japan to the punch. The Camry just got a 5-speed.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    I like GM's involvement since historically they have always had very refined and smooth shifting automatics, therefore this is a good move.
  • biggie2biggie2 Member Posts: 45
    It bothers me some. Call me stupid, cause quite frankly it is stupid for something like that to bother me... But... I buy a Ford to have a Ford. I buy a Honda to have a Honda. If i wanted a GM transmission or a GM engine id buy a GM. Ford should be able to handle making a transmission, just as Honda should be able to handle making a V8.

    I know it is good that the domestics are actually fighting back, and usuing each other to culminate the most efficient attack, but it just bothers me lol.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    There's been quite a bit of cooperation between automaker's that you would have been unheard of years ago. GM for example is trading Honda's 3.5L V6 and placing them in Saturn Vue Redline editions, in return GM is giving Honda Isuzu diesels for other world markets.

    And at times it's much cheaper for car manufacturer's to buy transmissions and other components from supplier's or competitors, than having to deal with the whole mnufacturing process. Another example is how Jaguar buys it's 6 Speed auto transmissions from Mercedes Benz. That way they both gain through that synergy.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    Few people know that BMW's 5-speed auto is manufactured by GM. It's the same unit that's in the CTS.
  • biggie2biggie2 Member Posts: 45
    no way... that makes me feel a little better. If BMW wants to buy a GM transmission then i guess Ford can too. I would be very very interested to see reviews of the 5 series and reviews of the CTS and see the stupid biased car magazines say the BMW trans is one of the best ever and the CTS is just ok, or something like that.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Well transmission is just ONE component in that equation. Computer programming shift-points, as well as torque converter's are important items as well. You can have a great transmission, but without the other necessary factors, it can feel sloppy, slushy and unrefined.
  • chevyguy657chevyguy657 Member Posts: 216
    I just got caught up and read a month's worth of posts.

    I was under the impression that Mercury would not have a Futura stablemate. Guess that's changed.

    Since Futura was a high-end Falcon, my guess is Meteor, since that was a high-end Comet (actually a separate line, short-lived).

    Many baby-boomers, like myself, grew up around Fords and Mercurys (Monterey, Park Lane, Mustang, Fairlane Squire, Cougar). I like the return to old names.

    I might be interested in the Futura if I can wait that long, but not likely. I just hope Ford prices the Futura differently than the 6. I'm infuriated that to get side and curtain airbags on the 6s you must buy the expensive Bose audio and Sport packages. Gouging, pure and simple.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    They figure if the buyer wants to spend on side airbags and such, that same "spledid" customer will opt for the Bose stereo and such.

    The Futura is to have a Mercury version, to spread out the costs of engineering and such. Since the Sable will eventually be replaced, Ford needed to have it's entry vehicle.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    was originally a Lincoln concept car, IIRC, and later became the Batmobile, didn't it, ANT?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    I believe it did. It was the name of a concept. Then the 500 name, was from Galaxie 500.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    The Honda 3.5 V6 is also being used in the regular VUE V6, not just the RedLine edition.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    At first it will debut in the Redline edition, (which will probably last a year) then it'll be used as the optional upgrade engine over the I-4.... That's the latest I have heard pertaining to it.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    I built a non-RedLine VUE on their website, and it says right there:
    3.5 Liter 250 Horsepower V6.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Whatever happened to them keeping the 3.5L for the redline for awhile? Didn't they originally state this though?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    FYI: Old Ford Futuras were not "small cars", like the Pinto. First they were top line Falcons, and then a Fairmont 2 door. These cars were not bad, compared to other 60s and 70s cars, they were actaully good.

    And if you don't like the F names, write a letter to the Ford Family, or just buy another brand.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    run to Mercury, if you like M.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Freestar is the only "F-name" I have a problem with. Aerostar, I liked. Windstar was find. Freestar, is such an obvious attempt at alliteration for no good reason, it just irks me I guess... And, if the Van was really different, that would be ok too, but the Van isn't that different, or class leading, so why change the name? Wait until you really have a new van maybe, or just keep the Windstar name.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Reported on March's issue of Motortrend...

    Phil Martens hints of a sport sedan for the Ford division. He mentioned the "Euro Rally tuned" performance sedan would make 270HP.

    The Mercury twin of the Futura, will be named Montclair. Get it ? MONT-ego, MONT-erey, MOUNT-ineer, MONTclair....
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I may get one, if I can find the Monet.

    Not.

    (Five Hundred is far more likely! :)
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    where did they get the inspiration?
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Montclair was a model from the 60's, a Wagon I think. The woody wagon was the Colony Park - which I liked as a kid.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Me, too! Sigh.

    I also loved the Country Squire. Then I get old enough to buy one, and blammo, they no longer make them.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    It won't be coming back either, john, it doesn't start with an "F".
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    There were Montclair sedans too in the old days. Back then, model names were trim levels of one bodyshell, not series. But that changed when different car size classes made many model names confusing.
  • ehaaseehaase Member Posts: 328
    The Montclair was built between 1955 and 1960 and 1964 and 1968. It was Mercury mid series full size sedan, below the Park Lane, but above the Monterey. There usually were 4 door sedans and 2 and 4 door hardtops.
  • setzersetzer Member Posts: 127
    I cannot wait until more information is release about the Futura, but right now I am thinking about getting a Five Hundred if they are as good as they look.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    is a good car. Hold tight.
  • chevyguy657chevyguy657 Member Posts: 216
    I got my March issue today and also saw the Montclair bit (I grew up in a town by the same name).

    Yes, Montclair was a mid-level full-size sedan & wagon. Would've sounded better and been more apporpriate than Montego, IMO.

    Quick Ford, change it to "Meteor" as I'd suggested a while back.

    MT ALSO reports its wordwide debut at this year's Chicago (we know better) or NY Auto Show, which I think is misinformation.

    They also misidentified a spy shot of the next Sonata as the next Avalon. Bet Hyundai and Toyota are both having a good laugh over that one (or is Toyota crying?).
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    and the got the Avalon's redesign schedule wrong. It runs a five year product cycle and will be redesigned for 2005, not 2006.

    ~alpha
  • bewhite25bewhite25 Member Posts: 35
    I think the Futura has great potential to be a success if Ford does all the little details right. They can't skimp on interior assembly. All the pieces need to be quality and they need to be put together with precision, especially seeing how groups like Consumer Reports like to badger American cars in this respect. Based one what I see in the new F-150 and the Five Hundred, I think Ford can pull this off. The 2.3L has to be a smooth engine with comparable fuel economy to that of the Accord and Camry, since this engine will more than likely make up the majority of the purchases. Hopefully the new 6 sp. will work well with both engines. Also, the Futura needs engineering and innovations a couple steps ahead of the Accord and Camry, since you can expect a redesign from both a year or two after the Futura's debut. When the 2000 Taurus came out, it really didn't even match up to the current Honda and Toyota models and the redesigns of each in 2002 and 2003 just blew the Taurus away. Ford really seems to be taking its automotive engineering seriously lately and I think they have the ability to make the Futura a hit.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    The next generation Accord and Camry will not be "all new from ground up", but will be re-engineerined, since the current ones were "all new". Much like the 1997 used the same platform as the 92-96 Camry.
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    on the belief Mercury's model will be named Montclair. Mercury Div. President Darryl Hazel says "Monarch" is as good a name as any..

    http://wardsauto.com/microsites/newsarticle.asp?mode=print&ne- wsarticleid=2711602&releaseid=&srid=10250&magazineid=- 1004&siteid=26
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