Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

jaxs1

I did not read that into it and I posted what they were probably really trying to say.

The whole iPod "connection" to the Fusion in the ad is very stupid though.

akirby

Sorry - that wasn't directed at you.

So what you're saying is if the radio in the car does not have an auxilliary jack to directly plug in an Ipod then they are not allowed to show anyone using an Ipod in a TV ad?

calidave

I am saying that if the ad implies that you can connect an iPod to the Fusion, and you can not, then it is misleading

Yes, I know you can connect an iPod to any car using an FM transmitter

but if they don't show the iPod "connected" (hard wire) into the dash, it is probably a loser of a case

jaxs1

What I said is that Ford trying to connect themselves in some way to the iPod in an ad when you cannot connect the car to an iPod is dumb.
Recently, many new cars have iPod integration and an ad featuring both an iPod and a newly introduced car looks like a tie-in that implies they work together even if they do not actually say "You can connect an iPod to an AUX jack in a Ford Fusion."
I was saying that the iPod "link" to the Fusion is a much more likely source of confusion than thinking the car is a hybrid.

evandro

But you never see that there's no room in the vehicle that left the kids behind.

As I don't stay tuned in commercials, I always thought that I had missed a few seconds of that ad...

robr2

The Ipod is in the ad because Ipods are hip and trendy. Ford wants the Fusion to be hip and trendy. Get the connection?? That's also why they had Grandmaster Funk Flash Superfly whatever "customize" a Fusion.

As for energy, Ford wants people to think the Fusion will generate buzz about the driver, creating energy around their life. "Oooohhh look at him. He drives a Fusion."

jaxs1

I also "get" what they were trying to do.
However, that doesn't stop it from being dumb and ironic that they would choose iPod product placement in their ad when the Fusion is one of the cars you cannot connect an iPod to via a manufacturer provided connection.

If anyone could be confused by that ad to think that the Fusion was a hybrid, that means that much larger numbers of people would think the ad was saying the iPod works with a Fusion (since an iPod does really work with many new cars, just not a Fusion).

There is alot of irony in the fact Ford did not care enough about the iPod to even spend $5 per car on a factory installed auxillary input jack in the radios, yet they were so desperate to associate with the iPod's "hip factor" in the tv ad.

calidave

just another example of the marketing and engineering departments not communicating - happens all the time, unfortunately

jeffyscott

Creates energy, eh...it must be equipped with Mr. Fusion .

mschmal

Personally I think a better Fusion ad would be a new college grad getting into his Fusion as his parents wave good bye, its the first day of his first real job.

As the Fusion backs out of his parents driveway, you see the parents have a Camry.

Mark

justgreat47

it's definitely a matter of taste. the alfa i had exhibited the classic body roll in the turns but held like glue..and it had a great ride at touring speeds. for my bun, i prefer a softer, more compliant ride and still have some poise in the turns. the german cars i have driven were much too harsh. in order to save money on import costs, the cars were not re-engineered for american driving tastes (imo)... they might be wildly popular in some crowds but they're still not right on american roads for my tastes.

i must say, i was surprised at the attitude of the alfa but after doing some reading on different approaches to suspension designs, i realized that the french and italian cars were better suited to american driving conditions partly for the reason you stated...but that's not the whole story. it also goes to the "outlook" of the designers and engineers, they want a more suppple ride while cruising and yet still hang tough in the turns. having lots of body roll is equated with less car control, but the car isn't sliding all over the road in the twisities...it just takes some getting used to...it's a differnt outlook.

all this is rather mute now that gm developed the true active suspension that has eluded the suspension designers for the last 25 years. MRC magnetic ride control is truly an amazing advancement for having your cake and eat it too, when it comes to ride control and decent handling. the only downside as with any break through technology, is the cost. it's expensive to buy and god knows what it would cost for the struts/shocks when it's time to replace them.

growwise

Peugeot is reknowned for its suspensions... They were considered the best. I hate sport suspensions for which I blame C&D, Edmunds etc who slam any car thats got some suspension travel. Even Buicks are now getting on the bandwagon to avoid bad press. Its a sad situation.

One upside to stiff suspensions is if you plan on keeping the car for a long time, it will save you money by not replacing it. But that means you have to suffer for about 100k before the ride is slightly softened..

rscherb

I think that would be a brilliant commercial. What a great idea.

baggs32

Look back to post 2739 and watch the video of Mark Fields. It's long, but in it he mentions how Ford is going to steer down the same path as companies such as Apple, Motorola, and Ebay who were in trouble at times and are now near the top. More specifically, he compares the new Ford "innovation" plan to the both the iPod and Motorola's new phones stating that Apple and M listened to the customer when developing these products. This in turn reversed their fortunes and that's what Ford is going to do too.

The Fusion is one look at this new MO for Ford and it's a good start. Hopefully they keep getting better and better and stay the course because I don't think they'll get a second chance this time.

That also might have something to do with the iPod appearance in the Fusion commercial.

poodog13

However, that doesn't stop it from being dumb and ironic that they would choose iPod product placement in their ad when the Fusion is one of the cars you cannot connect an iPod to via a manufacturer provided connection.

You people slamming that ad act like the Fusion is the only new design without direct iPod connection. iPod's are popular and all, but clearly not so big that it's a mandatory feature. In fact, I doubt that this connection will be entirely widespread until the connection type is standardized across other media player manufacturers.

robr2

I saw the Ipod ad in question during the Pats game. At the beginning of the ad is a woman listening to an Ipod and she ISN'T in the vehicle. The Ipod is never shown in the car.

I don't get how this is false advertising. If it was, I should get to bring home the cute brunette in the Milan ad should I buy one. At least she sits in the vehicle.

mschmal

The 2007 Edge was just introduced Sunday at Detriot, NAIS.

The announcer stated that the Edge will offer Sirius and an MP3 acces port.

Lets hope this radio gets to the rest of Ford for 07

calidave

dude, we didn't say it WAS false advertising, if you read what we wrote. I recall having an "if" or two in there, and after hearing a description of the ad, I said it was a "loser of a case." That translates to "it probably is not false advertising" It does sound like a stupid marketing scheme. If you see the ad with the iPod, and tha tmakes you go in to a Ford dealer, and you then see the stereo has no aux input, you will be pissed at Ford for implying a product link with the iPod. Go check some Volvo or Ford (or any car company) threads where iPod users talk about their car's inability to integrate the iPod. Those folks are pissed. Many such users say they willnever buy a car from that manufacturer again, unless the iPod is integrated.

I think that is dumb (and I have an iPod and a Volvo - with no integration), but what I think is not relevant to what other folks think.

and I still think the Fusion "energy" ad is dumb.

What, exactly, did Ford "fuse" with this vehicle? (this is a serious question - not intended to be funny or sarcastic)

mschmal

If you visit, www.carpoint.com and watch streaming video from the NAIS, there are some short really kewl commercials in the Fusion,

In one a guy is dragging his trash cans to the curb when he realizes the garbage truck just drove by. "This is life"

Rock video of the Fusion "this is life in drive"

Mark

robr2

Um Dude:

calidave, "Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan" #2744, 6 Jan 2006 11:02 am

You specifically say it might be false advertising in CA and that you know a DA. IMHO, that's rabble rousing.

Personally, I could care less about Ipod intergration. I don't have one and don't want one unless NPR/PRI starts podcasting all their shows. I guess that doesn't make me a Dude.

Peace and Out

calidave

Rob: Yes, that was my initial post. I then clarified after people posted details about the ad.

I think you CAN get some NPR stuff for an iPod. Audible.com has an interesting take on the iPod. Basically then denigrate it and then give you a more interesting use for it: "What are you gonna do with that iPod that has all that music on it that you've heard over and over and over? Put something INTERESTING on it" (books, Pocasts, Click n Clack, etc.). Count me among those who are frustrated by Volvo's unwillingness to come up with an iPod integration solution, but not so upset about it that I'd choose a car based on whether it has an AUX input. Then again, I admit to thinking twice about a Lexus RX400H because it has no iPod interface. We'll see how I feel when I actually enter the marketplace.

Peace.

jaxs1

There is little reason for any all-new vehicle to NOT have an AUX input jack at minimum.
An aux port will work with any brand portable mp3 player, laptop, gps, portable XM radio or whatever.
Gives you so many options for such a small price.

calidave

well, the car manuafucaturers that use the MOST system claim it's not possible, or not easy, or really expensive, or all of the above

I believe that is all true, but I am disenchanted with car companies pushing a fullyintegrated system that takes us back to the days when you couldn't put an aftermarket stereo system in the dash.

Give me and a bunch of talented associates a few weeks withy the files and e-mail systems in those car companies and I bet I find evidence of an antitrust violation.

and if I can find one e-mail from management that says they don't want the new owners using iPods and other mp3 players, I bet that company's market share goes in the toilet

jaxs1

That doesn't apply to the Fusion. There is supposed to be an aftermarket adapter that can give you an aux input in the Fusion, but that's very junky and an ugly installation for more money and more labor costs.
If it can be done aftermarket, it could have been done much cheaper and much more elegantly at the factory.

ab348

Calidave wrote: and I still think the Fusion "energy" ad is dumb.

Hate to break it to you, but most ads are dumb. I was watching the NFL on the weekend and was struck by just how dumb almost every single ad was, from the guy jumping off the cliff to get to his Grand Viagra, to the Toyota pickup being filed with a mountain of stuff from on high and still driving away, to Honda ads with syrupy music and cartoon balloons on the screen, to just about any SUV commercial. They are all dumb. The Fusion ad is at least entertaining and well-crafted.

mtnman1

Not every ad was dumb. The Budweiser Commercial with the guy named Tom Ferguson working "Two minutes past 5:00 on a FRIDAY" is great. Also the one where he has to sit in a Restaurant with his girl friend and not glance at the hot women at the table next to them. Not car commercials, but hilarious.

evandro

Then again, with such DA's no wonder there are so many stupid warning labels...

evandro

Don't look now, but I think that there may be anti-trust vilators in your closet...

dlang

Hi Members,

I joined basically to ask the following: My 2003 Sable LS 3 year + 2 month extension lease is up on Monday 1/16. Mileage is 17,000 miles. Buyout price is ~ $10K. In November, I purchased a Ford Premium 3yr/60K extended warranty for $1350 since car was going out of warranty and I extended lease. I've leased '96 and '99 Sables and while now bored with the exterior, I still like the car and my most important feature is the Mach Audio.

I looked at a Milan in October but it was out yonder on the dealer lot and locked, so just looked inside. I'm not a fan of European styling or aluminum on the dashboard. At the time I was going to keep the Sable. Now, I'm thinking due to higher interest costs of a used car loan (6.5-10%) plus the price for the extended warranty, I might as well lease a new car. With loyalty discounts plus $500 mail rebate plus whatever I can get from the dealer, it may not be too much more.

Any Sable LS owners who switched to the Milan Premier have any opinion? How does the Audiophile system compare to the Mach Audio? Using STP I actually got 27 mpg highway driving between NYC and Miami on the Sable. Does the Milan actually get 29-31 mpg? Sable LS has some extras maybe not on Milan, like adjustable pedal and traction control and mine included moonroof, but I don't use those much.

Thanks for any ideas!

poodog13

Count me among those who are frustrated by Volvo's unwillingness to come up with an iPod integration solution, but not so upset about it that I'd choose a car based on whether it has an AUX input

Dude, a combo charger/broadcaster is less than $100. Can we get off the damn iPod issue? Not everyone has one (and I do), not everyone needs the integration, and to have the majority have it integrated as part of the cost of the vehicle to suite fringe users is ridiculous and gimmicky.

calidave

The FM transmitter approach is lousy. I've tried two. I've researched them on message boards. It's not a useful approach if you live anywhere with a crowded FM spectrum, as I do.

jaxs1

Why did you buy a $1350 extended warranty when you were only going to be out of factory warranty for 2 months and the car only has 17K miles after 3 years. Less than 6,000 miles a year?
Not confident in reliability, yet you want to buy another Mercury?
Strange.

calidave

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/jan/08chrysler.html

I guess we have to leave this to a GERMAN car company (DC), since the American car company (Ford) can't figure it out. Such a shame.

akirby

They've already announced an external audio input port as a feature in the new Ford Edge and MKX (Aviator) available this fall. Since Ford shares radios among most models it should be available across the model lineup.

evandro

Apple charges an arm and a leg for others to provide an iPod port. I'd rather Ford using the contract money in technology germane to automobiles, not gimmicks.

On the contrary, I'd rather see Apple providing a plain jack instead. Then again Apple is not a computer manufacturer, it's a cult.

akirby

" I'd rather see Apple providing a plain jack instead."

You can't get much more plain or interoperable than a headphone jack.

rparis

My son was planning to purchase a Honda Accord. Recently he saw the Milan.

Has anyone compared the two vehicles? Also, does the four cylinder have sufficient power?

The reviews are very good. Any comments from present owners/

bokonon1

Hi rparis --

Car and Driver recently tested the V6 versions of the Accord and Fusion against each other. I don't recall any publications doing a head-to-head test of the 4 cylinder versions yet.

I take the car reviews with a grain of salt, however -- I find many are biased and subjective, while pretending to be objective. For example, I personally disagreed with Car and Driver's evaluation. Based on my own test drives, I did NOT find fault with the Fusion's climate controls or fit-and-finish -- I think they were reaching for reasons.

I recently test drove the V6 versions of the Fusion and the Milan back-to-back with a V6 Accord. I found that I preferred the Fusion and the Milan from a performance and from a styling perspective, as well as price. It was a pleasant surprise. I actually felt enthusiasm about the Fusion, whereas the Accord was just "nice" and left me lukewarm.

Ford has put a lot of work into launching the Fusion and Milan correctly, without defects or recalls -- let's hope that they are sucessful. I have somewhat more faith in Honda to stand behind their product in the case of a major defect, but I also believe that the current Accord has had its share of problems -- like brakes, paint, 5 speed auto transmission issues, assembly quality, etc. So the Accord is not perfect.

So -- I'd recommend reading the articles, but driving the cars.

Cheers!

savetheland

I did not drive Milan, but I compared Accord with Milan at autoshow. While MIlan looks less boring than Accord, Accord still superior considering interior design and quality. There is no question that Honda makes better engines than Ford, but transmission may be a problem what keeps me away from Honda for now until this issue will be resolved.

I would compare Accord with Zephyr, rather than Milan. And still I think upper trim of Accord has better interior design and quality than Lincoln. I would go for Acura TL though. It does not have “boring” factor of Accord and reminds me Alfa, and drives better than Accord too.

mschmal

You think Honda builds better engines? Tell that to all the Honda owners that have had to replace their whole engine when the timing belt failed.

Ford chooses NOT to use timeing belts.

the 2.3 L 4 cylinder available in the Fusion/Milan is a 100% Mazda design. More winning cars in SCCA competition are powered by Mazda than any other engine Manufacturer.

the 3.0L V6 is a tried and true design that was significantly massaged by Mazda for use in the Mazda6.

Ford is leading the market in bringing lower emissions engines to market. The 4.0L V6 in the 2006 Explorer now produces less smog forming emissions than the Honda Accord HYBRID!

Only Ford and Toyota currently produce a Full Hybrid vehicle capable of running 100% on electric power.

I'm not trying to diss Honda, I'm trying to point out how good Ford is.

Mark

navigator89

"I would compare Accord with Zephyr, rather than Milan"

I'm not quite sure why you would compare the Accord with an entry level luxury sedan that is in a different price range. The TL is the competitor to the Zephyr, not Accord.

Honestly, you don't think the inerior design of an Accord is better than a Zephyr do you? I like the Accord and it is nice but it doesnt have the style or high quality materials of a Zephyr.

calidave

The 4.0L V6 in the 2006 Explorer now produces less smog forming emissions than the Honda Accord HYBRID!

doubtful. I'll believe it if you can show me a link. I perused the Ford website and found nothing to back up that claim.

evandro

Both the Explorer and the Accord Hybrid are ULEV II compliant (CARB combined standard for NOx, CO and PM emissions). The Explorer, as a gas guzzler, gets a hit on CO2 emissions though. Still not bad considering the hype around hybrid powertrains...

navigator89

"doubtful. I'll believe it if you can show me a link. I perused the Ford website and found nothing to back up that claim"

Believe it now?

http://www.autoweb.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_- order_int/5/article_id_int/732

dlang

That's a strange response. It has nothing to do with confidence in reliability. I wouldn't have leased a third Sable if I thought it was unreliable. You need to extend the bumper-to-bumper warranty before the 36/36000 one runs out else you can't. Since I didn't make up my mind to buy or return the car, why would I extend the lease 2 months without a warranty behind it? You get your money back prorated if you return the car. I expect to drive the car 12-15K/year now and $1350 for 6yr/60000 miles seems like a good investment for a car driven in NYC where they age much quicker than elsewhere. If you look at Ford's extended warrranty price chart, that is the best value price point, steep increases if you want year 7 and/or more miles.

I am more confident of my Chicago built Sable than a first year Mexican built Milan.

rscherb

Your point is right on target. Ford has and is still trying to address this very point about customer interpretation and apprehension. They did a focus group ( a very interesting one) which took place in California. They put people in a hotel for a month and then asked them to drive the Camry, Fusion, Accord and the Sonata. However they covered the cars so that the group wouldn't know what they were driving. Anyway, the Fusion was the top choice over the other brands for a variety of reasons with the group. However, that's where they discovered (Ford that is) the problems they would have.
When the group discovered it was a Ford product, one of the members thought it was too good to be a Ford. The rest had similar feelings and still had problems considering this new product to actually purchase. Now Ford is just trying to get new people into the showrooms in order to test drive the car. But they realize they have their work cut out for them. This article was in the Detroit Free Press. It's a great newspaper that I only recently discovered. Very interesting articles.

I liked ANT14's commercial idea where the college graduate leaves his parents house for his first job and he back up with his new Fusion while in the driveway his parents have a Camry. That I believe would be a classicly remembered commercial.

calidave

yes, thanks - am not sure why Ford would not put that on its website

the Accord would still run rings around the Explorer from a driving standpoint, but that wasn't the point of your post. I think the Accord also gets better mpg, no?

Still, great news that the Explorer has improved from an emissions standpoint

calidave

interesting - that adds more fuel to my theory that Ford is trying to mislead customers into thinking that the Milan is a hybrid

"Hey, honey - did you see that the new Ford Milan creates energy? Let's go see Ford's new hybrid."

mschmal

Thats scarcasm

mtnman1

Boy that's really comparing Apples to Apples?