The last document I saw said the 3.5L wouldn't show up in the 500 until at least the 2008 model due simply to engine plant and/or tranny production capacity. The 500 is selling ok without it so the priority will be the Zephyr/MKZ and Edge/MKX first.
A restyled grille, headlights and tail lights may be enough since I think the side profile on the 500 looks OK, but I don't think the Fusion and Edge style grill will look good on the 500. I don't think it even looks that great on the Edge. The 500 really needs the 3.5 engine even though the 3.0 seems good enough for the smaller and lighter Fusion.
Asian brands took longer to tune their TC, it seems. A friend's Lexus does the same, but not my FWD American cars, whose TC seem to prioritize steerability, even at the cost of spinning the wheels a bit.
Look at your Acuras, front wheel drive with 300hp, no complaints.
The TL does not have 300 HP. You're thinking of the RL which only comes in AWD form. The TL makes something like 270 HP and every time you mash the gas from a stop you better be wearing somthing to keep your arms attached to your torso.
If you don't belive me go read C&D's reviews of the TL. Some of the editors even list torque steer as a "deal breaker" in an otherwise fine car. "Should be RWD" is another quote I distinctly remember.
I drive a Nissan Maxima and was wooed by the muscle when I bought it only to realize that most of that power can't be sent to the road because of tire spin.
Here the blame lies more on Nissan than on FWD. Nissan cars have notoriously bad torque steer. Whereas the owners of Grand Prix GXP and Impala SS with 300+HP have barely any complaints about torque-steer and lack of traction.
I don't know if it will fit what you are looking for, but Ford will be introducing Edge, 5 passenger crossover (the new buzzword for "Station Wagon") fall of 2006, based on Fusion/Mazda 6 platform. Edmunds has some stuff on it and it has been shown at the recent auto shows.
I think that the Mazda 6 is nice interpretation of the Alfa Romeo 156 SW, which I really like. I'd like to see more of these "sport-wagons" (I hate marketing terms).
Glad I did not offend. I am still a "rookie" at using this forum and should have mentioned that I had a Fusion. I love it!!!! Black on black loaded with all options. I strongly feel bang for the buck it is well worth it. The seats are very comfortable and over all is a very sporty car for its price. After trading my 96 Taurus which had 100,000 miles on it, I don't feel I could have made a better choice. Handling is great, plenty of power, great gadgets. I am however, still somewhat disappointed in the mileage. After 1,300 miles still only 17.7 mpg, with in town driving. I can hardly wait to take it on a trip from Chicago to St. Louis to see my daughter, and then get a real feel for the car and maybe a better read on the highway mileage. I know, it still needs to be broken in, so I am still hopeful the mileage will increase. I am happy for those that love their Accords and Camrys, but I just felt the Fusion was the best for my needs and don't regret getting it.
Highly recommended if they like the styling. The turning radius is somewhere in between a school bus and a 747, but it's not a problem unless you're making a U turn or trying to get into an extremely tight spot (not a dealbreaker). The headlights aren't great, but they're not terrible either. I think they need to be adjusted and aimed a bit higher but I haven't had time to check it.
The issue is volume: one doesn't see many of those on the streets, so it's hard to see them in used car lots. I did search in a wide area and zilch came up. Especially in truck country (TX)...
Besides, it's rather new, so it might be easier to find in a year or so.
The Fusion wagon is the Edge. I don't think there are mid-sized wagons anymore. Small wagons like the Mazda3 5-door, Focus wagon, Audi A4, seem to have a market, but once you get to the mid-sized wagon, people go for crossovers or small SUVs, and with big wagon people buy minivans or big SUVs. I have a Freestyle, which is about the closest thing out there like a big station wagon.
In a way it makes sense. If you're going to build a vehicle 200" long, you might as well make it a little taller and add a 3rd row for versatility, and give it a lot more luggage space than a lower wagon.
I don't think there are mid-sized wagons anymore...
Let's see... The Chevy Malibu Maxx, Subaru Legacy Wagon and Outback Wagon, Mazda 6 Wagon, BMW 5-series, Audi A6, VW Passat, Volvo V70, plus a few more. Even Jaguar has an X-type wagon.
If you're going to build a vehicle 200" long, you might as well make it a little taller and add a 3rd row for versatility, and give it a lot more luggage space than a lower wagon.
But some people don't want an SUV/Minivan, and aren't fond of crossovers either. They want a vehicle that weighs less, and is more nimble and fun to drive than a SUV/minivan/crossover, and still offer good luggage space and decent gas mileage.
I wouldn't be surprised if Ford does make a leap and build the Fusion/Milan wagon. I know a current Taurus wagon owner that doesn't care for either the Edge or Freestyle, and another colleague just signed the papers for a Mazda 6 wagon, simply because he needs the cargo room, and still wants to carve corners in the process.
You're correct on the mid-sized wagons (BMW, Audi, VW, Volvo...hmmmmm a trend!). But when you look at the bigger auto makers Honda, Toyota, Nisson, Ford, etc., they all got rid of their wagons, and I'd be very surprised if Ford made a Fusion wagon, especially when the Edge crossover is based on the Fusion.
Before I bought the Freestyle, I was really looking for a regular wagon. I was going to at first buy the Focus Wagon, but I really needed the 3rd row on occasion, and I figured if I'm going to pay $25-30K for a wagon, I might as well get the most for my money. I don't know if the Taurus owner actually drived a Freestyle, but I doubt if they would have found the Freestyle to be less "sporty" than a Taurus wagon for carving corners.
But in the end, the car makers will produce what sells, and that's why there are fewer and fewer true wagons out there today.
I don't know if the Taurus owner actually drived a Freestyle, but I doubt if they would have found the Freestyle to be less "sporty" than a Taurus wagon for carving corners.
He did try a Freestyle, and came away unimpressed. He felt that it was more of a minivan than a wagon. He didn't like the higher seating position, and it didn't feel very sure-footed in corners, with too much body roll. Again, these are his impressions. You may be happy with your Freestyle, and that's great. My father has one and loves it as well. I'm just saying that it'll never replace a true wagon in some people's minds.
Although VW, Audi, et al. aren't the major players, they still build and import wagons for the US market, because people still buy them. They will continue to, as long as the demand is there. Crossovers are a great idea, and if I were looking for an SUV-type vehicle, they'd be first on my list. But you'll always find people that would rather have a wagon instead. They may dwindle in numbers, but they'll always be there.
On-topic: My wife is looking at a Milan, but wants the manual. Is or has anyone else been in the same boat? If so, how difficult was it to find a Milan (or Fusion) with a manual?
I guess it will depend on how a "true" station wagon evolves. Cars in the 50s were tall, low in the 60s, small in the 70s, getting bigger in the 80s, taller again in the 90s, and now going to a middle road, like my Freestyle and the Ford 500...lower than an SUV but higher then a "normal" car.
Plus for people used to driving in low cars, it does feel strange to sit higher. I had a Mazda RX-7 that makes my Cougar seem tall, and my Freestyle seemed really high at first, but compared with an SUV it doesn't seem so high, and now that I'm used to it, it feels fine. It's just a matter of some people who don't feel comfortable unless they're dropping into the seat.
But you're right, there will always be those looking for something unique and different, but I like the way manufactures are making the cars more practical then ever before. But I don't think there'd be much of a market for a "true" wagon version of the Fusion/Milan with the Edge coming out soon.
Plant capacity at the Mexican plant is limited to 250K units so far. This already increased from a projected 200K units because of unexpected acceptance of the product. The plant could produce 280K units max if a 3rd, full time shift is implemented. As it is, they are running overtime at this moment.
Financially speaking, Ford won't slow down MKZ production to allow for wagon units to be assembled, considering the MKZ will make a larger profit. If anything, the MKZ will get preferential treatment in that case.
Subaru Legacy Wagon and Outback Wagon, Mazda 6 Wagon, BMW 5-series, Audi A6, VW Passat, Volvo V70, plus a few more.
But that's because about 50% of the mid-size cars in Europe are sold in their SW versions. I guess it's got to do with the abundance of hatchback compact cars over there. Anyways, they have a captive market to pay off the development costs and can afford to skim a few to the US.
The domestic market demands other kinds of utilitarian cars, for better or for worse (IMO, for worse), which makes it hard to justify the development or use of plants for SW versions.
1. The headlights are well aimed, but the LOW BEAMS seem to be less bright than other new cars. The High Beams seem fine to me. If you live where there are street lamps everywhere, you won't even notice.
Some Sylvania White Lightening bulbs will solve this problem for around $40. But you'll have to upgrade the High Beams also or the call will look like A**.
2. The Sophisticated Multi-link front suspension where most cars in this class have Struts my not allow as tight a turning radius. The payoff is better handling though.
3. I at 5' 8" find the head room with the moonroof to be less than stellar. Less than even a Focus. And I had customers say "Not For Me" because of this. So make sure you are comfortable in the seat!
4. The best value for your money is the Fusion SE with the SE Sport Package. This includes alloy wheels and a six cd for under $400. Its like getting the wheels for free!
5. When you take delivery, spend a few minutes going over the vehicle and make sure every thing is 100%. Ford has a habit of letting minor annoyance type defects slip through the cracks. Things like trim defects for instance. They may not affect the performance of the vehicle but you should get a 100% perfect car for your money.
I'm not a sunroof person myself...but couldn't the seat be lowered enough to create enough head room with the height adjustment?
I am guessing you are a long torso person, if you are short of headroom at your height. I am 5'11" but with relatively long legs. My biggest problem with most cars is seats that are not deep enough for my thighs and steering wheels that are too far away when seat is set to be comfortable for leg room. The fusion, happily, does not have these problems for me.
People often talk about a car getting a certain mileage. Actually, drivers get "mileage" as well. Did a test today: I drove our Fusion SEL, which we love, on a 35-mile trip, mostly on the highway. I got 30.5 mpg on the highway and 29.6 by the time I went through city traffic to park. My husband drove the exact return trip and got 25.2 mpg. And no, it's not uphill all the way back. I'm from the midwest. He's from NYC. That's the difference. But seriously, HOW you drive has a huge effect on mileage(17.5% in this case). There are even economical driving tips in your owner's manual. So when people are puzzled about differences in the mileage of a particular car, you also have to look at the driver.
I had read the Hermo plant can product up to 300,000 units with a 3rd full time shift. Also, Ford does have plants in both Canada and the U.S. that are able to produce these vehicles if interest and demand continue to rise. I highly doubt Ford will constrict production of a money making sedan. And another point, I doubt Ford is going to give up an opening in this highly competitive family sedan segment to put Ford back into the consumers minds as a serious competitor. The product will be available for those who want it. Don't forget who initially invented mass production..
I know this isn't the forum to talk about other models, but I do believe that Ford has some nice ones on the drawing boards. Specificly , The Ford Fairlane I believe is a groundbreaking design that will finally make a minivan look awesome. It has incredible style appeal and I can see it as a new segment. The Lincoln MKS is one of the most beautiful designs I have seen in a long time for a luxury car. I hope they build that. The GR1 would really put some panache back into Ford as well. Finally,Some of the Ford Europe designs are absolutely beautiful. Why the hect aren't they building those over here. Like the Mondeo or the Ka. It's frustrating when you see the appeal Ford has in Europe and South America and the total disconnect Ford has with the public in the nited States.
Finally,Some of the Ford Europe designs are absolutely beautiful....It's frustrating when you see the appeal Ford has in Europe and South America and the total disconnect Ford has with the public in the United States.
Blame Toyota and Honda. I do.
It's sad that two of the most bland, plain vanilla-styled sedans are the best sellers in the US year after year. As a result, everyone else tried to mimic their (already derivative) styling in order to steal sales. Big mistake.
At least the Fusion is a step in the right direction. Styling that actually different from the other cookie-cutters out there. That's why the Fusion appeals to me, and probably why it's selling better than Ford expected.
Styling that actually different from the other cookie-cutters out there. That's why the Fusion appeals to me, and probably why it's selling better than Ford expected.
X-plan is special pricing available to Ford suppliers and friends of employees. It's basically a very good no haggle price that's just under invoice, but the dealer isn't allowed to charge any fees and you get to keep all rebates and dealer cash.
Hi all, considering a four cylinder fusion because of the 5 speed auto combination. I had a focus with the 2.0 liter duratec four banger and I liked it, a lot. Is the fusion with the 2.3 liter and 5 speed auto going to feel as quick as that focus. I am coming out of a mystique with the 2.5 liter v6. Looking for some feedback, I really like the Fusion, and I had a lot of fun with my mystique. What is everybodies suggestions!
I read that Lincoln will change the name of the Zephyr for 2007. Why would they do this? All those people who bot 2006 vehicles are getting royally hosed. They finally have a car that people actually want to buy, then they shoot themselves in the foot like that. Those people are royally, royally, hosed. Think of the resale value drop on a one year orphan car.
Doubt it. The resale value won't be affected by the namechange, but by the initial quality ratings, the amount of recalls or TSBs, the number of vehicles offered to fleet sales (rental agencies, businesses), and the overall appeal of the car from used car buyers.
I don't think buyers will care about the namechange so much as the amount of time it ends up in the shop, or the amount of warranty or non-warranty repairs needed.
Comments
The 500 really needs the 3.5 engine even though the 3.0 seems good enough for the smaller and lighter Fusion.
Remember the Ford 427 concept? That's what the Five Hundred should've been in the first place. If it works for the Fusion, then why not?
The TL does not have 300 HP. You're thinking of the RL which only comes in AWD form. The TL makes something like 270 HP and every time you mash the gas from a stop you better be wearing somthing to keep your arms attached to your torso.
If you don't belive me go read C&D's reviews of the TL. Some of the editors even list torque steer as a "deal breaker" in an otherwise fine car. "Should be RWD" is another quote I distinctly remember.
Here the blame lies more on Nissan than on FWD. Nissan cars have notoriously bad torque steer. Whereas the owners of Grand Prix GXP and Impala SS with 300+HP have barely any complaints about torque-steer and lack of traction.
And I don't mean a cross-over, a la Freestyle, but a simple, SW. Yes, a sporty one as the Mazda, but still a SW.
TIA
I think that the Mazda 6 is nice interpretation of the Alfa Romeo 156 SW, which I really like. I'd like to see more of these "sport-wagons" (I hate marketing terms).
Depreciation is pretty steep on these cars.
Mark.
I guess I'm the only one who probably would have prefered that.
Would you recommend the car for a young adult. Any other comments would be appreciated.
Thank you.
A 747, or most any plane, will turn on a dime. All you do is apply the brakes to only one wheel and it will rotate on that wheel.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Oops! How about somewhere between a Hummer H1 and a school bus?
Besides, it's rather new, so it might be easier to find in a year or so.
Thanks.
I thought Sable has problem with turning radius (and headlights too)and it was better still than H1. So Fusion is worse than Taurus in this aspect?
I guess I'm the only one who probably would have prefered that."
Then get European Ford Mondeo! Design for both Mondeo and 500 was derived from Ford Focus.
In a way it makes sense. If you're going to build a vehicle 200" long, you might as well make it a little taller and add a 3rd row for versatility, and give it a lot more luggage space than a lower wagon.
Let's see... The Chevy Malibu Maxx, Subaru Legacy Wagon and Outback Wagon, Mazda 6 Wagon, BMW 5-series, Audi A6, VW Passat, Volvo V70, plus a few more. Even Jaguar has an X-type wagon.
If you're going to build a vehicle 200" long, you might as well make it a little taller and add a 3rd row for versatility, and give it a lot more luggage space than a lower wagon.
But some people don't want an SUV/Minivan, and aren't fond of crossovers either. They want a vehicle that weighs less, and is more nimble and fun to drive than a SUV/minivan/crossover, and still offer good luggage space and decent gas mileage.
I wouldn't be surprised if Ford does make a leap and build the Fusion/Milan wagon. I know a current Taurus wagon owner that doesn't care for either the Edge or Freestyle, and another colleague just signed the papers for a Mazda 6 wagon, simply because he needs the cargo room, and still wants to carve corners in the process.
The wagon's not dead, not by a longshot.
Before I bought the Freestyle, I was really looking for a regular wagon. I was going to at first buy the Focus Wagon, but I really needed the 3rd row on occasion, and I figured if I'm going to pay $25-30K for a wagon, I might as well get the most for my money. I don't know if the Taurus owner actually drived a Freestyle, but I doubt if they would have found the Freestyle to be less "sporty" than a Taurus wagon for carving corners.
But in the end, the car makers will produce what sells, and that's why there are fewer and fewer true wagons out there today.
He did try a Freestyle, and came away unimpressed. He felt that it was more of a minivan than a wagon. He didn't like the higher seating position, and it didn't feel very sure-footed in corners, with too much body roll. Again, these are his impressions. You may be happy with your Freestyle, and that's great. My father has one and loves it as well. I'm just saying that it'll never replace a true wagon in some people's minds.
Although VW, Audi, et al. aren't the major players, they still build and import wagons for the US market, because people still buy them. They will continue to, as long as the demand is there. Crossovers are a great idea, and if I were looking for an SUV-type vehicle, they'd be first on my list. But you'll always find people that would rather have a wagon instead. They may dwindle in numbers, but they'll always be there.
On-topic: My wife is looking at a Milan, but wants the manual. Is or has anyone else been in the same boat? If so, how difficult was it to find a Milan (or Fusion) with a manual?
Plus for people used to driving in low cars, it does feel strange to sit higher. I had a Mazda RX-7 that makes my Cougar seem tall, and my Freestyle seemed really high at first, but compared with an SUV it doesn't seem so high, and now that I'm used to it, it feels fine. It's just a matter of some people who don't feel comfortable unless they're dropping into the seat.
But you're right, there will always be those looking for something unique and different, but I like the way manufactures are making the cars more practical then ever before. But I don't think there'd be much of a market for a "true" wagon version of the Fusion/Milan with the Edge coming out soon.
Financially speaking, Ford won't slow down MKZ production to allow for wagon units to be assembled, considering the MKZ will make a larger profit. If anything, the MKZ will get preferential treatment in that case.
But that's because about 50% of the mid-size cars in Europe are sold in their SW versions. I guess it's got to do with the abundance of hatchback compact cars over there. Anyways, they have a captive market to pay off the development costs and can afford to skim a few to the US.
The domestic market demands other kinds of utilitarian cars, for better or for worse (IMO, for worse), which makes it hard to justify the development or use of plants for SW versions.
Bummer!
Some Sylvania White Lightening bulbs will solve this problem for around $40. But you'll have to upgrade the High Beams also or the call will look like A**.
2. The Sophisticated Multi-link front suspension where most cars in this class have Struts my not allow as tight a turning radius. The payoff is better handling though.
3. I at 5' 8" find the head room with the moonroof to be less than stellar. Less than even a Focus. And I had customers say "Not For Me" because of this. So make sure you are comfortable in the seat!
4. The best value for your money is the Fusion SE with the SE Sport Package. This includes alloy wheels and a six cd for under $400. Its like getting the wheels for free!
5. When you take delivery, spend a few minutes going over the vehicle and make sure every thing is 100%. Ford has a habit of letting minor annoyance type defects slip through the cracks. Things like trim defects for instance. They may not affect the performance of the vehicle but you should get a 100% perfect car for your money.
Good luck with your new car.
That's strange - mine seem to be very bright but are aimed too low. I'll check them one night after the rain stops.
I am guessing you are a long torso person, if you are short of headroom at your height. I am 5'11" but with relatively long legs. My biggest problem with most cars is seats that are not deep enough for my thighs and steering wheels that are too far away when seat is set to be comfortable for leg room. The fusion, happily, does not have these problems for me.
Does anyone know if Ford is going to go ahead with the Ford Fairlane or the Shelby GR1? I am looking for info. and can't find any.
Specificly , The Ford Fairlane I believe is a groundbreaking design that will finally make a minivan look awesome. It has incredible style appeal and I can see it as a new segment.
The Lincoln MKS is one of the most beautiful designs I have seen in a long time for a luxury car. I hope they build that.
The GR1 would really put some panache back into Ford as well.
Finally,Some of the Ford Europe designs are absolutely beautiful. Why the hect aren't they building those over here. Like the Mondeo or the Ka.
It's frustrating when you see the appeal Ford has in Europe and South America and the total disconnect Ford has with the public in the nited States.
Blame Toyota and Honda. I do.
It's sad that two of the most bland, plain vanilla-styled sedans are the best sellers in the US year after year. As a result, everyone else tried to mimic their (already derivative) styling in order to steal sales. Big mistake.
At least the Fusion is a step in the right direction. Styling that actually different from the other cookie-cutters out there. That's why the Fusion appeals to me, and probably why it's selling better than Ford expected.
That's why I bought mine. Plus X-plan pricing.
TIA
I don't think buyers will care about the namechange so much as the amount of time it ends up in the shop, or the amount of warranty or non-warranty repairs needed.