I was so thankful the shifter discussion seemed dead.
But... Did anyone see this month's Car and Driver? They reviewed the MKX's twin the Ford Edge. Mentioned prominently were the lack of a manumatic shifter and other obvious penny pinching shortcomings.
On the one hand, I'd rather they pinch pennies on some obvious things while spending the pennies on what I consider more worthwhile things, like stability control, rollover control, side airbags, etc.
On the other hand, when one sees the obvious penny pinching, one's next question is likely to be what else did they scrimp on? Many buyers may be immediately turned off and not research whether or not the other things are there or not.
On the one hand, I'd rather they pinch pennies on some obvious things while spending the pennies on what I consider more worthwhile things, like stability control, rollover control, side airbags, etc.
On the other hand, when one sees the obvious penny pinching, one's next question is likely to be what else did they scrimp on? Many buyers may be immediately turned off and not research whether or not the other things are there or not.
I agree with you on this one. I don't think I've ever even conciously bothered to pay attention to whether a car I was purchasing had one or not. And I work on my own cars, so if it should matter to someone, I think it should be me. But it doesn't, so I'm not sure why others care so much.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have two cars, one with a prop rod and one that the hood stays up where you put it. Yes, the prop rod may be no big deal, but every time I have to thread that rod into a hole without scratching the paint--and then have that rod in the way when the hood is up (not to mention parking it properly so there aren't scratches made when the hood comes down)--it just strikes me as cheap and thoughtless to keep using such an arrangement.
Oh, a prop rod wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, either. Frankly, since I only open the hood to check the oil occasionally, it's not an issue, other than the message it might send to some people.
Well, I have to agree with gregg-w. It just feels cheap. Camry's don't have prop rods. G-35s don't have 'em. I remember my Maverick, when I was young. It had a prop rod. So did my Fairmont. Fine. My Thunderbird had one too, and that bugged me, but I tolerated it. My Sable didn't, and it felt much nicer. I've not had a prop rod since, and would not feel good about any Lincoln with one. I understand the functionality issue, but it's things like this that make me wonder what else they have scrimped on. On a Fairmont, I can handle it. It's a cheap Ford. On a Lincoln, we should be past that.
I want Ford to eliminate all prop rods just so everybody will SHUT THE HECK UP already. Good grief.
Finally -somebody gets it!
Seriously though - for the $5 it might cost to put the struts on, and I know that's an astronomical cost per unit when you're making costs - gee, it MAY make your potential customers happy, less man, or even impressed?
This is the company that makes an effort to power fold your 3rd seat in their SUVs, but puts a prop rod under the hood. Interestingly, I bought a new 06 Explorer yesterday. Damn thing holds its own hood up without a prop rod!! I never would have expected that, given that most Lincolns now have them....
What's up with that interior? When will Ford/Lincoln start eliminating those bored and ugly looking climate controls which is the same across all Ford/Mercury/Lincoln vehicles, whether it's black or silver? It's not nice, complicated and un-intuitive, and definitely not competitive with Lexus or even Toyotas, and not even GM and Chrysler vehicles controls!
They used to be - in the 90's, the Ford Auto Climate was one of the easiest to understand and use, and if not attractive, was not a featured eyesore. But they change vendors all the time, you know, it all goes out to bid. Of course, the engineers design the specs for the vendors, so some engineer at Ford Interiors, thinks it's pretty...Evidently the management committee agreed.
I cant help but post this. I just saw the info about the upcoming (next summer) Buick Enclave. Anyone thinking about the MKX or any CUV ought to take a look at this:
Styling is OK, IMHO, interior is quite nice, though I might do away with the centr chrome curve thingy, features are far above most competitors. Looks like a winner to me. 275HP V6, 6speed, rear camera, std ESP, std 3 row seats etc etc.
The biggest downside I see? It has the STOOOPID D-L shifter. Geez, I guess Ford had this 'better' idea first? It's got a lot of buttons on the steering wheel but none look like paddle shifters to me. So at least the blue hairs have another CUV to drive if they dont like the MKX.
And though it shares architecture with a Saturn and a GMC, it gets its own body, greenhouse, window glass, etc. (Another thing the MKX didn't get.) Plus it will undercut the MKX in price.
I,too, like the MKX exterior better than that of the Enclave, but the Enclave's interior, barring that middle hump, is much nicer looking. If its features stack up against the MKX, and it undercuts it in price, the MKX may be in trouble.
Well, at least we all agree on the round hump over the center stack. But the rest of the interior looks soo much better than the MKX it's like a different league. It reminds me of 2004 when the Navigator had a beautiful interior and the Escalade had a Tahoe interior from 1996 with some fake wood glued on here and there. I will agree that the exterior of the Enclave (I gotta look that word up - OK, meaning #3 - to Isolate or enclose) is not the finest example of automotive design - I've never been fond of Buick grilles and this one's too fat for my taste - but the body sides and the rear are OK. At least it's not polarizing like say the Rendezvous. Gotta admit it is a different look. Can't say off the top it reminds me of anything else save maybe an overgrown Santa Fe. As for features, it's got or offers everything including stuff the X does not like a rfear camera - check the link I posted. I really doubt they can undercut the MKX price with this thing. It's bigger, 3 rows of (fold flat) seats, looks like more quality, bigger engine, ... But they do say they'll be pricing it under the MDX and the RX so it should be about equal to the MKX. If they do, and this car looks as good in person as it does in photos (and especially if the MKX uses similar cheap materials as I saw in the MKZ yesterday,) I'd be surprised if they sell many Xs.
I like the Enclave styling a lot. It doesn't look like every other CUV out there, it has a lot of upscale trim and equipment, it isn't ungainly or weird (like the Terraza or Rainier or Rendevous). And if the grill is not your taste, you still have to put it up against the MKX grill--which is a lot more controversial.
Yes, Buick needs to change its demographic. And it can as it goes forward, if they keep turning up the volume.
I remember as a young whippersnapper that "Deuce and a Quarters" (Electra 225s) were one of the hottest rides in the hood. Lincoln is now trying for that demographic. Good luck!
I remember as a young whippersnapper that "Deuce and a Quarters" (Electra 225s) were one of the hottest rides in the hood.
Hmmmm, you must be of "my demographic", gregg. I also remember the Electra 225's and the Wildcats. They were real aspirational cars, and darn good ones too. That was back when Buick knew who they were, and prior to GM's famous badge engineering of the late 80's. The Wildcats, 225s, and Rivieras were very distinctive and fast. Mileage was not an issue if you drove one of these....you used lots of gas and didn't care. My father aspired to own a Buick, never made it that far. Went to Olds once, but it was a bad car. Buick was the Doctor's car, then it because the "almost a Cadillac" car with some special and unique designs. Then, in the 90's, it became the "Mercury" of GM for old people. I have to say, I used to love Buick designs, all of 'em. I also would have been proud to own one, even in my 20's. But no more. Their looks have been so screwed up, they really offend me. Their interiors were beautiful in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. In the 90's, they lost their panache and got GMed too much. I'm sorry, but the Lucerne, although nice & big, is not attractive to me. And the LaCrosse is nice looking, but the interior in both is awful. I say, shut Buick down.
Anyway I have come to the conclusion that it matters more the driver than the car. I have seen Buicks leave the rest of traffic behind and I have seen Vettes fall behind Semis.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
That was the meaning of my "emotion" remark, maybe I should have said perception instead. I generally expect a very slow start from a Buick driver, didn't mean the car wouldn't go faster. I also expect 2 car lengths between the Buick, and the next car ahead of it at the traffic light.
I recently attended the big "New Car Show" at the Civic Plaza. Buick had some pretty decent cars there- They had some customized "DUB" Lucernes. They looked pretty good.
Plus, with the Northstar V-8 they certainly go like stink and make the right sounds. I sat in one and was pretty impressed. I liked the gauges and overall attention to detail on the interior. It was one of the cars I was most impressed with. Still, that $42k sticker was pretty hard to swallow.
The Lucerne and the MKS have somewhat similar styling and they are within fractions of an inch dimensionally of one another. The Lucerne is sleeker looking in a way, whereas the MKS's additional pudginess (from being based on the tall 500) makes it look a bit smaller than it actually is. (And quite frankly, I don't know why you'd style your "flagship" car to appear smaller than it actually is.)
But this is all off the subject of the Edge...er, MKX, ersatz Lincoln.
I liked the gauges and overall attention to detail on the interior. It was one of the cars I was most impressed with.
er...scooter, what exactly about those imitation Town Car guages impressed you?? Because the Lucerne dash is a Town Car knock off, which IMO, is the ugliest in the industry....at least, the plainest.
Hey guys First one arrived at my dealership, a FWD Ultimate.
The tranny is super smooth, almost like a CVT.
The interior is very very quiet, the powertrain only intrudes during accelleration.
The car shipped with VENTED REAR DISCS and braking is fine.
The car does feel substantial but probably in a way that most people will like. It gives a sense of security.
The only thing that bothered me is that the front hood is totally invisable from the drivers seat. But I don't think this will bother former minivan drivers at all.
Comments
But...
Did anyone see this month's Car and Driver? They reviewed the MKX's twin the Ford Edge.
Mentioned prominently were the lack of a manumatic shifter and other obvious penny pinching shortcomings.
On the other hand, when one sees the obvious penny pinching, one's next question is likely to be what else did they scrimp on? Many buyers may be immediately turned off and not research whether or not the other things are there or not.
On the other hand, when one sees the obvious penny pinching, one's next question is likely to be what else did they scrimp on? Many buyers may be immediately turned off and not research whether or not the other things are there or not.
Like a Prop Rod? Exactly. :sick:
I understand the argument that it exudes cheapness to some people, but to me it's never been an issue.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I have 2 Fords, an old Totota truck and an old Jeep Cherokee. They all have prop rods.
So, where IS Ford taking Lincoln ...?
Lincoln MKX
Please feel free to create new MKX discussions!
Also, Edmunds 2007 MKX First Drive will soon be published.
Finally -somebody gets it!
Seriously though - for the $5 it might cost to put the struts on, and I know that's an astronomical cost per unit when you're making costs - gee, it MAY make your potential customers happy, less man, or even impressed?
This is the company that makes an effort to power fold your 3rd seat in their SUVs, but puts a prop rod under the hood. Interestingly, I bought a new 06 Explorer yesterday. Damn thing holds its own hood up without a prop rod!! I never would have expected that, given that most Lincolns now have them....
Well, I'm happy...
Guess they found the scapegoats/culprits. Well, that oughtta do it, eh? Maybe NOW they can ship the Edge and MKX.
Wake up Ford. It's about time!
Second choice would go to the Volvo pictograph controls. Interesting idea.
http://www.thegmsource.com/index.php?categoryid=26&p2_articleid=126
Styling is OK, IMHO, interior is quite nice, though I might do away with the centr chrome curve thingy, features are far above most competitors. Looks like a winner to me. 275HP V6, 6speed, rear camera, std ESP, std 3 row seats etc etc.
The biggest downside I see? It has the STOOOPID D-L shifter. Geez, I guess Ford had this 'better' idea first? It's got a lot of buttons on the steering wheel but none look like paddle shifters to me. So at least the blue hairs have another CUV to drive if they dont like the MKX.
Somehow I knew you'd point that out.
It might get a unique exterior but it's U-G-L-Y. I'll take the MKX exterior anyday.
I do like the interior except for the round hump at the top of the center stack.
I will agree that the exterior of the Enclave (I gotta look that word up - OK, meaning #3 - to Isolate or enclose) is not the finest example of automotive design - I've never been fond of Buick grilles and this one's too fat for my taste - but the body sides and the rear are OK. At least it's not polarizing like say the Rendezvous. Gotta admit it is a different look. Can't say off the top it reminds me of anything else save maybe an overgrown Santa Fe.
As for features, it's got or offers everything including stuff the X does not like a rfear camera - check the link I posted.
I really doubt they can undercut the MKX price with this thing. It's bigger, 3 rows of (fold flat) seats, looks like more quality, bigger engine, ... But they do say they'll be pricing it under the MDX and the RX so it should be about equal to the MKX. If they do, and this car looks as good in person as it does in photos (and especially if the MKX uses similar cheap materials as I saw in the MKZ yesterday,) I'd be surprised if they sell many Xs.
Mustang Wallpaper
So you theman, huh? That explains a lot.
I remember as a young whippersnapper that "Deuce and a Quarters" (Electra 225s) were one of the hottest rides in the hood. Lincoln is now trying for that demographic. Good luck!
I remember as a young whippersnapper that "Deuce and a Quarters" (Electra 225s) were one of the hottest rides in the hood.
Hmmmm, you must be of "my demographic", gregg. I also remember the Electra 225's and the Wildcats. They were real aspirational cars, and darn good ones too. That was back when Buick knew who they were, and prior to GM's famous badge engineering of the late 80's. The Wildcats, 225s, and Rivieras were very distinctive and fast. Mileage was not an issue if you drove one of these....you used lots of gas and didn't care. My father aspired to own a Buick, never made it that far. Went to Olds once, but it was a bad car. Buick was the Doctor's car, then it because the "almost a Cadillac" car with some special and unique designs. Then, in the 90's, it became the "Mercury" of GM for old people. I have to say, I used to love Buick designs, all of 'em. I also would have been proud to own one, even in my 20's. But no more. Their looks have been so screwed up, they really offend me. Their interiors were beautiful in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. In the 90's, they lost their panache and got GMed too much. I'm sorry, but the Lucerne, although nice & big, is not attractive to me. And the LaCrosse is nice looking, but the interior in both is awful. I say, shut Buick down.
Anyway I have come to the conclusion that it matters more the driver than the car. I have seen Buicks leave the rest of traffic behind and I have seen Vettes fall behind Semis.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Buick had some pretty decent cars there- They had some customized "DUB" Lucernes. They looked pretty good.
Plus, with the Northstar V-8 they certainly go like stink and make the right sounds. I sat in one and was pretty impressed. I liked the gauges and overall attention to detail on the interior. It was one of the cars I was most impressed with.
Still, that $42k sticker was pretty hard to swallow.
But this is all off the subject of the Edge...er, MKX, ersatz Lincoln.
er...scooter, what exactly about those imitation Town Car guages impressed you?? Because the Lucerne dash is a Town Car knock off, which IMO, is the ugliest in the industry....at least, the plainest.
The Town Car dash has gauges that look like they came from the 1997 F-150 I used to have.
The tranny is super smooth, almost like a CVT.
The interior is very very quiet, the powertrain only intrudes during accelleration.
The car shipped with VENTED REAR DISCS and braking is fine.
The car does feel substantial but probably in a way that most people will like. It gives a sense of security.
The only thing that bothered me is that the front hood is totally invisable from the drivers seat. But I don't think this will bother former minivan drivers at all.
Mark.