SimpleS14

It's funny how a year ago I wouldn't even consider Ford a serious contender in the global auto market, but now I'm looking at them in a different light.

Since last year they've been improving on their line-up (excluding Mercury), quality, customer satisfaction, and overall general image to the public.

Their Sync technology has been a hit and only time will tell if their "MyFord" concept will be another success. They are working out new contracts with UAW, with the biggest one (to date) in regards to UAW trust fund handling retiree healthcare. Their stock at this time last year was roughly $2 and it's now around $12! (two years ago it was around $8).

Back to their line-up, HUGE improvements across the Lincoln brand, the Taurus and Fusion are solid sedans, and I'm liking the new powertrains for the upcoming Mustangs (even tho I rather have a Camaro ).

Another thing that caught my attention is the new Focus coming next year. Finally they are bringing over the Euro based Focus and the redesign simply looks amazing. This and the Fiesta is just the start of Euro Fords coming over here. Eventually the Mondeo will come here to replace the Fusion and the Kuga will replace the Escape (hopefully the USDM names stay intact).

I got to say, I really like the direction Ford is going. I hope they can hang in there and resolve their debt issues. I also hope they do something about Mercury.

Here's the new Focus by the way...





More pics: 2011 Ford Focus — Autoblog

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exitspeed

I'm a fan of what Ford has been doing. I think the Taurus is a slight misstep but it's still selling well despite some drawbacks.

Between the Fiesta (coming in spring), the Focus (pictured above) and the Fusion they have one hell of a car line-up right now. If I was shopping in those segments they would be at the top of my list.

The SYNC system is incredible. It's funny that Ford has a more advanced system then BMW, MB, and Audi...by a long shot.

I'd also add regarding Lincoln they still have a long way to go. I think the is also a big disappointment. They got the design close enough to the concept but failed when they made it FWD. They CANNOT compete in that segment with a FWD car. Ask Acura. They've been displaying it since their inception. The difference is that Ford HAS the platform (Mustang) it should have put it on but they missed the boat completely.

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BustedS13

Ford is the greatest automaker of all time. OF ALL TIME.

that said, i really wish they had a Corvette contender. next year's Cobra is going to be a monstrosity, and the GT will have 400hp, but.... a purpose-built well-handling sports car would be great. they should bring the Ford GT back. Again.

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Bubbles

I've always hated corvettes.

I don't deny their performance, but they don't do it for me.

Cobras, however, give me boners on the regular.

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90hatchie

wtf when did they kill off the ford gt

ronmcdon

The Feista is nice.
I think it'll be a solid contender in the econobox market (as will it's twin the Mazda 2).

The resigned Focus should have been here years ago!
It's also not a bad car at all.
Both the Fiesta and Focus should be good money makers if the price is right & fuel economy is good.

Think right now, the Mustang is Ford's best car.
I just don't see on equal footing as say a Z.
Wish they would just get with modern times and go with a indie rear suspension.

Personally I'm still much more a fan of GM than Ford.
They've done great with the vette, Caddy, and the Camaro.
Volt looks promising
They just need a good compact.
I just don't see the Fuze (Cobalt replacement) being competitive.

Still, if I had to buy stock, I would probably opt for Ford over GM.
If I had to get a new car, I would certainly opt for GM over Ford (the camaro & base vette really appeals to me).
For cars, I still wouldn't consider a Ford anytime in the near future.
The lineup is only pleasing in a lukewarm manner.
Nothing really stands out in terms of value, fuel economy, performance, nor luxury.

BustedS13

it was only produced from '05-'06. they only made about 4000.
i'd go so far as to say it's my favorite car. period.



hey baby, yeahhh

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Kouki_monstr

FORD is dominating right now. They even caught my intrest on there new vehicles. Big thumbs up to them

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exitspeed

Cruze.

GM actually has quit a few stellar products on the market right now. They are EASILY class leading. The LaCrosse came out and is leaps and bounds better then the ES which is Lexus' #1 selling car. The Equinox, Traverse, Camaro, Enclave, CTS, and Malibu are all selling very well right now and most of them are also class leading.

Another point I'd like to make is Ford's claim that the F150 is the #1 selling truck...which TECHNICALLY it is. However the Silverado sells ALMOST as much as the f150. The Sierra does too. So actually GM's truck is selling almost twice as much. But Ford uses that technicality for marketing, which i can't blame them.

GM needs some strong small cars right now. Ford no doubt has it in the bag.

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Otto347

I just like the fact that ford didn't need to be "bailed" out. Only good thing about Chevy is the LSx engine platform.

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BustedS13

i feel exactly the same. and most everything Ford has put on the road in the past 5 years isn't painful to look at. my mom is apparently wanting the Flex now... she's been driving a PT Cruiser for a few years now and all i can say is thank god.

and honestly, the two tone isn't hard on the eyes at all, and she'll be able to haul all kinds of stupid shit home from estate sales now.

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exitspeed

Which is you opinion. But most knowledgeable people in the auto industry would would disagree with you.

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Otto347

On what basis? That GM makes good cars? I have owned 1 american vehicle in my life and it was a saturn, pretty much GM. I will say the car never gave me any major problems but it had the "cheap" plastic interior.

One thing that really turned me off to GM was the bail out, not that I had intentions of ever buying an amarican car again but that didnt help. Now they have commercials with (im sure) high paid celebritys (Howie Long who I cant fucking stand) poking fun at honda because they can make more than cars and be good at it? Give me a fucking break.........

Now I wouldnt mind owning a S197 GT or Cobra or Ford GT (if I could afford one) just for the simple fact that they are good looking cars and ford isnt trying to say they are better than everyone else.

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SimpleS14

I'm not going to speak for him, but GM has been making good cars based on solid platforms and powertrains. Some of the future products look promising as well.

I'm probably one of the few that would consider the Buick Regal GS.


Lets not digress, Lincoln does need a new RWD/AWD platform....maybe Ford will tap their Aussie branch. I hear there is a rumor that they would bring that platform over to replace the Crown Vic for police fleets (similar to what GM is doing)...but this is just a rumor.

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Taniguchi_Is_#1

ford's saving grace: market presence in europe.

GM's current products are NOT what they used to be, same with ford. modern american cars are pretty good these days, save for interior material quality (i still think GM makes their hard plastics from ground-up chinese newspapers), but the design and engineering is there. this may be a sign that i'm getting old, but GM and ford have stepped up their game and produce numerous cars that even i would buy. toyota and honda are stale in their product design and marketing. look at early 90's japanese design versus today, they've lost their way because they no longer need to be edgy to gain market share, whereas american car companies are being pushed to make bold products to regain lost customers. it's the same as in japan, where the japan big three constantly push out innovative products in their home market in hopes of breaking down their competitors. innovation drives sales which makes money which makes innovation.

disclaimer: i like the 2009+ acura TL.

el ocho

theres something about taht logo i hate, they should think about makin a new one.

BustedS13

it's been their logo for 82 years, doubt they're going to change it now

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spoolandslide

I was walking out of my neighborhood Radio Shack one day when a red Ford GT pulled up real fast and parked in two spots right in front of the door that I was walking out of.

I was under the influence of an illicit substance so my natural reaction was to start laughing because of the spontaneity of the situation. The guy steps out and says " I know I'm an asshole cause I park in two spots" and walks inside. I kept laughing and just starred at his beautiful car.

Moments later I realized that there was an EXTREMELY beautiful woman in his passenger seat putting on makeup. I just straight gawked at her and the car for minutes on end directly in front of the car. I might have had an erection, who knows.

In that moment I decided that I need to stay in college and get my degree.

BustedS13

lol. good times.
a guy a couple streets down has one. 900 square foot house, Ford GT. baddest motherfucker on earth.

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ronmcdon

It wouldn't be so terrible to bring back the GT.
Ford could use a halo car.
Just make sure it measures up to the ZR-1.

Bubbles

The people who buy Silverados and Sierras rarely realize they are the same.

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orion::S14

Will you get me his autograph, perhaps on something like the torn side of a Budweiser 12-pack carton?

Thanks.

- Brian

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Walperstyle

Ford is doing good because the union does not own shares, unlike GM and Chrysler and the redundant system they have in place.

I am not partial to any company.

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exitspeed

On the basis that they have very capable platforms, they've overhauled their interior designs since 2006 and have some of the best interiors throughout their line-ups in the industry. They have numerous cars that are class leading in numerous categories across multiple segments including fuel economy and dependability. Buick was actually ranked higher then Lexus on JD Power and Assoc dependability list in 2008. They have numerous cars across all their line-ups (which I have already listed) that are both critically and commercially acclaimed. Yes, they took the bailout. Yes, they still have some subpar product from the old GM. But most of the products they have released over the last 3-4 years has been far above the industry standard. You may not like them because they took the bailout, but it doesn't change the fact that GM is doing VERY well right now (Buick is the #1 selling brand in China which is now the #1 car market in the world right now) and that they do have many stellar products on the market.

Yes.

And the regal GS is super sick. Buick is on a roll. This is the second Buick my wife is actually considering buying. The LaCrosse being the first.

Which doesn't change the fact that they are the same truck and technically outsell the F150.

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codyace

I'll disagree. I think Ford did the right thing by focusing on their Mustang Lineup, as they undoubtedly sell more Mustangs than devoting time/money/energy to a 'Corvette Killer' type car. The Ford GT couldn't even compete with a z06 at half it's cost, so bringing that back isn't the solution either (Even though the GT is a sexy car).

The Vette has always 'stood alone' in regard to the big 3...which is fine, as the Mustang is always been the best selling pony car of all time...so focusing on what sells is a better business choice.

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codyace

I would love to see a breakdown across all three brands in regard to truck sales, by capacity, just for curiosities sake.

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exitspeed

At least bringin it back in the form it was in.

I do think Ford has the room now to produce a car to compete with the Vette, but at this point, do they really need to?

They are doing really well right now focusing on their core product and the big sellers. I'm positive there's something in development for the future. But their focus right now is to stay on track. I wouldn't be surprised if by 2012 we don't start hearing rumblings about this car. But a 2014 release date would work well.

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exitspeed

Ask and you shall receive. The f150 sold 413,625 in 2009. The Silverado sold 316,544. The Sierra sold 111,842. So I was wrong actually saying it sold almost twice as much. But the outcome is the same. GM's platform sells more.

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Red Dragon3

I think Ford also sees this too. For a marketing perspective, yes its was a good decision, but for a auto enthusiast, not so much.

IMO automakers such as Ford, GM, Dodge follow too closely to this "marketing path" Its almost seems like they spend there time, try to reduce the cost of manufacturing cars to make more money for each car they sell. It almost seems like there only purpose is too sell the most cars and not selling quality built cars. Think the american car companies should spend more time and money on building quality cars and not just marketing to sell the most cars.

Its 2010 manufactures such as Ford, GM and Dodge are way behind in technology. Many manufacture companies are building cars, with many technological safety features that improves the handling of the vehical and creates a safer driving experience. Manufacturing like Mitsubishi, subaru, honda, toyota are building cars with special all wheel drive control that uses hydraulic motor to control the diff making the car handle better according to the road conditions. These option are not just the highend model but these features are available for the mid price cars too. I have yet to see ford, gm and dodge, implement some kind of technological traction control aids that improves the handling characteristics of the vehicle, in there mid priced vehicle.

Look at the advertisement for Ford, GM, Dodge. Its lame. Ford for example "Built for tough" And then it usually says "Motor Trend Truck of the Year" BIG WHOPPY! I dont care what some magazine says. Give me the specs that make it a good truck. Tell me why is such a good truck. It almost seems that there ads are just marketing perspectives. I believe in a world where engineers and marketers come together as a team to sell and advertise a quality product. I go into a dealership looking a $40K and the saleman tells me a/c and power windows are standard for the car. WTF its 2010 and its a $40K car, i better hope a/c and power windows is standard.

When i buy a vehicle i want a vehicle that is technologically advanced. I want a car that is design to be a better car than the other cars. I think that car manufactures need to spend more time and money on building better quality cars, cars that offer more than its competitors.

I have to give props to Ford for making the Raptor this year. They went beyond making a truck, they made a truck that is obsolete for the offroad enthusiast.

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ronmcdon

Precisely!
What is wise from a business perspective,
isn't always what's best for us drivers.

To be fair though, Ford sometimes does invest in quality.
Look at implementing the costly independent rear suspension,
vs the cost cutting approach of a rear torsion bar used by competitors.
Ford did not have to do that, but they did.
Toyota did not do that w/ the Corrola (they are probably the most profit-driven company imo).
Even Honda skimps with their Fit.

It's nice to have a car that's technologically advanced.
Is it absolutely necessary for everyone?
Probably not
I wouldn't either, if it didn't serve my purposes.
Most drivers would probably be more impressed with a lower price & higher mpg these days.
Giving the target consumer what they do not need, (and/or can't appreciate), is just needlessly adding costs to production.
They are businesses after all.
Some compromises must always be made.

I would think manufacturers take this into consideration every time they invest in R&D/marketing, etc.