TODreamer

I wanna just kick in the doors and save that damn company... there will be a lot of hurt feelings but whats a guy to do :D

bwayout

I'm with you!

Mazdaspeed RX8 ver2

HAHAHAHA, oh man, this is all bad.

RX8_Buckeye

It cracks me up how so many people think an attractive low-to-medium volume sports coupe is what will save Ford. Give me a break, that is the last thing on which they need to be spending hundreds of millions of dollars for development costs! There is little to no profit margin on cars like this.

Yes, I too would like to see some of Ford's cool European offerings come over to the States, but unless you're familiar with the auto industry, you'll realize it's not that simple. For starters, there are much different safety/environmental regulations that must be met depending on the region. Modifying an existing vehicle to meet these regulations is sometimes not possible, and even when possible costs an incredible amount of money. Next, the company has to fit the new vehicle program into its manufacturing plan somehow. This is very difficult given Ford's existing, inflexible plants. The Japanese and Europeans have a major advantage with their flexible manufacturing that allows them to build many vehicles on the same assembly line with minimal retooling costs. Let's take, for example, the 2000 Focus. Ford botched the U.S. launch of that car BIG time. The car was hugely successful in Europe and had very few quality problems. As soon as it was brought over here, modified to meet US regs, and started being built in an old assmebly plant, there were MAJOR problems. The design of the car was solid, it was just very poorly executed in the States. It shows just how hard it is to bring over a vehicle that has enjoyed success in another region.

Finally, despite what is being said here, the Five Hundred has not been a huge disappointment for Ford. It has been slow to pick up steam and was overshadowed by the DC 300, but sales are actually pretty decent. Ford's thought is that bold, over-the-top styling may create a surge in demand for a hot new product, but that over time the design will not age well and sales will plunge. This is exactly what happened with the PT Cruiser, and it wouldn't surprise me to see it happen again with the 300. The jury is still out on whether the Five Hundred is a success, but it could have been a lot worse.

It will be interesting to see how Ford's new mid-size sedan, the Fusion, and its Mercury and Lincoln variants, will do. I think the car will be a huge success, as it is my opinion that the car exceeds the standards set by Camry and Accord on just about every level. The hard part will be winning back customers who have already fled to their Asian rivals. If a decent number of people give this car a chance, it will be hugely successful.

Japan8

Is the Fusion really the same size as the US Accord and Camry? As it is based on the Mazda6/Atenza, I don't believe it is. I think it'd be more fair to compare it to the Nissan Altima than the Maxima. I too think it may do well... it has a good foundation and the styling is pretty decent. The auto only for the top engine is a bit of a **** though. At least there's enthusiast hope with the SVT version derrived from the Mazdaspeed6/Mazdaspeed Atenza.

The Five Hundred may have styling that will take longer to go out of fashion, but it is already old an boring out of the gate. Granted so are the Camry and Accord... perfect for the market segment... except for the fact that Ford lost a lot on the last generations of the Taurus. This car is supposed to help to regain some of the market... loyal customer they lost. Something that exudes "Zzzz" like this car won't do it. It won't flop, but it's not going to bring Ford back in the black either. Personally... I've always been a Ford man, but I'd rather buy an Altima or even a dreaded Honda Accord (see the Honda thread).

My comments about styling wasn't simply for Ford to build another low volume car. All Mustang people know that the V6 non of us would buy is what makes up the major of Mustang sales and is what butters that bread for Ford. What I meant is that more bold styling like was used here (the Fusion isn't so bad either) is what Ford needs to use. The new F-150 is pretty nice from the pics and articles I've come across (I'm in Japan... no chance to see one in person). The only other thing they need is some clever ideas like Nissan's tool storage in the rear panel... that was slick.

Building Mercury and Lincoln variants that are just mildly reskinned cars is NOT what Ford needs. If they are going to spread a platform around, they need to do it like the Mazda3 platform... looks nothing like the Volvo or upcoming Focus. Make them unique... different. If it costs too much... then it's not worth doing. Do it right or not at all.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

Do it right or not at all, couldn't have said it better myself. Anyhow, the Fusion is a stretched version of the 6 platform in length and width. It could be promising for them. I hope so at least.

RX8_Buckeye

I agree with everything you said. Five Hundred styling could have been a lot better (overall it's a great car), and it makes me sick how Ford keeps building 3 versions of the same vehicle with minimal differences in sheet metal. Most people see right through that. I think we'll see less and less of this, but the change can't come soon enough. The good news is that all 3 variants are being built in the same plant, so the mix can easily be adjusted to satisfy demand.

As mazmart said, the Mazda6 platform was lengthened and widened for the Fusion, so it is directly comparable to Camry/Accord. The initial reviews for the Fusion have been outstanding, so hopefully people give the car a chance.