What's coming in 2008: Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars

Here’s another idea for Ford…how about a commorative edition to raise $$$ for the returning wounded troops or funds for the survivng families… Instead of a ribbon, may I suggest a dried-up bush in the background?

Classy Don. Mocking the U.S. troops, breast cancer victims and the leader of the free world with the very first post.

You’re a real work of art. You must be one miserable human being to make that comment?

Aaron, I would suggest you remove his insensitive remark and if you do, remove mine as well.

C

Now, now, boys, play nice! Don’s sentiment about raising money for returning/deceased troops doesn’t seem like mocking to me. One company can’t donate to every cause — I think it’s admirable that Ford has chosen to make such a commitment, especially considering that business hasn’t exactly been spectacular recently. I say, good for Ford! — Aaron

Ford stock bottomed out this week along with the market crash. I managed to pick up some shares and plan on holding them for a while. I grew up in a Ford family so I kindof lean that way and it pains me to see the junk they produce these days. Lincoln might as well close their doors with the selection they offer right now. You have to wonder if they have chimpanzees designing this stuff. Old Chimpanzees.

And, it doesn’t seem like mocking since you lean his way politically and patriotically.

C

what has happened to Lincoln? Don’t they know why they are there… to be a luxury line, of course. Not a look-alike of Ford. Doesn’t anyone at Lincoln get this?

Chuck, Mocking the troops? Au contraire mon vieux! I guess you can’t hear my sympathetic cries for our troops, coupled with my disdain for the one who sent them there, if it weren’t for the deafening drumbeats of the”fair and balanced reports from Fox”. Aaron’s ears are still acute to other whispering voices in the unsettled distance.

In defense of Ford, keep in mind that it takes years to get a new car to market — I’m sure they know they have some pretty undesireable cars on the market, though they also have some very good ones. They have some spectacular stuff coming up, including some very classy Lincolns — I think there is a chance for that brand to turn around, but the new vehicles probably won’t hit the showrooms until 2009 or 2010.

H. Don, This is not a political forum. Keep your little “I surrender” comments to yourself. But since you began it, here is my take. You know what the problem with this war is? It’s political. You don’t play nice in war. You eliminate any and all threats. The same idiotic philosophy that kept us so long in Vietnam is in place here. Talk and play nice. I ‘m not thrilled with Pres. Bush either, but these yellow-bellied democrats and RINO’s are doing a wonderful job of giving our troops the shaft. You don’t give a timeline for winning, how asinine is that? You don’t support our troops by calling for our surrender. You give them everything they need, including verbal support.

Allow me to make myself clear here…I’m all for supporting the fighting, wounded soldiers and the disparaged families at home.Have I mentioned a single political party? Or being left or right? Just because I don’t believe in a president who misrepresents his actions and who’s administration is fraught with the deceit, as seen daily on TV…this doesn’t mean I don’t support the dignity and honor of those who serve a flag that is diminihed daily by a leader who no longer has the respect or of the vast majority of his people that voted him in to represent them.

Since this is supposed to be a car comment section,I will leave my political comments to the editor of our newspapers.
That being said,what ever happened to the concept of the roomy,comfortable, luxury cars of the past?We can still produce these cars without a top speed of infinity.
These cars could still be roomy and classy looking with a top end of ninety or a hundred.I don’t think there is a need for the speeds attained by todays’ cars.
I,personally, long for the days when you saw a car on the road and knew what kind it actually was.
Todays cars are all cookie cutter models of each other and have as much class as a beer at a eulogy.When a manufacturer displays a car with some character and individuallity,I believe his sales will skyrocket.

Don,

This is a car board. Not a bash the President board. Go over to some stock trading boards where your kind of crap is discussed ad nauseum day after day. I come here to talk about cars not debate with some hippy who can’t get over the 60’s.

C

OK Chuck…you win…no more political diatribe,but only if you check the spelling first, before caling people names…not HIPPY but HIPPIE!

Don,

I’m sad to say that I lived through those “hippie” years but went the polyester route.LOL You should see the pictures of me with my fro, gold chains, platform shoes and loud flowered shirts unbuttoned to above my navel.

No one could ever accuse me of being a hippie in those days although I did partake in hippieish activities

C

Wow, what happend here? A fun car-forum fell off the edge today. I hope its the last time I read this kind of “stuff” in this column.
As for Lincoln, they’ve been missing the boat for awhile now. The result of “deaf ears” to the consumers at large. Hopefully, they’re starting to hear the voices that “get it”.

Normally Chuck and I don’t do this political stuff…but don’t blame us…it was Ford that started it with the pink ribbon thing…this particular column IS about politics not cars…the politics of tying car sales to a sensitive issue:Breast Cancer. What this column should be about is the validity of the commercialization of such a cause…what do you all think…is Ford being sensitive here or just that desperate to sell cars that they’ll tag onto so sensitive an issue for insensitive reasons…go for it gang!

HD,

I agree that Ford’s reasoning for the Pink Mustang is the bottom line. All businesses want to be viewed as being sensitive to popular and important causes. The amount of magnetic pink ribbons on the back of many vehicles on the road is evidence that many people want to be viewed as supportive of a worthy cause and this is one that has touched almost every family.

I doubt you would find a Corporation from small cap on up that doesn’t involve itself in some kind of charity. The reasonings for some of these could be as simple as creating impressions to deeply felt passion and experience with the charity.

I find nothing wrong with it. The end justifies the means in this case.

C

Metro,

What HAS happened to Lincoln? I thought they were getting back on track with the LS but then they dumped it? This reminds me of the 70’s when Ford started slapping different name tags on similary based cars. I hope they’re not paying anyone in the R&D department because it seems like R&D is out to lunch.

Or, they’ve hired a group of 75 year olds who just want the “good ole days” back. If they keep this up the “good ole days” will visit them just like it visited Chrysler in the 70’s.

I remember when I first saw the 500 Ford, the much anticipated successor to the Taurus. Had the developers been locked in a bubble for the last 10 years? A large version of the VW Passat isn’t what the folks were looking for?

The Mustang is the sole bright spot in a sea of Ford mistakes.

C

I must say you are a lively bunch this AM. I also agree with H Don’s point of view.
As for ford- well I really wanted the new mustang so I badgered my husband till he purchased one for me. Now you must understand what a big deal that was for him, he has had 12 new Corvettes. He now goes to all the mustang club meetings with me and says he likes the mustang for it new style and size as well as how well built it is.Ford did a good job on the mustang but the rest of the FMC line is oh so bland. My company lease car is a 335BMW but I like driving the mustang almost as much. I agree it takes time to bring to market a new style but ford must come up with a new vision soon.

I completely agree that Ford is out of touch with the consumer. (CM#17)

Ford needs to take a step back and see what the sucessful competition is doing (Toyota expecially – aren’t they the new #1 automaker now?..Aaron?). They should observe and take a few notes on what makes a successful car company, instead of bumbling around and blindly (wrongly) guessing what people want.

Their style is kind of clunky and awkward, not edgy and sleek. Acura, BMW, Pontiac, etc… know how to make a car look good, maybe Ford can hire a few of their competition’s former designers for a fresh new look.

Plus – send the marketing team of 80-year-olds on a vacation and in the meantime, revamp the advertising campaign. Once again, take cues from the successful competitors. Learn from others instead of from your own (costly) mistakes.

PLUS – they need a good standard warranty to back up their product. GM has 100k (powertrain), Chrysler has lifetime (powertrain – non-transferrable), Kia, Hyundai, also have 100K, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura have 100k certified USED cars… Ford has what? 5/60?

Why do you all hate us 60+ year olds? We need cars & drive, too. What do you want us all in? Safety Orange Cone Checkers?

Now, for me, I drive a 2003 Town Car that has been a perfect car. Never a problem, style & grace & elegant, smooth riding, and easy to hop in & out of. With the Mustang-style supercharger I had a performance shop add, she’s a formable comfortable car. I do enjoy driving it, when I am NOT in my 1999 Corvette ! Wake up guys…. stop spreading false mental images of us over 60 !