Fantasy Ford Lineup

It’s a few days before the NFL Draft, baseball season is in full swing and plenty of people are sitting at their desks “working” on mock drafts or setting their fantasy team’s lineup. So, why can’t we do that with our friends in the auto industry? In an article in the Detroit News today, analysts (How do you become an analyst, anyway? Is there an analyst school or something?) talked about how old Ford’s lineup is and how they don’t see much in the pipeline.

All the brands Ford owns — Volvo, Land Rover, Mazda and even Jaguar — have bright future lineups. But Ford itself, along with its siblings Mercury and Lincoln, has a bleak outlook. The only future vehicles we know about are the Flex crossover, which isn’t coming until late 2008, and a new Mustang sometime in 2009. That’s it. Otherwise, we’re looking at the renamed Taurus and Taurus X and the freshened-up Focus and Escape. The only bright spots are the Fusion and Edge. So what does Ford need to develop to turn things around? We give our fantasy ideas below; leave your thoughts in the comments.

Comments

reliable cars that dont explode and get atleast 25mpg

Having just purchased a Ford F-250, I'm impressed by it's capabilities. However, now I'm looking for an economical commuter, and want to buy American (being a foreigner).
Ford needs a strong mpg car now. Why not build the Ka here...armed with an extra nose and tail if needed for crash tests...plus standard side curtain air bags. Then add the Fiesta and maybe a Focus with a diesel....The Fusion is a great car, the Taurus500 now has power, the Mustang is great value and the Police car takes care of the AARP. Ford trucks are great. So: import current technology in the Ka and Fiesta, add a diesl engine in the Focus or Fusion, and Ford is ready to fight...but the fight has to begin immediately.

The problem with Ford is they don't continuously improve their product. Honda replaces the Civic Accord every 4/5 years, and Toyota's replacement cycle is 5 years. How old is the Focus now? 7 years? That's disgusting. Who would want to buy a NEW Focus that is basically the same thing as a 7 year old car? No one that I know. That's why American cars make good rental cars, because rental car companies don't care.

If Ford really wanted to compete in cars they need to replace their cars every 5 years. And not just replace the grille and taillights...Honda/Toyota does that every 2/3 years.

So...the Mazda2, Euro Focus, Fusion, Taurus makes the most sense. But the Taurus should be redesigned asap to better compete with the Avalon, and they should be working on updating the Fusion NOW to keep it fresh.

In 'crossovers', they should replace the Escape ASAP, and keep the Edge. They Freestyle should be either dropped or made larger and competitive with the Sienna/Odyssey.

Bring the European fiesta for small car, it is better than the Yaris and Fit (both very overpriced).

Diesel European Focus. Diesel Fusion. Make the newest diesel technology an option in every model. Redesign the Ranger from the ground up.

Be early to market with standard stability control and curtain airbags on the entire lineup, including heavy-duty trucks where it's not required (but would still be beneficial). Ford used to be a safety leader--why aren't they anymore?

Shorten the rear doors on the upcoming Flex by three inches.

The Euro Focus is obvious. The problem is they're losing money on the Focus they have here now, and the Euro Focus is even more expensive. That doesn't mean they can't transport the look though, that'd be cheap. Bring a limited number of Focus ST's over as well to compete with the Evo crowd. While this isn't a large market, it impacts the markets view of your entire product line.

The Fusion needs to add a model which will make the line appealing to young people. Make an SVT version with the Barra 245T engine out of the Australian Falcon. Package it similar to how the old Contour SVT's were. That car gave alot of bang for your buck. The coming hybrid is a good idea, but I'd say go a little wild. Make it a bit underpowered, but get significantly better mileage than the competition. Put in like a 1.3L four cylinder with the electric motor to shoot for around 105bhp total with say 50mpg. With the quick depreciation of a Ford product, that ought to allow young people strapped for cash to buy a used one when it's relatively young, and problems are few. They'll be attracted by the low cost of ownership, and will get into a Ford product early and have a good experience. Low income people don't buy small new cars, they buy used ones. That's how you REALLY get people introduced to your line.

The 500/Taurus needs to benefit from Ford's motto of "Bold Moves". Adding a new grill doesn't qualify. I've only driven the 3.0L version, not the 3.5L. The 3.0 is underpowered. If the 3.5L doesn't make it work, grab the V8 out of the Volvo XC90. Rework all the sheet metal to make it more appealing, but leave the interior similar. The seating position is also a real plus on this vehicle. This car is close to a winner for the Ford lineup, just needs some tweaking.

Mustang, well, Ford's doing alright there. And the Crown... seriously... make a new frame. I know it's expensive, but that Police market is a big one, you don't want to lose it to Chrysler or GM (or hell, probably pretty soon Toyota).

Don't forget about the boomer crowd. Right now green is the new big. Boomers like vehicles that make a statement about themselves, and screams "I'm better than you!" to the world. This is where they need to get creative. The Explorer was once this vehicle, now it's the Prius. These are vehicles that broke new ground when they were created. That was the idea of the Edge or Flex, but they didn't really give any message. They're new, but don't show off enough. Create something wild, that makes a statement about your views. Out greening Toyota's not a bad idea, but it's playing catchup. Let your designers go wild, but only approve something that makes people say, "I want to be SEEN in THAT!"

In the end, even if they were to make the best line of vehicles in the world, they'd suffer from poor reputation for years to come. That, and the cars that most young buyers purchase will be their old, used cars, which won't be what their present line is/would be. The only way to break back into the garages of people who have abandoned them for other brands is to make products so appealing that they find it hard to resist. You can't do that by incrementally improving your vehicles, unless you're willing to wait 20 years. (which they don't have the finances to do) Instead, they'll have to make some "Bold Moves" and impress people on something other the idea of quality. Even if you're making a high quality vehicle, it takes years to convince people of it. So make things sporty, fun, unique, new, and hard to resist. Don't worry about being a little quirky. Convince people to give it a shot because it offers a motoring experience that can't be found somewhere else. While doing so, make them a pleasure to own, and you'll be doing fine.

The Yaris is not overpriced. $13-15k is about what you're going to pay for a car that meets US crash standards, is environmentally friendly and has the features we demand (A/C, stereo). The Fit is in the same range also well equipped.

I'm not sure a sub-10k car is possible here. We're too spoiled for it.

To Dan...Chrysler does just what you say. But they are still failing. Ford's products are well received when they are new, think Fusion. But in 2014 when the Fusion looks remarkably the same as it does now...it too will be a failure.

What Ford needs to do is redesign product more often, and start SOON with its old products and bring over some flashy ones too. Maybe then people will start paying attention and continue to buy Ford's. People buy new cars ever 3-4 years, why would they buy the same exact car? 2002 Focus, 2006 Focus. But 2002 Civic, 2006 Civic...yeah, the turnaround time is more in line with people's purchasing habits.

Sub- Compact: Mazda2 based Ford.3 and 5 door hatch
Compact: Euro Focus. Sedan and Wagon
Midsize: Fusion. Sedan, Coupe and Convertible
Midsize Sport Sedan: Mondeo
Muscle car: Mustang Coupe and Convertible
Full size: Tauras. Sedan and Wagon(Taurus X)
Cross-Over/SUV lineup.
Compact: Escape replacement Iosis x
Midsized Crossover: Edge
Midsized: Explorer
Large: Crossever: Flex
Large: Expedition, expedition xl
Mercury: could still use the same vehicles as Ford but make the Mercury with a different distinct look.
:Lincoln: Needs to go back to traditional names,MKS,MKR,MKS,MKZ very confusing.They also need a high performance sector. ie, amg m, and Cadillac v series.

As I saw mentioned in some of the posts, I also think that if Ford were to globalize their European cars it would bring a lot more people to the showroom. I drive a Mazda3, but if the European Focus was sold here, I would have bought it. I don't see how Ford thinks that it would be too expensive to be sold here if Mazda sells its version here. Mazda's prices are competitive.

Ford should sell a sub-compact with a 2.0L engine that gets better mileage than a Civic. It should be available as a coupe, hatch, and sedan. I think they need to work more with Mazda to improve the efficiency of the 4-cylinder family of engines which are already pretty good. The 2.0L in the base Mazda3 would be a great engine to use if it could be tuned for slightly more power and better fuel economy. The sub-compact could be based on the Mazda2. The reason I don't think a 1.8L or smaller is needed is because if you have an engine that is slightly more torquey for the light vehicle than needed, you do not necessarily use more fuel to get the vehicle moving.

The Fusion should continue as the mid-size competitor, but the fuel-economy needs to match or exceed that of the competition with an increase in power to meet or exceed the competition's power ratings. A coupe version should be available as well.

The Taurus/500 needs to continue as the full-size FWD/AWD vehicle with the same improvements as the Fusion that I mentioned.

The Mustang needs to evolve into a sports car with IRS and a base v6 that naturally-aspirated, offers around 325 horsepower because the Camaro will more than likely offer a 315 horsepower v6 standard with a 405 horsepower v8 for the Z28 and 500 horsepower for the SS. So the Mustang GT should have at least a naturally aspirated 5.0L v8 with over 425 horsepower but without compromising on fuel economy. GM says that the Camaro v8 with over 400 horsepower will get approximately 30mpg on the highway with DOD. If Ford starts out with a very powerful and torquey v8, it should be easy to employ some kind of electronic variable power management scheme which reduces fuel usage when having reached a cruising speed even if they do not want to shut off half of the cylinders.

The Australian Falcon should be sold as a premium RWD full-size vehicle here.

The Crown Victoria should be produced in volumes just enough for fleet usage whether it's for government use or for rentals, and the drivetrain should be available as a hybrid v6 if possible.

The Escape should built off of a completely new platform which is more current, such as the new 2008 Land Rover LR2. The engines definitely need to be updated to meet or exceed power and fuel-efficiency of C-RVs and RAV4s.

The Edge is a nice vehicle, but I think the efficiency should be a little better for the size when compared against something like the Saturn Outlook. It has less power, is smaller, and uses more gas. The Edge may not be needed unless it is sold as a Mercury or Lincoln. Something the size of the CX-9 would make more sense, which I think is the purpose of the Flex.

The Flex is more stylish and hopefully will have fuel economy which is better than that of the Edge. It makes sense to exist in the line-up.

The Taurus X/Freestyle should continue as an AWD wagon variant of the Taurus/500.

The Explorer variants and Expedition/Expedition EL should continue to be updated and sold with more powerful yet more fuel-efficient powertrains, but there should be no loss of focus on cars and crossovers. The strength of the vehicles for towing is the main reason why they should still be produced (for those who need them).

The Ranger platform needs to be updated to something more current and needs to be updated with a more economical yet more powerful 4-cylinder base engine and 3.5L and 4.0L Duratec V6's available instead of the currently outdated 3.0L and 4.0L v6's.

Of course there is no reason to stop building the F-Series as they will always be needed, but the drivetrains definitely need to be updated with a 4.0L Duratec v6 as the base engine and 5.0L and 6.0L v8s with better power and fuel economy than the rivals available.

The E-Series should be updated to use a safer platform and to contain more efficient engines. I would not buy one even if I wanted a full-size van because of the outdated chassis.

I think that all of the European Fords should be sold here under the Mercury brand. Mercurys are always sold at a higher price than their Ford versions, but there is not much difference on the outside other than re-badging and different grills and usually they have the same exact performance as Ford branded vehicles. The European Focus, Mondeo/Iosis, etc need to be sold as Mercurys if they are more expensive to build. The Focus needs to be available as coupe, hatch, convertible, and sedan instead of just hatch, sedan, and convertible. Mercury needs to be used to introduce new technologies. A Cougar coupe needs to be re-introduced based on the new Mustang platform but available with a base v6 and a hybrid v6 option. None of the American Ford vehicles should be re-badged as Mercurys.

Lincolns should represent ultra-luxury and should compete with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, etc.
A mid-size entry-level Lincoln such as the MKZ should exist with a powerful base v6 and a hybrid v6 available. There should be a rwd performance vehicle of nearly the same size or maybe slightly larger available also with a powerful base v6 and hybrid v6 available. The MKS, MKR, MKX, and Navigator should continue to be built. The MKS and MKX should be available with a powerful naturally aspirated base v6 as well as a hybrid v6 option. The MKR should be available with a base v8 and hybrid v8 option. The Navigator should be available with a more powerful, but more efficient v8 as well as a hybrid v8 option. The MKZ, MKS, and other sedans should also be available as coupes. All of the vehicles should be able to match/exceed the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz while matching/exceeding the performance of BMWs.

I'm pretty satisfied with Ford quality, but I wouldn't buy one unless it was appealing. I think that Ford has figured out quality and performance, but whenever I compare fuel mileage of Fords with that of other makers, I feel that Ford is not investing in enough technology. Maybe they think that investing borrowed money into such technologies is risky, but not investing is a much larger risk that the company will fail.

Fantasy Ford line up, perfect for me as I am always fantasizing about cars. Before anyone decides to rip me a new one, just remember its my fantasy, not yours.
Ford needs a Fit/Yaris fighter but needs to be better built then the Aveo from Chevy/Daewoo, which shouldnt be too difficult, plus it really needs to get as good if not better gas mileage as the Fit/Yaris for this it should go with something like the mazda 2, and if it comes in a sedan that would be nice along with the hatchback, nothings cheap anymore, but it should be offered in 3 trims:Base coming with a decent radio with cd player,plus there should be enough airbags to make sure this small car is safe, that should help with the insurance factor. optional air, and standard power locks, and mirrors (all cars should offer these by now)other options on the base should include ABS, leatherette seats,tilt/cruise,sunroof, and a spoiler,also the hatchback should come with a rear wiper. next level will offer all the optional equipment except leatherette seating, but the cloth seats will be upgraded and a power driver seat will be offered options here include a upgraded sound system and keyless entry. The top of the line should include all of the above plus standard leather seats, however just incase there are buyers that dislike the leather there will be some made with premium cloth also both come with a 6 way pwr driver seat and 4 way passenger, as with the middle trip all power is included, and traction control which was optional on the middle trim is standard, also a sports package for the youngsters to make either the hatch or sedan their cup of tea, will include bodyspoilers a supercharger for the engine, though it will decrease the gas mileage it will give them more power, and shouldnt decrease their mileage too much. The sports package should be optional on all trims, also make the colors more exciting for all trims: White,black,silver,bright red, burgundy,gold,bright green bright blue,dark blue,yellow,orange and purple. this car should start around $11500 and with all the goodies be no more than $15,900 ($16900) with the sportkit.
The focus defintely needs to be replaced, totally, I think the new edition of the coupe is great, but its not "BOLD" but the focus does need a 2 door coupe as well as the sedan, and if their not going to have a wagon then they should at least make a 5 door hatchback, like they do now. This car doesnt need to have great gas mileage as the compact but still compete with toyota/honda give it 2 engines both 4's one that makes between 125-147 horsepower the other that makes at least 158 no less than 150 and keep the gas mileage around the civics even if its a bit less its still in the ballpark, again 3 trims the base gets the treatment of the base mazda 2 we will call it the LX for both cars, the SE will be the middle, and it will have the base engine but the bigger engine will be a option, instead of typing my hands off, the SE will have the standard features that a car of this leveel should have, the ses is the top of the line standard engine will be the bigger one,AWD will be a option and before wasting $$ on a convertible they should wait until they see how well the coupe is selling, the prices for the coupe,sedan and hatch should go as follows : LX $13500,SE $14900 and SES $15900 the sedan:LX $14500 SE 15,600 and SE $18,000 Hatch (with rear wiper) LX $15,000 SE 16,000 SES $18500
Mustang pretty much is good with what their doing.
Fusion is also doing well, though in the next year or 2 they should bring in a 2 door to battle the nissan Altima as well as the solara and accord 2 door, plus they should offer a bigger engine that can get at least 25 more power than they have.
Taurus- the new power increase should be better, I have driven the current 500 and though it runs well, its way underpowered, and it sounds in pain when you force it to move.
For 2009 they should revamp the outside though the touch ups for the new one are a bit better, over the way too bland 500 they should make it a bit more "BOLD" The Taurus X also needs a newer look, so it can act as Fords minivan fighter for the time being.
The ranger needs help, I think Ford needs to do what Dodge did, and make their ranger look like a smaller F-150 as the dakota looks like a smaller version of the ram, or at least it did, not sure if it will next year. Add a little size to the ranger, and oh yeah get rid of the 4cyl, and give it at least 1 V6 if not 2 and a V8 the price for a very basic reg.cab ranger with a V6 should be no more than $15000 and for the top of the line V8 crew cab, the price should be no higher than $31,000 even thats too high, also give the ranger a few less trim lines. Instead of 50 make it no more than 4 or 5.
The Escape I think is a nice little cute ute, and I dont feel that it needs to be replace quite yet, but I do feel that around 2010 they should have a replacement ready, but before that they need to up the ante, without the price, and offer a bigger V6 something with at least 230hp but with the new escape or whatever they change the name to, it should have at least 255hp and keep the price around what it is
The pickups are fine for now, The edge should be used as a fun,"BOLD" crossover, to battle the other crossovers, maybe even offer a optional bigger V6 or even a V8. But they really need to lower the price, the top of the line should be no more than $31900
Ford needs to bring back the Thunderbird, there are those out there that want a 2 door sporty car, but the Mustang is too much sport for them, and it may be too small, or they could call it a Taurus coupe, give it 2 V6's and 1 V8 3 trims the LX comes with full power except seats, a 5 speed stick with a V6 engine something that gives around 235hp and good gas mileage,also it will have a good sound system with a cd player, the inside will be cheap but not look that way, some of the options will be: 5 speed automatic, moonroof, better sound system,keyless entry ABS with traction control.
It should be priced no more than $22,000 with the options and should start out around $18900.
The SES will have the bigger V6 that should give out at least 255 horsepower along with a standard 5 speed stick, full power including 6way driver/4 way passenger, add leather for $1000 and get 8way driver and 6 way passenger along with heated and cooled seats. Also AWD will be offered, as well as the Top of the line premium sound system, navigation is a option there will be chrome like accents inside, with optional real wood treatments (like jaguar) also keyless entry, a tire/wheel package, this car will be more like a add what you desire package, spoilers, and moonroofs are in a package. Loaded up with navigation and wood and all the goodies including the automatic, should be no more than $27,000 but before you add the goodies it should be priced at $22900
The Limited or whatever makes it known as the top of the line, will include the V6 from the SES model, and have all the goodies from it, and its options, and will be priced at 28,000 as it will include a HUD, digital dash and a few other popular options.
For the V8 model it will have Volvos, 4.4 V8 with 311 hp, and only the 6 speed automatic, and all the goods, and will be priced around $32,000.
The Explorer needs to be revamped and a larger V6 also the sportrac should be eliminated so there will be more money to deal with what Ford needs to do to be better.
The Crown Victoria, should go away, only for 1 year,and then come back as a totally different car, still bigger than the Taurus, it will come with 2 engines the 239hp V8 and a V8 borrowed from Jaguar, 4.2 V8 with 300hp 3 trims the base with the smaller v8 no more than $24,000 with the current base standard features and the next one will have the top of the line features except the 300hp V8 and will go for $26,000-$29,000 while the limited with the 300hp engine and a few extras will top the list at $35,000
The expedition/xl needs more power
Mercury, Milan see fusion Sable see taurus
mariner see escape. Mercury needs a Version of the Edge, so they can add thier touches and make it look classy and battle the lexus RX and others in the classy cross over war.
The cougar should make a comeback, but in a small car like the last model, it could be the 2 door for the Milan.
The Grand Marquis see crown victoria, but the 300hp version will be renamed the Marurdar (forgive my spelling) and offer more colors, white,black,red,blue and grey and maybe silver.
the mountaineer needs more V6 power, but it still looks better than the bland explorer.
For Lincoln: Give the Navigator more power for the same price. Get rid of the twin for the Edge actually they can give it to mercury, get rid of the truck, bring back the continental and the mark versions give the towncar a whole new look, and give Lincoln a small more luxury version of the escape, if not now then when they redo the escape, but keep the price around $33,000-35,000 if not cheaper. Again this was my fantasy, if you dislike it, sorry, but please dont attack me on this board.

The best thing they can do with the Mondeo is gave it to Mercury.

Wow, there are some great ideas in these posts! Bringing over some of the Euro cars would be a fantastic move and would certainly re-energize the Mercury line.
Ford seems to be making good strides with quality now, so if they can just improve the gas mileage and bring in some fresh European styling, they should do ok. Ford is a great old nameplate and it would be a tragedy to see it lost.
Are you listening to all these ideas, Ford execs?

If anyone from the cars.com staff is reading this, can you please delete the unobfuscated email address I left on my comment above?

I sent an email to the only address I could find on the blog (tips@) as well.

I love the idea of european Fords being sold here as Mercury's.. that poor brand needs help. Personally I think it should be axed and their designs should replace their Ford siblings... For instance.. the Milan, Mariner, and Mountaineer have far superior styling than their ford siblings.. IMO! Then bring the european Ford designs here! New (to the U.S. at least) and innovative design can help save a brand. I know Chrysler has recently had some desgin mistakes... have you seen the sebring... its looks like a mini avalon instead of a mini 300!! WTF... but the design of the 300, Magnum, and Charger help those vehicles sale. If that wasnt true... so many ppl would not be buying those cars with the base 2.7L v6.. here in california thats all you see and with huge rims..

for folks commenting, please refrain from bad language. Your posts will be deleted. The Mondeo platform can also easily be enlarged for a bigger sedan to slot above Fusion in the future.

To many of you who thinks that just by bringing in European models will revive Ford - well, you really are living in fantasy. Then again, this is the "fantasy ford" post :)

Ford tried - Modero/Contour, Merkur (sthg in Europe), etc. They all failed!

Reason: COST!
(1) what you've in Europe may not suit well in US 'coz of the wheelbase/size (Americans are much fatter than Europeans as many researches have found!);
(2) Platorms in Europe are for European engines/sizes/suspenions/etc. They may not hold American's BIG size engine (we use, which I'm against, large size like 3500CC + V6, Europeans use much smaller engines);
(3) Structural integrity such as collision standards and bumper heights (changing it will change the look of vehicle) between the 2 countries may prevent products to be used here;

Result: Sustential cost to "modify" a Euro Spec vehicle to US spec. Moreover, changing it to US Spec often means "softening" the vehicle performance (such as in the case of Contour) in order to sell it to the mass US public, utterly destroying the vehicle's image or initial target audiences*. Finally, these extra costs will mean much more expensive MSRP for that Euro-designed vehicle. Using the Contour as an example again, when it was introduced in the US some years ago, it was not that expensive in Europe (not too far away from Tempo's pricing, but underneath the Taurus), so people were expecting Tempo's pricing plus small extra $. But when it's introduced in the US, it actually overpassed Taurus in terms of MSRP! Although there was a huge gap b/n Taurus & Tempo pricing, and the Contour's NOT supposed to be Tempo's replacement, most didn't buy it 'coz it was always considered as a Tempo replacement, with Tempo like performances (suspenson, engine, etc.) and the price of an ok-equipped Taurus. You can't force people to think differently in order to accept the fact that this is a different vehicle from Tempo or Tauru; to them, Contour was always beneath the Taurus in terms of class. Similar scenario can be said on GM's GTO!

Ford should have built World-Car platforms like Nissan, Toyota and Honda, where you can just drop an engine to the platform without considereing where you are selling it. The differences are usually in the front and back (looks). Ford's a goner. It doesn't have the capital for these types of R&D, and unless someone's going to offer a buyout, we can say bye-bye to it soon (Like Nissan with Renault, Chrysler with MB, or Mitsubishi with Chrysler, etc.).

* resulting in Euro-performance look (i.e. usually smaller size)-US-comfy spec vehicles, with people who look for size & comfy level not going to shop for it, and people who look for performance will be greatly disappointed (thus not buying it) from their European sibligs.

Brian E., I think we've taken care of your e-mail issue. Patrick

Patrick - many thanks! Sorry for being so persistent about it.

Does it really matter what your model line-up is if you are going to redesign models every decade or if your idea of innovation is introducing meaningless 3 letter combination model names that don't stand for anything or remaining committed to gas guzzlers when it's clear that gas will never again be cheap either economically or environmentally?

Ford's issues go far beyond building the right models and bringing European Ford models to the US would only make things worse. Does anyone remember the Merkur or further back the Capri? Didn't work then and it won't work now.

Ford needs to fundamentally change how they view their place in the automotive world. Start by realizing that survival requires a sacrifice and the sacrifice is Lincoln Mercury. The Milan, Sable, Mountaineer and Navigator will not be missed and you have a stable of luxury brands that do a better job covering the spectrum of luxury car buyer's needs than Lincoln ever did.

Add a Yaris/Fit competitor and a smaller-than- Escape SUV. Convert the Explorer to a crossover smaller than the Edge. Redesign the Fusion, Focus, Taurus and Escape beginning in 2009 (not refresh, redesign!!) and challenge the design team to develop a clean sheet design for every model every 3-4 years. Introduce hybrid/electrical and other forms of environmentally responsible drivetrains. Steal a page from GM and market, at the very least, cleanly designed cars (both inside and outside).

Pursuing a well developed long term strategy tha focuses on design, value and environmental responsibility will save Ford, not recycling your design heritage or making name changes.

Sub-compact: Dust off the blue prints for the old Festiva and update the heck out of it. It was an ugly little beast but cheap to run and maintain and was one durable little car.

Crown Vic: Update this car, Please! Keep the body on frame design, it's nice that someone is still building a solid car. But update body and interior it has been unchanged since '98. How about a station wagon version with a supercharged V8 option to eclipse the Magnum? Heck, a sedan and a wagon available as tire smoking street monsters right out of the box would go a looonnnng way towards modernizing the image of this car.

Maybe Ford should give up it's car segment (except for the Mustang) and stick with building Trucks/SUVs. Build what you're good at and stick to that.

Would you buy a Ford TV because it had the Ford name on it? How about a Chevrolet Refridgerator? My point is, we are often too brand biased. Almost every brand tends to excel in one or more areas but not all areas. They should drop the poor sales vehicles and stick with building the profitable ones.

LM-
I agree, Ford does need quicker turnaround. I guess I was just thinking short term. :)

As for Chrysler, for a while there, they were the only domestic making profit and holding (with slight gains) onto their market share. The problem was that their products continued to fair very poorly in the quality field. Yes, they grabbed new customers (or old ones back), but they just went ahead and lost them again.

Annonymous-
So basically you're saying make everything more fuel efficient AND more powerful. Wouldn't you think they'd have done that already if they could? (though I guess I shouldn't criticize, this is, afterall, a FANTASY lineup)

Troy-

Would I buy a Chevrolet refridgerator? Not sure, but millions of people have. (Frigidaire)

Dan,

Thanks for the education on Frigidaire... I actually found a link... Very interesting. I wonder what other products car manufacturers own or make?? Check out the link on Fridgidaire...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigidaire

My Fantasy Ford Lineup

Subcompact: Ford Fiesta
Compact: Euro Focus
Midsize: Ford Fusion
Performance Midsize: Ford Falcon
Fullsize: Improved Taurus, Crown Victoria
Sporty Car: fuel efficient 4cyl coupe like Probe, ZX2
Fiesta ST, Focus ST
Sports car: Ford Mustang
Station Wagon: Ford Focus

DROP FREESTYLE/TAURUS X
NO MINIVANS

Crossover: Ford Edge, Ford Flex
Small SUV: Ford Bronco II based on Ranger to compete with Wrangler and H3
More efficient Ford Escape
Midsize SUV: More efficient Ford Explorer/Sport Trac
Full Size SUV: Replace the Expedition with Bronco based on F-150, keep Expedition EL

Full-size van: E-series with AWD and diesel

Midsize Ford Ranger (increase size, get rid of 4cyl, keep the other engines and increase power, offer 6cyl diesel)

Fullsize Truck: Ford F-150 (make 6cyl available on extended cabs, increase fuel economy, offer manual on most models, 6spd auto, 6cyl and 8cyl diesels)
Ford Super Duty

Offer AWD and manual trans on most cars

Stability/traction control, side airbags standard on all cars

6 year/75,000 mile warranty on all cars

I just hope they keep the ranger small. It’s the best small truck out there. They get GRATE gas mileage and NEAVER break. My dad got a used ranger for a work truck, and got south of 300,000mi out of it. Under vary hard conditions. No ridgeline (aka odyssey) could do that! Only A FORD!

matt,

I actually own a Ridgeline... Traded my 92 Ranger with 78,000 miles on the clock because it was falling apart mechanically (that's way south of 300,000 miles). The truck was never abused. The body however, was in excellent shape! I Never missed a scheduled maintenance, (tire rotate, fluid change, part replacement, tune up etc..). Please explain why you feel a Ridgeline won't last to just south of 300,000 miles as compared to a Ranger.

I thought south meant more? Sorry I meant more. But I am say’ in is our ranger was a good truck. EAVRYBODY will have some lemons, at lest fords are way essayer to fix then Hondas.

matt,

I see where you're comng from. I can say from experience that you're right... Ford's are easier to fix. They'd better be because every one out of the 5 I've owned required alot of fixing to keep running normally. I think your dad must have gotten a rare one. It was the exception, not the norm.

We have had 3 rangrs with eather 3.0 or 2.5 ,bouth varry good motors. thay wernt perfect but varry good trucks. My famly has had fords and dodges for the most part (i got a 1988 civic for free)and i love the car. and weeve had bad fords, but for the most part thay have been good.

We have had 3 rangers with either 3.0 or 2.5, bouth vary good motors. They weren’t perfect but vary good trucks. My family has had fords and dodges for the most part (I got a 1988 civic for free) and I love the car. And weave had bad fords, but for the most part they have been good.

Sorry I forgot to spell check my last post terribly sorry. I just got up :o*yawn*

matt,

LOL... I'm not a morning person for sure.. :) I was pretty happy with my 2.3 Ranger. It did last 15 years after all.

"The best thing they can do with the Mondeo is gave it to Mercury."

I agree because the Mondeo is somewhat upscale.

The problem with Ford is they don't continuously improve their product. Honda replaces the Civic Accord every 4/5 years, and Toyota's replacement cycle is 5 years. How old is the Focus now? 7 years? That's disgusting. Who would want to buy a NEW Focus that is basically the same thing as a 7 year old car? No one that I know. That's why American cars make good rental cars, because rental car companies don't care.

If Ford really wanted to compete in cars they need to replace their cars every 5 years. And not just replace the grille and taillights...Honda/Toyota does that every 2/3 years.

So...the Mazda2, Euro Focus, Fusion, Taurus makes the most sense. But the Taurus should be redesigned asap to better compete with the Avalon, and they should be working on updating the Fusion NOW to keep it fresh.

In 'crossovers', they should replace the Escape ASAP, and keep the Edge. They Freestyle should be either dropped or made larger and competitive with the Sienna/Odyssey.

www.autobackstage.com

"Perhaps instead of a next-generation Focus we get a small crossover that would slot below the Edge. The Iosis X concept from last"

Come on! Ford should give up the small car segment when they have an excellent car like the European Focus (and besides the Focus always sold well in the US...especially the real one before the fake one came in 05')???

The SUV market is getting very crowded and why should Ford cannablize Escape sales, and lose sales to Corolla and Golf type cars? The SUV fad may start to lose steam at some point...

The Mondeo is too small for US tastes...although I would buy one;)