SVT needs our help!

[claypearce]

I got this from a mailing list. The person that posted it is well connected with Ford, so I believe that this is more than rumor. See the message and link below.

Clay

Attached Message:
SVT needs your support. I'm going to keep this email short and to the point. It appears that there are some people within Ford that feel that the SVT brand is no longer needed and is a waste of Ford's resources. I ask that each one of you take 5 minutes out of your life to go to the following link, cut and paste the letter found at: http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17520
(or if you would rather write your own that is fine as well)

And fax it to the SVT Fax line: 313-621-2500.

I know we are all busy but SVT needs your support now more than ever.
End of Attached Message.

[Ataru]

I hate to be this way, but SVT abandoned us SVT Focus owners not that long ago when the "tuner market" was on the upswing. The SVTF had a chance to compete with everything that was out there, but instead of improving the car and making it compete against the SRT-4, Ion Redline, and other new competitors, SVT just tucked their tail and ran away.

They already canned my car....I could really care less if they can any other SVT product. Be it Ford, or SVT that is making the decision, it is hard to support a company when they don't have their loyal customers in mind and are pulling out of the performance market when other companies are entering it with full force.

Why does it take enthusiasts faxing in letters to Ford "begging" them to not can the SVT line to make a difference? Can Ford not see from the amount of cars or aftermarket products being sold that doing this is dumb?

If they are too stupid to see the market out there without people writing in to them, then Ford is truly blind to the market and probably shouldn't be in it in the first place.

[deactivated]

I think the rumor mill is running out of control. SVT told us at CLT that they would be taking a hiatus. And back then they said the SVTF was canned because they said they were going upmarket. Now maybe upmarket means that the engineers go internal and only crank out the Living Legends pieces like the tbird and the GT for lots of money, i dunno.

i read that post on the link provided, and it seems like a stretch of the truth is being done over the lightning.

But the fact of the matter is my next vehicle will have the SVT badge on it, and if SVT isn't around any more, it'll be a used car.

[Silver Streak]

I hadn't heard about SVT being cancelled completely, just that the Lightning was gone. I just emailed them about the Lightning going away and then read this. If you would prefer to use email there are 4 prominant Ford email addresses posted here (http://www.nloc.net/forum/index.php?s=). I was going to suggest that everyone email and tell them what you think about the Lightning being cancelled, so if you could mention that in your letters as well that would be great.

Ford has proven in the past that it listens to its customers. Remember the Probe that was supposed to be the new Mustang until the voices of Ford fans were heard?

Jason, I love the SVTF and think it is a great car. I don't like that Ford killed it, but the car wasn't the overwhelming success it was supposed to be. Ford/SVT missed the boat and was left playing catchup which isn't their strong point. While they had their head in the sand building a car with excellent handling, other manufacturers were building 13 second cars with excellent handling for about the same money. If the 99 Cobra had been anything but a Mustang it would have met the same demise after all the complaints of the owners.

[Ataru]

I think the rumor mill is running out of control. SVT told us at CLT that they would be taking a hiatus. And back then they said the SVTF was canned because they said they were going upmarket. Now maybe upmarket means that the engineers go internal and only crank out the Living Legends pieces like the tbird and the GT for lots of money, i dunno.

i read that post on the link provided, and it seems like a stretch of the truth is being done over the lightning.


They didn't mention at CLT that they would be canning the Lightning did they? Things can change from day to day, so I wouldn't take what you learned at CLT as gospel this far after it.....

Ford decided to "postpone the Lightning indefinitely". No, it is not gone forever, but it could be. It was supposed to be gone JUST for 2005, but now, who knows. This step wasn't expected, so who knows what else could happen.......

My next car probably WON'T be an SVT....hell, it probably won't be a Ford....unless they can get their heads out of their asses and produce a performance product that I want to buy. Can't afford a GT....don't want a Mustang. Looks like I'm screwed....

[deactivated]

Ford had one car in its sights when it built the SVTF, the Civic Si. That's it. They wanted to beat Honda and did. That was also the only thing out at the time the SVTF came along, the other 13 second cars or whatever came along later. They could have competed but chose not to as they apparently slayed the dragon they came to kill.

[Ataru]

A lot of good it does to slay a dragon when there is another one coming that is bigger, meaner, and can kill you with one swoop.

Ford didn't let the Cobra rest on its numbers, they continuously improved the car to keep up with new competitors. They didn't beat the Camaro and then give up. They improved the Lightning as well......of course until they decided to kill it off too....

[deactivated]

Well, i guess we could take the defeatist view that svt gives up when faced with competition. I don't see it that way though, if anything, i think they are market leaders that create buzz then move on to the next big thing.

[Ataru]

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! That type of thinking is more like making fillet mignon out of horse $%^!

Moving on to the "next big thing"? There's nothing else to move on to. Ford and SVT are dumping what they had with no announced plans for anything in the future! A "market leader" is around for a while, market leaders don't have one hit and then move on......

[Cobra-Master]

I do feel like SVT abandoned the Focus market prematurely… IMO, they tucked their tails and ran when they saw the Dodge SRT-4 and Saturn’s supercharged ION Red Line coming along.

Now, they’ve let Dodge take the crown for the performance truck market with the SRT-10, so they decide to stop the Lightning for who knows how long… This is very disappointing as Ford has the potential to outperform all of these. One can only surmise it’s a business decision because development work and testing is not cheap.

My only guess on them possibly abandoning the Cobra market is that any new Cobra would need to be just as expensive as a Corvette to keep up with GM’s newer high performance Corvettes (new Vettes are somewhere around mid 40’s I think). Also, build and quality problems absolutely killed them on the 03 Cobras… they had to have lost their shirts to some extent on all the warranty claims.

With all the cylinder head replacements, TOB’s, TOB retainers and new replacement T-56 transmissions, drive shafts vibration, paint problems, the list of common major problems goes on and on. Also, they had to provide rental cars each time someone brought a car in, so this just added to the expense. I can only imagine they did not budget for such a major fiasco so their losses are probably staggering for the last few years. It sure looks like SVT rushed the Terminators to the market to capitalize on the dying F-body market, and they paid a dear price for rush job. It could be part of the rumored decision to shut it down. When quality is that bad, it won’t last for long or someone will be out of business.

So, I guess they are possibly going to give the Cobra market to Saleen, Roush, and Steeda… and they will just stick with the new mass production GT’s instead. Probably all boils down to making the “value added” dollar.

With all the crap I’ve put up with out of my ’03, I can’t say I’d buy another “new” Cobra again.

I’m very impressed with the SRT-4’s… damn, those are cool cars. Any 4 cylinder than can run 13’s in stock trim and still be priced ~$19K is pretty damn cool IMO.

[deactivated]

well, Ford DID change the power plant in the base Focus, so they would have had to trick it out all over again. Not to mention they'd have to refit an entire new factory since production stopped in Mexico. That, plus the need to make new bumpers and such is why they didn't do it. Too much expensive R&D. Cosworth did go out on their own and trick out the new Duratec, but Cosworth is fairly autonomous to the beancounters over there in England.

Ford had some new SVTF stuff in the works, but the platform switch killed that.

[SVTF150Lghtn]

Havent done it yet, but Ill send an email also...

If ford cancel's SVT completely they are going to lose alot of customers, cause I know a few Lightning owners that are die hard chevy, but only own a Lightning cause its the only truck of its kind, SRT-10 now but its to expensive, plus its a DODGE...

[nevr2qk]

Wow...this thread has certainly developed interestingly. I'm not sure I really buy into the "SVT's gonna die" scare, but this is at least an opportunity to provide input/support for your favorite vehicles. Perhaps this feedback is the target the message is intended to elicite.

Personally, I think some changes are necessary. Bang-for-the-buck is very critical at the lower price points. The Focus is a capable performer, but it's been trumped by cheaper horsepower.

The Lightning is a great truck, but either too impractical or too expensive. There's less interior room than a Corvette. Items stowed in the back are at risk of theft and with 450 ft lbs on tap, not likely to ride well anyway. The truck is twice the cost of a regular short bed/short cab, and with less prospect of sportiness than a car (based on shear berth). Those who are established enough to afford the Lightning generally have too much baggage, and the truck is too expensive for the younger crowd.

They announced plans to delay Lightning development earlier this month at the TWS On-Track event to focus on the Cobra, and it's a understandable move. The Cobra still makes the most sense. It has a back seat, has a trunk, and fits nicely between the regular Mustang and Corvette markets. Good horsepower and more practical-ness, but not the luxury or all around performance of a Corvette. It offers similar horsepower to the Corvette at a much lower price, and horsepower- especially cheap horsepower- sells cars (in the sports segment).

If Ford wants to keep SVT profitable, it will have to develop unique goals for each of its products. The import, truck, and sportscar markets have widely differing demands and the products should reflect this.

Focus/Import: Cheap horsepower, "tune-ability", and nimble handling are key. Turbos and superchargers rule. Great performance with decent gas mileage, and lots of "free" horsepower. It's a proven fact- people like to swap blower pulleys and raise boost. This market is also defined by it's rapidly changing tastes. This product will have to be priced competitively and refreshed frequently.

Mustang/Cobra: SVT started a good thing here and is closest to target with it's current products. Woo potential Corvette owners with cheap horsepower but keep a back seat. For it's price-point, however, the Cobra needs to move upscale. With the new C6, it is clear Chevy has set their sights on the German sports luxury market. HID's, automatically sealing windows (a la BMW), and much more refined suspension move the Corvette further from the Cobra market. The Corvette is the Cobra's closest competitor and Ford's primary flagship model (the GT and other low production run models don't count). Base price on a C6 is $42k, and it's about $47 for either a sports or luxo model. The last Cobra with options was approaching the $40k mark, and comes nowhere close to the Corvette in terms of overall performance and handling.

The Cobra should almost be a separate model. In fact, if they were smart, they would have developed the Cobra platform first, then stripped it down for the regular Mustang market. A different facia and an IRS are no longer sufficient. Up the level of refinement across the board- *much* bigger brakes, better handling and electronic driver aids (add DSC), higher quality interior (better- not just different- dash, gauges, seats), features (HID, Homelink, etc).

Lightning: The truck market predominantly wants two things right now: AWD and 4 doors. The price point for the next Lightning was rumored as high as $50k. That's more than the current price on a loaded Lariat F250 Crew Cab diesel 4x4. The Chevy SSR isn't selling for the simple reason that's it's useless. Less practical than a Corvette, with less performance, and a higher price. The next Lightning should be a crew cab F150 with a full time AWD system. Keep the high hp motif. Lower the truck and stiffen the suspension a little to improve body roll, but keep ride quality paramount. These buyers aren't looking for a autox'er; they want a tow vehicle that can light all four on the way to dinner.

Last, the On-Track events. These are a marketing tool going to waste. Instead of limiting entry to current owners, invite potential buyers. Let the cars sell themselves. People have responded well to these reasonably priced driving schools, and the events would become greatly more profitable if they offered anyone a chance to open track a Ford performance product. Plus, it would likely result in a few Monday sales.

I think this is what my letter to SVT will say.

Brock

[Cobra-Master]

nevr2qk hit the nail on the head for what most folks are seeking with their SVT product (at least from my standpoint). Most of us guys have kids and need the 4 seats, but we want to be able to roast the tires or go to the track to blow off some steam when we feel like it. :)

Most folks buying SVT products aren’t buying them to keep in the garage… they are high perf. daily drivers.

I read where the next SRT-10 will be a crew cab pickup with 4 doors. I’ve never really been a Dodge fan, but they sure seem to be reading the market a heck of a lot better than Ford/SVT has the past few years. I remember when I saw a SVTF for the first time, I was shocked to hear it wasn’t turbocharged or S/C’d. It makes sense to do just that in order to stay ahead of the curve… and as we’ve all learned on the S/C Cobras, they are so moddable and tuneable, it will make your head spin. Just doing some looking on the SRT-4’s and Red Line’s… these things are easily modifiable to add HP. SVT should have seen the mark that needed to be hit with the early model SVTF’s.

I think with the gas prices as high as they are, we are going to see a flurry of 4 cyl. tuner cars emerging. Look at what’s already out there that blown and intercooled to HP levels ~230 HP: Dodge SRT-4, Saturn ION Red Line, Chevy Cobalt, Subaru WRX… etc.

I’m sure the next version of the Cobra (if there is one) will be pretty pricey and the gas guzzler tax will only hurt it worse. I read where the next Z06 is supposed to be NA 500HP, it will take more than a S/C 4.6L to keep up with that… so the cost would be increasing if they plan to compete at that level.

I think it would be smarter to let the owners that want to mod to that HP level do it on their own, and keep the price affordable. The insurance rates are crazy, and will only get more out of hand if the HP goes up much more. I know when we bought our ’03 Cobra, our insurance company told us they didn’t want to insure it. We had to switch to Geico… I can’t imagine what insurance would be on a mfg. stock +500HP vehicle.

[claypearce]

Good discussion!

I also agree with the thoughts on the Lightning. I would like to have one, but there is no way with 3 kids to justify a regular cab pickup. I was quite impressed to see the SRT-10 crew cab pickup, especially after I have told everyone I could connected with Ford how much I would like one. I was always told that the marketing couldn't justify it, and it was too difficult to make it perform like an SVT product. Dodge apparently found the way. Although, this is the same marketing group that decided that you didn't need 2 sliding doors on mini-vans and left Ford high and dry while Dodge and Chevy saw their sales jump significantly on dual sliding door vans. I don't think you can even buy one without 2 sliders anymore.

As far as the Focus, it is disappointing that it is being dropped. It is a nice little car, and as far as I can tell, still competitive in it's class. It still comes out better or at least even with the Civic Si and the MINI in all the reviews I have seen. I hate to say that the SRT-4 is the same class...maybe it is. Still the SVTF is better rated in every aspect except straighline acceleration. And of those 4 vehicles, the SVTF is the least expensive, leaving more cash for mods. For the target group, the 2K difference between an SVTF and a SRT-4 can be a deal breaker. It seems that a little improving of the breed from Ford would keep this in the market...we all know that a 93 Cobra isn't really a comparison for a new vehicle now. On the positive, I rode in a SVTF at TWS with a Jackson Racing supercharger, koni shocks and springs. Wow! That thing screamed.

The Cobra...where do I start? I really like the new body of the 05 and for the first time, I have been really looking forward to the Cobra with intentions of replacing my 98. I, like most of you, have concerns about the rising cost compared with the other cars available. The performance has to be there to justify the purchase...otherwise, why not look at an M3 or a 2002 Z06? The Cobra has always been a good compromise car..4 seats, good handling, good power, and good price. Basically, the "bang-for-the-buck" everyone wants. We will just have to see if the new Cobra continues the trend (assuming there is one!).

I find it amazing that Ford is considering dropping the SVT line. SVT's are doing exactly what they are supposed to...increase market awareness, build brand loyalty and help showcase Ford's technology. Most SVT owners have at least one other Ford product and many have more than one SVT. The internet is loaded with Lightning, Cobra and SVTF sights that are populated by owners and wanna-be's.

Seems to me that to drop the SVT line would be a lose-lose for Ford and the enthusiast. I seriously doubt that Chevy and Dodge would be building some of the products they are today with out the influence of the SVT.

Here is to the future of the SVT!

Clay

[Ataru]

My next car probably WON'T be an SVT....hell, it probably won't be a Ford....

Well, I said my next car probably wouldn't be an SVT or a Ford, and I was right. The wife signed papers on her new vehicle tonight to replace her totalled Focus. We are picking it up tomorrow......and it isn't a Ford.

[al lightning]

I am devastated that the lightning is going away "indefinately". Im a truck guy always have been always will be. I love the fact that my truck can do all the wonderful things it does. It corners, its fast and it can tow a boat to the lake or four wheelers to the woods. If ford cans the L when its time for a new truck it looks like im back to bowties. Sure the performance truck is a small market but a very loyal one. I guess ill need to be parking it in the garage and get a new dd. Thats the only plus no new lightning makes the old ones worth more.

[Ataru]

I know you guys were giving me a hard time at the show last night about the Tribute since it is made by Ford and all, but here is my reasoning behind it.

Even though it is a Ford, right now I would rather support a division of Ford that seems to be doing things right instead of screwing everything up. Right now Mazda is supporting the enthusiasts out there with the RX8, Mazdaspeed Miata, 6, 3, and the possibility of Mazdaspeed versions of the last two.

If Ford can let Mazda sell the C1 chassis in the US as the Mada 3, why won't Ford do the same with the Focus?

Why does the Tribute have a 4yr/50K mile warranty AND free loaner car during service and the Escape only has 3yr/36K when they are the SAME vehicle?

See what I mean? Mazda is doing things right when Ford is stumbling. I am very happy with my decision. Ford needs to learn from Mazda......even one of their own divisions is beating them.

[deactivated]

Why does the Tribute have a 4yr/50K mile warranty AND free loaner car during service and the Escape only has 3yr/36K when they are the SAME vehicle?


was the Tribute more than a similarly equipped Escape?


(I like everything about Mazda except for their Zoom Zoom marketing slogan. It is cheesy, campy, and out of place. And every time I hear that kludge of "Capoeira (Zoom Zoom Zoom)" from Only the Strong (a crappy movie BTW), with that fakeish Afrikaan guy belting out the tune I cringe. If they would just drop the jingle and have an edgier tone I think Mazda would be 100% awesome...their vehicles certainly show it)

[OKC03Cobra]

I know you guys were giving me a hard time at the show last night about the Tribute since it is made by Ford and all, but here is my reasoning behind it.

Even though it is a Ford, right now I would rather support a division of Ford that seems to be doing things right instead of screwing everything up. Right now Mazda is supporting the enthusiasts out there with the RX8, Mazdaspeed Miata, 6, 3, and the possibility of Mazdaspeed versions of the last two.

If Ford can let Mazda sell the C1 chassis in the US as the Mada 3, why won't Ford do the same with the Focus?

Why does the Tribute have a 4yr/50K mile warranty AND free loaner car during service and the Escape only has 3yr/36K when they are the SAME vehicle?



See what I mean? Mazda is doing things right when Ford is stumbling. I am very happy with my decision. Ford needs to learn from Mazda......even one of their own divisions is beating them.

The RX-8 has nice styling, but if you want a real kick-ass 4 banger I would suggest the Subaru WRX STI. 300hp from a four-cylinder is amazing.
And dont believe the rumours that SVT is going away. If you would bother to call them they will tell you that not only are they staying around, but the next Cobra (coming out in 2006) will be the nastiest Cobra ever.

[wadjet58]

SVT gone? Every good business needs to know their market; SVT's is product research, onwer loyalty, high performance (power, handling, & braking) something DODGE's don't have. Power yes, handling & braking suck! The only one in their true market is the Corvette. But market research costs money. Did it build loyalty, ask the question in a meeting, the rumours are started, our e-mails, faxes, and phone calls can answer that question w/o Ford spending any money. It does work IE: the MUSTANG in 1996. SVT has been one of Ford's most profitable ventures. Ford knows that, thats why they used them to help on the T-bird, and the greatest sports car in the world under $200k THE FORD GT.

[Ataru]

was the Tribute more than a similarly equipped Escape?


Same price. I think the Tribute was only $200 higher, but it had a couple of small options that weren't on the Escape either.

Price doesn't matter though. If Mazda offers a good warranty and loaner car like that, Ford is killing themselves by not doing the same. Even if the Tribute was $1000 higher in price with less options, it would be a better deal when you factor in how much longer the warranty covers AND you never have to worry about paying for a loaner car.

[deactivated]

Well that extra money subsidizes that extra year of warranty. If it was a $1000 I think that would be a lot for just an extra year of warranty. $200 is fair though.

I think its nice when a warranty specifically states a loaner car. Dealers used to do it all the time, then got away from it, and now they are coming back to it. Hopefully though you'll never have to take advantage of it.

[Ataru]

Well that extra money subsidizes that extra year of warranty. If it was a $1000 I think that would be a lot for just an extra year of warranty. $200 is fair though.

I think its nice when a warranty specifically states a loaner car. Dealers used to do it all the time, then got away from it, and now they are coming back to it. Hopefully though you'll never have to take advantage of it.

Uh.....maybe you missed this part:


but it had a couple of small options that weren't on the Escape either.

That extra money subsidizes the cost of those extra options, NOT the warranty.

And $1000 a year would STILL be worth it for the warranty and loaner car. When I took my car in to have the intake manifold replaced, they had it for almost a week and my free rental car cost Ford almost $300.....

[deactivated]

You can get Ford ESP plans for just over $1200 that go out a lot further than 1 year, so I have to disagree that $1000 for an extra year is worth it.


I think someone was milking Ford on your intake manifold. Mine was replaced on my old car in two days.


anyways, sorry to get off topic from the main thread.

[Ataru]

I was wrong......

Here's the Tribute:

2005 Tribute s 2WD Window Sticker

Trim: Tribute s 2WD
Trans: 4-Spd Auto
Engine: 200-hp 3L DOHC 24-valve V6-cylinder
Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
Exterior: LAPIS BLUE METALLIC
Interior: DARK FLINT Leather

2005 Mazda Tribute s 2WD
Base MSRP: $23,480*

Options

Packages:
PACKAGE 3 $2,495
-6-WAY POWER DRIVER'S SEAT
-7-SPEAKER PREMIUM AUDIO
-IN-DASH 6-DISC CD CHANGER
-RETRACTABLE CARGO COVER
-OVERHEAD STORAGE
-LEATHER-TRIMMED SEAT UPHOLSTERY
-LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL
-BLACK-MAPLE-LOOK CENTER PANEL
-HEATED FRONT SEATS/DOOR MIRRORS
-MOONROOF

Individual Options:
-COMPASS/AUTODIM MIRROR WITH HOMELINK $300
-DOOR EDGE GUARDS $70
-REAR BUMPER STEP PLATE $40
-REAR SPOILER $300
-SIDE STEP TUBES-BLACK $400
-WHEEL LOCKS $30

The Mazda Driver's Assurance Plan
Our 48-month/50,000-mile "bumper-to-bumper", no-deductible limited warranty.
24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance to take care of you if the unexpected happens on the road.
Our free Mazda Service Transportation Solution, which in many cases can provide you with another vehicle to drive if your Mazda vehicle is in for a warranty repair.


Standard Features

Safety & Security:
-48-MONTH/50,000 MILE "BUMPER-TO- BUMPER" WARRANTY
-24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
-LOANER CAR PROGRAM
-"TRIPLE-H" BODY CONSTRUCTION
-FRONT & REAR CRUMPLE ZONES
-ADVANCED DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS(SRS)
-FRONT SAFETY BELTS WITH PRETENSIONERS
-3-POINT SAFETY BELTS FOR ALL SEATING POSITIONS
-LATCH CHILD SAFETY-SEAT ANCHORS
-REMOTE KEYLESS ILLUMINATED ENTRY
-ANTI-THEFT ENGINE IMMOBILIZER

Interior:
-5-PASSENGER SEATING
-CLOTH-TRIMMED SEAT UPHOLSTERY
-CARPET FLOOR MATS
-60/40 SPLIT FOLD-DOWN REAR SEATS
-CENTER ARMREST W/ STORAGE
-TILT STEERING COLUMN
-AIR CONDITIONING
-POWER WINDOWS & DOOR LOCKS
-AM/FM/CD AUDIO W/ 4 SPEAKERS
-DUAL MAP LIGHTS
-FRONT & REAR CUPHOLDERS
-ADJ DRIVER'S SEAT LUMBAR SUPPORT
-DUAL ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRRORS
-FRONT SEATBACK MAP POCKETS
-CRUISE CONTROL

Exterior:
-16-INCH ALLOY WHEELS
-P235/70 R16 ALL-SEASON TIRES
-DELAYED AUTO-OFF HEADLIGHTS
-FOG LIGHTS
-BODY-COLOR POWER REMOTE MIRRORS
-VARIABLE-INTERMITTENT WIPERS
-FIXED-INTERMITTENT REAR WIPER
-FLIP-UP LIFTGATE WINDOW; REAR DEFOGGER WITH TIMER
-REAR PRIVACY GLASS
-PAINTED BUMPERS, BODY-SIDE & WHEEL-ARCH TRIM
-ROOF RACK

Engine & Mechanical:
-3.0L DOHC 24-VALVE 6-CYL ENGINE
-4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
-FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE
-INDEPENDENT FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION
-FRONT STABILIZER BAR
-COMPLIMENTARY FULL TANK OF FUEL
-POWER-ASSISTED RACK & PINION STEERING
-FRONT & REAR DISC BRAKES
-ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM W/EBD
-BRAKE ASSIST


$27,115


And here's the comparably equipped Escape:


2005 Escape Limited FWD - Duratec 30 - 3.0L V6 Engine

Base Price: $24,805.00

Exterior Color & Interior Trim:
-Silver Metallic Clearcoat
-Ebony Black

Options:
-Cargo Convenience Group $125.00
-Rear Cargo Area Retractable Cover
-Rear Cargo Area Storage Bin

-Limited Luxury Comfort Package $1,095.00
-MACH 6-Disc In-Dash CD Player, 7 Speakers with Automatic Volume Control (AVC)
-Driver & Front Passenger Heated Seats
-Heated Side View Mirrors
-Reverse Sensing System

-Power Moonroof w/Shade & Mini Overhead Console (Incl. Single Storage Bin and Map Lights) $585.00


The following features come standard on your vehicle but may have been upgraded by options you have selected above.

Interior:
-Front Driver and Passenger Dual Stage Air Bags
-Manual Air Conditioning
-AM/FM 6-Disc In Dash CD Player
-Front and Rear Premium Leather Trimmed Seats w/Map Pockets and 6-Way Power Driver Seat
-60/40 Split Rear Seat, w/Seat Back Tip/Fold/Flat Latch
-Center Dome Light w/Map Lights
-Tilt Steering Wheel
-Rear Cargo Area Light
-Locking Glove Box
-Floor Console w/2 Cupholders and Storage Bin
-SecuriLock®/Passive Anti-Theft System
-LATCH System
-Driver and Passenger, Cloth-Covered, Visors w/Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
-Rear Floor Heat Ducts
-Message Center
-Overhead Console with Dual Storage Bins
-Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror


Engine & Transmission:
-Duratec 30 - 3.0L V6 Engine
-4-Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission
-Front Wheel Drive

Exterior:
-Power Windows, Locks, and Mirrors
-Full Grip Ergonomic Door Handles A-Gloss Painted Body Color
-Rear Window Defroster w/2-Speed Wiper
-Remote Keyless Entry w/2 Key Fobs
-Privacy Glass
-Power Adjust w/Manual Folding Side View Mirrors
-Body Cladding and Rocker Moldings A-Gloss Painted Body Color
-Front Variable Intermittent/Low/High Wipers
-Roof Rack w/ 2 Horizontal Bars
-Automatic Headlamps

Suspension, Wheels & Tires:
-P235/70R16 All-Season BSW Tires
-16" Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels
-4-Wheel Independent Suspension

Destination Charge:
Destination and Delivery $590.00

$27,200.00

The Tribute is CHEAPER with the better warranty.....

So now are you going to try and tell me that for the money the Escape is a better vehicle than the Tribute?

[Ataru]

You can get Ford ESP plans for just over $1200 that go out a lot further than 1 year, so I have to disagree that $1000 for an extra year is worth it.

We got the ESP on the Tribute too, but the ESP DOES NOT COVER A LOANER CAR like the STANDARD WARRANTY does on the Tribute. So that means squat on the Escape.



I think someone was milking Ford on your intake manifold. Mine was replaced on my old car in two days.

When they have to order the part, the car stays in the shop. If they have the part in stock, it would take 2 days...... Milking Ford or not, that would have been $300 out of MY OWN POCKET if I had to pay for that loaner vehicle.

Oh...and I think I failed to mention that not only did I geat a cheaper sticker price on the Tribute than the Escape, but I got a better rebate too ON TOP of my A-plan/S-plan price!

When we bought our Tribute, there was only a $1500 rebate on the Escape, while we got a $2750 rebate on the Tribute....

[deactivated]

:tmb: cool, enjoy the new ride :)