The Innovators -
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
The Innovators -
Is it just me or does it seem like lately Ford is never the first to market with new technology? The new F-150 still has a 4-speed auto and a weak base V-6 (yeah it has the tail gate lift assist and the overhead storage thing, but no "stand out" features). Ford was nearly last to market with a cross-over vehicle (Freestyle). The Freestar is hopelessly outclassed, even by the Chrysler minivans. Ford doesn't have a modern, large V-6 (referring to the "cyclone"). Sadly Ford seems to have become a follower rather than an innovator. Why? From the company that introduced the first mass-produced V-8 and pioneered the single piece cast block, I expect more.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 946
Likes: 4
From: Orange
They also use the 3 valve engine design, which I believe only Mercedes uses. The Navigator has a 6 speed auto. The Hurricane v8 is on the way as is a v6 turbo diesel. The AdvanceTrac on the Expedition is also one of the best AWD systems on a full size SUV. Then there's the first ever full size SUV with IRS. And the first fold flat 3rd row and power folding third row.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Wasn't the Escape/Tribute one of the first crossovers??
Massive FULLY boxed frame on F150.
Saw the "quiet steel" at the dealership display.....like a piece of plastic sandwiched between two pieces of steel, INCREDIBLY DENSE!!!
Geeez CB, let the engineers take a breath. They can't come up with EVERY new idea.
Massive FULLY boxed frame on F150.
Saw the "quiet steel" at the dealership display.....like a piece of plastic sandwiched between two pieces of steel, INCREDIBLY DENSE!!!
Geeez CB, let the engineers take a breath. They can't come up with EVERY new idea.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 1
From: Appling, GA
Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
What is a hardbody...?
hardbody is also woman who works out...........
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tmyers
Let me see, First Hybrid SUV, CVT transmission used in more than one car, TorqShift tranny, integrated trailer brake controller.
Is the escape actually available yet with the HyBrid option? We wanted 1 back in 03 when they were first spose to come out. Be interesting how the market will react to hybrid - I know both Fod and GM have hybrid 1/2 tons slated for production.
Last edited by DMAX-HD; Feb 24, 2005 at 09:03 AM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
From: York, NE
They've been available for a few months now. Problem is that they they are sold long before they ever arrive at the dealerships. When I asked about them at the dealership last September, there was already a long waiting list.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by abmobil
Nissan also used 3 valve heads on the hardbodys and early 240sx.
Last edited by osbornk; Feb 24, 2005 at 10:05 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by AG4.0
They've been available for a few months now. Problem is that they they are sold long before they ever arrive at the dealerships. When I asked about them at the dealership last September, there was already a long waiting list.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by DMAX-HD
I'm kinda hoping the whole system works as ggod as they claim. My wife drives a SUV and it's kinda a gas hog for something that just has a 6 banger in it.
My 2001 Escape gets 20-22 in normal driving (but closer to 20).
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 1
From: Everett, Wa
Originally Posted by DMAX-HD
TorqueShift Tranny? I beleive that was GM that put the first automatic 5 speed to a light duty deisel.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Ford is also the first ,I think, to try out HLA(hydraulic launch assist) They were supposed to be coming out with it on heavy trucks/ Excursions for a few more MPG's. I don't know if it will ever see the light of day though. But that would give them a competitive edge in being more fuel efficient.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I don't know if it's important whether ford is FIRST, I think it's important that they do it RIGHT.
Currently, German cars have fallen behind American made autos in reliability because, supposedly, they try many new innovative ideas that aren't that reliable. I'd rather a reliable ford that isn't quite as nice as a BMW, than have a BMW that is nice, but is a hangar queen.
Currently, German cars have fallen behind American made autos in reliability because, supposedly, they try many new innovative ideas that aren't that reliable. I'd rather a reliable ford that isn't quite as nice as a BMW, than have a BMW that is nice, but is a hangar queen.