Ford has got to get the 2007 Super Duty right with no launch glitches because according to Autoweek Nissan in 2007 or 2008 and Toyota in 2009 are gunning for "the Ford F250" with their heavy duty pickups.

Since Ford relies heavily on F series profits to help float the company they can't miss on this one. No sloppy Diesels or falling behind on design, content or execution. They have to lead and that means GM, Dodge,Toyota and Nissan. Both the Japanese manufacturers have monitary resources far beyond the Big three so this is a critical time especially for Ford, the leader in this segment.

If Ford brops the ball on this one the company could be changed forever and be a marginal player in the future. I'm on my 15th Ford and think they'll do the next Super Duty right.

 

The thing about this is that much of the big 3's profits, especilly in the truck segment, tend to be from brand loyal customers. Same thing with the car drivers. I personnally don't think that it will be that big of an impact on the big 3. Yes it will probably have some effect, but that is the nature of the game and that is where innovation and improvement comes from. If no competition existed, nothing would improve. I think we are seeing this in the truck industry, looking at all the "specialty" models like the Hoss FX4, the Power Wagon, the SRT10, the SS, etc. One company steps up to the plate, all the others play their card and the game goes on. I think it's good for the consumer. Heck look at the price wars going on.

 

I think when Toyo makes a 3/4 and 1 ton diesel, Ford will see a big hit.

 

I have a feeling that won't happen as who wants to pay a premium price for a toyota or nissan HD???? I for one won't as these trucks are already to darn expensive. I mean if an 06 F350SD CC LB 6.0L KR deisel lists at $52K and sells for $45k ish what the toy and nissan gonna cost $60k-$65k. There cars already run $6-$8k more than a comparable US make. They'll need comparable prices and proven heavy dutyness before they'll be a player.

 

If anybody does take a hit, it will be all the domestic diesels. Not just Ford.

But, I can just see it now...2012...
...The introduction the Infinity Q4000 Workhorse and the LEXUS 75K (acronym for $ 75,000)

 

When I got my truck I was actually looking at Tundras. I had only seen MSRP on Ford trucks, never really bothered to shop around because the MSRP was so high. I'm youngish, 28 now, 27 when I got my truck. I didn't know about rebates and all that. I know Toyota makes a great truck, I have several friends with them and they last. But, I'll tell you what, as soon as I realized I could get a F250 for around the same price as a tundra there was NO question which truck I was getting. I think MSRP on the Tundra was $32k and I could get a leftover for $29k. MSRP on my F250 was $35k and I paid $26k for a leftover.

Anyway.. it has to hurt Ford there's only so many people in the world that will buy a 3/4 ton truck. But I really don't want ford to change the superduty a lot to try and compete with the import trucks. I like it the way it is. I hope there's enough people like me to keep the truck going until I'm ready for my next one.

-Jay

 

You are correct Ford MUST 2007 Super Duty right even if they dont make a dime on them for a few years. If ford makes another crappy transmission it will be the last straw for many of us. I love ford trucks but i would be stuipid to buy another if the next one has major problems. I am not a guy that complains about much, i dont care if there is a small scratch on a new vehicle or if the cup hold breaks, but if the engine is leaking or the transmission need repair under 50k miles i have a problem. The best thing ford can do is go with a bullet proof drivetrain. No hight tech gimmics, just someting that will last a lifetime. Or heck, buy the rights to a toyota desiel drivetrain.

 

I've come from a Toyota family, and traded my Sequoia in for a F250 because Toyo didn't make one, if they do, it might be a tough call...

I do like my SD, but I've only had it for 5 months now so we'll see....

Thanks,
Chris

 

toyota owns hino trucks. and they have been around for a long time now. good strong light weight diesels. a very close freind was vp of sales in the usa for them.

 

Maybe. I enjoy driving my wife's Nissan. With 275K miles, and 10 years, it's still acting like a sports car (even if has 4 doors). But since I need a crew cab and 8' box... (well, I probably would have bought a Ford anyway).

On the other hand, there is this news tidbit:

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/business/article.adp?id=20050823201709990005&cid=1206

 

I am guessing that GVWR over 8500 lbs would be exempt from this ruling...

Chris

 

Ford better get their act together! I have owned several Toyotas and all of them were more dependable then my SD. I do love my SD, but if Toyota had a diesel 3/4 ton I would be driving one right now. This is my 3rd Ford and I always have little electronic problems.

 

I have a 95 Camry I bought several months back. 80K miles on it. The thing runs beautifully. I bet I can get another 100K out of it! As much as I love Ford trucks, I'd have to give the Toyota trucks a look if they had the right set-up. Ford has to remember to NEVER let their guard down or these guys will have them for lunch!

 

Hey, to each their own I guess. You'd be hard pressed to get me into a Toyota or Nissan.

 

You have got to be kidding!! If we continue to buy imports,where will our children work?? Food for thought.