Originally posted by phil:
Current rumors I've heard claim a Duratec 3.5 will be available for 2007 production, but will probably show up in Lincoln/Mercury or upscale Ford models before making to run-of-the-mill 500 models. Learn more at http://www.myford500.com

I've seen a 500; think of it as a Ford knock-off of an Avalon. Personally, I think that's a good idea; Oldsmobile might have a future if they had simply copied the Avalon five years ago. When my in-laws (who have owned Oldsmobiles for years) bought an Avalon, my first impression was "Hmmm - A Toyota Oldsmobile!".

Interesting: Ford gets beat up for bland 500 styling. The Avalon is just a bland, but no one chastises Toyota. If Ford can keep quality up and prices reasonable, I think they'll have a winner on their hands, no matter what the auto press says.

As I mentioned earlier, think of the Fusion as more direct competition for Camry/Accord than the Taurus ever was. Again, if Ford does a decent job with quality and keeps a lid on price, I think they'll sell quickly. Please, Ford - offer a Fusion with three pedals!





The 500 looks like the current 2001-2005 VW Passat. A former member of the Passat team designed the 500 for Ford. The Passat got bad ratings for having a bland design and the 500 gets the same knocks. I happen to see one the other day and it did not look special at all. The front end nor the rear goes with the carbon copy Passat's sides.

By the way the AWD model is way overpriced for what you get.

Now I hate America? That is a new one to me.