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SUVs Ford Freestyle Ford Freestyle - Taurus X
7456 messages, Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 7:03 PM
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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Feb 20, 2008 5:35 pm) |
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Replying to: raezmom3 (Feb 22, 2008 4:51 am) I think Ford's alleged decision (I say that because it is just a rumor) isn't because the actual product is bad. I think it had more to do with numbers than anything else. 1. The Taurus X hasn't sold very well. That is due, in large part, to the lack of advertising by Ford. In contrast, the Ford Edge, which in my opinion is an inferior vehicle, has gotten the bulk of the SUV/CUV advertising, and it shows in its sales. 2. In the next few years, Ford is planning to introduce two new vehicles that would compete directly with the Taurus X, the Flex and the redesigned Explorer (which from what I understand is being redesigned to be more car-like). There isn't much point in having three vehicles in the "3 row people mover" category, so Ford decided to cut the Taurus X loose. I am also planning to purchase a TX soon, but this news doesn't bother me. The car itself is still a superior product, and it's not like I won't be able to get it serviced or anything. The engine and drivetrain are used in other Ford products, and parts suppliers continue to make parts for vehicles that aren't being manufactured anymore. Besides, if you think about it, car manufacturers discontinue models all the time. Usually the new car has the same "name" attached to it so it doesn't feel like the vehicle is being discontinued, but somehow keeping that same name attached to it somehow gives people a different perception. Let's say that the to-be-redesigned Explorer was instead going to be called the "new" Taurus X. People wouldn't be talking about how Ford was dumping the TX, or worried about buying an orphan vehicle. They would be talking about how Ford was improving upon it and staying committed to it. It is all about perception! |
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Replying to: raezmom3 (Feb 22, 2008 4:51 am) The Taurus X has got superb reviews from many magazines, and recommended buy from Consumer Reports for safety, handling, and value. More importantly, even Car and Driver gave it a thumbs up! The Taurus X is a very nice car with great price because of it's secret status among consumers. Some of this is due to Ford's complete lack of advertisement, as they neglect the car like an unloved child. But why no love? Here's the problem. Many car buyers want to secretly believe they're really James Bond or a Le Mans racer or a outdoors woodsman saving lost people with their comfy SUV, or something else instead of really just parents needing a practical car. Myself, I've grown past all that. For me, the spy gigs never happened, it's silly to attempt racing in the standard commuter traffic, and I get my outdoors man kicks instead from mountain biking 40 miles deep into the wilderness over logs and through muddy streams. Most people don't really need or use the excessive cars that they actually buy instead for self image.We all laugh at the Hummer or Porsche going to the convenience store for a soda (insert small dick jokes here). It's a total waste of money and makes for a poor fit to what one really needs. But the car companies make money and they encourage the self-delusion. In contrast, very useful cars like wagons and minivans have developed a family-oriented neutered sort of image. This stigma and people's self-delusions is probably why the Taurus X isn't selling well - it's just coming too close to the wagon/minivan styling and practicality. Ford is hoping to provide the same practicality without the stigma with the wacky box-shaped Flex, which can at least tie into the "fun" Scion or a maxi-mini-Cooper image while keeping the minivan/wagon function. The Taurus X is indeed a superb car with versatility, and utility. I can use the car in many different configurations from trip to trip. The car is more for people needing three row seats and/or more room, such as families. The car drives very well - I feel very stable on the road with excellent acceleration and braking. The leg room in all three seats is the best of all 3-row crossovers I've tried, important with my tall family. The new SYNC system makes the car very nice to use, especially with the hands free phone and music selection. I also have Navigation and DVD Family Entertainment system which are delightful. My kids love the car and can't wait to get in to ride somewhere. So the bottom line is that the car probably isn't selling well for reasons above, and Ford must go by the numbers - they're in a business. And they have other vehicles (Flex, car-like-unibody Explorer) coming that will fill the 3-row family CUV just fine with less stigma. So take advantage of the Taurus X deals. There's nothing wrong with the T-X. It's a fabulous car for super price. |
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Replying to: larryqw (Feb 22, 2008 12:49 pm) |
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Replying to: larryqw (Feb 22, 2008 12:49 pm)  )... But now, with both cars (Freestyle and Mazda5), although different, I finally started to see automakers in NA (not in Europe or Australasia, these type of cars are popular there) moving away from the typical and humongous minivans and SUVs to target the family markets. Now some sources say that the Taurus X will be replaced by the EDGE and/or the Boxy FLEX. It is like saying the the Mazda6 wagon or the Mazda MPV are going to be replaced by the CX-7 or CX-9 (gas guzzlers, not too much useful space, fancy but pure and tall SUVs) Oh well, as said earlier, Freestyles are very popular in my area and I don't like that Ford move.
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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Feb 22, 2008 1:36 pm) Does the car look familiar?  
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but it is based on a Rear Drive platform. The Taurus X is being discountinued because the Flex is a far more advanced vehicle. Taurus X/Freestyle a first attempt at a station wagon that didn't look so much like a station wagon. Originally the Flex was suppose to be built on the Fusion platform and have sliding doors like a mini van. Mark |
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Replying to: mschmal (Mar 01, 2008 7:09 am) Care to explain? Looks like the Flex is going to use the same platform, same engine, and same transmission as the TX, so how is it "far more advanced"?
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Replying to: humblecoder (Mar 01, 2008 3:10 pm) |
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Replying to: mschmal (Mar 01, 2008 7:09 am) 
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