Blue Oval: The Ford Motor Company. Your Likes & Dislikes?

[rahulgupta3101]

Hi All,

I think I am a bit late to the party!!

Anyways, coming to Ford's, in a single line , "I am impressed and so do many automobile industry knowledge bearers."

Hormazd Sorabjee once wrote and I quote, " Fiesta S is the best handling car this side of INR 10L and can be easily referred as Poor man's beemer"

We have an Ikon in the family and man, I know, how damn good the engine is.The car is treated with care and has always served us well.My long term ownership report is compiled here for reference : - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...6-nxt-zxi-long-term-ownership-experience.html

Sure, it had it's share of repairs in the 9 year long ownership, but none were defects but rather normal wear and tear things.These cars just demand a bit more respect in terms of timely service and genuine spares. In return, they will give an unparalleled driving experience. All auto enthusiasts will concur the feel of a Hydraulic power steering is unmatched for unlike the electronic powered units of the rest.

In a nutshell, an average Joe would not realise the specific positives of a Ford, since his wants from an automobile is a mode of transport which is reliable and easy on pocket.I am not saying Ford's are impossible to keep and run, but will be a bit more than the Japs/Koreans counterparts.So, It basically comes down to one's own preferances and choice!!!

 

[Simple_car]

See engines are best said adequate, Nissan and Japs have better power feel just because they are lighter in kerb weight, see the Punto its seriously under powered with multi jet because of weight same goes for Polo and Fabia 1.2 TDi they are very low on power when car is filled, same goes for Ford, about Power even though Japs and and Koreans give great power we wont be able to exploit it due to poor dynamics and handling and suspension, on the German side they are very good above 10 lakh like Vento is damn powerful so is Rapid and is sure buy as per me if sedan is a priority and if total style and features are not an option

I think you are still misunderstanding me wrt engines. As I already said, I do not look at engine's power or the car's accelerating power when I buy a car. Btw, I like the punto's engine inspite of it being underpowered for the car.

I buy ford for other reasons. Engine's are not one of my priorities.

I am perfectly aware that one of the chief reasons why japs are powerful is due to their weight (or lack of it). However, I like the engine in the altis diesel and I like the engine in the micra diesel as well. They are designed to do one thing and do that well. They complement the cars very well. Ford's engine's don't.

According to you, ford's philosophy is different when it comes to engine's right?
Diesel = economy first. Yet they are not the most economical (and no weight is not the only factor for this economy)
Petrol = fun + economy. Yet here too they disappoint (the 1.6 mill is an exception). And again, no it is not the weight only which disappoints.

I personally believe that hyundai makes one of the best diesels for an enthusiast. Their suspension and chassis may not be able to put down that power, but for some that can be overcome by some after-market mods to an extent where one can be satisfied. One can argue that one can do the same for the engine's.. and that is my point.. It boils down to individual preferences.

It is just that some people (like my brother) give a very high preference for the heart, and some (like me) don't.

But, engine's have never been a strong point of ford (even the new ecoboost isn't that good as the current market perceptions are and neither is their international engine range good compared to their competitors). Hence, for me it will be a -ve point. You may put it as a neutral, but for me it is a -ve only because the rest of the package is brilliant. That's all.

I think I will not post more on this matter. As long as you and me are happy with ford (for different reasons), it shouldn't matter.

Thanks,
Simple_car

 

[Raja]

About Kuga, Yes Kuga is great, no SUV in that territory other than VW Tiguan has the ability to touch Kugas blend of comfort,Power,Handling,Style,features, excpet being a little bitmore costly than the Japs its way better than Japs and Koreans and even Germans in almost all areas, no wonder Kuga is now one of top seller in USA
Yes but these are issues that are in minority when compared to majority of people who are enjoying Fords,@Raja might be able to give a better idea since you have been to US right,

Lets see what reviews have to say about kuga ( escape ) and rav 4 .

Comfort
The Ford Escape offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Toyota RAV4, with comparable head- and legroom. The Ford Escape offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Toyota RAV4, making it a little more comfortable for the driver and front passenger.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Ford Escape as you will with the Toyota RAV4, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Ford Escape is somewhat more expensive than the Toyota RAV4. Another consideration is the Destination Charge, which is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle to the dealer from where it's built. Both the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4 have similar Destination Charges.

Dimensions
The Ford Escape is about the same width as the Toyota RAV4. When looking at overall length, the Ford Escape takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Toyota RAV4.

Drivetrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Ford Escape transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Toyota RAV4.

Handling
The Ford Escape has a significantly larger turning radius than the Toyota RAV4, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Escape is clearly the choice over the Toyota RAV4 for pulling heavy loads. The Ford Escape has a little more horsepower than the Toyota RAV4.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4. The Ford Escape has less cargo space than the Toyota RAV4, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.

Warranty
The Ford Escape comes with essentially the same basic warranty as the Toyota RAV4.

Ford Escape vs. Toyota RAV4 Review

And

http://www.caranddriver.com/compari...3-mazda-cx-5-2012-toyota-rav4-comparison-test

And although I have personally sat in the ford kuga ( escape ) not driven . And would personally buy the ford over a crv . In no way it is ahead of rav 4 or Honda crv . All of them have their own pros and cons . .

 

[Raja]

Here is more

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives...vs-Land-Rover-Freelander-2013-CAR-giant-test/

With clever, torque vectoring electronic trickery hard at work beneath the surface, the Kuga will out-handle anything else here, slightly greater levels of body roll than expected a small price to pay for the retention of a pleasingly pliant ride quality. The steering is quick, and the meatiest here by some margin, yet does feel somewhat rubbery. Strangely, the suspension actually offers more road-surface information than the helm.

The CR-V proves the more agile, better planted drive of the Japanese contenders, though the RAV4 has improved significantly, particularly in a steering department once woollier than a sheep disguised as Father Christmas. Both ride quite firmly in the interests of handling, but the Honda’s helm, though predictably light, is far more accurate and linear, and its body control better even than the Kuga.

The Freelander, by contrast, handles like an unnervingly accurate sherry trifle. The nose reacts instantly and so abruptly to just a twitch of the helm that it reminds me of the Honda soap box I once accompanied down Goodwood Hill which, at the faintest input, changed direction like a rubber bullet fired into a squash court.

Interestingly, though, adding lock thereafter appears to send less of a command and more of a suggestion downstairs, invoking instant fear of understeer on a par with a puppy overrunning its breakfast bowl. In truth, the Land Rover will still go round corners with considerably more aplomb that it has a right to, ride quality being its real Achilles heel. Combining St Vitus fidgeting with perceptible brickbats in the blancmange, the poor thing hops and wallows like a drunk with a badly stubbed toe.

To touch quickly on matters mud-related; presumably, the Freelander’s 10 grand price hike buys you that Land Rover-sacrosanct ability to leap tall buildings with a single bound, tease people and shave your legs. But, given their briefly sampled off-road proclivities, the other three will happily tackle most of the worst Mudfordshire has to offer with near-equal disdain.

Verdict

So, if you want commodious, great handling family transport, buy a low-mileage BMW 5-series Touring.

If you want the most car-like SUV drive, opt for the Kuga.

If you want rear-seat legroom, take the Toyota.

If you’re a brand snob with too much money, fund the Freelander.

If however, your decision is to be in any way segment-appropriately pragmatic, it’s the Honda that best combines comfort, practicality and ergonomics with a sufficiently engaging drive to keep you interested.

What does this review prove ? All cars have their own pros and cons , and we can't simply say one is best and none comes close to it .

I know you can post reviews were you will try to show us how the kuga ( escape ) is winner . And I will show you equal number of reviews which will show the CRV , or rav 4 or Mazda superior and winner .

Although in above cars I will buy personally a ford escape ( kuga ) for the styling , by no means its the best only SUV in that segment .

 

[MSN1]

Here is more

Ford Kuga vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 vs Land Rover Freelander (2013) CAR giant test | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online



What does this review prove ? All cars have their own pros and cons , and we can't simply say one is best and none comes close to it .

I know you can post reviews were you will try to show us how the kuga ( escape ) is winner . And I will show you equal number of reviews which will show the CRV , or rav 4 or Mazda superior and winner .

Although in above cars I will buy personally a ford escape ( kuga ) for the styling , by no means its the best only SUV in that segment .

The fact and actual winner here is the one that suites the buyer's requirement,

if i don't bother about higher the cc and i want only more passenger space the winner name is something else

if i just want more miles thats it, not bothering about pickup or space etc... the winner name is another brand / model

so the actual winner according to raja differs from 1989rs500 and for me rav4 or Kuga or what so ever not available in India is not in my rating list

no one intensionally make a bad car either, the one that doesn't fit your requirement is bad one and the same that fits in to my requirement is a apt good one for me

 

[1989rs500]

Here is more

Ford Kuga vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 vs Land Rover Freelander (2013) CAR giant test | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online



What does this review prove ? All cars have their own pros and cons , and we can't simply say one is best and none comes close to it .

I know you can post reviews were you will try to show us how the kuga ( escape ) is winner . And I will show you equal number of reviews which will show the CRV , or rav 4 or Mazda superior and winner .

Although in above cars I will buy personally a ford escape ( kuga ) for the styling , by no means its the best only SUV in that segment .

See yes the reason why I tell Kuga is best is as told in the review it does everything in a good way,se none others other than Mazda has the unique handling of Ford but mazda even though handles better than Kuga cant match its built quality and Power trains and Mazdas are very stiffly sprung, so will reduce comfort over bad roads, I havent been in a KUGA sure but I think as it provides 2 turbo petrols, a turbo diesel and will have more variants than most of its rivlas it will have a wider customer space and auniqueness of looks and handling and features(Myford Touch,automatic lift gate,blind spot detection systems,etc) Sure a personal preference will be there for every one but Kuga does everything fairly well much more than Honda because Honda lacks features and there is only gasoline and its 2.2 Idtec is very noisy unrefined and not powerful and it dosent handle as well as Kuga , thats why I think Kuga has a point for every tastes
So if someones priority is practicality Honda,premium VW Tiguan,Handling,Mazda,cheap and practical Toyota, but I think overall Kuga is the winner since I think its got the blend of all.

The fact and actual winner here is the one that suites the buyer's requirement,

if i don't bother about higher the cc and i want only more passenger space the winner name is something else

if i just want more miles thats it, not bothering about pickup or space etc... the winner name is another brand / model

so the actual winner according to raja differs from 1989rs500 and for me rav4 or Kuga or what so ever not available in India is not in my rating list

no one intensionally make a bad car either, the one that doesn't fit your requirement is bad one and the same that fits in to my requirement is a apt good one for me

Completely agree with that,

 

[K!NkY]

total recalls
Ford Recalls 465,000 Model Year 2013 Vehicles Over Fuel Leak, Fire Concerns

Ford has issued a recall of nearly half a million model year 2013 vehicles over concerns about possible fuel tank leaks that could result in a fire.

Models included in the recall include the Fusion, Flex, Explorer, Taurus, Interceptor (sedan and utility), along with Lincoln’s MKZ, MKS, and MKT vehicles.

The recall involves a possibly faulty fuel delivery module that could leak and potentially result in a fire.

Ford says it knows of 600 consumer complaints related to this defect as of March 31, but claims that none of these incidents have resulted in fires and that it knows of no accidents or injuries related to the recall.

According to Reuters, Ford’s supply of fuel delivery modules is currently limited, so not all recalled vehicles will be able to be repaired until September.

Source: Ford Recalls 465,000 Model Year 2013 Vehicles Over Fuel Leak, Fire Concerns

 

[Figoian]

Are they charging for consumables? That's unacceptable. Let's see, when I get there for RTB replacement. I won't agree to pay anything.

Got my RTB replaced yesterday, paid nothing. As I said earlier and quoted above, they don't, rather shouldn't charge anything for Warranty Replacements and Recalls.

 

[Raja]

The fact and actual winner here is the one that suites the buyer's requirement,



no one intensionally make a bad car either, the one that doesn't fit your requirement is bad one and the same that fits in to my requirement is a apt good one for me

Couldn't have said better then you

See yes the reason why I tell Kuga is best is as told in the review it does everything in a good way,se none others other than Mazda has the unique handling of Ford but mazda even though handles better than Kuga cant match its built quality and Power trains and Mazdas are very stiffly sprung, so will reduce comfort over bad roads, I havent been in a KUGA sure but I think as it provides 2 turbo petrols, a turbo diesel and will have more variants than most of its rivlas it will have a wider customer space and auniqueness of looks and handling and features(Myford Touch,automatic lift gate,blind spot detection systems,etc) Sure a personal preference will be there for every one but Kuga does everything fairly well much more than Honda because Honda lacks features and there is only gasoline and its 2.2 Idtec is very noisy unrefined and not powerful and it dosent handle as well as Kuga , thats why I think Kuga has a point for every tastes
So if someones priority is practicality Honda,premium VW Tiguan,Handling,Mazda,cheap and practical Toyota, but I think overall Kuga is the winner since I think its got the blend

Is this your subjective view ? Or you are generalizing ?

Got my RTB replaced yesterday, paid nothing. As I said earlier and quoted above, they don't, rather shouldn't charge anything for Warranty Replacements and Recalls.

Thanx for the feedback , why are others reporting that they were charged for consumables ? Maybe some dealers are cheating here ?

 

[Figoian]

Couldn't have said better then you


Is this your subjective view ? Or you are generalizing ?


Thanx for the feedback , why are others reporting that they were charged for consumables ? Maybe some dealers are cheating here ?

Maybe, but even if charged, why do people agree to pay?

 

[MSN1]

Maybe, but even if charged, why do people agree to pay?

After my figo warranty expired i got this below two checkup free along with consumable at free of cost

1. During rtb recall they didn't charged anything and replaced the rtb and replaced required consumable at free of cost, and for petrol variant owners they even issued the 5 ltr petrol coupons.

2. During free summer camp check up adding consumable washing the car and checking the battery strength etc.... are done free of cost

 

[Figoian]

After my figo warranty expired i got this below two checkup free along with consumable at free of cost

1. During rtb recall they didn't charged anything and replaced the rtb and replaced required consumable at free of cost, and for petrol variant owners they even issued the 5 ltr petrol coupons.

2. During free summer camp check up adding consumable washing the car and checking the battery strength etc.... are done free of cost

MSN1 - As I mentioned earlier, Warranty Replacements & Recalls are never charged to the customer. The 1st point you mentioned is of latter, no matter whether the car is under warranty or not.

Summer Camps again is a voluntary initiative by the dealer and they always do it for free. That's basically kind of a promotion activity.

 

[1989rs500]

Ford is stopping its Romania plant for about December 2013 thats very bad news, the ecoboost engine is produced in Romania as well in addition to Essex and Colonge, I suspect even more trouble for Ecoboost buyers

 

[Bopanna]

What's the source for this news ?

Ford has only announced a 13 day suspension of Romania plant in Oct. And anyway, output in Cologne is being doubled and next year, Ecoboost will be produced in China too.

 

[1989rs500]

yes but they have specifically mentioned Ford B-Max to be stopped and as of now Romania has no importance to India since Romania mainly produced ecoboost and the ecoboost mainly fr c- max and b- max but since its about the Blue Oval I posted the news thats all, about doubling production at Colonge, its great news but Ford Europe is now consuming 30%+ ecoboost models compared to 15-20% petrols of Ford cars before ecoboost was introduced so demand for ecoboost is much higher in Europe than in India and some insights from websites say that Ford Europe was under heavy recession loosing almost 1.8-2 billion, so if the market has demand they will try to quench Europe first so that the push will lift up a few lost wings of Ford in Europe but here we will have to suffer the wait until Sanand comes online.