The new CEO of Ford drives 'the finest car in the world'

[gangajas]

Al least that is what he says, and it's a Lexus :

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/BUSINESS01/609060459

[5vz-fe]

That's one hell of a BS PR talk

[dutchmasterflex]

Interesting.. Now can he take Ford to where Toyota is?

[nthfinity]

I had heard that they were going to make him stop driving it as part of hte contract.... i guess that was wrong. I hope he can make some positive changes for ford, but i doubt he will be able to take ford to the toyota level.


the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck... I like thier truck tho; it is marginally better then the F150, but nowhere near the same price.

Lexus is a brand apart in terms of quality, drivability, and a strong feeling, confidence inspiring chassis.

as for ford... I hope they come back too.... 6-7$ a share is a steal for a company that was 10x more in 1999...

[fabro_s]

Now thats a CEO with balls, he looks very confident, and instead of focusing in stupid things like what he drives and why, he stands there and says he drives a quality car and thats what he wants to do with ford too.

[LotusGT1]

the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck...

The funny thing is that that's pretty much BS. Boring yes, but they don't suck...

[dutchmasterflex]

the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck... I like thier truck tho; it is marginally better then the F150, but nowhere near the same price.

Lexus is a brand apart in terms of quality, drivability, and a strong feeling, confidence inspiring chassis.


Nothing seperates a Highland Limited Edition from a RX330 other than the badge and exterior look.

a Lexus is just a rebadged Toyota with all the toys. They share the same chassis and most of time the body too.

[LotusGT1]

Since when are pick-ups the measurement if a manufacturer sucks or not. Thought this was an enthousiast forum :o

[5vz-fe]

Well Toyota is crap but, if the Titdra was so said better why does an F-Series sell every 5 minutes. My dad owns 4 F-Series trucks. Toyota is going after a market segmant they won't be able to win, Ford F-Series owners are a very very very very very loyal base, and they keep selling more every year. They are a good truck (for a truck), and I don't see its owners giving them up.

So the tundra owners grows on trees then? Many ppl don't like changes, but ppl who are willing to give the Tundra a try most agrees that it is a better build truck. Just for that already make it opposite of crap. Quantity has nothing to do with Quality (esp true when Toyota enter the big truck segment not too long ago), so before u labeling something crap, make sure u have a more valid argument.

[nthfinity]

Ow wait, isn't that F-series the series that has scored very very poor in crashtests?

the previous generation F-series scored low


Dude come on, be realistic. It's just the "yeah, it isn't made in the us so it's crap"-bullshit.


where did i say that?
truth is, Most cars, domestic, and foreign are crap. I've said it before, and I'll say it now.

[nthfinity]

the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck...

The funny thing is that that's pretty much BS. Boring yes, but they don't suck...

far from it, they do in fact suck :)

as do most Fords, Chryslers, and GM cars

as do most Honda's, most Mitsubishi's, and older subaru's.

as do most Citreons, Seats, Peogot's, Rovers, and opels

Since when are pick-ups the measurement if a manufacturer sucks or not. Thought this was an enthousiast forum :o
since when are pick up trucks not a fun vehicle? i thought this was an enthusiast forum :|

they offer a different kind of "fun" then a sports car... how many 2-tracks do you have, how many dunes do you have? how many rock climbing locations do you have, how many Baja type places do you have? how many rivers, streams, and mudpits do you have?

trucks are plenty fun; just not in the same way as a sports car

[5vz-fe]

So u can see that trucks are a different kinda of fun, but you want to label most cars are crap. "Interesting"

[LotusGT1]

far from it, they do in fact suck :)

as do most Fords, Chryslers, and GM cars

as do most Honda's, most Mitsubishi's, and older subaru's.

as do most Citreons, Seats, Peogot's, Rovers, and opels

Besides the impressive factual representation (...) I doubt you've driven all the brands you mention. I doubt you've driven Citroëns, Seats, Opels etc.

And and least try to spell the name of the manufacturers right, if you claim to know so much about them :roll:



since when are pick up trucks not a fun vehicle? i thought this was an enthusiast forum :|

they offer a different kind of "fun" then a sports car... how many 2-tracks do you have, how many dunes do you have? how many rock climbing locations do you have, how many Baja type places do you have? how many rivers, streams, and mudpits do you have?

trucks are plenty fun; just not in the same way as a sports car

Less than you I'm sure. But I doubt you're driving mudpits all day, and even then I'd take a lightweight jeep over any pick up.

[nthfinity]

I doubt you've driven Citroëns, Seats, Opels etc.

been in a C2, and an opel GT, thankyou

so now this is a spelling B?

GM = imposserous to spell rong

Ford = impossible to spell wrong

chrysler... well, just used to that

sitri-on = not enough here to take notice
... oh and it looks like i did spell that right, goofball :)

Seat, again, i did spell that right

Opel, again, i did spelt that one rite two
Less than you I'm sure. But I doubt you're driving mudpits all day, and even then I'd take a lightweight jeep over any pick up.


and guess what I drive, a Jeep, yo. you obviously aren't familiar with the advantages of a long wheel base tho...


"Interesting"


all 2WD trucks are crap themselves, many rangers are crap, S10's too.
the new I5 in the chevy trucks are crap as well.

is that better?

[5vz-fe]

^better...mmm....not sure..but more consistent for sure :P

[nthfinity]

^better...mmm....not sure..but more consistent for sure :P

Good cars from Ford?

each CD3 car (Fusion/Millan/Zypher/Mazda 6) they are actually very very good to drive; but need the V6 to be decent in the balance of it all. still, the transmission is all wrong.... 1rst is too short, 2nd is too tall, and 3/4 are both just fine.

Mustang is good, in V8 platform anyway... i haven't been bothered to try a v6.
Shelby is damn good

word is the Transit Van is coming.... shhhhhh you didn't hear it here.

E series vans.... they sell a ton of them... they are the vehicle of the small enterprise, and large enterprise alike.

are they any good? except the fact the car is moving when the wheels aren't after an agressive stop... its ok...

[Nick6]

I had heard that they were going to make him stop driving it as part of hte contract.... i guess that was wrong. I hope he can make some positive changes for ford, but i doubt he will be able to take ford to the toyota level.


the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck... I like thier truck tho; it is marginally better then the F150, but nowhere near the same price.

Lexus is a brand apart in terms of quality, drivability, and a strong feeling, confidence inspiring chassis.

as for ford... I hope they come back too.... 6-7$ a share is a steal for a company that was 10x more in 1999...

Well Toyota is crap but, if the Titdra was so said better why does an F-Series sell every 5 minutes. My dad owns 4 F-Series trucks. Toyota is going after a market segmant they won't be able to win, Ford F-Series owners are a very very very very very loyal base, and they keep selling more every year. They are a good truck (for a truck), and I don't see its owners giving them up.
maybe because F-150 buyers are dumb? Guess which one is the better off road?

[nthfinity]

Well Toyota is crap but, if the Titdra was so said better why does an F-Series sell every 5 minutes. My dad owns 4 F-Series trucks. Toyota is going after a market segmant they won't be able to win, Ford F-Series owners are a very very very very very loyal base, and they keep selling more every year. They are a good truck (for a truck), and I don't see its owners giving them up.


the Toyota Titan. after Driving both trucks, I will tell you the Titan is superior to the base F150.

Its also more expensive. Value for money, the F150 is the best out there. It has the superior chassis too.

Quality is similar between the two. Power, and torque curves is higher on the Titan.

The F250 is superior to the Titan, but then it would be.

[5vz-fe]

Nissan :wink:

[nthfinity]

Nissan :wink:


AHAHAHAHHA
nthfinity <--PWNED

ok, so there isn't a Yoda that I like LOL

[sentra_dude]

It may be somewhat of BS PR, but at least he's being honest, Ford has a lot of work to do if they want to start building good cars (with the exception of one or two models)...


the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck... I like thier truck tho; it is marginally better then the F150, but nowhere near the same price.


Can you give us any real facts on this, or are you just going to say "this car and that car and this car suck? What are you basing that on? Reliability, build quality, retail value?


I doubt you've driven Citroëns, Seats, Opels etc.

been in a C2, and an opel GT, thankyou

so now this is a spelling B?

GM = imposserous to spell rong

Ford = impossible to spell wrong

chrysler... well, just used to that

sitri-on = not enough here to take notice
... oh and it looks like i did spell that right, goofball :)

Seat, again, i did spell that right

Opel, again, i did spelt that one rite two

"Interesting"


all 2WD trucks are crap themselves, many rangers are crap, S10's too.
the new I5 in the chevy trucks are crap as well.

is that better?

LOL dude, all 2WD trucks are crap? That's a pretty sweeping statement, care to explain? And since when is sitting(?) in one car (Citroen C2) from a company enough to judge the whole line-up?


as do most Citreons, Seats, Peogot's, Rovers, and opels


sitri-on = not enough here to take notice
... oh and it looks like i did spell that right, goofball :)

Here's their website:
http://www.citroen.com/CWW/en-US ;)

[nthfinity]

It may be somewhat of BS PR, but at least he's being honest, Ford has a lot of work to do if they want to start building good cars (with the exception of one or two models)...


the funny thing is, most toyotas really suck... I like thier truck tho; it is marginally better then the F150, but nowhere near the same price.


Can you give us any real facts on this, or are you just going to say "this car and that car and this car suck? What are you basing that on? Reliability, build quality, retail value?


I doubt you've driven Citroëns, Seats, Opels etc.

been in a C2, and an opel GT, thankyou

so now this is a spelling B?

GM = imposserous to spell rong

Ford = impossible to spell wrong

chrysler... well, just used to that

sitri-on = not enough here to take notice
... oh and it looks like i did spell that right, goofball :)

Seat, again, i did spell that right

Opel, again, i did spelt that one rite two

"Interesting"


all 2WD trucks are crap themselves, many rangers are crap, S10's too.
the new I5 in the chevy trucks are crap as well.

is that better?

LOL dude, all 2WD trucks are crap? That's a pretty sweeping statement, care to explain? And since when is sitting(?) in one car (Citroen C2) from a company enough to judge the whole line-up?


as do most Citreons, Seats, Peogot's, Rovers, and opels


sitri-on = not enough here to take notice
... oh and it looks like i did spell that right, goofball :)

Here's their website:
http://www.citroen.com/CWW/en-US ;)

how is it all Toyota's suck?
They aren't inspiring cars. each one i've driven has been that way, besides thier styling. I have to admit, I have not driven a Supra. In growing up in a world of torque; It takes a Lexus to bring the balance in a toyota to light IMO.

Why are 2wd truck crap?
1. Open differentials
2. nothing more then utility
3. unable off the road, or in adverse conditions (i've driven 2wd trucks in the winter.. and with typical tires, in the rain they are not nearly as well behaved due to no weight in the rear)
4. Resale is rock bottom
5. Why 2wd when there is 4wd in a truck?

an exception to some people, which gets my respect:
Drag prepped trucks.... but.... Its not for me, id rather go hill climbing, going through red-taped developments, mud bogging, 2-tracking etc.

Ok, now my "sweeping" statement has come with it's reasons.

ok, so I cannot spell; this has for some reason been an "Issue" on this forum since I first joined. Get over it people! :arrow: :| who the hell cares?

[LotusGT1]

been in a C2, and an opel GT, thankyou



Wow, you sat in a GT (the upcoming one or the ancient one) and you sat in a C2. Thanks, now I know for sure you have no fucking clue what you're talking about.

[sentra_dude]

how is it all Toyota's suck?
They aren't inspiring cars. each one i've driven has been that way, besides thier styling. I have to admit, I have not driven a Supra. In growing up in a world of torque; It takes a Lexus to bring the balance in a toyota to light IMO.

Why are 2wd truck crap?
1. Open differentials
2. nothing more then utility
3. unable off the road, or in adverse conditions (i've driven 2wd trucks in the winter.. and with typical tires, in the rain they are not nearly as well behaved due to no weight in the rear)
4. Resale is rock bottom
5. Why 2wd when there is 4wd in a truck?

an exception to some people, which gets my respect:
Drag prepped trucks.... but.... Its not for me, id rather go hill climbing, going through red-taped developments, mud bogging, 2-tracking etc.

Ok, now my "sweeping" statement has come with it's reasons.

ok, so I cannot spell; this has for some reason been an "Issue" on this forum since I first joined. Get over it people! :arrow: :| who the hell cares?

Well I thought maybe you had some real reasons why you thought Toyotas suck. Most maybe be 'boring', but I really don't see how that makes them suck. As much as we may hate to admit it, a car being exciting is not the only category to judge it by. Toyotas have excellent reliability, good resale value, they drive well, their cars get very good MPG, and over all they are well-thought out... Yes they aren't inspiring like a Ferrari or a Porsche, but that doesn't mean they aren't good cars.

On to 2wd trucks.

"2. nothing more then utility"

Ummm, dude...isn't that the main purpose of a truck? Yes, lots of people like to have their truck for going off-road, etc. but the real use of a truck is for utility. I'm pretty sure that's why they have a bed in the back. ;)

"5. Why 2wd when there is 4wd in a truck?"

Cheaper to buy, and better fuel mileage; if you have a work truck being cheaper to buy and easier on gas are two important factors.

[nthfinity]

and better fuel mileage

It's a truck; you dont buy them for milage.

[LotusGT1]

You generally don't buy a truck to go offroading either.

[dutchmasterflex]

(real) Trucks were invented to go off road.

This argument is getting silly.. I just wanted to point out Toyota and Lexus cars are the same base just different options and more sound insulation.

[nthfinity]

(real) Trucks were invented to go off road.

This argument is getting silly.. I just wanted to point out Toyota and Lexus cars are the same base just different options and more sound insulation.

is there a V8 in any Toyotas?

[LotusGT1]

^
At least the Land Cruiser, Sequoia and the Tundra.

[RC45]

been in a C2, and an opel GT, thankyou



Wow, you sat in a GT (the upcoming one or the ancient one) and you sat in a C2. Thanks, now I know for sure you have no fucking clue what you're talking about.

And of course you have driven every Ford F series pickup, every GM full size pickup, every Dodge pickup, as well and the myriad sedans from each and every manufacturer... not to mention the extended seat time you have had in a multitude of sports cars from Europe, Asia and the Americas...

...this huge and vast portfolio of driving alost every car ever made is what you base your unwavering opinions and statements of fact on.

Of course. :roll:

this is utter bs, if the fucker believes in Ford and what it can become then he should be driving a Ford, no if's and's or but's!!

It is probably a "management style"

Come in loud and proud and deliver a slap in the face of all employees driving "the enemies" car..

Then after 18 months of hard work and turn-around for the company from janitor to CEO he comes back and with big fanfare says:

"Folks - I am so proud of where have reached compared to where we were, I am ditching my Lexus... for what is now the gretaest and best made car in the world... A Ford!!!!"

*and the crowd goes wild*

Uhm - it is simply a transparent executive PR and management styel and move ;)

[Mattk]

5. Why 2wd when there is 4wd in a truck?

They are cheaper. If you were an urban-based tradesman who only needed one to haul tools and other associated materials around, you probably wouldn't need 4WD.

I can't see what the fuss is about. The Ford CEO made a statement to the extent of saying "Our cars aren't as good. Let's make them better". Motivation.

[nthfinity]

Balance back my ass. You just don't know how to drive car without a V8 If your only point in claiming most Toyota's crap is the lack of torque, then you really shouldn't talk about them at all. V8 is awesome in a car, gives torque and power, but that doesn't make the cars any better compared to a inline 4 cylinder.

Actually, I've owned 4 cylinder cars, and loved one of them. I've owned a V6, and a straight 6.

I love the middle of the road power of an Evo, and the naturally aspirated power of the Elise, WRX's, and STi's more of course, the Saab 9000 turbo was eons better then the N/A car; with its huge torque curve.

Yes, torque means a lot to an already balanced car.

But overall, the Lexus v8 is worth the difference to the v6's, and 4 bangers in the Toyota cars.

I've driven Toyota's, new, and 5-7 years old, and have yet to be impressed... although, they do work like a train toilet, as mrmojo said. (in a good way)

so yes, a good v8 really does make it a better car in many circumstances.... the Celica GT could've used a turbocharger, as its just not torque enough to feel quick, unfortunately.



They are cheaper. If you were an urban-based tradesman who only needed one to haul tools and other associated materials around, you probably wouldn't need 4WD.


as i said; then they are utilitarian.... and basically crap.

[LotusGT1]

And of course you have driven every Ford F series pickup, every GM full size pickup, every Dodge pickup, as well and the myriad sedans from each and every manufacturer... not to mention the extended seat time you have had in a multitude of sports cars from Europe, Asia and the Americas...

...this huge and vast portfolio of driving alost every car ever made is what you base your unwavering opinions and statements of fact on.

Of course. :roll:



If you want to pick a discussion, I suggest you take another one. :roll:

You don't hear me say "every GM car is crap" unlike Nth said about a number of manufacturers he can't spell the name from, let alone he has ever driven one car from.

I don't have a strong negative opinion about cars I haven't driven. If I say the dash of a C5 looks like it's built from shitty plastic, it's because I saw and felt it. That's the difference.

I don't like the concept of a pick up, it simply doesn't appeal to me. Simple as that. And yes, I've driven pick ups, let me say I'm happy I haven't driven every Ford F series pickup, every GM full size pickup or every Dodge pickup. I don't like pick ups.

That's the difference. That you can't grasp that it's your problem.

[RC45]

If you want to pick a discussion, I suggest you take another one. :roll:


Then why bother responding? :roll:

BTW - some of us were concerned about your safety in Turkey...

[LotusGT1]

^
WTF?

Your tone was negative towards me to start with. I don't claim something sucks when I know shit about it, unlike Nth. Don't blame that on me.

I'm glad some were concerned about my safety, and I thanked for that, how that relates to this topic is beyond me though.

[RC45]

I'm glad some were concerned about my safety, and I thanked for that, how that relates to this topic is beyond me though.

It doesn't - I just felt like saying so...

[LotusGT1]

LOL :P

[Mattk]

as i said; then they are utilitarian.... and basically crap.

To the contrary. Down in Australia, we have something called the sports ute. Basically a car chassis with a truck-like rear tray. A sports car which tradies can use to haul their tools around.

[T-Bird]

you know just from all the lexus' and toyotas that have been traded in at work and the ones I've worked on at school they are crappy cars in general, but then again so are most hondas I will admit that whole hartedly and so will most guys I work with. They will last till the end of time but they still suck. Almost every car sucks in a broad statement.

And Toyota doesn't sell large trucks they have small and medium duty trucks. Heavy duty or large size trucks are 2500 (250) series trucks on up to 5500 (550) series trucks anything above that would require a CDL and make it a Commercial truck.

[666fast]

I kind of like Toyota, especially their trucks. Two guys I work with are Toyota nerds. One has a full size Tundra and the other a new Landcruiser. IMO, both are very nice.
I really really really like the new FJ. I think it kicks ass.

As for the new CEO and his Lexus, I don't care. LOL

[FoxFour]

Seems like the new CEO of Ford is basically doing the same thing he did at Boeing. He wanted all of the employees to know what kind of competition they are up against. A few years ago he wanted to buy a brand new Airbus and park it inside the huge Everett,Washington hanger where they build their 747's. He wanted to put a sign in front of it that read 'Here is what your competition is up to', he would have gotten one but Airbus would not sell their plane to Boeing.
Ford is on the brink of disaster and I think this guy may be the new Iacocca.

[5vz-fe]

Seems like the new CEO of Ford is basically doing the same thing he did at Boeing. He wanted all of the employees to know what kind of competition they are up against. A few years ago he wanted to buy a brand new Airbus and park it inside the huge Everett,Washington hanger where they build their 747's. He wanted to put a sign in front of it that read 'Here is what your competition is up to', he would have gotten one but Airbus would not sell their plane to Boeing.
Ford is on the brink of disaster and I think this guy may be the new Iacocca.

Fortunately, u can always buy a toyota LOL

[Mattk]

As a side note, I found out today that a female acquaitance of mine drives a one-tonne ute. I reckon it's to compensate for her lack of height, but I won't say any more...


He wanted all of the employees to know what kind of competition they are up against.

It probably worked for Boeing, seeing as their future with the 787 looks pretty bright. It's a fairly logical strategy for him to motivate his employees. He reckons Ford cars are worse than Lexus. He reckons Lexus is the best. He wants to beat Lexus. Quite simple, really.


...it wouldnt be my style of doing things!!

That's why Ford didn't hire you. ;) JK

[nthfinity]

then its their loss, cause with me at the helm they wouldn't be in the debt they are now!!


except Ford are not in debt at all, and not close to bankruptcy.

they have a HUGE cash fund...but if you start going into losses, that can be eaten away very quickly. the idea is to make that cash fund grow, not shrink ;)

[TopGearNL]

then its their loss, cause with me at the helm they wouldn't be in the debt they are now!!


except Ford are not in debt at all, and not close to bankruptcy.

they have a HUGE cash fund...but if you start going into losses, that can be eaten away very quickly. the idea is to make that cash fund grow, not shrink ;)

Exactly, they are making losses now but with the profits they made since the beginning of the company its only minor.

However if Jaguar is eaten more money away then bringing it in for instance they're better of selling it. I hope they don't but still.

[Feffman]

Wonder if Mulally flew in Airbus planes while CEO for Boeing too? Pretty piss poor of him at least he could drive a Jaguar or Aston Martin. Lexus may be nice cars, but little or no personality.

Feff