Quoted for truth.

 

One thing I wonder about is whether it should make a difference. I guess what I am saying is, did NOT having stability control hurt their sales enough in the first place? I'm not sure that Ford hasn't been shooting themselves in the foot by leaving out alot of features that other vehicles have....like traction control, dual power seats, standard side airbags, auto climate control, etc. While all those things add to the cost...I'd think it is better to sell 25% more vehicles at a lower profit margin. I think US car makers suffer from a few failings....stale design, poor quality (or at least that perception), and trailing the imports in standard/available features. Instead they focus on making bigger vehicles with better cupholders.

 

The hybrids not getting stability control really surprises me. Just a little while ago, Ford was bragging that all their SUV's will have their Advance Trac with RSC, when its added to the FE/MM in 2008. Back then, there was no mention that the hybrid's would be excluded. I don't know if they were just being "inaccurate", or if some technical reason has since surfaced, with integrating stability control into the hybrid system.

Just out of curiosity, what does the current model's ABS system do, when the wheels start to lock up and slide when using the generator, and not the pads, while braking? Does ABS start to "pulse" (or pump) the generator on and off ???

Also, does the current MMH not have traction control at all? My MMH owner's manual mentions "traction control (if equipped)" which implies that some MMH's might have traction control, no?

I will add, that not at least having these kind of extra features, even with the premium package is a shame. As I mentioned before, even my old "rough and crude" Cherokee had such luxury features as dual power seats, full overhead console w/ readout, f+r map lights, and so on.

 

The current ABS stops regen and takes over with full control of the pads locking up.

Regarding stability control and other safety systems, I agree that Ford should take the stand that Volvo took years ago. Right now my daughter is waiting for her settlement from Allstate to replace her totaled Ranger. This is twice air bags saved her life in less than 3 years. When I orderred my '05 FEH, of course I got the side curtain air bags.

We are looking at the '07 Civic EX and HCH for mileage and safety, which is standard equipment on them. Safety should never be an option if it can be provided. After all, they would be smart in having someone be able to be a repeat customer.

GaryG

 

So, the roof rack crossbars will only be "gone" on the 2007 hybrid models.

 

Can't you just go order a pair? They shouldn't be that expensive

 

List is $112 each. The best 'net price I found is $85 each + shipping.

 

The printed info for the 2007 says that the cross bars are included, they just are not included in reality. So who knows with the 2008. And there is that disclaimer in the printed info that allows them to say this kind of stuff.

I do kind of agree with Fords strategy with this - most cross bars are not actually used anyhow and they do hurt mpg - so it doesnt really make a lot of sense to go to great lengths to make the vehicle fuel efficient and then throw some of that away by making the crossbars standard. The money is better spent on a Thule or yakima crossbar for someone who really needs to carry stuff on the roof.
Tim

 

Though, if the cross bars are indeed back again on the MMH for '08, then it would follow that Ford is admitting their strategy was flawed. That there really isn't a measurable difference in MPG with and without the cross bars.

 

"The Mariner Hybrid has also been upgraded with new software to improve the performance of its full-hybrid drive system."

I wonder if existing MMH owners could get the new software too?

However, I am sure that Mercury has no method for distributing software update. Hay, they don't even have a method for Nav disk updates.