I'm brand new to this forum. I'm seriously considering a 2007 FEH, however, one of my main complaints is the lack of an aux. jack (perfect for direct iPod hook-ups - most vehicles these days have them, while Ford seems a bit behind here).

While a new car is always great, I'm in no major hurry as I have a newer vehicle (just not a hybrid or a 4x4, nor does it have most of the "toys" I want). So maybe I should wait for the 2008 model, especially if they add some key upgrades.

 

I had a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport (2-door) with a 5-speed manual. I really liked that vehicle. As it was a manual, I used the foot brake all the time. And as I lived in New England when I had this SUV, what you wrote is exactly true! I can't tell how many times I was splashed with salt or sand or slush, etc. So, maybe having the brake in the middle isn't such a bad idea.

 

Sooo... you are not going to buy a $27,000 car because of an iPod jack?

How old are you, 12????

Put one in when you get it home! ( if you are capable )
Or have a stereo store do it for about $100....

Geeez.......

 

Ouch. He is only thinking about waiting for the 2008. The lack of aux input does show how behind the times some aspects of the 2007 is.

Cheers,

rcomeau

 

I know, and sorry for being harsh... but isn't this a "vehicle" used for "transportation" and isn't that the main "feature"? Is this meant to be a $27,000 .mp3 decoder????

Wouldn't it be just as silly not to buy the FEH because it was missing a soft-serve ice cream dispenser?

 

LOL!

I thought your previous response was a bit funny, but I liked this one even better. What, have CD's died when I blinked there? I have a MP3 player, but I still listen to CD's.

 

Aww man. I was considering one until you mentioned no ice cream dispenser.

I can see why you got a little insensitive there. Some people do consider audio features vital in cars though And some people don't have the money or skill or desire to do an after market upgrade.

Humm. Now all I'm thinking about is ice cream. Thanks a lot!

 

You're mean. I'm telling!

O.K., I admit to picking a pathetically weak example of missing features by pointing out the lack of an aux. jack (and the '08 model better come with the self-serve ice cream or else!).

But I think you're being irrational. By your reasoning, we should all buy any old house because the purpose of a home is to provide shelter. Of course, that's not how things work - and little differences do mean the difference between buying or not. Putting a fresh coat of paint in or on your house may seem silly to you, but if you want to sell that house, get to it! The same is true with a car. Some extra features - ranging from fluff (like the aux. jack) to more serious items (cabin or storage space) are crucial.

In other words, if I'm paying $30K for a car, I want it to have ALL the features I want. If my goal is just "transportation", then why on earth spend $30K?? Hence, I think your thinking is quite askew here. If you really spent $27.5K on your FEH just for "transportation", then I got a 1-bedroom dump you can buy for $200K because it provides you "shelter".

Seriously, as of this moment Ford doesn't quite have the SUV I want. I look at the '08 model and I see more options and possibilities. I test drove the '07 - good stuff, in fact great stuff. But there were quite a few things that irked me. Based on the literature for the '08 model, it seems most of these issues are resolved.

Also, to get the '07 vehicle I really wanted, I'd have to order it - meaning it would come next year anyway. If I'm going to miss this calendar year to get the vehicle I want, I may as well wait a bit longer and get the '08 version.

I also really like the more "manly" look of the '08 model. Plus, I think by waiting a few months, my personal finances will be better, meaning monthly payments won't hit my budget as hard (this is an expensive vehicle).

However, if it makes you happy, I am having the Ford dealer look into putting in an aux. jack for the '07 model.

 

One of the reasons I'd love to see more manufacturers offer Hybrids is to eliminate these sorts of arguments. Ford, like many North American manufacurers are very slow to innovate in many aspects and it shows in their products. The FEH is an exception in the Hybrid aspect which is why I purchased my first Ford. While this was the main reason I got it, it was at the expense of a lot of other features that are standard on other less expensive cars and being a hybrid should not give Ford a license to be less than with it with their products. I love my FEH, but it would be interesting to see how it would have done if the Rav4 were also a hybrid.

Cheers,

rcomeau

 

You are extremely limited in terms of options.

If you get the Hybrid/Nav radio there are NO auxiliary inputs at all. No SAT input, No Aux input, and No MP3 capability either. Your only options are:

1. You can get an adapter from PIE that either replaces or acts as a switch between the CD changer and an RCA input. They do have a couple that will let you control some functions of an iPod through the headunit. Others leave the controls to the iPod or other player. Depends on your preference and on whether you want to keep the CD changer.

2. It is very likely that the dealer will recommend adding an input via hard-wired FM modulator. They even sell such a thing in some of their accessories catalog. This is far from an acceptable solution in my book as the quality is well below what it should be. I know, my Satellite unit is wired this way.

3. If you DON'T get the Hybrid/Nav unit, you can opt for the CD-6 radio. This has a CD/Aux button and a SAT button and there are adapters/cables that will let you utilize either of these inputs for an MP3 player though I don't believe either will let you control an iPod.


All of the info on the PIE adapters is available in the "sticky" thread at the top of this section.