Decent looking car, but perhaps as an indicator of how much of a failure it's been: They've been on the market for several quarters, and the first one I saw in person had a big green "Enterprise" sticker on its butt...
I thought Ford was getting away from rental fleet sales?
Is that the car they called the "500" for a little while?
Yeah, I heard they were changing the 500 (which was kinda cool, including the name) over to the Tauras name because it was always a good name and ppl still know it.
It may be too little too late.
Yes, it is the car formerly known as the Five Hundred. It wasn't just a name change. They actually made it a decent car by changing the styling to make it a bit less boring, and made huge improvements under the hood (200-horse 3.0 V6 was replaced by 250+ horse Duratec 3.5).
They did the same thing with the Montego/Sable I think. My mom drives a Montego right now, tons of interior and trunk space in them things! Not much fun to drive though, AWD and CVT with a 3.0. She liked the way her old Nissan Murrano drove and wanted to get back in a car but keep the small SUV feel.
What made you think that Ford was getting away from Fleet sales? They dominate that market by something like 90%.
The hundreds of articles I've read over the past two years that said "Ford is trying to get away from fleet sales" ;) Also the hundreds of articles I've read saying that Ford has been expecting most of the declining sales numbers they've been experiencing, because, after all, they're getting away from fleet sales :hick:
It was a Ford change of strategy. They were only trying to use fleet sales to boost their sales numbers to stay #2 or 3 in the world in vehicle sales. Then they realized the profit margin on these cars was only a few percent and was giving the taurus and other models the reputation of just a rental car. So they decided to remove the emphasis on fleet sales.
Seems to be a few running around here, but I haven't paid much attention to them...
-the way to tell a Taurus from a 500 is the grille. 500 had mesh grilles, Taurus' have 3 bar grilles....
We have the Sable at work. Its OK I guess.
You know what car is going to totally change a driveway near you?
This
(http://carnewssite.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/08_malibu_0011.jpg)
I know its a Chevy, but ! We try like hell to keep these things in stock but its impossible. We will get four or so off the transit truck and by the end of the week they are all gone. Currently we have several on order and ONE in stock.
This car is amazing to look at inside and out. Fully equipped its like $27k or $28k. If you have a chance to take a good look at one.. do it.
I think it's hideous.
I personally think it looks horrible. Looks like they slapped a truck grille on it.
You just have to see it. Here at the dealership people walk in and usually see a new car and have differing opinions. Everyone who has seen the Malibu loves it. I've not talked to a person who has not loved it.
Hmm maybe so. Some cars look terrible in pics but look quite good in person.
I really like the new Malibu as well. I don't think that picture or that color are very flattering on it though.
The new Malibu is, as GM rightfully claims, a game changer. It is the first domestic four-door sedan that can go head-to-head with the competition (and win) since the '86 Taurus. GM finally got it right, and they deserve full credit. I'm glad to hear they're selling well.
Sadly, the success of the Malibu shows just how bad Ford's offerings are. The Fusion, one of Ford's few bright spots, finished second to last in a recent Car and Driver comparison.
Par for the course for GM lately...decent cars, fugly looks. Their
modus operandi is to hope that the general public is attracted to the vehicles' features and will overlook the styling. I mean, the Cobalt 4-door compared to anything? Ugh. The Malibu isn't bad looking, certainly better than the last version and miles beyond the unfinished-looking Impala. Still...I see a squashed bug look in its front end styling.
I liked the Chevy chrome bar grilles from a few years ago and think that they gave up on it too soon.
Saw a new Chevy Malibu with SS badges on Sunday.....Nicest looking 4 door GM sedan I've seen in a long time....
If it isn't the newest and latest it slips down on C/D's list whether it deserves to or not IMHO. Take the S197 Mustang. The first few articles raved about the handling. Slowly, the position changed to one of an antagonistic stance against the live rear axle and how it is loathed by them. I understand the car world changes fast today, but how many other solid axle cars with RWD give 13 second 1/4 mile times, .90g on the skidpad and come in at under $30K? Granted it is time for an update according to the sales charts....
I see plenty of them around here , i love the new Taurus nice looking vehicle with decent power.
I have driven 7 or 8 of the new Taurus's and a few of the Sables over the last few months (as rental cars). I like the Mercury better, typically done up a little better, but both are nice cars to drive. Sure no ball of fire, but a nice solid car.
I have had several malubus and grand prix's as well. You can keep them both, epecially the Pontiacs. I's like to know the guy that design the pillar / seat placement in those things.
Bob Myers
UGHHHHHHH it looks like a Camry with a different grille. AND the taillights are straight off a g35.
STOP COPYING EACH OTHER!!!!!! EVERYthing looks exactly the friggen same. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO friggin bored by like 90% of the current lineup from every mfr.
Thats what i thought when i saw this at the autoshow, i was like WTF?
*Sigh*. Oh well just makes me all the more happy I have what I have and what I have is NOT THAT! Me n mah kitteh and everything else can kiss my 4SS :cougarsmily:
Eventually all of you will need a new car. Be it used or new.
You may be looking at a picture of this car but I've sat in and driven a couple of these Malibu's and they are a true accomplishment. Sitting about 15 feet from me right now is a fully loaded 08 Altima 3.5 SE on the showroom floor. Yes its nice but its not as nice as the Malibu in the next showroom over.
Im not saying im not going to buy a new car, in fact if the new Taurus with the TT 3.5 ecoboost was made i would love to own one. Its just the fact that i already have a loan (The 99 Cougar) and need to get into college.
Oh I've heard plenty about em other than from you, I'm sure they're great. I will say I'm very glad to see our own co's making stuff that might finally put a dent in the prevailing "import = the ONLY option" mentality.
It will be a mighty long time before I buy a new car again. Purchased a brand new top of the line 2005 Expedition Limited in March of 05'. I ordered the vehicle for my wife, the window sticker said $50,214.00 In December of last year we were going to trade it in and purchase a new Lincoln MKX from the same dealer, they told me that they would give me $17k for the truck. Needless to say, never again any time soon!!! $33,000 loss in less than 3 years, good to see Fords hold their value! We will be keeping the expedition until the engine blows, wheels fall off etc. It only has 36k miles so hopefully that will be awhile! About the Malibu, just not my cup of tea, however as stated before, pictures can sometimes be deceiving, I will wait to see one in person...
I see those new Taurus's all the time by me. Could be because they build 'em here :hick: