Ford Freestyle to be discontinued in 2007 ? Forbes - Honda Pilot

Sportymonk · 06-28-2005, 10:34 PM

http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/28/for...tos_newsletter

"According to supplier sources familiar with the automaker's plans, Ford (nyse: F - news - people ) will drop its low-selling Freestyle SUV at the end of model-year 2007. Instead of having the Freestyle in its lineup, Ford will let Mercury have a face-lifted version of the car--a new SUV based on Mercury's recent Meta One prototype."

Thought they were referring to the Freestar van but it is mentioned later.

"Ford is planning to discontinue its struggling minivans--the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey--in favor of crossovers. The new Mercury, based on the Meta One, will be an indirect replacement for the Monterey."

Wow that was quick. We haven 't even seen the Employee discount sale on Freestyles yet! (Yes I know these are Fords)

Seriously, The Freestyle sounded great on paper but when I saw one and the quality (and dealt with the ignorant salesperson who tried to reassure me that the CVT transmission was ok by telling me it was in the new Mustang GTs also!) I walked away. Going to Leith Honda in Raleigh tomorrow evening to pick up my first Honda (daughter's Civic doesn't count), Steel Blue Pilot EX-L. Tick tick tick ...

onu2002 · 06-30-2005, 03:24 PM

Very interesting. I had read the sales were disappointingly low, but discontinued after only 2 years? Geez.

BigDogDad · 06-30-2005, 04:11 PM

Let's hear it for Ford...

cwa107 · 07-01-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by onu2002
Very interesting. I had read the sales were disappointingly low, but discontinued after only 2 years? Geez.

Ford retires more nameplates than just about any other manufacturer. It never ceases to amaze me how much R&D they throw in the trash rather than just improving the product!

jay · 07-01-2005, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cwa107

Ford retires more nameplates than just about any other manufacturer. It never ceases to amaze me how much R&D they throw in the trash rather than just improving the product!

They don't throw it all in the trash. They couldn't sell '95 Ford Contours for $14k, but they sell a sh$tload of 2005 $35k baby Jags that are on that platform.

cwa107 · 07-01-2005, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
They don't throw it all in the trash. They couldn't sell '95 Ford Contours for $14k, but they sell a sh$tload of 2005 $35k baby Jags that are on that platform.

I thought that was the 2nd generation Mondeo platform (Europe only). The 1st gen Mondeo was essentially a Contour, but from what I understand the 2nd gen Mondeo is a clean sheet design (I thought it looked pretty sweet from what I saw of it).

06-28-2005, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sportymonk Super Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Rocky Mount NC Posts: 2,410 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ford Freestyle to be discontinued in 2007 ? Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/28/for...tos_newsletter "According to supplier sources familiar with the automaker's plans, Ford (nyse: F - news - people ) will drop its low-selling Freestyle SUV at the end of model-year 2007. Instead of having the Freestyle in its lineup, Ford will let Mercury have a face-lifted version of the car--a new SUV based on Mercury's recent Meta One prototype." Thought they were referring to the Freestar van but it is mentioned later. "Ford is planning to discontinue its struggling minivans--the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey--in favor of crossovers. The new Mercury, based on the Meta One, will be an indirect replacement for the Monterey." Wow that was quick. We haven 't even seen the Employee discount sale on Freestyles yet! (Yes I know these are Fords) Seriously, The Freestyle sounded great on paper but when I saw one and the quality (and dealt with the ignorant salesperson who tried to reassure me that the CVT transmission was ok by telling me it was in the new Mustang GTs also!) I walked away. Going to Leith Honda in Raleigh tomorrow evening to pick up my first Honda (daughter's Civic doesn't count), Steel Blue Pilot EX-L. Tick tick tick ... __________________ Eagles may soar, but foxes dont get sucked into jet engines. 2005 Steel Blue Metallic EX-L with iPod P.I.E. X3 interface (keeps the cd changer!!), LED lights in doors and overhead, tow package, cargo shield, crossbars (self installed), WWongs stuff, cargo liner, extended warranty. All but the tow pkg at great saving through our sponsor hondacuraworld. 17 - 24 MPG with mileage removed for both the best and the worst atypical mileages. 183,000 miles since June 29, 2005

06-30-2005, 03:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
onu2002 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 480 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Very interesting. I had read the sales were disappointingly low, but discontinued after only 2 years? Geez. __________________ Tom 2003 Honda Pilot EX 2004 Honda S2000 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS

06-30-2005, 04:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
BigDogDad Super Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,501 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Let's hear it for Ford... __________________ 2005 Honda Pilot EX-L RES Billet Silver Metallic OEM Accessories: All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo Tray, Cross Bars, Door Visors, Hitch, Rear Splash Guards, Wheel Locks, Full Size Spare, Fog Lights, Fog Light Film, Black Side Steps Non-OEM Accessories: Tinted Windows, 3M Pilot Pads, Thule 998 Trailblazer Bike Rack, Hardwired Passport 8500, Sirius Audiovox PNP3 Receiver, Panoramic Rear View Mirror, Blind Spot Safety Mirrors

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