Mulally wanted to kill Lincoln as late as last year, Fields vows to turn it around
07-03-14, 08:18 AM
#46
Lexus Champion
07-03-14, 08:47 AM
#47
Lexus Test Driver
If they did some tweaking of the MKS's design, threw it on a RWD/AWD platform and offered a 5.0, they would have a real contender IMO. Watching Lincoln is like watching a close friend make a constant series of stupid decisions while knowing that they are fully capable of doing really well. It's painful, really.
I don't think they need to resurrect the Town Car(but it would be cool if they did). They just need to get back to that vein. A high quality, stand-out product that floats on its own merit.
Jill points out that she didn't know which car is which. Part of that is clearly because of the nomenclature, but I think another part is that there really isn't anything distinguishing about these models.
It's so frustrating knowing that Ford/Lincoln has the resources to turn Lincoln around, but they keep choosing NOT to.
I don't think they need to resurrect the Town Car(but it would be cool if they did). They just need to get back to that vein. A high quality, stand-out product that floats on its own merit.
Jill points out that she didn't know which car is which. Part of that is clearly because of the nomenclature, but I think another part is that there really isn't anything distinguishing about these models.
It's so frustrating knowing that Ford/Lincoln has the resources to turn Lincoln around, but they keep choosing NOT to.
07-03-14, 10:39 AM
#48
Exactly, well said 
.
Another problem with Lincoln is their lineup is confusing. Aside from the Navigator , I have no idea which model is which but I will say that the Lincoln model that is based of the fusion is pretty compelling and is a formidable competitor of the ES350.
. Another problem with Lincoln is their lineup is confusing. Aside from the Navigator , I have no idea which model is which but I will say that the Lincoln model that is based of the fusion is pretty compelling and is a formidable competitor of the ES350.
07-03-14, 10:49 AM
#49
If they did some tweaking of the MKS's design, threw it on a RWD/AWD platform and offered a 5.0, they would have a real contender IMO. Watching Lincoln is like watching a close friend make a constant series of stupid decisions while knowing that they are fully capable of doing really well. It's painful, really.
...
Jill points out that she didn't know which car is which. Part of that is clearly because of the nomenclature, but I think another part is that there really isn't anything distinguishing about these models.
It's so frustrating knowing that Ford/Lincoln has the resources to turn Lincoln around, but they keep choosing NOT to.
...
Jill points out that she didn't know which car is which. Part of that is clearly because of the nomenclature, but I think another part is that there really isn't anything distinguishing about these models.
It's so frustrating knowing that Ford/Lincoln has the resources to turn Lincoln around, but they keep choosing NOT to.
I would love to see the TC and Continental names come back, but on some really premium product. Not just dressed up Ford platforms. When the Lexus LS debuted in the US 20+ years ago it was on a platform not available anywhere else in Toyota's US line up. It's unique platform signaled it was an "aspirational" vehicle, not just a "dressed up" Toyota. Ford needs similar investment in a high-end flagship with a distinctive powertrain and advanced technology to get people excited about the brand.
Think about it, someone already mentioned have the right engines. I'm sure there are a ton of Ford/Lincoln fans out there that would be excited to get a luxury saloon with Mustang's brawny 5.0L V8. Get the suspension right and Lincoln would have a legit S550/750 fighter. Hell Ford could even drop the GT500's 5.8L 660+hp V8 in the same car and they instantly have an S65-type flagship "super sedan" that the press will go crazy over. Sure, it will sell in low volumes but a "Lincoln" badge and well appointed interior means they could sell those same 5.0/5.8L engines in $75/100K+ packages instead of at the current GT/GT500's $40/65k price point. #duh
Last edited by blacksun; 07-03-14 at 10:52 AM.
07-03-14, 12:28 PM
#50
Lexus Fanatic
Probably not, but several of my neighbors likely would....they've complained about the TC's disappearance more than I have. One of my neighbors already has a two-tone TC (silver and pearl-white), and he loves it. I find the TC a little tight for my condo parking-space, though. The Verano offers much of the TC's ride-quietness in a smaller, more maneuverable, easier-to-park package.
07-03-14, 12:32 PM
#51
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by mmarshall
MKZ......Ford Fusion-based mid-size sedan.
MKX.....Ford Edge-based mid-size SUV.
MKT......Ford Flex-based SUV positioned between mid and full-size.
MKS.....Ford Taurus-based sedan, Lincoln's current largest passenger-car.
MKC.....upcoming Ford Escape-based compact SUV.
07-03-14, 01:10 PM
#52
Lexus Fanatic
Obviously people are finding it difficult. Its not our job as consumers to understand and want a company's products...its the company's job to make it easy to understand and to generate that desire.
07-03-14, 01:34 PM
#53
Lexus Fanatic
I would of included Acura but they are more a premium brand than they are luxury and Buick is not luxury either.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 07-03-14 at 01:42 PM.
07-03-14, 01:37 PM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah I have an issue with alphanumeric names where the model identification comes last. I have the same issue with Infiniti's new nomenclature. Audi doesn't bother me.
07-03-14, 04:53 PM
#57
Lexus Fanatic
Certainly I agree that auto marketing could be a lot better than it is. I myself am often among the first to criticize marketing that I don't think makes sense. The current trend in upmarket/luxury cars, like it or not, is to do just that.....use alphabet-soup or letter/number combinations instead of simple names. Still, one can get used to even some (otherwise) confusing alphabet soup with daily use and discussion...like here on Car Chat.
07-03-14, 04:58 PM
#58
Lexus Fanatic
Interesting post for its graphics, BrettJacks. But most of the indistinguishability of Lincoln products, one from another, is because of the Smiley-Tooth grilles and front ends, not necessarily from the body styling itself. The MKT (second from the left), for example, apart from the grille, looks markedly different from any other current Lincoln product.
But most of the indistinguishability of Lincoln products, one from another, is because of the Smiley-Tooth grilles and front ends, not necessarily from the body styling itself. The MKT (second from the left), for example, apart from the grille, looks markedly different from any other current Lincoln product.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-03-14 at 05:01 PM.
07-03-14, 05:00 PM
#59
Lexus Fanatic
. The current trend in upmarket/luxury cars, like it or not, is to do just that.....use alphabet-soup or letter/number combinations instead of simple names. Still, one can get used to even some (otherwise) confusing alphabet soup with daily use and discussion...like here on Car Chat.
mmarshall , remember BMW and Mercedes having been doing it for a very long time.
07-03-14, 05:09 PM
#60
Lexus Fanatic
Where was I for 25 years?
Well, I spent a good chunk of it (not all, of course) right here on Car Chat dealing with automotive issues. 
Where it DOES get confusing, I'll admit, is when manufactures like BMW and M-B, (who you mention), start a pattern of numerical designations like 300 for a 3.0 engine-liter displacement or 280 for 2.8L, and then change the number without changing the engine size. That, I agree, is annoying.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-03-14 at 05:13 PM.