This Honda-lover bought a Ford.

[Sparkly]

Ford has been in the news for having lost sales in Europe.

I helped Ford a little bit here at home. At the risk of sounding like a commercial, here's the story.

I like little cars that sip gas, and have always been partial to Hondas. I have a 50-mile commute 2-3 times a week, and have owned a 1996 Honda for 12 years. Cars like that give you no excuse for buying a new one, but I wanted to give it to my daughter, so...

A Fit seemed perfect, or a used Prius or Civic; but Fits are virtually sold out, and prices at the used car lots equal -- and some cases at least, exceed -- new cars of the same model! (And the Prius interior didn't feel right; didn't like the Honda Insight, either.) I've always gone by the old adage that a new car depreciates by $3,000 as soon as you drive it out of the lot, but the equation is different right now.

I was thinking of waiting for the Chevy Spark (coming here in August)....

But I decided on a brand new Ford Fiesta. The European version has been very successful, and the Focus and Fusion have shown themselves to be reliable. It's great on gas; it's smoother and quieter than most other small cars; and it has this bluetooth "sync" feature I wasn't even expecting. I was hoping for a basic port or something for my iPod/iPhone, and this is a lot more.

Fits are flying off the lots here, so it seems Ford is working harder for business. Free car washes forever. Free oil changes forever. Engine warrantied forever.

Given my penchant for Hondas, people who know me are surprised I got a Ford. (Yes, I'll let everybody know if the transmission goes bad in a few years.) But I kind of like getting off the bandwagon. I know six people who have a Fit; I don't know anyone else with a Fiesta, and now I like being a cheerleader for Ford (even got a "Built Tough" Ford t-shirt!).

Yeah, I know all cars are somewhat "international" these days. But there is an "American car industry." There is a Detroit, Michigan. And there is something a bit priceless about driving my little Ford right now.

[Warpy]

1. My little Kia barely beat a Ford Focus

when I was car shopping 6 years ago. What tipped it in the Kia's favor was that AC came standard, while Ford wanted you to buy a whole "package" of crap I didn't want to get AC.

This is the desert. While I toughed it out for 15 years with no AC, I didn't like it much. I wanted that AC.

I was shopping for a 4 cylinder something with enough room for all my fiber equipment. Both cars fit the bill. Ford's stupid marketing cost them a sale.

[nebenaube]

2. Yeah, right... n/t

[Sparkly]

3. ?

[ieoeja]

89. Sparkly’s car lies are like Obama’s fake birth certificate.

They lay the groundwork years in advance:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2127658&mesg_id=2127721
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1514325&mesg_id=1516365
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3532414&mesg_id=3532624


And even has an accomplice:

http://election.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5123910&mesg_id=5123910

[Scuba]

4. I just had a whopping $700 repair bill on my Ford....

... but what do you expect after 12 years and 190,000 miles? It's the first repair I've had that cost over $200, and no, I have not been "nickle-and-dimed" to death.

I'm looking at the Fusion Hybrids and may replace my current vehicle with one in a year or two.


BTW, the repair was for a new A/C compressor and line, plus the re-charge. The vehicle has NEVER been "Found On Road Dead".

[Sparkly]

10. I'd heard "Fix Or Repair Daily."

Thanks for your post! What is the model you have?

[Scuba]

41. Taurus

[Honeycombe8]

47. And I've heard Fiat is "Fix it again, Tony." I wonder if there are others? nt

[Doc_Technical]

72. There is,

Forget
Italian
Automotive
Technology

[Scuba]

77. Gotta Mechanic Coming and Garage Man's Companion come to mind.

[Marie Marie]

57. Or, Found on Road - Dead.

However, this lady has always been a Ford Babe. Except for 1 '68 VW Beetle in my Hippie days, I have always owned Fords. Kudos for buying from an American company (the only one who didn't take a bailout). Enjoy your new car - may you have many happy miles together.

[Fawke Em]

76. Actually, it's called, "First On Race Day,"

but who's countin'?

[snooper2]

83. fucked over rebuilt dodge is what is supposed to be said

[Fawke Em]

87. Never heard that one.

Personally, I don't care what American car someone buys as long as it's American (as in, union-made, helps our GDP and the profits stay mostly in this country).

That said, I hear the Dodge Dart is making a come-back. My grandfather had one of those that drove a kazillion miles before he finally got rid of it because the body was rusting apart. The engine was still fine.

[snooper2]

88. Vast majority of those came with a slant 6, engine was bulletproof..

Not a lot of power, not real fast, bad fit in some of larger cars as a base engine..

But the fucking thing will run forever

After 100K the sludge is built up so well you don't even need to put oil in them anymore--

Kind of like Fords 300ci inline six cylinder- That engine will go forever as well

[b757pilot]

52. Fusion Hybrid

Test drove a Fusion Hybrid today. Love the car but the sticker price are IMO steep. the 13 body style is changing but I do not like it. Hopefully this will cause the 12 prices to come down a bit. Looking to replace my 03 Subaru wagon with 190k plus miles.

Also check out http://www.fordfusion.net/ before you buy.

[lumberjack_jeff]

5. The Ford is $2200 cheaper and gets 15% better mileage.

Neither is built in the USA though.

[Sparkly]

15. I know....

As I said, I get it that all cars are international now. Nevertheless, there's a difference.

[Egalitarian Thug]

6. K&R Good for you, glad you like it.

It's built in Mexico.

[Sparkly]

11. Like I said, I know they're all international....

But like I said, there is still an American auto industry and a Detroit, Michigan. Consider it a matter of weights and measures.

[knitter4democracy]

7. I love my Ford.

I have a Freestyle (it then became the Taurus X, and now they don't make them anymore). I was thinking of getting a new car (better mileage, etc.), but honestly, this is just plain the perfect car. I'm going to drive her until she dies.

[Sparkly]

12. Love your post - thanks!

[ejpoeta]

8. We used to have a ford festiva. Got 40mpg with it and it was used.

Lasted us a good long time. The fiestas look pretty good. We have always driven fords except for the chrysler town and country we bought in 2008 because i wanted stow and go. If i were looking to buy a new car I think i'd probably get a focus or the other ford car i can't think of it right now. My husband drives an escape for work and that seems nice too.

Congrats on finding something you like to drive. That is the most important thing along with the gas mileage. Finding something that fits for you.

[Sparkly]

16. Fusion?

Yeah -- once I drove it, I thought, "This is it."

[ejpoeta]

90. i think so. the fusion. thanks

[bongbong]

9. My relative's Ford mini van

Just passed 300,000. Runs like a clock. A few things like electric door locks don't work, but everything that matters works fine.

No oil burning, no engine work.

[Sparkly]

17. Good to know.

[MannyGoldstein]

13. This former Honda-phile now owns two Fords

We used to stick to Honas and Acuras. We rented a Focus in Italy a few years ago, and were blown away by its power and handling for being such an inexpensive car. It muscled through the Tuscan switchbacks without breaking a sweat. The die was cast.

We now have a Focus and a Fusion. Wonderful cars, 160k miles between them. Reliable, excellent fuel mileage and handling.

[Sparkly]

18. Seems like you got there before me!

Same thing -- thought I'd never trust anything but a Honda.

Glad to know the Focus and Fusion have lasted so well. It's weird how many cars are sold in Europe before they come here!

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[Dokkie]

14. My first car was a 93 honda accord

And I loed and babied this car like it was my child but after losing it in a snow storm accident, I bought a cheap $2000 1996 ford taurus. I hated it the exterior design, it was too long and it has a horrible gas milage. Before I bought all my friends who drove japanese models told me that fords were crap, they said its why mechanics nicked named it fix or repair daily.

I went ahead and bought the car anyway, I still have the car today and havent done any engine repair above $250. If not for the ugly ford design, I would have bought a ford fusion instead of my 2008 accord. This is also the reason why I will never buy a toyota car until they change the design or I turn 70yrs

[Sparkly]

20. I don't understand design much

I hear other people talking about the "statements" various cars make, but I don't see it. All I see is what's "cute" and what isn't. (Sorry to my feminist sisters if that's stereotypical, but for me it's true!)

My last car was an Accord, too (the one I gave to my daughter). It always felt a little "big" for me, but it was great.

Funny how it's almost counter-culture to drive something not Japanese! Glad your Taurus is still going strong.

[GoCubsGo]

19. My Ford is 15 years old.

When it gets replaced, it will likely be with another Ford. I know several people with a Focus, including my parent. They are all very happy with them.

[Sparkly]

21. That's great.

Thanks for posting that!

[RebelOne]

22. Actually, I have owned 2 Fords and I love them.

They were both a Ford Taurus. Not the best on gas mileage, but very low maintenance.

[madokie]

23. You made my day

I'm a I'd rather have a picture of a ford as the keys to anything else, kind of guy.
I'm happy for you

[Sparkly]

26. Thanks!!!

[Codeine]

24. Made in Mexico. nt

[Sparkly]

25. For the third time....

I know that all cars are "international" in one way or another -- been that way for years.

Nevertheless, Ford remains an American company.

(You forgot Brazil.)

[Codeine]

27. Then your comment about Detroit means zilch.

And how did I forget Brazil?

[Sparkly]

30. Do a little research.

ALL car companies are somewhat international.

Ford is an American car company.

Thanks for playing.

[Codeine]

32. But you could have purchased a car made by unionized American labor.

Instead, you're patting yourself on the back about buying an import and rationalizing it with meaningless statements about the international status of a corporation.

[Sparkly]

35. Ford workers are UAW.

And being an American company is about more than "international status."

Do you have some personal problem with Ford?

[Codeine]

51. The Fiesta is not made by the UAW.

I like Fords. I like unions.

[Sparkly]

53. You have a problem.

I don't know what it is.

Is there a specific auto company you prefer over Ford?

Do you hate cars in general?

Do happy posts make you sad?

Or what?

[Jack Sprat]

36. He just made a new purchase

that certainly contributes to the health of an American auto manufacturer. He wasn't boasting. Why are you so hard? Have a little respect for people please.

[Sparkly]

38. "She."

[Jack Sprat]

39. Even more the reason.

Congratulations on your Fiesta. I think it's great.

[Sparkly]

42. Thanks, Jack Sprat!!

[JNelson6563]

81. Girl, you're right. Ignore the fatalists.

Just as buying a Toyota made in America is of no help to our auto makers, buying a Ford made in Mexico is still good for Ford in Detroit.

You get it, some don't. Forget them. Yay to you and your purchase! I hope you enjoy your car for many years to come.

Julie

[bvar22]

28. Congratulations.

We have a 1999 4WD Ford Ranger, and are very happy with it.
We live well off the beaten track,
and depend on this tough little 4WD manual transmission truck for a number of different tasks,
including Fire Emergency and S&R for our area.

These poorly maintained Ozark Mountain dirt roads are tough on any vehicle,
but our Ford has been up to the challenge with only minor repairs
which we do ourselves.
160,000 miles so far, and still strong.
When it gets to a point where we can't repair it (and they all do eventually),
our next vehicle will also be a 4WD Ford light truck with a manual transmission.

The day I found out that my (future) wife prefers to drive-a-stick and does so with skill,
understanding, and competence,
was the day I knew I could love her.

[Sparkly]

31. I almost bought a manual

In some ways, it drove better than the 6-speed automatic, but I encounter traffic too often.

I love hearing these stories. Thanks!

[NV Whino]

29. I just bought my second FIT

Although not by choice. My 2007 got crunched beyond repair. And you're right about the used FITs being as much or more than the new. I crunched the numbers and went with new. Major improvements since 2007. The biggest is perhaps the 15" wheels instead of the diddly little 14”. The base model now comes with cruise control, anti swerve control, hookups for iPod and MP3, remote key lock, more interior space, and (are you ready?) ten, count 'em, ten cup holders. I'm not sure who in their right mind needs ten cup holders, but I got 'em. One of the things that keeps me buying Honda is it comes with everything. I hate a package for this and a package for that. You want fancy, get the sport model. I want a driving machine that can carry lots of stuff.

That said, the fiesta is a fine car. I'm sure you will like it.

[Sparkly]

33. I know the Fit is a good car, too.

It's a little rougher and noisier than the Fiesta, and around here you practically have to beg a dealer to get a Fit from someplace else. They are very popular.

Yes, the "packages" are a little weird, but it seems Honda does the same thing with the various "trim levels" -? One weird thing about the Fiesta is that they've manufactured ONE dashboard which includes a Sirius button. But to get Sirius, you have to have that package. So why the button? (And it can't be retrofitted.) Plenty of complaints about that, but I don't need Sirius and I can ignore the button. (I stream all the programs and podcasts I want.)

[Jack Sprat]

34. Have you ever owned a Sports Car?

I'm looking for a used sports car. Not looking for anything as high as a BMW Z4 or higher. More like a Mazda Miata or similar priced. I hate that Pontiac (Solstice) and Saturn (Sky) were only introduced shortly before their demise. I guess Ford knew there was only a limited market for sports car enthusiasts.

Good luck with you Ford Fiesta. I like their new style and performance is good from what I've read.

[Sparkly]

37. No...

Test-drove a used Miata, but it wasn't right for my long commute. (I wanted more "comfort," even if less "fun.&quot

Like I said, I always look for little "economy" cars. (Are Mustangs good cars? I dunno... The new ones sure look spicy.)

[MightyMopar]

43. Thanks for keeping manufacturing in North America

[Honeycombe8]

46. The Ford Fiesta is assembled at its factory in Mexico. You know...NAFTA. nt

[Sparkly]

58. Oh dear, I guess I should have bought the Honda Fit.

[Honeycombe8]

91. A # of Hondas are made here in the U.S. But the Fit isn't one of them.

And starting next year, I think, the Fit, too, will be made in Mexico.

[Jack Sprat]

49. I understand.

I was looking preferably to the 2 seaters, but I know the Mustangs and Camaros really look sleek. They also likely have more horsepower, but the mpg really are comparable to many sports cars. I was looking for a little less body weight and lower to the ground. Still, I really like the Mustang and Camaro body styles.

[Sparkly]

62. I'm sure you've looked at the various magazines and forums...

It's a totally different market than I was looking at -- even the Miata felt too close to the ground for me. I like sitting up and being able to see everything. (The Fiesta has a little "blind spot" mirror insert that's extra helpful.) I feel like I'm lying down in sports cars, so I prefer looking like a little girl sitting on a booster seat.

[Mopar151]

78. One of the best ways to buy a used sports car

Is through a marque club (i.e. Porsche Club of America ./PCA). they may be a little over "book", but tend to be very well maintained and have appropriate upgrades and extras. Most club websites have "for sale" sections. And don't wig if the car has been to track days or autocross - both are easier on cars than tequila nights.

[Mopar151]

40. 3 Fords at our house

'04 Freestar (Vanna) '94 Villager (Mazda engine)(Vern), '72 F-350, modified for towing ('Ol Homer).

If anybody is having "Found on Road, Dead" issues with a 60's./70's Fud, PM me. In 28 years of owning Homer, I've developed practical solutions for the issues causing this syndrome - most of which have to do with unplated steel terminals in the wiring harness.

[Sparkly]

44. So good to know -- thanks!!

[Honeycombe8]

45. The Fiesta is assembled in Mexico. Just sayin'. But it's a cute car. What color did you get? nt

[Sparkly]

48. For the FOURTH time...

Nevermind! I got white.

[cbrer]

50. "Made in America" my indelicate butt!

Corporations love to wrap products in the flag at the same time as hunting for best/cheapest suppliers, no matter where they're at. Your purchase represents a certain number of jobs overseas.

Your purchase on an emotional level is as legitimate as any other. It's your money. And corporations know that a certain percentage of purchases will be made on that basis.

It's just my opinion when I state that I will NEVER make a big ticket purchase on that basis again. I was (figuratively) burned badly by Ford. Never again!

I wish you best of luck. Hey, if you only keep it a few years and sell it, you should do OK. My Nissan truck has almost 500,000 miles, has been paid for for 11 years, and will get 22 MPG all day long.

Peace out!

[Sparkly]

55. I just remembered why I rarely frequent DU.

Geez Louise.

Nissans are better for Americans?

Ford beat the competition in a lot of ways, which I described in detail. (And it's getting 36.5 miles per gallon.)

Nobody at the dealership said anything about "the flag," and I didn't buy it based on "emotion."

But if whatever you said makes you feel smart, that's good.

[Festivito]

56. Detroit surpassed Japan's quality about 10-15 years ago.

That's finally being slowly realized. (One cannot see how it lasts until the years have elapsed.)

Hope you enjoy your American car that keeps the profits, mostly, here in America.

[Sparkly]

60. Thank you!!!!

I bought my last car (used Honda) within that time frame.

I liked crossing over to an American car this time.

You'd think from the responses I'd done something criminal!

[Mopar151]

73. Take heart

Toyota Trolls are insufferable, and there are a lot of 'em. Cars are a touchy subject wioth most folks - their wheels and their self-image get all tangled up, and many who don't know what all happens under the hood become overly devoted to the marque (make), or a particular style (SUV....)

[HuckleB]

59. Any Ford or Chevy model that has been introduced in the last three years...

... is as good anything else on the market.

Good choice.

[Sparkly]

61. Thanks!!!

[Bombero1956]

63. Welcome to the Ford family

My wife just got a 2012 Focus hatchback and I got a 2013 Mustang GT California Special. Both are built in Michigan. My wife loves her Focus because she has the SYNC with the MyFord touch and the Sony 6 CD stereo. I love my Mustang because it's Ebony black with black wheels and a glass roof.

[Sparkly]

64. I love the SYNC, too

Wasn't expecting that, but I absolutely love it. It makes so many other accessories obsolete (GPS nav, satellite radio, speakerphone, etc. etc. -- you know). Lots of features for the money, compared with everything else I looked at.

I understand the Focus has been a great car, and the Mustangs look hot.

[Bombero1956]

69. this one is mine

[Seedersandleechers]

65. Does it come with a 5 speed stick shift?

That's the only kind of car I will buy. They are becoming harder to find.

[Sparkly]

66. Yes, and in some ways that was better.

The automatic is a little idiosyncratic in the lower gears -- the stick drove very tight and was really fun. I am just stuck in city traffic too often, and remember how exhausted my left knee felt after a long commute...

But in many ways, the manual was even better.

[MannyGoldstein]

68. Our Fusion has a 6-speed shift

Getting harder to find these days, indeed, in the US.

My '65 Mustang had a 3-speed. 6 is better!

[BlueCheese]

67. Looking into the Ford Focus Electric

Would love to be among the early adopters of an electric car. Like the idea of never going to a gas station or Jiffy Lube again. Have to get over the sales price, though.

[flvegan]

70. LMAO to many of the responses here.

The Fiesta is a brilliant car. Enjoy it. It's not for me, but it should be for those that aren't me.

[Initech]

71. 2013 Ford Fusion... *drool*

[Fawke Em]

74. Welcome to the light!

[_ed_]

75. Ford is an international business

that makes most cars in Mexico. My Japanese Subaru was made in America, by American workers.

"Buy American First" is a meaningless phrase in 2012 in the face of globalization.

[Nye Bevan]

79. I bought an iPhone. Makes me feel good, since Apple is an American company.

I understand that the electronics industry is international to some extent, but Apple is a US company and there is a Cupertino, California.

[JNelson6563]

80. Awesome! Thank you!

Interestingly, my SIL bought a Fit a couple years ago. All the seals are shot with water leaking in all windows (even windshield) and into trunk. Always standing water in trunk. She is really bummed, says it's her last Honda.

I drive a Dodge but will replace it in a few years with a Chevy, hopefully a Volt.

Thanks again for buying a car from an American car company!

Julie

[DainBramaged]

82. Myself and all of my UAW friends thank you

big DB hugs.

Oh and the Sparks are being delivered to the East coast now, AMAZING cars,, amazing content and price, 10 airbags, 35MPG combined.


and this is a great color in person.

[We are Devo]

84. Dying to know...

What color?

Congrats on your new car! I bought a new Mazda3 this year. I'm a Mazda nut

[susanna]

85. It's great to hear this.

I am a former Ford employee - and a current Detroit resident - so this post makes me smile. Glad you gave them a try!

[EnviroBat]

86. Just bought my wife a Ford Edge Sport.

Probably one of the coolest vehicles I've ever owned next to my WRX. I love the Sync system, and navigation is really well done. I was never a Ford guy, used to hate them. But they really have come around!



Oh, and we had to order it directly from the factory in Michigan where it was built by UAW members...

[RebelOne]

92. Ford is a great car. I am now on my 2nd Taurus. n/t