WkjeepSRT8

I've loved the last few generations of the F-150... I remember it was such a big change when the 2004 models came out. I went to a test drive and loved the new Lariat trim. Ford really raised the bar on the pick-up truck segment, and we're all the better for it! :happy feet:

With all the changes done to the '09 coupe, will the sedan see any improvements as well? I like the revised fascia of the Focus coupe, and would welcome the changes to the sedan, and also applaud the remove of that fender applique. Honestly, I liked the look of it, but I also understand why everyone hates it as being poseur-like.

That's my strategy. I'll be leasing a Focus for 2-3 years, and wait for the Verve or next-gen Focus to arrive (or some other type of vehicle depending on my budget and related fuel costs). That said, I do like this new refreshed model - just that it's no longer the class leader.

Yes! I was just thinking that when I was looking at a similarly-equipped car on the dealer's lot. Make it higher (not my cup of tea), or make it a lip spoiler. I know the Mustang has a spoiler delete option.

The fact that it's an extra add-on does make me think for several moments. For $1200 I have to figure out if I really want a spoiler, exhaust tip, etc. If I can live without it, I'd definitely skip it. Ambient lighting is really the only thing I want, and so I can get that on the Canadian SES trim a la carte for $295 dollars.

Hi exrub, Did you also order the Sport Appearance Package too, right? Up here in Canada it's about $1200 more, and we get the polished exhaust tip, silvery console inside, ambient lighting, the same rims you have pictured, and the spoiler. My apologies if the options lists for the US is different than the Canadian list.

Other than clearing up space in the console area, are there any physical (NOT aesthetic) advantages? I'm pretty sure all trucks and many SUVs have their parking brakes set as a foot brake. I wasn't really happy when Ford moved the Escape's parking break to the current setup right now. I like our handbrake in the '01 Escape.

One thing I hate about the Malibu is the foot parking brake. Having never had a car with that feature, how do I set it? Right foot on the brake, and set the parking brake with my left foot?

It's very difficult for me to even consider a car without traction or stability control. I don't drive like an idiot, but if I ever need it, I want those systems there for me. I wake up some days wanting either the Aura/Malibu, then others Fusion and on frugal days, the Focus. Then there are days where I can argue about the MKZ. When I have the time, I will take the opportunity to test-drive each vehicle. I realize these debates while informative, are useless until I take the actual car on the road. Regardless of the debates, the mid-size market (or really, any segment) is a great place to be right now. There's something for everyone no matter where one's loyalty lies (We have an '01 Escape and an '05 Mini).

You're right, stability and traction control can be a detriment in snowy situations. During the big snowstorm in Toronto, I switched off the stability control in my Mini in order to rock it out of a rut. The Malibu's sum of its parts add up to the Fusion's at this point in my buying stage. I don't need AWD, so it's not even factoring in my decision. I find the rear of the Malibu very attractive (reminds me a bit of the last-gen G35 Sedan's), but find the dual-grille of the Chevy weird. It definitely looks awesome in that dark grey colour, as well as the red. It'll be a toss-up. If money becomes one of the top issues, I'd go with the Fusion, no question. But the Aura/Malibu are very compelling choices in the sedan market.

I have to say that if money were a large issue, I'd take the Ford Fusion. Up here in Canada, we get that $1250 e-bonus offer and I believe there was a $2400 deliver allowance too. Even with the sport appearance package added in, it's about $29000 CDN. The Malibu is about $34 000 CDN, but at this point, I'm more inclined to go with the 'Bu. On paper, both have very similar options. With any vehicle, I value safety features, and the Stabilitrak option, 6 airbags, plus traction control seal the deal. I know the Fusion's got similar features, but with no Advancetrac, that's simply a no-no.

It sure did help. You've done a better job than Ford's marketing/brochure printing people. :shades:

Great pics! If you don't mind, could you take pics of the interior console? Specifically, could you take pictures of the lower half of the stereo console... I'd like to see which buttons are blacked out. From the concept pictures, I can see there's traction control, and possibly heated seats. Where would the ambient light switch be located? Thanks in advance. I don't like to see blacked-out switches, so I'm curious as to which options I'd have to order in order to make said switches functional.