http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/2...utgoing-model/

 

They're applying the costs they saved by grandfathering the platform. Also looks better to sell them at that cost than to launch them with tons of incentives. As a bonus, and unlikle the Focus redesign, I like these.

 

Local dealer here in Milwaukee advertises brand new Escape for $14,000. I hope new model won't fall that low.

 

Well, good news bad news. Good news is the price did fall as I'd hoped. Bad news is it still has the DT30 and a 4 speed. As some of the writers pointed out, there will be many that will go toward the Rav4 and CR-v. Thing is you can get the v-6 XLT version for less money than either of them. Still, you get the 200hp 4speed powertrain.

Some of the posters of course are idiots. They apparently don't realize that the entire interior as well as exterior have been updated and promise to be much tighter etc.

 

I'm not sure the average small SUV buyer pays that close attention to horsepower or number of gears in the tranny. Thery're looking at features, style, and price.

 

I agree. And I think that's the case for a lot of types of cars. For example, I don't think the average Focus buyer knows what a C1 is. The problem is they'll probably hear some of all the complaints from auto enthusiasts, even though they have no clue what they're complaining about, it'll probably have a negative impact.