Drew Dowdell

I drive a 1981

most of the auto manufacturers do this already and have for years

December 10th, 2012 Drew Dowdell - Managing Editor CheersandGears.com Ford today released a fix for the recently recalled 2013 Escape and 2013 Fusion with the 1.6 liter Ecoboost engine. The recall involves a reprogramming of the computer to address a coolant pressure loss under certain driving conditions. Only VINs with the eighth character “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions are affected. Ford Press Release on Page 2 Ford Produces Fix in Voluntary Safety Recall of 2013 Escapes, 2013 Fusions with 1.6-liter Engines Ford today announced a corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models with the 1.6-liter engine Ford will make updates to the cooling system software to better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition. Original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions. The new software will resolve this issue Escapes equipped with the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines are unaffected as are Fusions equipped with 2.5-liter and hybrid engines Ford remains absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to its customers. When a potential issue is identified, Ford acts promptly on behalf of customers DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced a corrective action to address potential engine overheating that could result in engine fires in SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Fusion models equipped with 1.6-liter engines. The vehicles were subjects of a voluntary safety recall announced Nov. 30. An intensive, cross-discipline engineering team at Ford worked to identify the root cause of the extreme engine overheating condition. To fix the condition, Ford will make software updates to the cooling system of the 1.6-liter engine available in the SE and SEL models of the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Ford Fusion. The software updates will better manage engine temperatures during a unique overheating condition that could occur under unique operating conditions. The original cooling system design was not able to address a loss of coolant system pressure under certain operating conditions, which could lead to a vehicle fire while the engine was running. “We remain absolutely committed to continuously improving and providing the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. When a potential issue is identified, we act promptly on behalf of our customers, as we did this time,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. Ford is now working to deliver the software and repair procedure to its dealers. The company will begin notifying customers so they can schedule service appointments with dealers. Beginning early next week, customers will be able to get the software update at their dealer. The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day. However, due to service scheduling requirements, a dealer may need the vehicle for a longer period of time. Until the cooling software is updated, customers driving 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Fusion models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine have been advised to contact their dealer to arrange for alternative transportation at no charge. Some drivers who have experienced high engine temperatures followed by engine fires have said that their clusters have shown the message “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps” or “Engine over temp, stop safely.” Some also indicated that their instrument clusters sounded a chime and illuminated a red light. Ford advised drivers who see any of these indications to safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Notifications have been sent to customers affected by the recall. Customers also can see if they are affected by the recall by: Checking their 17-digit VIN, located on a label on the driver door opening, at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of their vehicle, or on their vehicle registration. In vehicles with 1.6-liter engines, the eighth character will be “X” on Escapes or “R” on Fusions; Logging onto Ford.com, click “View Notices and Recalls” in the “Support” tab and inputting their VIN; Calling 866-436-7332 in the U.S. or 888-222-7814 in Canada; or Contacting a Ford dealer 2013 Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter and the 2.5-liter engines are unaffected. 2013 Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter and hybrid engines are also unaffected – as are all Titanium models. View full article

I bet it is a hoot to drive. I wonder if I'll be able to get Porsche to send one over.

I've driven both extensively... I would get the Verano in spite of that. Heck, I would get a loaded Cruze Eco and save some cash before I got the Malibu.... and that's exactly what I think is happening.

Regal's base price is up to $29k now. You get a lot of Verano for that price.

depends on equipment.

congrats!

You can get $199 leases on Verano. If you're ok with the Malibu in size, just get the Verano with a nicer interior

The problem is the lines are getting more blurred.

Normally, I would agree with you, but the models released in this class over the last 24 months have really seemed to shift in the same direction, that is bigger yet lighter and more and fuel efficient in both hybrid and non-hybrid models. ... this goes for everyone except GM, who's car have gained or maintained weight while being reduced in size. (Chrysler doesn't count since they haven't released in this class in the last 24 months)

I don't believe that is the case for this Malibu. We can argue about the quality of the ashtray lining all night, but the long and short of it is that the Malibu comes up short in key areas that the 98% look for. Point by point as the 98% sees it: It has the least interior room in its class and gives no discernible advantage over the Cruze in this regard. It is bested on interior space by the Jetta of all cars as anyone cross-shopping would quickly find out. If they sit in the back of a Passat and read the sticker price, game over Malibu. It has fuel economy numbers that aren't close enough to the class leaders. 2 or 3 mpg a buyer might excuse, but the Malibu is more than that behind the class leaders of Accord, Altima, Camry and Fusion. It's hybrid model gets the same fuel economy as non-hybrids from other manufactures and it loses trunk space that you don't lose in the competition. The hybrid model is 10-15 mpg highway behind the hybrid/diesel competition. The interior is interesting to look at and certainly more advantageous than most others in this class, but build quality is a concern and if they are sending out cars with build quality issues to journalists, imagine what the general public is looking at.

I don't mind it at all.. and if you don't like the gray, it comes in different colors with different exterior colors.

They are noisy when you stick your foot into it.. Want more sound deading. Handling isn't terrible. I drive it like a normal car, not a sports car. Just about any "normal" family sedan will handle better, ride better, and drive better IMHO. I believe a large part of the issue is the tires they fit on the Pruis. They're relatively narrow and low rolling resistance.

the David and the Encore are very different vehicles. David is to Encore as Mini-Cooper is to Mini-Countryman.

Hmmm... maybe I should have DF chop one up as an Oldsmobile and we could call it the Ransom. I'm just adam-ant ;-) that the Cascada use the Verano name in the US. It is easier to sell one name with multiple body styles instead of having to market and sell multiple names.

Just a different kind of bad.

What do you think of our Verano Convertible and Buick David ideas SMK?

They are very quiet until you put your foot into it. Handling is terrible in my view.

I ran into that exact issue with a co-worker. Enamored with the Volt, and remember I work for an Electricity retailer, but wouldn't buy a Chevy... went off and got a base model 3-series instead.

I see this as a way to make Buick really cool with the younger crowd again.

I was notified by Buick that I had a stat wrong in my article. The Encore is shorter than the Sonic sedan, not the 5-door. It is actually 9.5 inches longer than the Sonic Hatchback. The article has been updated.

I think I missed a job change announcement somewhere.

I like the tail end of the previous Malibu because it didn't look like every other mid-size tail end out there.