I like Ford's Sync so much it has me happily driving our long-term Ford Focus on days when I'm more concerned with hands-free phone operation and/or iPhone music libraries than I am with corner apexs and stoplight getaways.
But during my most recent Sync session I discovered a rather troubling trait -- Sync's voice recognition software can't tell the difference between "Tesla" and "Def Leppard." No matter how many times I asked for "Play Artist -- Tesla" in as clear of voice as I could muster I got the response, "Playing Artist -- Def Leppard."
It would be interesting to remove all the Def Leppard songs from my iPhone to see if it then recognized "Tesla" requests. But who knows, maybe it would just start playing "Jethro Tull" files instead.
I suppose the other fix would be to stop wanting to listen to Tesla, but at that point I might as well just get out and walk, right?
Karl Brauer, Edmunds.com Editor in Chief
the_big_al says:
05:33 PM, 08/ 1/08
YA TESLA! Didn't another editor have the same issue of sync recognizing artist names??
cx7lover says:
06:23 PM, 08/ 1/08
There is a SYNC update with improved voice recognition.
carmizvi says:
10:49 AM, 08/ 2/08
If you say the artists' names with a decidedly German, French or British accent, perhaps the Sync system will kick itself into gear.
And if not, perhaps Ford has a mic wired into the thing that hears your faked accent. In my wildest dreams, they'll use your input to accelerate bringing Euro Fords over the pond. When the majority of discussion surrounding a car is about its entertainment system, it's time to replace the underlying engineering.
sworley says:
02:22 PM, 08/ 2/08
I work at a Ford dealership and have had this complaint before and found that if you turn up the volume on it, it heres you alot better. Also if you speak directly to the windshield it reflects the sound to the microphone in the mirror better.
wobbly_ears says:
02:56 PM, 08/ 2/08
Ya know, from that angle in the picture, the Focus's interior doesn't look all that bad.
But of course, I have seen it in person & it still is crappy.
What is Ford's problem? Is the management as retarded as I think it is?
Go and see Euro Ford Mondeo. Mondeo is beautiful & would knock Accord & Camry in looks, quality & performance.
stovt001 says:
06:08 PM, 08/ 3/08
I enjoy that these focus posts have given us an opportunity to comment on the the editor's taste in music.
wobbly, until recently it was more profitable to sell large trucks than small cars. The F150 was the best selling vehicle in the US. Now that times have changed, Ford is rapidly bringing their Euro vehicles over here because they are now in demand. So with few interruptions, Ford has been delivering the vehicles Americans want as their tastes shift. I wouldn't call that retarded.
firstwagon says:
08:00 PM, 08/ 3/08
I agree with wobbly.. Ford latest version is "retarded".
Right now you can sell anything that gets good mileage. So what? The new Focus isn't even as good as the model it replaces and it's not in the same league are the Euro version.
Basically Ford said "we don't care about small cars, just give the Americans whatever you've thrown together over the weekend and we'll call it a day."
There's no over way to explain such a half hearted attempt.
jahfakin says:
04:42 AM, 08/ 4/08
Basically Ford said "we don't care about small cars, just give the Americans whatever you've thrown together over the weekend and we'll call it a day."
that basically sums it up.
The only thing this car has going for it is the SYNC . and even that is not enough to make me wanna throw my money away and buy a Ford car (however, I do like their trucks).
neatnick79 says:
06:26 AM, 08/ 4/08
The Focus must be decently cobbled together if this is the main "issue" with it. Most people want a car that isn't going to break down, drives decently well, etc. Who knows, maybe one of these would be a good value as a used car.
autoboy16 says:
07:48 AM, 08/ 4/08
Hey its kind of off topic by a lot but is there going to be another long term test car vote?
My Votes
Small Car: Toyo Yaris 5Dr
Midsize car: Mazda 6
Large Car: Hyundai Genisis
Small SUV: VW Tiguan
Mid/Large SUV/Truck: Escalade Hybrid/GMC Yukon Hybrid or Durango/Aspen Hybrids
Small Lux Car: 335d
Mid/Large Lux Car: Jaguar XF
Green: Jetta TDI/Sportwagen
-Cj
greenpony says:
08:54 AM, 08/ 4/08
firstwagon: "The new Focus isn't even as good as the model it replaces"
You do realize that it is virtually mechanically identical to the original Focus, except with more power, a comfier suspension tune, and better fuel economy. It's just been reskinned, that's all.
autoboy16:
Yuck. A Yaris? Have you ever driven one? Can you honestly say it's better than a Fit, or even an Accent? Also, yuck @ Genesis, Tiguan, and Durango, though that's be appearance alone. My list would be completely different.
festiboi1 says:
09:46 AM, 08/ 4/08
"You do realize that it is virtually mechanically identical to the original Focus, except with more power, a comfier suspension tune, and better fuel economy. It's just been reskinned, that's all."
Agreed with all of that, but the comfier suspension = less driving fun around the twisties. Also the new Focus loses the old version's telescoping wheel, assist grips on the roof (speaking of assist grips, there's the poorly designed interior door ones), spare tire, hatchback and wagon styles, detachable radio faceplate, but has gained tacky side vents, an annoying speedometer with outside down numerals, and an odd three-blade grille that replaces the Euro-styling.
Maybe the old one was better afterall
elfjon says:
10:49 AM, 08/ 4/08
the Yaris is crud, but then again the whole subcompact segment is filled with cars that are all a piece of crap.
the mazda 6 could be a good choice, or a Malibu hybrid, or even a Passat CC...
the Genesis is also a nice idea
Tiguan should be next in line IMO
they tested a regular Tahoe a while back. the hybrids are the same in pretty much every aspect, except they get a bit better gas milage. they should really look into the new upcoming diesel version of the GL-class.
small lux car should be the new Audi A4 2.0T hands down.
the XF would be ok, but all of the buzz over the car has kinda settled down...alot...