The news of the Sable possibly being dropped is no surprise; same with the Taurus X. I must say, however, the Taurus X has had one of the shortest product lifespans of any recent vehicle that I can think of.
"The Taurus X doesn't really have much of a place anymore," said Erich Merkle of Crowe Chizek and Co.
"The Sable is a good enough car, but it doesn't really matter because they don't sell enough of them to make a difference."
ateixeira says:
10:03 AM, 08/11/08
Well, the Taurus X was really just a Freestyle with a new drivetrain. So it's been out for a few years now.
These are very competent vehicles, but they're just not that exciting. Owners seem to love them, if you follow the Crossver threads, so I think they have plenty of merit, but they fail to raise your heart rate. The type of people they appeal to would just get a minivan instead, and get more interior space.
The Ford Flex is just the opposite - controversial, i.e. you'll love it or hate it but at least you will form a strong opinion. That will compell those who love it to go out and buy one.
Flex pricing is higher, but I bet it still outsells the Taurus X until that model is discontinued.
The Freestyle/Taurus X will go down in history as a very underappreciated vehicle.
brn says:
10:44 AM, 08/11/08
It doesn't surprise me. They are great vehicles, but poorly publicized. People don't buy what they don't know about.
estreka says:
05:16 PM, 08/11/08
Malibu Maxx only lasted 4 years. Sales were not impressive.
At least the AF bought Taurus X's by the hundreds.
firstwagon says:
08:36 PM, 08/12/08
If they axe them, will anyone notice?