If you all recall, early this year - around March - Ford introduced their '08 models. This is very abnormal. Usually the '08 line comes out around Sept. or so of a given year. I heard a few sales people at my local Ford dealership gently complain about how they just got in the '07 models on the lot, and how those are already competing with the '08 models!

I have been interested in a FEH for a while now, but due to timing, finances, etc., I could not get one. And even though my current vehicle is fine, I'm still quite interested in an FEH.

Just this past weekend, I went to my local Ford dealer again. Based on the options Ford has available, this dealer had the exact FEH I would build! I viewed this as sort of a sign.

However, I'm wondering if Ford is going to do something radical again. Is there any talk of an early '09 model? Is there any talk of Ford doing major changes to their '08 model (as they did to their '05-'07 models)?

If not, I might have finally found my vehicle. I just don't want to get this and find out 2 weeks later that Ford is now making a major change that would have really benefitted me (for example, as much as I liked the '07 model, the '08 is SO much better!).

Thanks in advance!

 

Because this vehicle was so extensively restyled for 2008, it is unlikely that there would be any significant change for 2009. The 2009 model year changeover will almost certainly take place at the "regular" time, which is mid-July for the KC plant. Vehicles with '09 VINs should begin arriving at dealers in August 2008.

What happened this year, where the '08 Escape went into production in late January 2007, is unusual. If this was an import it would've had to be a 2007.5 model. Also, please note that only the Escape was introduced at that time not all Ford products. If someone told you that Ford introduced all '08 models early, they were mistaken.

It's fairly certain that colors will change since that's always something you can count on. As for anything else, it's just too early to tell. Anything stated at this point would be either "wish list" stuff (steering wheel audio controls, RSC, etc) or speculation.

 

The Ford Fusion / Mercury Milan Hybrids might come out as 09 models. They were supposed to be out in 08 but got pushed back. I am unaware of any new hybrid Ford SUVs.

 

This is actually more normal, than abnormal.

Ford releases new or major updates when they are ready regardless of the time of year. Ford even brought out the Mustang early as an 1964.5 rather than wait for 1965. And Ford brought out the Explorer as an early 1991 back around February of 1990 (I got one of those).

However, after such early introductions, the model then slips into the regular cycle. So, I would be sure that the 2009 Escapes will be out around the same time as all the other 2009 models.

Ford dealers should be able to start taking orders for 2009 Escapes around July of 2008. By then, we will all know what is, and isn't, changing for 2009.

 

As stated by others, model years are pretty much meaningless, except for slight color selection tweaking and options package content shuffling to optimize profits, between major upgrade years. Don't expect to see any big changes in the FEH for a couple of years, at least.

 

Based on what I've seen regarding price increases and ongoing supply/demand issues, I'd probably "buy now" from inventory even if it meant compromising slightly on color or equipment. With any luck, some sort of discount or X-Plan pricing could be arranged. Not to mention the potential tax benefit, for those of us who do not have kids or other credit-generating situations that might trigger the AMT.

 

Actually, you are correct. What I meant to write is that this is a bit abnormal for the car industry, but more "normal" for Ford. I bought an '88.5 Escort (I was going to grad. school and needed a cheap car).

However, the salespeople were still complaining about these early '08 models.

As someone else wrote, my guess is that Ford probably wouldn't do anything major for '09 - if anything at all. The '08 model was revised a lot - much to my happiness - so any further items are a bit more luxury. For example, having steering wheel volume controls are nice, but even though I have them, I find myself often reaching for the radio controls anyway! Plus, as I play my iPod in my car rather than
listen to the radio, I find that those extra volume controls aren't used much.

I was just wondering if someone had heard something. It's thanks to this forum that I waited for the '08 model last year instead of getting the '07 and I'm happy for it.

Now, to see if I can buy this car... It's still very expensive!

 

Well, the rumor mill is full of speculation of a totally new drive train for '09. However, nothing about the hybrid's ICE changing. IMHO, that would require development of a new Atkins cycle engine, for a low volume vehicle. Plus, what would a 200+ HP engine do to mileage? Even a 1mpg drop would instill near riots by the targeted hybrid buyers.

And if you want to wait for the '09 to get the latest changes, I can promise you that should have waited for the 2010 models, because something will change again.

 

Next week is the LA Auto show. Typically this is when the next model year FEH is debuted.

 

Buy now, take the 3000 tax credit(if FWD) before they sell enough to drop it to 2400.

If anything, it appears the resell on hybrids is improving a little bit.

I called Ford before taking my 2008. The lady on the phone said orders would first go in, in late August 2008. She wasnt sure how delivery would be pending there existing 5 month waiting periods.

The 2008's should have the new fancy IPOD system.