Is the Milan...

a Mazda6 with a Lincoln-Mercury badge?? Say it ain't so....

they said it was fun to drive and Ford owns both companies so it's highly likely sad to say. Also the Mazfa3 shares the Focus platform. ford is MAzda's only weak point. Thank God Ford is losing money and soon won't be able to keep Mazda. Mazda is the main reason Ford can say they're doing well but it only owns 33% of MAzda so if the other 66% wants to buy the 33% back Ford won't be able to stop them if sales continue like this. Only problem is it's hapening so slowly because ford gets 1/3 or all Mazda's income. Go Mazda!

(although Ford was the one to convince MAzda to bring back th eRx-7 which they're currently working on creating a concept for, +1 for Ford there and the 7 will have it's own platform nothing handed down by Ford nor will it be handed down to Ford either, ugh could you imagine a Mustang Rx-7 hybrid? thank God the rotary separates the 2)

not sure where you get your info there 87 turbo II. It was Ford management in charge of Mazda during their turn-around. I believe we own 38% of Mazda at this point. (I'm a Ford employee that worked as an engineer on the Mazda6 platform for the last 5 or so years.) Both companies work closely together.

The Milan is loosely based off of the Mazda6 platform. (As are the Lincoln Zephyr and Ford Fusion.) The Mazda6 platform is an excellent starting point for a vehicle's design. The handling dynamics are spot on.

isn't the american market doing bad (Ford and GM) I get most my info from webforums like this though so anyhting you have to say is more acurate. I'm just not abig ford guy and we've owned 2 so i'm not baised.

Right now the Big3 are under-represented in the small car and cross-over vehicle segments (those are the only segments that have posted gains in sales....all others showed a decline from last year 2nd qtr results.) I think as those vehicles come to market, you'll start to see a shift.

Platform vehicles are nothing new to the industry, everyone does it. (350Z/G35 are the same platform, Honda/Acura, Toyota Camry/Lexus ES300) If you've got a good platform to start with, why not use it? Most of the Cross-over vehicles are actually car chassis. (Did you know that the Mazda Tribute's chassis is a derivative of the Mazda 626?)

Mazda also benefits from this because you then have more units to spread out the development costs over and you can afford a better chassis for less $$$$.

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ORIGINAL: sstlaure

not sure where you get your info there 87 turbo II. It was Ford management in charge of Mazda during their turn-around. I believe we own 38% of Mazda at this point. (I'm a Ford employee that worked as an engineer on the Mazda6 platform for the last 5 or so years.) Both companies work closely together.

The Milan is loosely based off of the Mazda6 platform. (As are the Lincoln Zephyr and Ford Fusion.) The Mazda6 platform is an excellent starting point for a vehicle's design. The handling dynamics are spot on.

So, SS, can I thank you for making it impossible for me to buy any other model but the Mazda6 (even if I did get a used one -- see my post in NEW MEMBERS)? I have never felt so secure on the road as I do in the 6. Granted, I couldn't afford a BMW or Mercedes, but I have told family members who DO own those cars to try my new 6 and dare to compare. You guys did a fantastic job engineering that car.

Shell

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ORIGINAL: Seashell

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ORIGINAL: sstlaure

not sure where you get your info there 87 turbo II. It was Ford management in charge of Mazda during their turn-around. I believe we own 38% of Mazda at this point. (I'm a Ford employee that worked as an engineer on the Mazda6 platform for the last 5 or so years.) Both companies work closely together.

The Milan is loosely based off of the Mazda6 platform. (As are the Lincoln Zephyr and Ford Fusion.) The Mazda6 platform is an excellent starting point for a vehicle's design. The handling dynamics are spot on.

So, SS, can I thank you for making it impossible for me to buy any other model but the Mazda6 (even if I did get a used one -- see my post in NEW MEMBERS)? I have never felt so secure on the road as I do in the 6. Granted, I couldn't afford a BMW or Mercedes, but I have told family members who DO own those cars to try my new 6 and dare to compare. You guys did a fantastic job engineering that car.

Shell

Yeah Mazda engineers do a dynamite job, nobody read my post in the CX-7 section about "best in class" just to show off some technical marvels the engineers do.

I'll find some time and go back and read that post, Turbo II. It's like Mazda is a big secret or something...and then someone gets a rental or drives a friend's car, and BAM...they've got the bug!

yeah I said that to my friend we were talking about how low mazda's fail rates are and how feature filled they are and I said "yo uknow befor eI bought one and researched I neever realized how amazing MAzda is. I just thought of it as any old japanese company like toyota, mitsubishi, and such but I never realized that it is the bridge between the rich companies and cheaper ones, like the intermediate inbetween toyota and lexus, honda and acura, nissan and infiniti, vw and audi, but these are sub luxury cars!" and he wa slike "yeah before I got the protege I didn't know anyhting about the mazda line other than the Rx-7" It could be beacuse when you talk to other owners of the same car it seems glorified but looking back in article s or reading how others talk about their cars on their own car forum sites, we really do have a slight pre-BMW or Mercedes quality car (even my car was built to compete with Porsche). Go Mazda engineers!

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ORIGINAL: Seashell

So, SS, can I thank you for making it impossible for me to buy any other model but the Mazda6

Sure (at least the front interior cockpit)...You're welcome...I was but one of a large team that made that car happen. I liked it so much I bought one myself.

Mazda has really had a turn-around in the last few years, really starting with the launch of the Mazda6 (1st car with the new design DNA that is now carried throughout the product line.) I think that if Mazda had more dealers, they'd sell many more cars. I think a lot of people are turned off by the fact that the nearest Mazda dealer may be 20-30 miles away...It makes it tough if you do get your car serviced at the dealer.

sslature, are you a designer or an engineer? cause I want to be an automotive designer or engineer and I wanted ot know how hard it was to get where you are and what classes I should be taking now to look good on a resume`.

Mech Engineer. BSME , Master's Science - Product Development

If you're in school, the best thing you can do is get a co-op position. Nothing, I repeat nothing prepares you more for industry than actually working the job. No matter how much book smarts you acquire, you'll learn 10 times that much after you graduate. I worked at Eaton Corporation for 2.5 years during my Undergrad, and I can't even tell you how much further ahead I was when graduation time came compared to people who only knew the theoretical classroom work.

Unfortunately, degrees are now mandatory just to be considered for most technincal positions.

If you want to be an engineer, then BSME is a good way to go, but if you want to get into management later in your career, plan on getting a Master's degree. They won't consider you these days for supervisory positions without a Master's.

Seeing as how we recently let go ~4,000 salaried personnel here at Ford, I don't think we'll be hiring off the streets anytime soon. Although there is still a strong job market out there for both Engineers and Designers (CAD).

CAD is the easier way to go, you tend to be hourly instead of salaried so you actually get paid for the hours you work. (A few weeks back I had a 95 hr work and don't get overtime pay...but you do what it takes to make sure the job is done right.) An Associates degree with get you in the door for most CAD positions, but figure on going higher if you want to advance within the company.

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ORIGINAL: sstlaure

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ORIGINAL: Seashell

So, SS, can I thank you for making it impossible for me to buy any other model but the Mazda6

Sure (at least the front interior cockpit)...You're welcome...I was but one of a large team that made that car happen. I liked it so much I bought one myself.

Well done -- but I have one question: why was the console arm-rest designed to sit so far back? I'm 5' 4", and would have to have my seat waaaay back for the armrest to meet my elbow... (and that's my only 'complaint'!) I'm going to try to find a new, longer lid to replace it so I can have a functional arm-rest.

Mazda has really had a turn-around in the last few years, really starting with the launch of the Mazda6 (1st car with the new design DNA that is now carried throughout the product line.) I think that if Mazda had more dealers, they'd sell many more cars. I think a lot of people are turned off by the fact that the nearest Mazda dealer may be 20-30 miles away...It makes it tough if you do get your car serviced at the dealer.

I agree, SS. But then again, being as they're not on every corner makes them seem special, too. ;-)

The biggest problem that I've heard -- and experienced myself -- is the LOUSY sales people (please read my experience in the Newbie section) and now I've heard the service departments are lousy. These are the reasons I ended up buying a "certified pre-owned" Mazda: I just could NOT deal with the dealership employees. I'm able to take my car to ANY certified mechanic to have my car serviced and still maintain the warranty on top of the four-year warranty I have left with Mazda. The thought of taking it to those insensitive, rude people is chilling.

You'd think they'd be proud and happy to sell/work on such great cars, but noooooooo.

Turbo II -- my brother is an industrial designer. He was born with talent -- he used to draw cars from EVERY angle when he was 11 years old. His old sketches look like CAD drawings. He had an interview with Ford and GM when he was 16 (that was back in the mid-60s). He now designs interior appointments for several high-end automakers. He first got a degree in advertising, but went back to school at the fine ol' age of 36 and got his design degree from a prestigeous university.

The lid ended up the length it did mainly to avoid interfering with the cupholders (imagine a 32 oz cup in the rear cupholder...) The Mazda6 was tooled up specifically for North America, and they tried to take our characteristics into account. I think the Mazda engineer's think Americans are the thirstiest people on the face of the planet with all of the cupholders we ended up with in the interior.

Also to avoid having your arm hit the console when you are shifting in manual mode.

I unfortunately haven't had any luck with Mazda dealer's either, or any dealer, from any brand for that matter.

Warranties don't last long for me (I drive a ton) and I do most of my own repair work anyway....

Thanks, SS...I figured as much...it didn't affect my buying decision, however!

My basic commute is 42 miles a day, and I do a lot of running around at work, trips to the beach, etc., so I'm sure my warranties will be gone with the wind, as well. I imagine you CAN make your own repairs! Lucky you! My Dad and brother used to work on my cars, but those days are gone as well. Have to rely on the mercy of near strangers to do repairs these days.

AAA opened a service center in my area recently, and I am going to take my Mazda there for oil changes, repairs (God forbid), etc. They use Castrol oil -- what do you think of that brand, SS?? Will that be ok? Bet you use synthetic oil.

It is SO great that you're in this forum!

P.S. I pick up my "new" car tomorrow at lunch time!!! Can't wait!!

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ORIGINAL: Seashell
Turbo II -- my brother is an industrial designer. He was born with talent -- he used to draw cars from EVERY angle when he was 11 years old. His old sketches look like CAD drawings. He had an interview with Ford and GM when he was 16 (that was back in the mid-60s). He now designs interior appointments for several high-end automakers. He first got a degree in advertising, but went back to school at the fine ol' age of 36 and got his design degree from a prestigeous university.

Yeah I have sooooo many drawings from frint back top left side right side and interrior on some of my concepts. I swear you could make a few cars with some concept drawings I've made, it even has measurements and stuff. I also draw cars that exist but I don't have autoCAD (my unlce tried ot get it for me but the version he uses didn't work with XP) or anyhting yet to make anyhting I draw official. Nor do I have a scanner to show off my work. Here's a bad pic I did for a friend, he took a pivture of it with a camera so that's why it looks a little weird, it wasn't scannerd.

[image]http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=75705[/image]

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ORIGINAL: 87 turbo II

Yeah I have sooooo many drawings from frint back top left side right side and interrior on some of my concepts. I swear you could make a few cars with some concept drawings I've made, it even has measurements and stuff. I also draw cars that exist but I don't have autoCAD (my unlce tried ot get it for me but the version he uses didn't work with XP) or anyhting yet to make anyhting I draw official. Nor do I have a scanner to show off my work. Here's a bad pic I did for a friend, he took a pivture of it with a camera so that's why it looks a little weird, it wasn't scannerd.

Do yourself a HUGE creative favor: GET A MAC.

yeah I know, if only I had the money

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ORIGINAL: Seashell

Thanks, SS...I figured as much...it didn't affect my buying decision, however!

My basic commute is 42 miles a day, and I do a lot of running around at work, trips to the beach, etc., so I'm sure my warranties will be gone with the wind, as well. I imagine you CAN make your own repairs! Lucky you! My Dad and brother used to work on my cars, but those days are gone as well. Have to rely on the mercy of near strangers to do repairs these days.

AAA opened a service center in my area recently, and I am going to take my Mazda there for oil changes, repairs (God forbid), etc. They use Castrol oil -- what do you think of that brand, SS?? Will that be ok? Bet you use synthetic oil.

It is SO great that you're in this forum!

P.S. I pick up my "new" car tomorrow at lunch time!!! Can't wait!!

Working on newer cars isn't really all that bad, in fact, once you're comfortable with using code readers and have the CEL codes for your car, troubleshooting can be easier because specific failures trip specific codes.

I don't use synthetic, I use the recommended weight of oil, but I use Valvoline exclusively. When I was in my undergrad I did a project using different oils and their performance under loads. Valvoline kicked every other oil's butt hands down. I change my oil/filters religiously. I don't know much about Castrol, but I avoid Pennzoil like the plague. It is a parafin (wax) based oil and the wax can build up inside your engine. If you then use a different type of oil, or decide to change over to synthetic, it can wash this build-up into your oiling system and clog your filter. One of my friends blew-up a small block 302 V8 in a Datsun 240z that way.

SS thats cool...I just finished my 4th in going for my BSME. I am doing a 5 year plan because I am also doing am minor in business. I did a 1 year internship...Its a lot of fun, I cant wait! Any other info you can hit me up with?

Work Hard, play harder......keep your eye on the prize, because if you don't, someone else will.

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ORIGINAL: 87 turbo II

yeah I know, if only I had the money

Monthly payments are a wonderful thing (as I so well know!). Best $$ (other than my new car payment) that I spend each month... Apple also sells refurbished -- like new -- units. If you're a student, you should be able to get a good low-interest loan through your college or a bank.

If you want to be a designer or engineer, you NEED one!

[/quote]Working on newer cars isn't really all that bad, in fact, once you're comfortable with using code readers and have the CEL codes for your car, troubleshooting can be easier because specific failures trip specific codes.[/quote]

But even if you know the codes, you have to know how to make the repair. I don't even wanna go there!


[/quote] I don't use synthetic, I use the recommended weight of oil, but I use Valvoline exclusively. When I was in my undergrad I did a project using different oils and their performance under loads. Valvoline kicked every other oil's butt hands down. I change my oil/filters religiously. I don't know much about Castrol, but I avoid Pennzoil like the plague. It is a parafin (wax) based oil and the wax can build up inside your engine. If you then use a different type of oil, or decide to change over to synthetic, it can wash this build-up into your oiling system and clog your filter. One of my friends blew-up a small block 302 V8 in a Datsun 240z that way.
[/quote]


Geez...Valvoline it is! I will take in my own to the service center, if necessary. Yeah, Penzoil and Quaker State are the pits -- I've heard some horror stories. Thanks so much!

Shell