Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, positioned as a stylish and comfortable alternative
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Altima.
Design Philosophy:
Offered a more expressive European-inspired styling compared to some mainstream competitors, particularly within the Ford/Mercury lineup.
Engine Service:
Engine service and repair procedures, including disassembly and reassembly
Transmission Service:
Transmission service and repair for all configurations
Brake System:
Detailed brake system diagnosis, repair, and maintenance
Electrical System:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, including wiring diagrams
Suspension Steering:
Suspension and steering system repair and alignment procedures
Cooling Fuel Systems:
Cooling system, fuel injection, and fuel system servicing
Chassis Body:
Chassis and body repair, including interior and restraint systems
Emission HVAC:
Emission control systems and HVAC (Heater/Air Conditioning) service
Engine Control:
Engine control system diagnosis and repair
Drive Axle:
Differential and axle servicing
Maintenance:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication, and fluid changes
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair and complete disassembly/reassembly procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Diagnosis and repair of electrical system faults, including wiring diagrams
Depth:
Detailed, in-depth factory-level technical information suitable for both DIY and professional mechanics
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and detailed illustrations, drawings, and enlarged insets for clarity
Instruction Style:
Numbered step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings
Wheelbase:
Approximately 107.4 inches (based on CD3 platform)
Length:
Approximately 191.8 inches
Trunk Capacity:
Around 15.6 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and trim, typically ranging from 3,300 to 3,600 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Likely received good ratings in NHTSA frontal crash tests.
IIHS Crashworthiness:
Generally performed well in IIHS crashworthiness evaluations, often earning 'Good' ratings.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, with optional side and curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems, including SiriusXM satellite radio options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Engine Oil Type:
Likely SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, meeting Ford specifications (e.g., WSS-M2C930-A)
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V or equivalent for automatic transmissions; manual transmission fluid specific to application.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green or yellow concentrate mixed with distilled water)
Ignition Coils:
Some models, particularly with the V6, experienced issues with failing ignition coils leading to misfires.
Transmission Control Module:
Potential for Transmission Control Module (TCM) issues leading to erratic shifting or 'limp mode'.
Suspension Components:
Reports of premature wear on certain suspension components like control arm bushings or sway bar links.
