I can understand that there would be kinks with any new car. What I can't understand is why Ford can't just be honest about what's going on. Why can't they keep me in the loop on what's going on with MY car? I ordered mine with the promise of continuous updates and excellent customer service. The salesman at the dealership has lied to me about pricing and been extremely evasive over timing estimates. The concierge service that was supposed to be provided to people who reserved is a joke... I got reminder postcards to place my official order, but haven't heard anything from them since actually doing so. When I called the reservation specialist number today, I was told that I'd have to contact my dealer to find out when my car would be ready.
I understand your pain, everyone who is dealing with an uncooperative dealer network.
This is Ford's single greatest challenge going forward - the dealers. The auto industry is unique in many ways, one of which is that by law in every state, the manufacturer CAN NOT own it's retail outlets. Ford would do well to own "company stores" where everyone would be trained team players, like Apple Stores, but they can't. Until someone fights the dealers' lobbying groups, this situation will only get worse. They are programmed to "sell today" because they are paid on commission. They don't want you ordering a car with a $300 commission (FIESTA), where they will have to deal with your questions, when they would rather sell you up into a $500 commission TODAY (FOCUS) or more (FUSION/EDGE,ETC.). They survive on their day-to-day sales, that very design makes them less likely to cater to custom order buyers.
Honestly, we need to re-write the dealer franchise laws, and give the manufacturer greater control, NOW.
