I've heard and read that in the past fords automatic transmissions arn't that great. Will the new 5 speed auto be more effecient? I've read that the transmission problem was fixed in the 04 mach 1's where somthing was added to cool the tranny. What do you guys think?
The trans they are putting in the new mustang is junk. The 5R55W,S,N is in the 02+ explorers. I think the car will run pretty good with the improved ratios in the 5R55, but durability is going to be a joke. I work on tons of these in explorers for numerous problems, from internal band and center support breakage, to tons of engagement problems do to valvebody and solenoid body problems. Plus lots of issues with fords inability to program a PCM for the trans to operate correctly. Sorry but this tranny is a joke.
I'm not happy to hear that, I was hoping the new 5 speed would put Ford back on the automatic performance car map. Maybe it is time to start outsourceing RWD automatic trannies.
i'm sure it won't be a direct transplant of the explorer tranny, the 4.6 3v is a more powerful engine and ford is going to try to make a reliability statement (from what i've seen) with this car. I'd say wait and don't make judgements until the car comes out.
Whats the learning curve of a 5 speed? I've never driven a manual before but the 05 stang doesn't come out until like september. I'd like to drive a manual but I don't want to mess my car up. I got time to learn over the summer, but I'm just wondering if its hard.
i didn't know how to drive my first stick until i test drove it. the salesman thought i was just rusty, but i was fairly smooth...i just stalled out once or twice. he thought i was unfamiliar with that clutch. learning curve = short. i'm reconsidering a manual tranny as i hear the explorer auto tranny sucks and a stick is more power/fun.
I am lazy an old bring on the new automatic. I had a 5 speed 5.0 before I bought my current AOD GT. The stick is fun no doubt, but for all of the around town driving I do it gets really old really fast.
After 36 years of driving sticks, my GT vert was my first with an automatic. Why? Traffic. I doubt that I'll ever buy another daily driver with a stick. I'm also sure that the new automatic in the Mustang will be fine, though I wish they'd offer as an option a slap stick like you find in the Lincoln LS. Those are nice.
I hope you're right, but considering how many 02+ explorers I work on per week for tranny problems, I am sure you can understand my doubts.
Sounds like someone who got beat by a guy with an automatic. But really I can't imagine driving everyday in traffic without an automatic. I know plenty of people who wish they had an auto or wish they had never gotten rid of their last car because it had an automatic, since they now have to drive a stick around town.
Say THAT to a guy driving a new Mercedes SL55 AMG, the fastest factory automatic car in the world. 495hp.
I also know many people who wish they never got rid of their manual. Ive seen a lot more people wishing they still had their old car with a manual.
maybe that's why they make a manual and an automatic, people are different and are entitled to personal choices. if someone wants to shift constantly then they can and they will have fun doing it and they will get tired just as often. auto drivers might not have that PUNCH, but they'll enjoy their cars too and it's not as tiring. one isn't right while the other wrong.
I'm just waiting for the one that's a manual tranny with a clutch, but you can have the computer do the shifting for you. Maybe through solenoids in the tranny itself.
A semi-automatic (ratchet shifter) would be cool. Benefits of stick without the clutch. Albeit, nothing is more fun to drive that a clutch. But then again, nothing is worse than a clutch in traffic. I don't like the electronic shifters... I feel like you loose the connection to the car. I would go for a ratchet shift if they made it.... maybe throw in a Hurst... hmmm.... decisions, decisions...
