Yes, I think Ford needs to hire us both because they are missing the boat, in terms of new car development.
Ford has the lock on Trucks & will eventually get it back on SUV's (If memory serves, 2002 was the first year the Tahoe out sold the Expedition; but I attribute that to body-style change). I don't know what the stats are like for 2003.
I think Ford would further extend their reign on trucks if they just upped the power a little bit. I for one am tired of being casually dusted off by Silverados (In my wife's SuperCrew) and by Tahoe's (In my Expedition)- so what do you say about a 20% HP bump Ford? The 4.6L Expy would do nicely with a 268 HP engine, and the 5.4L fans would love having 312 HP underfoot, I'm almost certain. At least give us as much power as the Imports!! (Sequoia & Tundra)..
The new Mustang needs to be sick. All engines need to be at least 240 HP. Put the 4.0L V-6 in the Mustang LX, and pump it to 240 HP, OK, 230.... The GT needs to have 4.6L and 300 HP, and then put the 5.4L in the Cobra and give it 400 HP, with 400 lb. ft. torque. (No supercharger) That'll be enough power across the board to hold the average Honda Civic at bay...
Then, they need a sporty design, on the level of a Neon SRT, or a WRX. AWD, sporty, 4-cylinder that can haul @$$.... FWD & AWD optional... $21,000.00 Not a focus and not an Escort.
Then, Ford needs something hot in the midsize arena that competes with the Accord, Camry, Maxima, Altima, etc... The Taurus doesn't quite make it. Quick idea: A slightly downgraded Lincoln LS, perhaps with a a choice of 220 or 250 HP V-6's. Something well-built, with great fit & finish, DVD navigation, quiet ride, great accelleration.. (Ford, are you writing this down?)
I've owned GM's, Honda's, Nissan's, & 3 Fords. 5 if you count the two I was given in high school- but I worked for the rest. Of all the cars I've had, the one's that impressed me most with durability, reliability & resale value was the Honda & Nissan's. I was scared (from a reliability stand point) to trade my Maxima for a 1999 F-150 SuperCab, but since then, I've traded it for a 2000 Expedition, and the wife got a 2001 SuperCrew. We haven't had any problems. Ford & Chevy builds better trucks, but- Honda, Toyota & Nissan still build better cars- it's time to catch up....