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[manioso]

I'm another one that's not happy Ford is dropping the manual transmission. I know I'm in the minority, but I get more enjoyment out of my truck (and other vehicles with an M/T). I wouldn't be ready to buy in 2011, but the following year my 99.5 will be 12 years old and I should have 180K-190K miles on it by then. At that time I should be able to make a judgment whether the 6.7 is reliable, and whether the fuel mileage improves as much as Ford claims.

I'm hoping Ford reconsiders much like BMW did with the M5. My previous ride was a 95 SHO ordered with one of the few 5sp transmissions. Ford ruined the SHO in 96-99 IMHO, and after that the Taurus itself went downhill.

By 2004-05 I was ready to buy, but BMW had ended production of the E39 M5 with the 394hp V8 and the new E60 M5 didn't come out until 06 MY. Like a many American customers, I was unhappy that the M5 came only with the 7sp paddle shifted auto. M's had always been 5sp or 6sp M/T until then. I wasn't crazy about the 500hp V10, either. I would have been most satisfied with a 450hp V8. Finally, late in the 07 MY, BMW offered the 6sp M/T for North America only. That's when I purchased my 08. Unfortunately, with the V10, my fuel economy is worse in the BMW than my truck. Does go faster, though!

I hope Ford also reconsiders either in '11 or '12 and backtracks again offers the ZF 6sp or similar manual. I agree with the earlier post. It becomes easier every year to offer products on a configure to order basis, given the advances in ERP systems and other manufacturing software. Also, I sure if asked, the Ford marketing guys will tell you that the key to success in the marketplace is to be able offer a truck which is unique and custom in the eyes of the buyer.

In my judgment, Ford is going the wrong way by failing to offer meaningful choices for buyers like myself, while loading up the product line with a multiplicity of relatively meaningless frou-frou options. For example, while I have nothing against any particular trim level, is there really value in XL, XLT, Lariat, Cabella, and Harley Davidson trims cluttering up the option sheet?

If Ford is willing to reconsider their approach in 2012, they will have a willing buyer, ready to pay north of $60K for the truck he wants. If not, I hope Chrysler survives long enough the offer the Cummins with their 6sp as an option.