New Car Reviews : ford

2009 Ford F-150 debuts in Detroit

Jeffrey Ross — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:16:00 GMT

Here at Autotropolis, we thought 2007 was a defining year for pickup trucks. With the introduction of remodeled trucks from Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet and the Ford Super Duty and Dodge releasing a more powerful diesel engine for the heavy-duty Ram truck, it didn’t seem possible to have a more important year for pickups than 2007 was.

So far, the 2009 model year is shaping up to be just as busy and more important to one of the most iconic pickups on the market, the Ford F-150. As competition in the truck market continues to heat up, Ford looks to maintain the title of best selling truck that the F-150 has held for the last 31 years.

Introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford is redesigning its F-150 for the 2009 model year, after only a four-year life cycle of the current model. In addition to the expected towing and cargo capabilities, the 2009 Ford F-150 sets out to become a benchmark in comfort and luxury for a full-size pickup truck.

At first glance, the twelfth iteration of the F-150 doesn’t appear to be a stark departure from the outgoing model. The new front end adds better aerodynamics and gives the new full-size pickup looks similar to other Ford trucks and SUVs. The front doors continue to use the stepped-down beltline to increase rearview visibility through the side mirrors, while the cargo bed incorporates a handful of nifty features that make getting into the bed and storing cargo in the bed much more convenient. The Regular cab and SuperCab models will continue to offer the same dimensions as the current F-150, but the SuperCrew, which offers four full forward opening doors, is stretched six inches to improve rear passenger comfort and interior cargo capacity.

Ford wanted to make sure that accessing cargo in the F-150’s bed would be easy no matter where items were stored. Retractable side steps, mounted between the cab and the rear wheels, make reaching items in the front area of the cargo bed even easier, and they extend out at the touch of a button. The F-150 Platinum will come equipped with power folding side steps to make getting into and out of the cab an easy task for passengers of any height. Ford’s ingenious tailgate step, made popular on the 2008 Super Duty, can now be found on the F-150’s tailgate now to make climbing into the cargo bed a simple task for almost anyone.

All 2009 F-150’s benefit from Ford’s Easy Fuel Capless Fuel System, which eliminates the need for a fuel filler cap. In addition to saving the extra two seconds required to unscrew the cap while refueling or the annoying check engine light caused by leaving the cap off and/or loose, the Easy Fuel system helps to better protect the environment by reducing the amount of gasoline fumes that escape when the cap is removed or left loose. Eventually, this technology will span Ford’s entire lineup.

Inside the 2009 F-150, the all-new interior is refined with an instrument cluster similar to the F-Series Super Duty lineup and a cleaner, slimmer layout of the center stack. Front bucket seats are available in the SuperCab and SuperCrew models and feature a larger center console big enough for multiple laptop computers and ridges to hold file folders in place. The SuperCrew also features a flat load floor once the rear seats are folded out of the way. The elimination of the center hump allows taller items to fit in the cab more easily.

While Ford’s popular in-car, voice-activated communication system, SYNC™, will find its way into the F-150’s cabin, the highlight of the entertainment system is the optional Sony stereo system that offers five-channel surround sound through 10 speakers and 700 watts of power. That is more audio strength than most home living rooms will ever see.

Upon introduction, the F-150 will offer three engine options: a 5.4-liter 24-valve Triton V-8, 4.6-liter 24-valve V-8 or the 4.6-liter 16-valve V-8 (which features more horsepower and better fuel economy than the previous F-150’s V-6). The obvious lack of a V-6 will be remedied a year after the 2009 is introduced as Ford announced that the 2010 F-150 will offer two progressive new engine options: a diesel engine and the turbocharged EcoBoost gasoline direct injection. These smaller engines will offer improved power and better fuel economy from a smaller displacement.

Years ago, the only reason to buy a pickup truck was to haul stuff in the bed or tow cargo on trailers. Ford made sure that the F-150 was fully capable of doing both safely. The built-in Cargo Management System and Stowable Bed Extender ensure that items stored in the bed safe and secure. A segment first for light-duty trucks, the 2009 F-150 offers a fully integrated trailer brake controller and rearview assist camera assist. To keep the truck and trailer safely on the road, standard safety features include trailer sway control and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control)

Prices will be available closer to the fall launch of the 2009 F-150, but expect base XL trucks to start under $20,000. With the top-of-the-line Platinum essentially replacing the soon-to-be defunct Lincoln Mark LT, prices for the most luxurious F-150 ever should start somewhere near (probably above) the Lincoln’s current $38,000 price tag.

Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

2008 Ford Escape Review | New Escape Reviews | Ford SUV Review

Jeffrey Ross — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:35:00 GMT

The 2008 Ford Escape gets its first significant redesign since the Escape was introduced in 2001. The new-look Escape gives Ford's popular compact SUV a boxy, rugged look, and a drivetrain that ranges from a peppy V-6 to a fuel-efficient hybrid system. Keep reading below for a full review on the Ford Escape Limited.

The compact SUV market is more hotly contested right now than any of the presidential primaries or caucuses. Fortunately, the only mudslinging that goes on in this race is off-road. While many compact SUVs have pigeonholed themselves into certain categories, the Ford Escape has always remained true to its SUV roots and continues to be a rugged and versatile candidate. The availability of a hybrid model just makes the Escape an all-around winner.

For 2008, Ford completely restyled the Escape both inside and out to give the company’s entry-level SUV a look to match its rugged capabilities. The Escape we test drove was the top-of-the-line, four-wheel drive Limited model with just about every option box checked.

On the outside, the Escape is arguably one of the best looking compact SUVs on the market. Still using the same basic chassis as the 2001 Ford Escape, the fresh looks should help spark sales in the highly competitive market. The 2008 Escape now shares many design cues with other SUVs and crossovers in Ford’s lineup including the Expedition and the Taurus X. The Escape Limited features extensive chrome accents that include the large front grille, wheels, roof rack and rear decklid center trim. Combined with the Black Clearcoat paint, this Escape Limited has the looks of an upscale, luxury SUV with the price similar to its compact competitors.

All of the powertrain options are carried over from the previous model Escape. The Limited model features a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. With EPA estimates of 17 city/22 highway, our test vehicle averaged close to 21 (combined) mpg over mixed driving conditions.

In spite of its looks, value and fuel economy, the Escape suffers in two main areas: the transmission and brakes. Even with the powerful V-6, the outdated four-speed automatic transmission makes the Escape feel lethargic and underpowered at times, while the 2008 Escape takes a regressive step by replacing the four-wheel disc brake setup on the 2001-2007 models with an antiquated rear drum setup.

Ford has already announced that the Escape will receive more enhancements for the 2009 model year including a new six-speed automatic transmission and more powerful and efficient engine options.

Inside, the charcoal leather interior provides spacious, comfortable and luxurious accommodations that many of the Escape’s competitors can’t match. Among many other highlights, the all-new interior allows for dual-zone automatic climate control, touch-screen navigation and a center console that can easily swallow a large purse or laptop computer. Some may fault the Escape’s hard plastic dash as cheap, but it added to the SUV’s rugged yet luxurious theme.

The Escape gives the versatility of an SUV in the size of a compact car. The Ford Escape has the shortest length of any other vehicle with a wheelbase only slightly longer than the Ford Focus but still manages to offer adequate cargo capacity: 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 66.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. On the highway, the Escape’s short wheelbase tended to result in a bumpy and sometimes uncomfortable ride despite the updated four-wheel independent suspension.

Considering the size and prices of many compact SUVs and crossovers are very similar, potential buyers sometimes turn to safety rating to make their final decisions. Early production Escapes received a disappointing three-star crash test rating for frontal driver protection and rollover protection (later production Escapes were upgraded to four stars for frontal impact), while standard side canopy airbag helped the Escape receive a full five stars for side impact protection.

The 2008 Ford Escape has a starting MSRP of just $19,005, while our almost fully loaded Limited test model came in at just over $31,000.

2008 Ford Escape Limited Pictures and Wallpapers

Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008

2007 Ford Expedition Review | New Expedition Reviews | Ford SUV Review

Jeffrey Ross — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:24:00 GMT

The Ford Expedition stands as one of the largest SUVs on the market. For 2007, Ford redesigned the Expedition with a more aggressive look and added luxury in a segment that is trying to redefine itself in light of rising gasoline prices. Keep reading below for a full review of the 2007 Ford Expedition.

Some people say that SUVs are dead. Others just wish they were.

The truth is that SUVs still represent a large portion of revenues for manufacturers and as long as that is the case, SUVs will remain an integral vehicle segment.

When Ford introduced the second generation Expedition in 2003, it became one of the best handling full-size SUVs on the market but shared the smaller Explorer’s uninspiring design. For the 2007 model year, the Expedition was redesigned again to receive a much-needed makeover that now gives the Expedition aggressive looks to go along with its stellar handling.

The biggest advantage the Expedition has over its competitors is its rear suspension. While all of its competitors used a live axle in the rear, Ford switched to the independent rear suspension (IRS) in 2003 and improved upon it for 2007.

One common misconception about IRS is that the towing capability is much less on vehicles equipped than that of vehicles with live rear axles. With the IRS in the 2007 Expedition, Ford not only managed to improve the ride qualities of this behemoth but also greatly improved the towing capacity. With the heavy-duty trailer tow package, the maximum trailer weight is 9,000 pounds - 600 pounds more than a Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4 and 1,800 pounds more than Chevrolet Tahoe with identical tow package.

Power is derived from Ford’s 300-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V8 that pumps out 365 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission replaces the outdated four-speed transmission and it shifts perfectly and smoothly. A dial to the left of the climate control gauges easily controls the four-wheel drive system. This powertrain allows the Expedition to feel at home whether dodging rush hour traffic or cruising at highway speeds.

On the highway, the Expedition shined. Michigan roads may be littered with potholes, but nothing can be more aggravating or uncomfortable than Florida’s wavy roads and bridges. The Expedition floated like a feather during a three-hour trip and averaged an acceptable 19 mpg. In city traffic, the Expedition handled incredibly well for its size and averaged 13 mpg.

The Expedition Limited is by far the most unique of the Expedition lineup as it offers blacked-out headlights and a monochromatic paint scheme to differentiate it from other models. The remaining three models include the XLT, Eddie Bauer and King Ranch - all receive reflective jeweled headlamps, chrome grilles and the latter two models feature two-tone paint schemes.

While the exterior appears to be no more than a much-needed mid-cycle enhancement, Ford completely redesigned the interior of the 2007 Expedition to offer comfortable and luxurious accommodations.

Small touches, such as chrome-trimmed gauges and dark faux wood trim, make the layout of the instrument panel attractive and inviting. Control buttons are easy to access and the large radio/navigation screen vastly improves the functionality.

The climate-controlled seats were a warm (pun intended) welcome on the black leather seats. While heated seats in Florida might be only useful a few weeks out of the year, the seat coolers for both front seats can be easily appreciated in warmer climates. The 10-way power seats offer a comfortable ride, not to mention a commanding view of the road.

While passengers over 6’2” may want to avoid the rear seats, all three rows of seating offer impressive comfort and legroom. The stadium style seating of the second and third row bench seats offers a good view of the optional rear seat entertainment DVD system (with an eight-inch LCD screen) for those “stuck” in the back. Individual A/C vents allows even those in the very back to remain comfortable. Exiting the third row can be tricky, however, since the second row seats don’t flip forward.

Behind the third-row seats, the Expedition offers 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. When more cargo room is needed in place of eight-passenger seating, Ford’s innovative third row PowerFold seats disposes of the split bench at the touch of a button (or two). The second-row seats also fold down for a perfectly flat surface that offers a cavernous 108.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity that could easily swallow 4x8 sheets of plywood.

The power folding mirrors added a touch of convenience as well when it came time to squeeze the 7.5-foot wide SUV into a standard parking spot (the folded mirrors shave almost a foot off of the overall width!). One aspect of parking that the folding mirrors could do nothing to help with was trying to fit the 17-feet long and almost 6.5-feet tall Expedition into an average-sized garage.

Besides its mere size, the white sand tri-coat paint gave the Expedition a remarkable presence in the glaring Florida sun. The massive 20-inch, chrome-clad wheels added to the attention-grabbing looks by reflecting the sun in an almost strobe-like fashion while in motion.

While the touch-screen navigation system was by far the most helpful feature on the Expedition, a rearview backup camera would have helped immensely during tight backup maneuvers. Ford realized this and now offers a backup camera (with the monitor in the rearview mirror) on the 2008 model.

The safety aspects of the Expedition are numerous. The roof-mounted side canopy airbag allows head protection for all three rows while the front passengers get the dual frontal airbags and the seat-mounted side impact airbags. The 2007 Expedition received a five-star rating in frontal impacts and a four-star rollover rating* from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). No side-impact crash ratings were available.

Torque control is the main key with Ford’s most lauded safety feature: the patented AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). AdvanceTrac redistributes torque to maintain the vehicle’s traction while the Roll Stability Control uses sensors to measure the inevitability of a rollover to apply individual ABS brakes and automatically reduce engine torque to keep the Expedition on all four wheels.

The as-tested MSRP for this fully equipped 2007 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4 is $48,795.

* Based on NHTSA information: A four-star rollover rating indicates a risk of a single-vehicle rollover between 10-20 percent. “A vehicle’s rollover resistance rating is an estimate of its risk of rolling over in a singe-vehicle crash, not a prediction of the likelihood of a crash.”

2007 Ford Expedition Pictures and Wallpapers

Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2007

2008 Ford Taurus: Safe and Sound(less)

Jeffrey Ross — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:01:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

When Ford released the Taurus as a 1986 model, few imagined the ensuing success of the bubbly, unconventionally designed sedan.

Twenty years later, in an attempt to homologize Ford’s lineup, the Taurus name was dropped, in favor of the Fusion, so that all Ford car names (except the Mustang) started with the letter “F.”

New chief executive officer, Alan Mulally, wasn’t about to let the brand equity that the Taurus name had built up to slip away, so he decided to revive the name on a bigger, safer sedan. The move should allow Ford to build off the success of the Fusion and build anticipation of the Flex, the minivan-replacing crossover.

Enter the all-new 2008 Ford Taurus. Some will say it is nothing more than a rebadged 2007 Ford Five Hundred, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In addition to the added safety of the Taurus available by sharing platforms with the Volvo S60, V70 and XC90, Ford engineers looked at every little detail in an attempt to refine its large sedan to increase luxury, performance and handling and reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

With a more attractive design that carries Ford’s new corporate three-bar chrome grille, the Taurus offers a much-needed departure from the overly conservative design of the Five Hundred. Every aspect of the Taurus’ design was scrutinized to improve the quality of the car by paying attention to the smallest detail. Among other things, the door mirrors were redesigned with ridges on top to reduce wind noise and the door seals and latches updated to provide a quieter, more solid sound when the doors are closed.

Besides an updated look, the Taurus and Taurus X will benefit from an all-new powertrain. The 203-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are being replaced with a 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The end result is a car that Ford badly needs - a distinct, attractive car that offers the highest possible level of safety. The 2008 Ford Taurus received five-star crash test ratings in all categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is the Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

With Ford ending retail sales of the Crown Victoria for 2007, the Taurus will take over as Ford’s largest sedan. While the Crown Vic is a foot longer than 2008 Taurus, the wheelbase is only two inches shorter. A three inch height advantage over the now-fleet-only Crown Vic allows the Taurus to offer similar or improved head-, leg- and hip room in a more compact design (the 2008 Taurus gives up almost a foot in overall length to the Crown Vic).

The momentum created by the popular Fusion should carry-over well past the end of the decade with the introduction of the new Taurus this summer and the highly anticipated Flex later next year. Building off the success of the Fusion, the Taurus and Taurus X should help the company’s ailing sales (which are down almost 24% this year) and give Ford a desirable and attractive model lineup.

Ford's Shelby GT Mustang Goes Topless

Jeffrey Ross — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:51:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

As the iconic Ford Mustang prepares for some stiff competition from the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford has recognized that the endless flow of special edition Mustangs need to start doing more than looking pretty.

Unlike some of the recent themed Mustangs, Carroll Shelby-built cars have a legacy to live up to and the Shelby GT was designed to perform and handle as well as it looks.

Soon after the 2007 Shelby GT was launched last year, fans began clamoring for a drop-top model. For 2008, Mustang Shelby GT will be available as a coupe and convertible and will come in an exclusive color: Vista Blue. With only 2,300 units being produced, the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT will ensure exclusivity for enthusiasts who can get their hands on this car.

The Mustang GT’s 4.6-liter V8 was tuned with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to pump out 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. While a five-speed manual transmission is standard to provide optimal pleasure, a five-speed automatic is available for clutch-impaired drivers. The Mustang’s signature exhaust note is more menacing thanks to a high-flow exhaust system that also improves power delivery.

Polished 18-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich gForce tires and a 3.55:1 ration rear axle will help get the Shelby off the line in a hurry and hug the turns perfectly.

Almost everything added to the Shelby GT over a stock Mustang is done to improve some performance aspect of this car whether it be horsepower, aerodynamics or handling. The non-functional hood and side scoops add a more menacing look, but are as helpful in increasing performance as fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror. The chrome billet grille and functional hood pins gives a nod back to the Mustang’s street racing heritage.

With the 2007 Shelby GT coupe starting at an MSRP in the neighborhood of $35,000, the 2008 Shelby GT convertible will probably split the difference between the “lesser” Shelby GT and the mighty GT500. Of course with such limited numbers, it is almost assured that none of the cars go for sticker price.

2009 Ford Flex: the King of Crossovers

Jeffrey Ross — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:43:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

Despite the extreme usefulness of minivans and SUVs, both vehicles are associated with huge stigmas. To some, the SUV represents a gas-guzzling, over-sized glutton of a vehicle, and to others, just the mere mention of the word “minivan” can garner a response similar to that of mentioning an infectious disease.

With the 2009 Flex, Ford looks to bridge the gap between vans and SUVs while eliminating any ill will. The Flex represents an important vehicle for Ford as its sales numbers continue to decline, and this is just the vehicle they needed to come up with.

Since the Flex debuted at the New York Auto Show in early April, many comparisons and conclusions have been drawn for this segment-busting people mover. A direct replacement for the defunct Ford Freestar minivan, the 2009 Ford Flex will be more van-like compared to SUVs and more SUV-like compared to other vans – a brilliant recipe for success. Originally shown as the Ford Fairlane concept in 2005, the production-ready Flex, as promised by Ford, looks almost identical to the concept.

The primary target for the Flex is the minivan market. This of course includes the king of the minivans, the Dodge Grand Caravan. With similar drivetrains, dimensions and interior layouts, the biggest difference between these two people movers seems to be in the rear doors. The Grand Caravan continues the use of minivan-essential sliding doors, while the Flex switches to a conventional, front hinged door.

Both vehicles offer front-wheel drive, V6 engines, six-speed automatic transmissions and seven-passenger seating, but the Flex comes standard with the six-speed transmission (optional on the 240-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6-equipped Grand Caravan) and has the option of an all-wheel drive drivetrain (no longer an option on the Dodge minivan). The standard 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 has a distinct power advantage over the Caravan and suffers only slightly in the low-end grunt (Flex - 245 lb-ft; Caravan - 253 lb-ft).

Riding on a similar platform as the 2008 Ford Taurus and the Volvo XC90, the Flex had its wheelbase stretched about five inches which should add improved interior space to an already safe chassis. The biggest gain in comfort comes for the second row passengers when compared to the similarly sized Taurus X. For both vehicles, front and third-row passengers get essentially the same amount of legroom while the second-row passengers reap the benefits of the extended wheelbase with more legroom (Taurus X - 39.8 inches; 2009 Flex - 44.3 inches). Footrests and the rear entertainment system should have more passengers yelling “second row!” than “shotgun!”

Despite being shorter in overall height compared to the Grand Caravan, the Flex manages to offer superior headroom for all three rows thanks to the steeper angle of the windshield, the boxy roofline and the almost vertical D-pillar. When equipped with the optional sunroof, Caravan front passengers will relinquish over four inches of headroom. The Flex suffers, however, in hip room for all passengers even though it is three inches wider than the Caravan

Rear independent suspension and four wheel ABS disc brakes should offer safe and confident handling, while the standard 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels add to the distinct look of this full-size crossover.

The Dodge Grand Caravan (and sister Chrysler Town & Country) will be available the third quarter of this year, while those anticipating the Ford Flex must wait until the summer of 2008. A year after the Flex’s release, a Flex-based, uniquely designed Lincoln crossover will debut - most likely as a 2010 model.