Category Archives: Ford

Ford Explorer will showcase safety features

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford, General Auto News

Ford has announced that the 2011 version of its popular Explorer SUV will demonstrate several safety features that have not yet debuted on any other vehicles.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford will include its new “curve control” technology on the model, which automatically slows the vehicle if it determines that a driver is approaching a curve too quickly.

The technology is based off the company’s electronic stability control, which collects data about speed and wheel tilt to safely control the vehicle. Ford has said that the new feature did not require any additional hardware, and integrated the software into the existing system. Ford said it began to develop the system after government crash data found that 50,000 serious accidents occur each year due to high speeds on curves, also a cause of rollovers on SUVs.

The new Explorer will also feature inflatable seatbelts in the rear seats, which protect passengers like airbags in case of crash.

Those looking for a safe vehicle at an affordable price may want to look at a used Ford with electronic stability control.

Ford Fiesta focuses on fuel economy with a gas engine

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Posted in Ford

Hybrids have become the kings of fuel economy, but old-fashioned gas engines have also come a long way in conserving gas. Ford‘s new Fiesta model, for example, promises to get at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Those worried about both saving and going green may want to look at used Toyota and used Ford models before paying new car prices.

The Fiesta’s 40 miles per gallon is impressive for a gas-powered engine, and puts it in the ballpark of hybrids like the Honda Insight at 43 mpg and the Toyota Prius at 48 mpg. According to the Wall Street Journal, Ford designed the car in the same manner of the economy cars of the past.

The model attains its impressive fuel economy from its lightweight frame and small four-cylinder engine. The design is reminiscent of classic, fuel-efficient vehicles like the Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda CRX, and Suzuki Sprint, some of which got over 50 miles per gallon decades before hybrids hit the market.

However, safety features have caused cars to gain in weight. Most cars today weight over 3,000 pounds, but the Fiesta’s small size of 2,600 allows it to achieve some of the best fuel economy available with a gasoline engine.

New Ford Mustang shows off fuel economy

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

The 2011 Ford Mustang is the first car with 300 horsepower to also get over 30 miles per gallon, rated at 31 miles per gallon highway. Not satisfied with that, Ford took the Mustang to Bristol Motor Speedway to see just how many miles they could get out of the pony car when put to the test.

Ford aimed to run the car for 1,000 laps, or 533 miles, on just one tank of gas. Using fuel-efficient techniques like maintaining a constant speed, not starting or stopping and not running fuel drainers like air conditioning, they were able to extend the car well past its rating of 31 miles per gallon.

Five drivers took one-hour shifts with vehicle. NASCAR driver David Ragan drove the car past the 1,000 lap mark at 7:26 PM. But the new Mustang wasn’t done yet. It didn’t run out of gas until 12:41 in the morning. In total, it conquered 1,475 laps, or 776 miles, without ever refueling. Drivers kept the speed around 45 miles per hour and averaged almost 50 miles per gallon.

It wasn’t the first time Ford attempted such a stunt. Last year, they got 1,445 miles, or 81.5 miles per gallon, using the same techniques on the roads of Washington DC. Neither car was modified from its production specifications.

Those interested in a fuel-efficient vehicles might want to take a look at used Fords to save money both at the dealer and the pump.

Questions abound over Mercury resale values

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Posted in Ford, Mercury - DO NOT USE

Ford recently announced plans to end the storied Mercury brand, and those who purchased a Mercury in the past few years may be wondering about their resale value when it comes time to sell the car to a used car dealer.

Phoenix Business Journal recently talked to several auto experts about whether the car’s perceived value would be affected, and the results were mixed. Mercury, which shares platforms with Ford, is typically valued at least 1 percent lower than Ford, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Juan Flores, directer of valuation for Kelley Blue Book, predicts that Mercury’s could tumble, telling the news source that “historical precedence suggests that consumers typically shy away from purchasing vehicles from a brand that is no longer in existence.”

On the other hand, Jonathan Banks of NADA Used Car Guide told the news provider that the value will probably not change, because Mercury was not a brand that relied on its name for status, like BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

Mercury owners who are worried about their resale value might want to consider swapping their vehicle for a used Ford, since the cars are so closely linked.

JD Power: Ford rises, Toyota slumps

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford, Toyota

JD Power has released the results of their annual Initial Quality Study, and the results have fallen largely in line with the auto industry headlines as of late.

Ford was the big winner, breaking the top five in initial quality for the first time, and earning top marks in class for its Mustang, Taurus, and Focus models. Ford was the only of Detroit’s Big Three Automakers not to accept government bailout money and has since turned its business around.

In addition, this year’s study marks the first time that domestic brands collectively performed better than imports. That wasn’t good news for Toyota, who, in the wake of much-publicized recalls, fell from 6th to 21st in the rankings.

JD Power surveys hundreds of thousands of owners of new vehicles for their study, which measures how a car performs in its first few months of ownership. The study is considered by many experts to be indicative of the long-term quality of a vehicle, which could have effects on how these cars are eventually perceived on the used market.

And while the new Toyotas may be facing trouble, those who want to save off the cost of a new vehicle can still find reliable used Toyotas from pre-owned dealers.

Ford sees an electric future

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

While the first electric vehicles are starting to come to market, Ford is predicting a bright future for the vehicles.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford has stated that it predicts between 10 and 25 percent of its global volume will be electric by 2020. Electric vehicles, which includes hybrids running with advanced battery technology, currently make up about 2 percent of the fleet.

Ford further broke down its predictions by type. Of the group, 70 percent will be hybrids, 20 to 25 percent plug-in hybrids, and the remaining all-electric vehicles. Although Ford believes that electric vehicles will catch on, concerns about infrastructure and affordability and infrastructure may delay widespread adoption.

"The customer will decide who the winners and losers are and ultimately the pace of adoption of greener vehicles," Ford’s director of global electrification Nancy Gioia told the news source.

While electric vehicles may be expensive at the moment, drivers who want to help the environment and save money on gas can find deals on hybrids, like the Ford Fusion, on the used car market.

Pickup sales pick up

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Toyota

Dealers across the country are reporting an increase in pickup sales, a sign that the economy is recovering because Americans aren’t as worried about gas prices and small business are buying the vehicles to transport goods.

Sales of pickup trucks hit 151,000 last month, a whopping 19 percent increase over last year, according to the Associated Press. Many of those sales were full-size models, popular vehicles among contractors and builders.

John Blevins of Kentucky recently bought a Ford F-150 XL for his heating and air company. It was a purchase he had been putting off for awhile.

“In the last two to three years, we downsized quite a bit,” he told the news source. “We were holding off on buying anything new because we didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Pickups are useful vehicles for their safety, towing capacity, and large storage space. Small business owners who are interested in purchasing a pickup for their company would do well to look at used models such as the Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tundra. Buying used can save the company money while also providing it with a reliable vehicle.

SUVs at a crossroads

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News, Nissan, Toyota

With sales dwindling and crossovers becoming increasingly popular, the traditional sports utility vehicle is facing an uncertain future, but fans of the vehicles can find deals on older models by shopping on the used car market.

According to MSN Auto, the traditional SUV has struggled amid worries about fuel economy and a shrinking customer base. In addition, crossover vehicles – smaller models based on passenger car platforms, are usurping SUV’s spot as the most popular seller.

That doesn’t mean automakers are abandoning the SUV, however. Ford recently redesigned its flagship SUV, the Explorer, to address concerns about fuel economy. The new Explorer gets 25 mpg and runs on a modified car body, but its exterior is all-truck.

Traditional SUV fans may also want to look at models like the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder.

Utility sales (crossovers and SUVS) currently account for 28 percent of the total car market, but crossovers make up 77 percent of that.

However, there was a time when SUVs dominated the landscape, and for memories of that, drivers should look no further than the used car market.

Drivers who want the traditional off-roading capabilities along with the extra space should shop the used car dealers for the classic models of just a few years ago. While these cars once fetched a high price, their dwindling popularity has caused many used car dealers to offer significant savings.

More cars get “Top Safety Pick”

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Posted in Audi, Ford, General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recently unveiled nine more cars for its prestigious “Top Safety Pick” award. The IIHS tests every new model in several tests to earn the award, and the car must perform well in each test in order to qualify.

This year’s awards added a new test for roof strength, which is important in rollover situations, according to the Chicago Tribune. In addition, the cars must pass 40-mph frontal crash tests, side crash tests, and rear crash/whiplash tests, as well as be equipped with an electronic stability control system.

Ford picked up awards for its Ford Fusion and Flex, as well as its luxury Lincoln MKZ and MKT. The Audi A4 and Hyundai Tucson were also recent winners.

The tests take some time, so the winners are released in waves. Previous 2010 model award-winners include the Honda Civic and Element, Mercedes E and C Class and Toyota Corolla and Avalon.

The IIHS has done the tests since 2006 and keeps archives of all the winners by model year on their website. Drivers searching for a used car can use this as a resource to ensure that their next purchase is of the highest quality.

Ford to bet on “Dub” Mustang

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Posted in Ford

Ford is in the process of launching the 2011 edition of its classic Mustang model, and early reports indicate that its advertising will be aimed at introducing a younger generation to the historic model.

According to USA Today, the television ads will center around the “Dub” edition. Dub is an auto magazine featuring tricked-out versions of various cars. Ford invited the magazine’s editors to work their magic on the new Mustang.

The result is a Mustang with sleek black paint, off-black racing stripes and 22-inch Pirelli tires in the front with 24-inchers in the back.

Its no slouch under the hood either, with a 5-liter V8 engine and 412 horsepower, according to Edmunds.

It already has one fan: rapper Nelly, who got an early edition of the automobile.

In the meantime, those looking at used Fords should consider keeping their eyes peeled for lightly used 2010 Mustangs. As Ford pushes the 2010 Mustang out of showrooms, many will find their way onto the used car market, where they can be snagged for a fraction of the price.