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Review: 2014 Ford Escape SE FWD
For such a small SUV (106 in. wheelbase, 178 in. length), the Escape scores reassuringly high on safety institute (IIHS) crash tests, with “Good” ratings in the all four categories (frontal offset, side and rear impact and roof strength). From the US government, the Escape rates 5 stars in front and rear seat side crashes.
Read More »Review: 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD
The Fusion ticks the “best ever” box in a number of departments for Ford. Its form fitting seats rate this accolade, for example, by providing such tightly molded support that you don’t want to leave them when you’ve reached your destination. The tailored looks of the Titanium Fusion are fetching enough to make you cast a parting glance at it every time you walk away.
Read More »Review: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Hype: Stellar Cosmetics, GT Grunt Gripes: Clunky Door Slam, Distracting Wide View Ext. Mirrors Front to back, here are the significant features of the “base” Boss 302: New aero package to reduce lift A completely revised 444-horsepower engine with unique head castings, different exhaust valves and exhaust-side cams, upgraded internal materials in the valvetrain and […]
Read More »Review: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
If Ford’s C-Max Hybrid represents the future of cars, I’ll start reviewing toasters. This expensive derivative of the $16,995 Focus costs $31,085, weighs a whopping 3,639 pounds, but makes just 141hp in petrol mode or 188hp in combined petrol/electric mode. Saddled with a noisy CVT (Constant Velocity) transmission, the C-Max whines its way laboriously to thrust. The faster you accelerate, the more noise you generate from the drivetrain.
Read More »2013 Ford Flex-SEL AWD Review
It’s not often I lose a fight with a turn signal indicator, but the stalk on this Flex had me flummoxed. So much pressure is required to move the lever, that half the time it wouldn’t budge until after the window of need had shut. In a microcosm, that recalcitrance is emblematic of the Flex’ testy driver/vehicle interface. For example, if you want to turn the seat heaters on
Read More »2013 Ford Fusion SE Review
Park the 2013 Fusion next to Ford’s previous model of the same name and you will instantly see that everything has changed but the name. The previous model was so chrome-clad, clumsily styled and ponderous looking that it makes the new Fusion look like Botticelli’s Venus on the Half Shell. Your first impression of the 2013 Fusion’s comparative grace, balance and purpose is not deceiving
Read More »2012 Ford Edge 2.0L Review
At $38,910, Ford’s EcoBoost Edge pushes the price envelope for a 4 cylinder SUV with front-wheel-drive. Base price on the Edge is $34,915. But by the time you’ve added the $995 optional 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine, new for 2012 and featuring direct injection, the $485 Vision Package (with blind spot monitoring), the numerical keypad Driver Entry Package
Read More »2013 Ford Mustang V6 Review
Most people think V-8 when they think Ford Mustang. To be sure, the brand’s identity is based on the architecture of the 8 cylinder engine. But with gas nudging the $5 per gallon mark, maybe it’s time to rethink the basic Mustang equation. Back in 1964, when Ford introduced the Mustang, the base model’s inline 6 cylinder engine was a weak-kneed shadow of the optional V8.
Read More »2013 Ford Fiesta SES Review
The newly reissued Fiesta is small, practical, affordable, and cute. But along with those virtues, it also never lets you forget that it is cramped and underpowered. On the positive side of the ledger, the Fiesta is short enough to slip into any parking spot you can find. It’s even a pleasure to parallel park since side and rear vision is unrestricted. Its diminutive 98 inch
Read More »2013 Ford Explorer Review
Once the SUV sales king, the truck-based Explorer has been passed over in recent years for more modern looking, better performing car-based crossovers.
Read More »2012 Ford Focus Hatchback Review
If you think of the Focus as Ford’s VW Golf beater, you’re aiming too low. Golf was just the low hanging fruit in Ford’s quest to redefine the sport compact sedan.
Read More »2012 Ford Edge SEL FWD Review
The mid-size SUV has finally come of age. More rugged than a minivan, more practical than a sedan, and without the fuel-efficiency penalty of a traditional truck-based SUV, the modern crossover appeals to a wide range of consumers looking for that do-all vehicle. Having sold millions of Explorers and Expeditions to the masses,
Read More »2012 Ford F-150 Platinum and Lariat Editions
The big news for Ford truck fans this year is an entirely new engine lineup for the best-selling F-150.
Read More »2012 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback Review
It’s been over ten years since Ford has brought its world-class compact sedan and hatchback to America. During this time, those of us in the US completely missed out on the second generation of the Ford Focus
Read More »2011 Ford Mustang GT Review
The latest iteration of the long-lived Mustang GT has to be the bargain performance sensation of the year. When correctly optioned, this $36,000 evolution of Ford’s original ponycar…
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