2011 Ford Explorer,Reviews

The 2011 Ford Explorer has been fully rede signe d.
To do so, Ford has replaced the Explorer's truck-related mechanicals with unibody construction similar to that of the Ford Flex. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.

For even better mpg, front-drive Explorers can be optioned with a turbocharged four-cylinder (yes, really) rated at 237 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque.
Overall, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for. The 2011 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels (nope, no more Eddie Bauer).

The Limited includes the XLT's Rapid Spec items, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The Rapid Spec 301A package includes a power liftgate and a navigation system, along with the Luxury Seating package that adds an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat. The Rapid Spec 302A package includes an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers.

The 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Ford-estimated fuel economy with two-wheel drive is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- also average for the class. Ford estimates fuel economy will be in the range of V6-powered family sedans.

Safety
Every 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling too fast for a particular corner.

The 2011 Ford Explorer ushers in a new era of interior quality for not only the Explorer, but for the Ford brand entirely.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Ford Explorer no longer drives like a truck and that's a great thing.

2011 Ford Expedition,Reviews

2011 Ford Expedition, the Ford Expedition gains a new entry-level XL model and loses the long-running Eddie Bauer edition. Actually there are two versions of Ford's flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Ford Expedition is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that's offered in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. The new entry-level XL model comes standard with seating for five (or eight in the third-row-equipped EL), 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the EL), automatic headlights, foglights, a roof rack, running boards, air-conditioning (with rear controls), cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and rear audio controls.

Upgrading to the XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a third-row seat to regular-wheelbase versions, plus a reverse-sensing system, power-adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, the voice-operated Sync system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Other major add-ons, depending on trim level, include 20-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear air suspension, a manually folding third-row seat for the regular-wheelbase XL (which increases seating capacity to eight), second-row captain's chairs (which reduce the maximum passenger count to seven), a sunroof and a new rear-seat video entertainment system that features two headrest-mounted screens. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.

The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a rollover-sensing stability control system, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models.

Both Ford Expedition body styles offer generous cargo room behind that third row, including an ample 18.6 cubic feet in regular-wheelbase models and a whopping 42.6 cubic feet in the EL version.

Four Mustang Iacocca,Reviews

An online charity auction under way includes an extremely limited-edition Ford Mustang Iacocca that once belonged to Lee Iacocca, the former Ford andChrysler executive and a principal architect of the muscle-car movement. Bundled with the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang is a feature as novel as the vehicle itself: a Los Angeles lunch with Mr. Iacocca.

Courtesy of a supercharger, the model being auctioned generates 400 horsepower.
The 1965 Ford Mustang Iacocca was unveiled to hundreds of reporters by Lee Iacocca at the New York World's Fair on April 13, 1964. The Mustang had been championed by Iacocca, an ambitious car salesman who rose through the ranks on smarts and self-assurance to become head of the Ford division.

Incidentally, this is Ford's first international press introduction. Incidentally, this is Ford's first international press introduction. We can't think of any [Ford] product... that has generated more advance interest than the Four Mustang Iacocca. Let me put the Mustang into perspective. Third, the Mustang will have an astonishingly low price -- so low we plan to introduce it with an intensive campaign of price advertising. The suggested retail price for a two-door Mustang hardtop with standard equipment, delivered at a Detroit dealership, will be just $2368. Fourth, the Mustang will be built at two assembly plants -- Dearborn, Michigan, and San Jose, California.

Finally, we plan to fit the Four Mustang Iacocca into our program of performance events. We don't claim the Mustang...can be all things to all people.

2011 ford escape,Reviews

The 2011 Ford Escape gets a couple of minor equipment changes that include MyKey being made standard across the board.

Fast-forward a decade and the 2011 Ford Escape doesn't have it nearly as easy. Among the latter are Ford's superb Sync system that allows voice control over your cell phone, iPod/MP3 player and the available navigation system. Once it's loaded with options, a 2011 Ford Escape will likely please those who value having the latest technology.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Ford Escape is a compact crossover that seats five people. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid model is addressed in a separate review.
The Sync electronics interface (includes iPod interface and Bluetooth) and steering-wheel audio controls are optional. The XLT adds automatic headlights, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-way power driver seat, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio. The Sun & Sync package adds Sync and a sunroof. A seven-speaker stereo upgrade is also available.

To the XLT's feature list the Escape Limited adds different 16-inch wheels, chrome exterior highlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sync and a six-speaker stereo. Upgrading to the Limited Luxury package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. All trim levels of the Ford Escape can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the Escape V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The Escape's fuel economy with the four-cylinder, six-speed auto and front-wheel drive is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops that to 19/25/21 mpg. The front-wheel-drive six-cylinder Escape returns an estimated 18/26/21 mpg, while all-wheel drive gets 17/24/20 mpg.

Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length curtain-type airbags are all standard on the 2011 Ford Escape. In government tests, the Escape earned a perfect five stars in both front and side crash tests. The Escape did equally well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, scoring the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side tests. Unfortunately, the Escape is hampered by poor braking performance. From 60 mph, the last Escape we tested stopped in a lackluster 138 feet.

Driving Impressions
While pleasant to drive, the 2011 Ford Escape lacks the mechanical polish and sophistication of newer models from Chevrolet, Honda, Kia, Subaru and Toyota. Among compact crossovers, the Escape feels the most trucklike. Nevertheless, the electric power steering makes parking and low-speed maneuvers easy, and the suspension is smoother over rough pavement than older Escapes.

2011 ford edge,Reviews

The 2011 Ford Edge has been heavily revised. The Edge Sport model drops the chrome in favor of blackout trim and now gets 22-inch wheels as standard equipment. Meanwhile, the Edge Sport receives an exclusive 3.7-liter engine that kicks out 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 Ford Edge is now a solid pick for a midsize five-passenger crossover, especially if you're fond of its styling and technological features.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Ford Edge crossover is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels.

The SEL gains 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat, satellite radio and a trunk-mounted second-row folding seat release.

The top-shelf Limited adds ambient lighting, leather seating, a 10-way power driver seat with memory settings, a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, the MyFord Touch interface, Ford Sync, two USB inputs, a rearview camera and a premium 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio. The Ford Edge SE, SEL and Limited come with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 285 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. All trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive, and all but the SE can be equipped with all-wheel drive.

The Edge Sport has an 18/25/20 mpg rating with front-drive and 17/23/19 mpg with AWD.

The programmable Ford MyKey system, which can help make the Edge safer for teen drivers, also comes standard. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Edge scored the highest possible rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact testing. In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive Ford Edge Sport stopped from 60 mph in a respectable 121 feet.

The 2011 Ford Edge ranks 6 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. The refreshed Ford Edge has sharp new styling, a higher quality cabin and powerful engine options. Best of all, the Edge offers revolutionary touch controls for the stereo and entertainment systems.

The 2011 Edge is more comfortable and quieter than ever. The EPA has not yet rated the 2011 ford Edge. A drawback is the Highlander’s ho-hum SUV styling, which can’t compete with the Edge’s sleeker looks.
It saves almost $6,000 as compared to the Edge’s base price, and it increases fuel economy even more with a 20/28 mpg base rating.

Details: Ford Edge
If you're interested in the Edge, also consider buying a 2010 model. The 2011 Edge is available in four trims: the base SE, SEL, Limited and Sport. It's available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

2012 Ford Fiesta,Reviews

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2012 Ford Escape,Reviews

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2012 Ford Escape

A popular compact SUV is redesigned within a new global vehicle family headed by the next-generation Focus compact car. What We Know About the "2012 Ford Escape"

The Ford Escape remains one of America’s most popular compact SUVs. No market looms larger in global sales and earnings than the so-called C-segment--compact cars and SUVs--so the redesigned Focus and 2012 Ford Escape are bound to loom large in the automaker’s future.

Ford’s global C-segment sales were about a million units in 2008, but involved three different platforms. Though Ford and others have tried “world cars” before, most of the efforts were commercial disappointments, especially in North America. (Remember the Euro-designed Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique compact sedans?) Because we’ve now learned enough about the redesigned Focus and Focus C-Max to sketch the broad outlines of the 2012 Ford Escape.
The Ford Vertrek Concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show adds a few more hints. The current Escape, designed in collaboration with Ford’s Japanese affiliate, which sells the same basic vehicle as the Mazda Tribute, uses orthodox concentric strut-and-spring units and freestanding shock absorbers.