New Car Guide Ford

2012 Ford E-Series Wagon

Full-sized cargo vans offer many of the capabilities of a pickup truck with enclosed storage. Passenger van models offer the unmatched capability of hauling lots of passengers while also being able to tow. Unfortunately, full-size vans are some of the largest vehicles on the road. The Ford E-Series (E-150, E-250, E-350, E-450) is a favorite of contractors and conversion van companies. Variants include: Commercial Van, Recreational Van, XL, XLT and Wagon models. Gasoline engine options include a 4.6L V-8, 5.4L V-8, and a 6.8L V-10. A 6.0L V-8 Powerstroke(R) diesel is also available. Transmissions include 4-speed and 5-speed automatics. AdvanceTrac(R) vehicle stability control is standard on 12 and 15-passenger vans. Towing capacity can be up to 10,000 lbs.

2013 Ford Edge

The Edge is a sport wagon similar in execution to the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7. Based on the mid-sized Ford Fusion, the 5-passenger Edge roughly slots between the Escape and Explorer in Ford's lineup. The Edge is offered in a variety of trim levels and configurations with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. Most Edge models equip a 3.5L V6 rated at 285-bhp. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is offered on FWD models increasing fuel economy to 21/30 (city/highway). The Sport model includes a more powerful 3.7L V6. A six-speed automatic is standard on all models. The Edge lineup includes Ford's latest technology like touch sensitive buttons on the instrument panel and full color instrumentation. With sharp styling and a bright color palette, the Edge has carved out a sizable chunk of the market.

2013 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape continues to be a success in the compact SUV segment. This SUV offers a combination of nimble handling and a comfortable ride. Compact SUVs are the sweet spot in the market offering generous cargo hauling without the fuel economy penalty of the larger models. The Escape offers a range of engines including a 237-bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed automatic is standard on all models.

2012 Ford Expedition

The Expedition is a full-size SUV with ample room and cargo hauling capability. It is sold in two lengths: Expedition and Expedition EL. The shorter Expedition competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, while the Expedition EL compares with the Chevrolet Suburban. Ford also sells a variant of the Expedition as the Lincoln Navigator. Inside the Expedition there are three rows of seats for up to 8 passengers. The standard 5.4l V8 engine can tow up to 9200 lbs. when properly equipped. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is the higher tow ratings. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Modern FWD-biased SUVs like the latest Explorer offer similar interior room with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for far less money.

2012 Ford Expedition EL

The Expedition is a full-size SUV with ample room and cargo hauling capability. It is sold in two lengths: Expedition and Expedition EL. The shorter Expedition competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, while the Expedition EL compares with the Chevrolet Suburban. Ford also sells a variant of the Expedition as the Lincoln Navigator. Inside the Expedition there are three rows of seats for up to 8 passengers. The standard 5.4l V8 engine can tow up to 9200 lbs. (8900 lbs. for Expedition EL) when properly equipped. Compared to the shorter wheelbase Expedition, the Expedition EL adds some 15 inches of length behind the third row seat, doubling the three-row cargo carrying capability. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is the higher tow ratings. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Modern FWD-biased SUVs like the latest Explorer offer similar interior room with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for far less money.

2013 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a hall-of-fame vehicle. The original Explorer helped to define the SUV segment and for years sold in numbers that no modern SUV or crossover could duplicate. In 2011, Ford reinvented the Explorer. Like all but the largest SUVs, the Explorer is now a unibody vehicle with a FWD-biased drive system. The new Explorer is longer and wider than before with a more spacious interior for seven passengers. By comparison, the Honda Pilot is slightly smaller, but the Chevrolet Traverse is slightly larger. Under the hood, most models equip a 290-bhp 3.5l V6 that has more power than competitive V6s and nearly matches the output of the prior generation's V8. Ford also equips the Explorer with an unusual 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder (FWD only) promising increased fuel economy. Ford offers the Explorer in three trim levels ranging from about $30,000 to well over $40,000, ensuring that there is a model for every taste and budget.

2012 Ford F-150 Crew Cab

The Ford F-Series is the best-selling pickup in the USA. One of the reasons for its popularity is the wide range of body and powertrain variants for personal use and utility needs. A properly equipped F-150 can tow up to 11,300 lbs. Engines range from the entry-level V6 to a large 6.2L V8. Most models equip either a 5.0L V8 or a 3.5L turbocharged V6. All models equip a six-speed transmission. The F-Series SuperCrew (crew cab) has the widest range of trim levels with models ranging from the entry-level XL to the pricey Harley Davidson edition.

2012 Ford F-150 Extended Cab

2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

2012 Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta is a small front-wheel-drive car serves as Ford's entry-level model. Available in a four-door sedan and a 5-door hatch, the Fiesta combines smaller proportions and advanced powertrain technology to achieve fuel economy ratings of up to 29/39. Similar in size to the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, the Fiesta is over 5 inches shorter and 3 inches narrower than the larger Ford Focus. With bright colors and sharp styling, the Fiesta does not look like inexpensive transportation. Although the base model priced at $14,000 is a bit spartan, it is possible to get a model with alloy wheels and power equipment for around $16,000.

2012 Ford Fiesta 5d

2013 Ford Flex

The Flex is a purpose built crossover vehicle with three rows of seating and unique appearance guaranteed to draw stares. The Flex defies categorization and has few direct peers in the marketplace. With a height of just under 68 inches the Flex is shorter than a minivan, but significantly taller than other wagons like the Toyota Venza. The long body of the Flex is wrapped around a conventional three-row interior with generous accommodations for occupants in the first two rows of seats. The Flex falls short of the three row utility of a minivan with a smaller third row seat, and substantially less cargo area behind it. The long bulky rear passenger doors could make getting in and out of the rear seat difficult in parking lots. Ford's latest Explorer nearly matches utility of the Flex in a more conventional SUV body style. The Flex is offered in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. A 3.5L V6 and six-speed automatic transmission are standard on all trim levels, but a powerful turbocharged 3.5l V6 engine is available on the top model. Pricing starts at around $30,000, but climbs quickly to nearly $50,000.

2012 Ford Focus 5-door

Compact cars are one of the most hotly contested segments in the industry. It takes a combination of style, value and fuel economy to succeed. Redesigned for 2012, the Ford Focus addresses all three with a range of models from the basic S to the high-end Titanium. A standard 160-bhp, 2.0l four cylinder engine is one of the most powerful engines in the segment, yet maintains a respectable EPA rating of 28 MPG city, 38 MPG highway (6-speed AT). The Focus is slightly smaller than some competitive models in the segment but splits the difference in size between the smaller Ford Fiesta, and the larger Ford Fusion. Two body styles are available: a sedan and a five-door hatchback. The basic S and SE have low starting prices, but include common cost cutting items like rear drum brakes and steel wheels with wheel covers. At about $21,000, the Focus SEL addresses both shortcomings nearly matching the price of similarly equipped models from other manufacturers. Ford will continue to expand the Focus lineup adding an all-electric vehicle in 2012, and a plug-in hybrid for 2013.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

Ford has aggressive plans to electrify its product range. One of the first dedicated electric vehicles due on the market is the Ford Focus Electric. Based on the new (for 2012) Ford Focus 5-door, the Focus electric is notable for being a mainstream product offering from a large automaker. Although details are somewhat vague, Ford claims that the Focus Electric is appropriate for the large number of people who drive 100 miles or less in a day's time. The battery pack is rechargeable in about 3 hours at 240V, or overnight at 120V. Ford plans to offer a low-cost 240V charging station through Best Buy retail stores. A variety of new technologies will provide drivers with critical information on the status of the system. Many features like the recharge status of the car will be available through the owner's smartphone or the web. A value charging function will allow the car to recharge during off-peak times.

2012 Ford Focus sedan

Compact cars are one of the most hotly contested segments in the industry. It takes a combination of style, value and fuel economy to succeed. Redesigned for 2012, the Ford Focus addresses all three with a range of models from the basic S to the high-end Titanium. A standard 160-bhp, 2.0l four cylinder engine is one of the most powerful engines in the segment, yet maintains a respectable EPA rating of 28 MPG city, 38 MPG highway (6-speed AT). The Focus is slightly smaller than some competitive models but splits the difference in size between the smaller Ford Fiesta, and the larger Ford Fusion. Two body styles are available: a sedan and a five-door hatchback. The basic S and SE have low starting prices, but include common cost cutting items like rear drum brakes and steel wheels with wheel covers. At about $21,000, the Focus SEL addresses both shortcomings nearly matching the price of similarly equipped models from other manufacturers. Ford will continue to expand the Focus lineup adding an all-electric vehicle in 2012, and a plug-in hybrid for 2013.

2012 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is a mid-sized sedan that fits between the compact Focus sedan and the larger Taurus in Ford's lineup. However, the Fusion may be the most important car that Ford makes as it competes in the hotly contested mid-sized segment. The Fusion offers distinctive styling, a wide choice of powertrain and a good value. With prices starting below $20,000, the Fusion is a good alternative to other mid-sized models and compact models. Higher trim levels add features and powertrains that compare favorably with the segment leading Toyota Camry. The Fusion's four cylinder and hybrid models offer exceptional fuel economy. The availability of all-wheel-drive distinguishes the Fusion from most other vehicles in the segment. The 2012 model is the last year of this body style before a major update in 2013.

2013 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is instantly recognizable as an American icon. When introduced in 2005, the latest iteration intended to evoke the classic styling of the Mustangs from the late 1960's; however, a significant update in 2010 resulted in a sleeker, more modern design. Base Mustangs now equip a new 3.7l V6 with more power than many of Mustang's historic V8 models. The performance oriented GT model now equips an updated version of the legendary 5.0l V8 rated at 420-bhp. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With sleek styling and powerful, yet fuel-efficient engines, the Mustang is far from being a throwback pony car.

2013 Ford Mustang convertible

The Ford Mustang is instantly recognizable as an American icon. When introduced in 2005, the latest iteration intended to evoke the classic styling of the Mustangs from the late 1960's; however, a significant update in 2010 resulted in a sleeker, more modern design. Base Mustangs now equip a new 3.7l V6 with more power than many of Mustang's historic V8 models. The performance oriented GT model now equips an updated version of the legendary 5.0l V8 rated at 420-bhp. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Convertible models retain the coupe's four-passenger seating, adding a power-operated cloth top for open air driving. With sleek styling and powerful, yet fuel-efficient engines, the Mustang is far from being a throwback pony car.

2013 Ford Taurus

After twenty plus years on the market, the Taurus has clearly reached legendary status. The Taurus was once the best seller in its segment and remained a top seller for Ford even as Ford neglected the model for many years. In 2008, the underappreciated Ford Five Hundred was renamed Taurus setting the stage for the best Taurus in many years. The Taurus is a large sedan with plentiful legroom and headroom in the first and second rows. A 288-bhp V6 has sufficient power for quick acceleration with respectable fuel economy. The Taurus is FWD, but also offers AWD for increased traction. The latest model features a lengthy list of safety, technology and luxury features, many of which are standard equipment. The Taurus once again offers a high-performance SHO model. The Taurus SHO equips a 365-bhp turbocharged V6 for more power and AWD to put it to the road.

2012 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

Next to trucks, one of Ford's most lucrative product lines is the Econoline van. Ford sells hundreds of thousands each year to contractors alone. For smaller businesses and companies in urban areas, a full-size van is too large and expensive to operate. For these customers, Ford imports the Transit Connect van. The Transit Connect is a small, yet capable van offered in two- and five-passenger versions. A fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine powers the front-wheel-drive van. The EPA rates the Transit Connect at 22/27 (city/highway). In the front, there are comfortable car-like bucket seats with a large overhead storage bin. In the rear, there is a tall cargo area accessible via sliding side doors and dual rear side-hinged doors. On five passenger models, the second row seat is a bench with three separately contoured seating positions and second row windows. The cargo area of most models is unfinished with exposed metal, but Ford can customize the cargo area to meet a wide variety of needs. Ford also offers an option package that adds third row windows and minimal trim to the cargo area.

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