Handy Auto Guide

Wayne Cunningham writing over at the ALPHA Blog previews the 2007 Ford Escape hybrid SUV. 'Although the Escape Hybrid has navigation and a six-disc CD changer, the implementation is as awful as it ever was. I hope Ford can finish its reorganization and get its finances under control so that it can pay attention to the current state-of-the-art car technology and load up the Escape Hybrid. The car's LCD is tiny, the navigation points-of-interest database doesn't include regular retail stores, and the CD changer is mounted under the passenger seat. There is a telephone button on the navigation/stereo unit, but pressing it merely mutes the audio--no Bluetooth yet. The stereo system isn't designed for audiophiles. It has enough speakers to drown out road noise, but it doesn't offer clarity or depth. The car does have an AC outlet on the center console, a nice little touch for powering a laptop or a toaster oven.

Automobile Magazine previews the 2007 Ford Edge crossover. A crossover is an SUV built on a car or minivan chassis instead of a truck-based platform. 'The Edge's short-ratio first and second gears help the Edge launch energetically out of your subdivision, and once you're on the freeway, dips into the throttle are met by fast, crisp downshifts. This is a lot more rewarding to an aggressive driver than the endless droning of a CVT. If you need to pass at 70 mph, the gearbox will seamlessly drop to fourth and even grab third if further analysis of the rev situation deems that the V-6 can handle it.'

CNET have reviewed the 2007 Ford Edge crossover SUV. 'Ford's newest model, the 2007 Ford Edge, marks the second in a new generation of cars from the venerable automaker that can compete in quality with European and Japanese imports. Like the Ford Fusion, the Edge takes build quality up a notch and uses generally nicer cabin materials than previous Fords. The Edge also includes cabin technology, which younger car buyers are coming to expect.

The Car Connection have reviewed the 2007 Ford Mustang GT500. 'Clever those Ford marketing types … their new favorite phrase regarding the Mustang is "A steed for every need." True, or just banal hyperbole? After driving a 2007 Mustang GT, Shelby GT, and a Shelby GT500, I see some truth in this advertising. On a pleasant day in October, Ford rented the road course at Moroso Motorsports Park near Palm Beach, Florida . They populated the track with all manner of Mustangs, ranging from the basic 300-horsepower GT to a full-blown Shelby GT500. The Mustangs were there for the press's driving pleasure, and it was just that.'

Jonny Lieberman writng over at The Truth about Cars has posted a review of the Ford Fusion SE. 'If you isolate certain parts of Ford's Fusion they look damn good. The triple blade shaving grill, boxy headlights and oversized, triangular taillights are all boutique bling without being garish (which is about as easy to pull off as it sounds). Combined with an ultra-generic three box shape, the whole is less than some of its parts. The Fusion’s square-cut headlamps, for example, should wrap around the body like the new Edge’s illuminators. While it’s not an ugly car by any means, the Hecho en Mexico Fusion lacks the Mustang’s all-American appeal or its Japanese competitors’ pseudo-European allure.'

Inside Line have posted their review of the Ford's 2008 Escape SUV. 'With the redesigned 2008 Ford Escape, Ford has married its corporate truck face with the Escape's palatable price and practicality. Some industry people call this type of revision a "top-half" update, or, in other words, just about everything above the floor-to-body pinch weld is new or redesigned. The engines, drivelines (excluding the hybrid) and wheelbase are carry-overs from the 2007 models which are being highly incentive-ized to make room for the '08 Escapes that will be on dealer lots by April.

'Lincoln is pulling the wraps off a head-turning new concept car at the North American International Auto Show next week, signaling its design strategy for the next-generation of premium American vehicles and launching a new engine family.The Lincoln MKR concept introduces a new design language of “elegant simplicity” on a four-door coupe that also features environmentally friendly amenities and fuel-saving technology, including its TwinForce™ engine.The concept’s 3.5-liter gasoline twin-turbocharged direct-injection V-6 performs comparably or better than V-8 engines, delivering 415 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque on renewable E-85 ethanol.'

Inside Line have posted a review of the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty PickuP truck. 'In the past, if you wanted an F-450 dually that didn't look like an industrial appliance, you had to convert a commercial-grade F-450 cab-chassis, the unfinished one that comes with naked frame rails behind the cab. Several companies make a tidy living from grafting standard F-350 8-foot beds (or even fiberglass replicas) onto the back of cab-chassis combinations. Unfortunately there are major problems involved.

Business Week have published their review of the 2007 Ford Fusion sedan. 'A basic Fusion rolls in at $17,995, but a six-cylinder version with top-of-the-line SEL trimmings and all-wheel drive starts at $23,825, marginally undercutting pricing of Japanese competition. My test vehicle was equipped with $295 heated front seats; $595 antilock brakes; $195 satellite radio; $895 leather seating; $420 audiophile sound system; and $1,895 navigation system. Even with a $700 destination fee, the total comes in under the magic 3-0, at $28,820.

CNET's automotive editorial team took the 2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 on a road test and have posted their impressions of Ford's large SUV. 'The Ford Expedition got an update for its 2007 model year. With the demise of the Excursion line, the 2007 Expedition is the biggest passenger car in Ford's lineup these days, and the behemoth SUV sports many of the design cues that are currently in vogue among Ford's designers, including a three-bar chrome grille, chiseled front fenders, and a bug-eyed headlight arrangement. Inside, the Expedition has been given even more of an overhaul. For those willing to tick the boxes on the options sheet, there is a world of digital diversion available, including a voice-activated navigation system, an MP3-compatible stereo, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

A review of the powerful 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 coupe has been posted over at CNET. 'With the exceptions of the 2006 BMW M5 and the 2006 BMW M6 in lunatic mode, the 2007 Shelby GT500 is the most powerful car to ever cross the hallowed threshold of the CNET Car Tech garage. The Shelby GT500 is not only a frighteningly potent car (the 500 horsepower from its supercharged V8 engine was enough to whiten our knuckles even on legal roads), it also is a bookend to a generation of muscle cars starting with its namesake, the GT500 that made its debut 40 years ago.

Business Week have published a review of the 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty. ‘I test-drove the ultra-fancy, four-wheel-drive Lariat version of the F250 with the optional King Ranch interior. This is nothing like the barebones pickups of yore. My test truck listed at $57,000 and had a spacious cab, with four comfy captain's chairs upholstered in soft brown "Chaparral" leather that made the interior smell like a saddle shop. It also was more than 20 feet long and had all sorts of extra gizmos, including a power sunroof, backup alarm, and navigation system. There's an optional rear-seat entertainment system for watching movies.

John Stein writing over at Search Chicago has posted a review of the Ford F-150 Lariat. ‘The exterior design of the F-150 cannot be overlooked. While it delivers a utilitarian function at its core, my F-150 offered an attractive chrome grille as its focal point, a great-looking front-end light assembly as well as big 20-inch wheels and sporty looking wheel well flares. As has been the case with several new entries into this class, the sidewalls of the pickup bed are raised slightly higher than past models. It gives it a contemporary look, but at the expense of accessibility from the street. I couldn’t reach the pickup bed floor reaching over the walls. But I do like the trade off for looks.

BusinessWeek.com have published their “Road-test” review of the 2007 Lincoln Navigator SUV. ‘When the attendant at the Ford (F) dealership pulled up in the shiny black Navigator that I would be testing I could not help but be struck by how handsome it looked. The attendant noticed my appreciation and said, "Yeah, you're going to have fun in this baby." But I have been driving and testing cars long enough not to be fooled by a little show of polished cladding or a wink of chrome. To me, the proof of the pudding is in the interior. It's easy to make a car look big or go fast, but it's what's on the inside that counts. The reason is that it reflects the level of detail that a car company is willing to invest in its product. That's because you can't see the interior from outside and car companies know that visual impressions are often the best advertising. People see a beautiful or cool-looking car tooling down the street or on television, and they react to it.’

The team over at ForbesAutos.com were fortunate to spend some wheeltime behind the Ford Edge HySeries concept and posted their impressions in a review of the pricey "plug-in hybrid prototype". 'This special version of the Edge crossover SUV, a joint project between Ford and the U.S. Department of Energy, won’t be coming to showrooms. Instead, it’s part of an ongoing effort by the world’s automakers to make plug-in hybrid technology — in this case, battery-powered electric motors mated with a hydrogen fuel cell — practical and affordable enough for people to buy.

SearchChicago have published their review of the big 2007 Ford Expedition SUV. 'When you get a Ford Expedition Limited delivered to your doorstep, the first thing you have to be sure of is if your doorstep is big enough to accommodate the massive vehicle. The Big SUV class is just that -- big. You get what you pay for, and the Ford Expedition delivers a lot. The Limited tester's exterior had a rich-looking black clear coat that demanded attention, while the huge 20-inch chrome-clad rims glistened in fervent contrast. I liked the bold grille and strong hood lines. Expedition's exterior really says strength and honor (or was that Gladiator?). The downside was clearly the overdone molding on the outside. Sorry, just not a fan of the look.'

Auto Express have published a review from their "road test" of the Ford Mondeo. 'All-round refinement is definitely a Mondeo strong point. No rival cruises as comfortably at high speeds or deals with coarse surfaces so well. It even delivers a cosseting ride around town. Our first-off-the-line test car was also fitted with Ford’s Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) electronic dampers. In short, it feels unflappable thanks to its awesome suspension control, which in turn inspires confidence. And with a body that’s 130 per cent stiffer than the old car, plus track width increased by 70mm, the Mondeo’s ability to entertain isn’t in doubt. It slices through corners, the steering is light yet extremely accurate, and unlike some rivals, it never feels heavy or cumbersome – quite an achievement given the hefty 1,615kg kerbweight of the test car.'

CNET have published a "test driven" review of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. 'The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid share the same platform, which includes body style, seating configuration, hybrid power train, and cabin electronics. The key difference between the two cars is that the Mercury presents a more refined style, sort of like the clothes you might wear out to a nice restaurant as compared to what you'll lounge around in on a Saturday.We've seen a lot of cars with a similar body style to the Mariner Hybrid recently, such as the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. All have a practical configuration, with four doors, easy access to the seats, and a rear cargo area that can be maximized by folding down the rear seats. The Mariner's design is chunky, giving the car a rugged look, although the grille suggests the refinement the Mercury brand is supposed to represent. '

A review of the Saleen S331 Supercharged Sport Truck has been posted over at The Truth About Cars.‘The Sport Truck is not all bluster and no muster. Saleen tops the 5.4-liter block with a high-performance three-valve SOHC head and a patented twin-screw water-to-air supercharger. The set-up serves-up 450hp at 5200rpm and 500 lb-ft torque at 4000rpm. It’s enough boost to launch this 2.5 ton pickup to 60mph in 6.1 seconds. Ford likes Saleen’s engine treatment so much it's destined for the next Harley Davidson Edition F-150 (due this summer). Power finds pavement by way of a Ford four-speed tranny with overdrive and a limited slip differential. Fortunately, light throttle tip-in keeps exuberant drivers from vaporizing the rear donuts everytime a stoplight turns green.’

The folks over at Automobile.com were fortunate enough to spend some wheel time with the 2007 Ford Edge HySeries Concept and have published their impressions in a review of the "the world's first drivable plug-in fuel cell hybrid'. 'In the center of the chassis running lengthwise is the cylindrical hydrogen tank that stores up to 350 bar of compressed hydrogen at 5,000 psi. Beside the tank on the passenger side of the vehicle is the 130 kW lithium-ion battery pack and on the driver side,the 35 kW Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit. From there, engineers assemble the Edge with modified floor boards. Even though there's a lot more equipment housed underneath the seats, there are no compromises in legroom or storage space in the cabin. Ford has applied its forward thinking to designing a flexible architecture to accommodate different powertrain combinations without having to redesign the entire vehicle. For example, instead of a fuel cell generator, a small gasoline, ethanol or diesel engine could be used.'

A review of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan has been posted over at CNET. 'The design of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ incorporates a subtle boldness we appreciate from an American carmaker. Too often, a company produces homogenous products designed to offend no one, which end up appealing to no one either, especially when that company is drowning in red ink. But the Lincoln MKZ drops a retro grille among a thoroughly modern-looking front end, a look that some might find cacophonous, but we like.

Inside Line have published their "test driven" review of the new 2008 Ford Taurus sedan. 'We've driven the 2007 Five Hundred and 2008 Taurus back-to-back, and the new car feels notably cushier and soaks up road imperfections without becoming nautical. Of course, there's more body roll in evidence, and the Taurus doesn't feel as composed on a mountain road as the Five Hundred. Perhaps the Taurus' target buyers in gloriously flat Boca Raton, Florida, will find this an acceptable trade-off.

SearhChicago.com have published a "test driven" review of the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. 'The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid not only is compact but also gets gas mileage that bests most sedans. I did a few separate tests in this vehicle during the test week, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement.On the very first day I got the front-wheel-drive test vehicle, I had to drive from O'Hare to the Sun-Times building at Wacker and Orleans. During rush hour. So, I reset the fuel estimate gauge, and settled in for the 20-mile 1-hour commute. I stayed in the electric motor much of the time, and I averaged 39.7 mpg. During the next couple days, I did a lot of combined driving and a lot of sitting in place with the gasoline engine running. This time I averaged around 28 mpg.'

The Car Connection have published a review of the 2008 Ford Focus. 'For 2008, the Focus gets a pretty thorough cosmetic redesign inside and out for a different, more "contemporary American" look, along with some substantial re-engineering that help improve its ride and handling and make it more efficient. It's just short of a redesign, as it keeps the same basic dimensions and proportions as the previous Focus. The hatchback and wagon models are completely gone, with the sedan and a new coupe remaining. In front, the Focus bears some resemblance to the larger Fusion, with new wrap-around, clear-lens headlamps and a front grille with horizontal chrome bars. The back end is clean but quite basic, with new clear-lens taillamps flanking a rather clean, squared-off trunklid, with an LED strip mounted high and the license plate bracket now down below on the bumper fascia.'

A review of the 2008 Ford Taurus sedan has been posted over at BusinessWeek.com. 'The '08 Taurus's stats are impressive. It comes in two trim levels, the SEL and the Limited, both available with all-wheel drive. The SEL starts at $23,995 with front-wheel and $25,845 with all-wheel drive, the Limited at $27,595 with front-wheel and $29,445 with all-wheel drive. Ford likes to note that the least expensive all-wheel-drive version of the Chrysler 300 tops $30,000. However, the Taurus' price can top $35,000 if you load it up. Some of the pricier options include a navigation system ($1,995), rear seat entertainment system ($995), moonroof ($895), 18-inch chrome wheels ($695), and traction and stability control ($495).

The USAToday have published a review of two 2008 Ford Focus vehicles. 'Despite what read like generous specifications, Focus has limited rear-seat knee and leg room. The knees of a teen sitting behind the driver poked into the front seat hard enough to stab the driver in the back. Open space under the front seats, where passengers in back put their feet, was compromised by the intrusion of trim and hardware that snagged toes upon exiting. The middle rear seat was useless because a cupholder stuck off the back of the center console and eliminated what little leg room remained after the center hump was done pillaging. And that lack of rear head restraints is quite troubling. Passengers who measure more than about 27 inches from rump to cowlick could be vulnerable in rear crashes.'

CNET have published a review of the 2008 Ford Taurus X wagon. 'Ford likes the Taurus name so much that it used it on both a sedan and its new six-passenger crossover, the 2008 Ford Taurus X. In many ways, the Taurus X is a much more sensible car than a massive SUV. It's more maneuverable, gets plenty of power from its 3.6-liter V-6, and its lower height makes access easier. And its fold-down seats mimic the utility of a minivan.

A review of the 2008 Ford Mustang Coupe has been posted over at Forbes Autos. ‘The base Ford Mustang Coupe has a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine. Performance buffs will appreciate the Ford Mustang GT Coupe variation, with its all-aluminum, 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates a healthy 300 hp and 320 pound-feet of tire-burning torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on both versions, while a five-speed automatic is optional. A Shelby GT variation was added to the lineup in the middle of 2007 as a limited-production model for performance-minded collectors. It's a Ford Mustang GT that’s specially modified by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas, a legendary tuning company closely associated with the Mustang.’