Entries tagged with “Ford” from Car & Caboodle

According to Autoweek, Ford gave the Escape and Mercury Mariner a full cosmetic facelift for the 2008 model year, and for 2009 the drivetrain options have also been completely redone.

The 3.0L V6 gets a 40 HP bump, and the inline 4 gets a 200 CC displacement bump as well as 18 more horses. Ford says MPG is up 1 mile per gallon across the board, despite a 2-second improvement in 0-60 times.  A Six-Speed automatic replaces the ancient 4-speed from 2008.

A smoother regenerative braking system on Hybrid models, roll stability control, new standard power steering, and new Michelin Latitude rubber round out the improvements, all of which are also applied to the Mariner.

Hold on a minute Mom and Dad  - before you ditch your SUV and take the minivan plunge, you might want to check out the new 2009 Ford Flex rumored to be available for purchase this summer. It's family friendly without the big step up and gets mileage similar to the minivan. We're hearing a lot of comparisons to the old Woody. What do you think?

AutoBlog: C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.

AutoBlog reports that Ford officials have confirmed their intent to bring the Kuga, a compact CUV, and the C-Max, a people-moving cousin of the Mazda5, to the US. No details yet on when we can expect their arrival, but it's good to see that Ford is willing to bring some new  family-friendly vehicles across the Atlantic.

Gizmag: Tummy Shield seat belt keeps mother and baby safe

Auto-related injuries are the leading cause of fetal loss in pregnant women, and there is a new product out of Australia that aims to stop that loss. The Tummy Shield certainly isn't the first maternity seat belt adapter, but the design is definitely interesting!

Car and Driver: Chrysler extends $2.99 gasoline deal

Chrysler's promotion guaranteeing $2.99 gas for three years is generating lots of waves in the automotive industry, and has reportedly increased traffic up to 20% in showrooms since the May 7 Launch. Originally slated to end June 2, executives have extended the promotion until July 7. The Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Journey and the Chrysler Sebring are selling the best in this promotion.  Less thrifty vehicles like the SRT line, Viper and Jeep Wrangler do not apply.

Kelley Blue Book: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles

Kelley Blue Book has put together a list of the Best New Road Trip Vehicles for 2008, with some... interesting... choices on board. I don't think i'd bring any Cheerios or Goldfish if we were going to Grandma's in my Bugatti!

Droolicious: 7 Days Of Car Seats
http://babble.com/CS/blogs/droolicious/archive/tags/7+days+of+car+seats/default.aspx

Droolicious tests 7 different car seats, including one I've had my eye on for a while: the clek olli booster which is the first booster seat to use LATCH. 7 different seats are reviewed by 7 different writers and they run the gamut from infant carriers to backless boosters.

AutoWeek: Chevy Traverse and Ford Flex face off this year
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/FREE/101730784/

AutoWeek compares the features, styling and specs of the two forthcoming mid-size crossovers from the bowtie and blue oval. Both vehicles look to be of interest to families of more than four, with seating for 6-8 and plenty of cargo room. the Flex even has an optional refrigerator! No more stopping for apple juice boxes.

Consumer Reports tests 6 new Hatchbacks
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm

The folks over at Consumer Reports have put together a comparison of 6 hatchbacks for the June 2008 print edition. Included are the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman and all-new Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza, Scion xD and Toyota Matrix. And the winner is... a Rabbit?

Car and Driver: Fuel-Sipping Three-Row SUVs
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_saturn_outlook_gmc_acadia_buick_enclave_to_get_direct_injection_v6_car_news

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins high marks in this test of 8 crossovers that have seating for seven or more. I think it's hard to compare a $55,000 Mercedes GL-Class to a RAV4 -- but it is nice to see a comparison of 3-rowers with Fuel Economy being the primary factor.

One of the more interesting family crossover cars at the LA Auto Show was the Ford Flex (see our slideshow).  As an alternative to the minivan or SUV, I found the boxy design of the Flex to be refreshingly different look.  At first glance, you can tell the Flex is a big enough car that can accommodate large families.  Set to sell in summer 2008, some family friendly features include an interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, Ford Sync™ in-car communications and entertainment system, and a 2,300-song personal juke box.  Looks like there's hope yet for those families wanting to avoid the all-purpose minivan.

Related Ford Flex links:
Ford Flex at Ford
Ford Flex Debuts (video) [Autoblog]
Ford Flex Sneak Preview [New Car Test Drive]
Ford Flex Fails to Wow [The Driver's Seat at MSNBC]