Reader’s Question:

I saw an Edge the other day here in Texas. Is it an SUV or a crossover vehicle?

Lea

Houston, TX

Howdy, Lea! To answer your question – Ford says it is a crossover. You might want to follow it up with a question like “What’s the difference between an SUV and a crossover, anyway?” In my opinion, an SUV is always purpose-built as a multi-role truck that can act as a car for everyday use. The opposite is true for a crossover. It’ll always be a car with some enhanced features that can mimic an SUV. So that translates to car-like performance, and that is what you should check out, fuel-economy, safety, and space.

So, let me just tell you some great points about the Ford Edge. If you haven’t checked one out in your dealer in Texas just yet, the Ford Edge basically has the power plant of a small SUV. It’s a 3.5 liter Duratec V6 that gives this car its zippiness. It responds like a car and hauls gear and 5 people like an SUV. It’s also a comfortable drive with its 6-speed automatic transmission and All-wheel drive (AWD); moving from point to point easily. If you look at fuel-economy ratings, you get a pretty decent 24 on the highway if you get the front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 22 mile per gallon on the highway with the AWD. For safety, the car is equipped with an anti-lock brake system and even has roll sensors and an electronic mechanism for stability. Ford also packed this car with enough airbags to protect the passengers in case of an accident. The body is also reinforced for side-impact collisions. Space-wise, the rear seats can be reconfigured to give you more trunk space when you need it.

I think that should answer your question, Lea.

Tags: car, car dealers, Ford Dealers, Houston Dealer

Reader’s Question:

I heard from a friend here in Texas about the Ford Escape Hybrid. I’d like some more information about it, and maybe I can check out a local dealer. I’m concerned whether it’ll be underpowered or not.

Christine

Houston, TX

Hello there, Christine! Yes, there is a Ford Escape Hybrid. And based on observations, it rides like a real SUV. I, personally, thought that it would not be a good idea to fuse hybrid technology with something that can handle variable road conditions since it is very demanding. I had that misconception that, being a hybrid, it won’t be able to perform at par with “real” SUVs.

There are some nice points that you should know about the Escape Hybrid. With the technology of the 95 hp electric motor and 154 hp gasoline engine working hand in hand, the vehicle can even make its acceleration feel like a full V6 when needed. The Ford Escape Hybrid also has intelligent 4-wheel drive that enables it to tackle even tough terrain. Regenerative braking is also incorporated into the car to recharge the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries of the Electric motor. Much to my amusement, even in terms of amount of “greenness” in the car, it even has seat foam made from seed oils and cloth fabric covers derived from materials that should’ve ended up in a landfill. I also noticed the capless gas filler that’s supposed to save on evaporative losses of fuel. I can say that it’s unique, but I don’t know how to appreciate the claims for this innovation right away.

As a hybrid, this Ford Escape performs well in terms of saving fuel and going 34 miles per gallon on the highway. As an SUV, it still carries enough punch to carry 5 passengers safely from point to point.

Tags: car, car dealers, Ford Dealers, Honda Dealership

Reader’s Question:

My son keeps on telling me that I should add the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid in my list of the vehicles to consider buying here in Houston, Texas. I heard that this has been re-designed, what has been changed?

Norman

Houston, TX

The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid has received ruthless reviews, especially here in Houston, Texas, but it has been re-designed and fine-tuned by the manufacturer so to make this model headed back to the top. Together with the exterior revamp of the 2008 model, Ford has increased its power to provide better handling and a more suave and enjoyable drive. For this reason, Ford Escape has been more admired in terms of sales that it has been the past years. Its 2.5 liter engine is the most visible alteration which has improved its power by 22 horses. This model would even take less than 10 seconds to reach 60mph. You will also notice that sound that is related to its uneven transmission has been gotten rid of.

The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid also has a new suspension system and electronic stability control that would let a substantial development in driving. In terms of vehicle sales, dealers disclose that the interior is the main advantage of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. This features a voice activated Sync system for the audio, mobile phone and other electronic gadgets. It also has an outstanding cargo space and is quite relaxing. The interior of this model is pleasingly competent at maintaining exterior sounds out the vehicle.

Tags: car, car review, Ford dealer

Reader’s Question:

My dad told me that if I ever wanted a true muscle-car, I’d better stick to a Mustang. I’m not really keen on maintaining a true classic from the ‘60s, if I could actually get my hands on one. Would it be a loss if I stuck it out with a late model Mustang? I’m sure the local Houston, Texas Ford guys are raring to give me a good pitch. I’d like to hear what the guys in here have to say first before I take on the dealers.

Bobby Lee

Houston, TX

Bobby, yeah, your dad hit the nail on the head. But, you know, I also agree with you completely. If it isn’t really part of your talents to get all greased up maintaining a classic, you’d better go for the latter models. Good thing the boys at Ford had “classic” in mind when launched the Mustang for the 21st century. After all, why tinker with classic looks that still make heads turn, right? Bobby Lee, it is okay to get behind the wheel of a late model Mustang in Houston, Texas. Just be ready for some envious stares.

Anyway, from 2005 to the current model year, you’ll notice the obvious “classic Mustang look” that you are probably familiar with from TV and movies. I’ll term it as a “rebirth” and that should answer the issue of owning a classic-year Mustang on your end. And as real-live mustangs gallop with a thundering pride, the Ford Mustang packs 300 horsepower with its V8 engine found in the GT model. That should give you a rush driving on the highway. Think Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Handling for the 2008/2009 models are also improved compared to 2005. One thing though, the fuel economy, which I’ve heard is at 19 mpg, is not really for those with bad memories and nightmares of $4 per gallon of gas. But since you are looking for a Mustang to drive, that is not really a problem for you.

See you on the highways.

Tags: Ford Dealers, Houston Dealer

Reader’s Question:

So what’s up with the 2009 Ford Focus? Will there be enough pull for me to go to a Ford dealer here in Houston, Texas? I’m calling for some advice here.

Phillip

Houston, TX

Hello there, Phillip. I’m guessing that the best answer to your question is that the Ford motor company has upped the ante for the compact sedan market with its 2009 Ford Focus. I think most of the 2009 Focus owners in Houston, Texas are quite fond of the current year model. Although I’m not in the market for a new car right now, I figured that there are more than a couple of things to note in the new Focus.

Upped the ante, what exactly did I mean by that? Well, Ford has the 2.0 liter Duratec engine that’s supposed to give you 35 miles to a gallon. That’s almost the performance of a hybrid. But of course, that’s their standard rating. Actual values could prove to be like 3 to 4 points off, but still good for a sedan. What caught my eye in terms of features, though, is the SYNC system. Oh, my, I am still a techno freak. The SYNC system is supposed to integrate, via Bluetooth, a phone and even your digital music player. I think this feature on a Ford will prove to be very valuable in terms of safety. Nothing distracts a driver more than his or her mobile phone. So just imagine, having it all integrated in your car and voice-activated. You can even fetch a song from your music player through voice. WOW. That’s what I said, too.

Happy Focus-ing, Phillip.

Tags: Ford Dealers, Houston Dealer