I’d like a Ford that has the versatility of a pick-up and something I can use for a daily drive around Texas. What can you recommend?

Norman

Houston, TX

Howdy, Norman! So you, Norman, wants something not of the normal variety. Looking at the Ford line-up, I’m inclined to recommend that you test drive the 2009 Ford Sport Trac. Ford made this to have the functional features of a pick-up but having the style and comfort of an SUV. Nice, isn’t it? Now, that should be other than the normal cars, SUVs, and pick-ups you see daily on the roads of Texas.

The Ford motor company built this thing on the Explorer platform so you can expect some SUV-like qualities to the interiors that meet Ford SUV standards. That should take care of your daily driving comfort. In terms of powering this truck/ SUV, there’s a standard 4.0 V6 with 5 speed automatic transmission, powerful enough to crank out 210 horsepower. If you want more from the Sport Trac, you can try the available V8 engine trim that churns 292 horses with about 300 lbs-ft of torque. This will come in handy if you decide to bring a lot of stuff with you. If you’re more of a “drive anywhere” person, there’s four wheel drive available for the Sport Trac as an option for the rear-wheel drive base model. So there, the Sport Trac is that versatile vehicle for you, Norman.

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

I’m eager to try out the Focus Coupe here in Texas. But before I go to the dealer, what’s difference between the standard Focus and the coupe?

Harry

Houston, TX

Hello, Harry! It looks like someone wants to have a little fun in a Ford. Well, there are several things you can check out with 2009 Ford Focus Coupe when you visit a Ford dealer in Texas.

First, let’s go through what the standards on a Focus are. There’s 33 miles to a gallon from its 2.0 liter Duratec engine with 140 horsepower. There’s the Ford SYNC which is something they developed with Microsoft to help you communicate with your personal electronic devices like mp3 players, phones and PDAs. A very practical idea so you don’t have to fumble with them while driving.

Second, what’s with the coupe? Of course, there are just 2 doors, the obvious difference. Kidding, I know you know that. You can check out the ride on the Focus coupe and you’ll notice that the car is tuned more towards performance. You’re supposed to get a more responsive feel and comfort while driving this machine. Having the performance tuned suspension is supposed to give you that European driving feel. Since you’re into having fun with this machine, you might as well try out the SES trim. Mated with 5 speed manual transmission, the Duratec engine will crank out about 143 hp (feel this with the sport tuned exhaust) and still do 35 mpg on the highway. Here’s to your Focus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have plans on buying a Ford vehicle and have seen some photos of the Ford Edge in an automotive Magazine based here in Houston, Texas. Can you give some walk around attributes for this newest Ford model?

Francis

Houston, TX

I was able to take a closer look at the 2008 Ford Edge during the last car show held in Houston, Texas. It quite looked bigger than it looks on photos, probably because it has a long wheelbase and wide track. It is also about 8inch shorter than the Ford Explorer while its base wheel is almost 2 inches shorter. With this specification, the Ford Edge appears to be more solid. Its 4 wheels are close to each corner which makes it look more firmly planted on the ground. It has a very aggressive stance that makes it outstanding as compared to traditional SUVs. The Ford Edge bears Ford’s prestige on bold American designs. The big chrome grille is perfectly positioned forward and its wide chrome slats merges into quite small headlights on each side. The windshield inclines forward like a sports car or modern minivan while the high hood is short.

With all these features, I say that the Ford Edge is a perfect match for people who are more into SUVs. It is a practical choice especially that it is a combination of a sporty vehicle with wide space inside. It may look like a go-kart for some, yet it resembles an aggressive stance. I was really fascinated by this fabulous SUV that I am already raising money to buy one. I was already set with a reliable car insurance which I found on this page. Enough preparation once I drive home this baby.

Tags: car, car insurance, car review

I was really fascinated with the 2008 Ford Edge when I saw one on display on a Ford Dealer here in Houston, Texas. I am already working my finances to get this SUV. Are there any kinds of packages that you can recommend?

Adam

Houston, TX

You definitely made a good choice by planning to buy a Ford Edge unit. If you are mad about SUVs like me, you will greatly appreciate the way this SUV was packaged. I can share some of the packages that the 2008 Ford Edge comes with. My best friend works with a Ford dealer in Houston, Texas and he provided me the following information.

The 2008 Ford Edge is offered in three trims like SE, SEL, and Limited. All three models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces 265 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, matched with six-speed automatic transmission. It is also offered on a 4-wheel drive as a standard. AWD is also available for all models. Prices for each of the models start at $25,565 for the Standard SE and $27,315 for SE All -Wheel Drive. These prices may always subject to change. As for the Edge SE standard, price starts at $25,565 whereas the AWD runs for $27,315. The Limited Edition which I consider the most expensive one has a running price of $30,555 for the standard and $32,305 for the all wheel drive. There are available premium packages that you can purchase to have some upgrades on the sound system, upholstery and even climate controls. I suggest you also start looking for low priced auto insurance. It would be one of the most practical upgrade that you can get.

Tags: auto insurance, car, car dealer, car prices, car review

I remember seeing the 2007 model for the Ford Edge here in Houston, Texas. Are there new updates for this model this year?

Andrea

Houston, TX

Ford Edge was introduced as a new product for the 2007 model year; the 2008 Edge provides more equipment and will be a Limited model. One major enhancements featured on this newer version is the Ford Sync communications and entertainment system. This system allows the driver to surf through radio stations and make phone calls using voice commands. This navigation system adds voice activation, one touch window controls, and a new interior package with red seating contrasted with stitches. Also available are power lift gate, 20-inch wheels and a universal garage door opener.

The new 2008 Ford Edge has better packaging than that of the previous model. It is 500 pounds lighter than an Explorer and enjoys an edge of two to three miles per gallon in fuel economy. I am about to swap my 2007 model for the newer version this month here in Houston, Texas and I am really excited about it. I enjoyed a short but sweet test drive with this SUV cross over that’s why I decided to let go off my 2007 model. I was also running a research about an affordable auto insurance that would be best for this upcoming purchase, and luckily, I found one on this web site.

Tags: auto insurance, car, car dealer, car review