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.

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.