Ford 2009 Taurus Overview
Reader’s Question:
I’m thinking of buying a used car for my son—something made in the US, I’m thinking. What do you think of the Ford Taurus?
Herbert
Houston, TX
If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand Ford Taurus, you’d be pleased to know that it is relatively more inexpensive than a same-year Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. In fact, before those two Japanese-manufactured cars, the Taurus was the best-selling passenger car in the United States. Also, since it’s made in the good old US of A (points for your patriotism right here), any repair shop can handle the looking after, and it’s cheaper to maintain. Of course, the drawback is that it depreciates faster.
As for the engine, what the Taurus features is a 3.5-liter 263-horsepower 6-speed automatic. It has 17-inch wheels and power seats, and is offered in two trims: the SEL and the Limited. The standard offer is 4-wheel drive, but you can get an all-wheel drive in either trim.
The interior, though as basic (some say drab) as it is, offer ample legroom both front and back, plenty of storage space, with controls that are logically arranged.
And I’m sure that you’d be relieved to know that probably the best of the Taurus’ characteristics is its estimable safety ratings. It has air bags, great chassis and an SOS-Post Crash Alert System. This just might mean less sleepless nights for you when your son goes out driving.
And as a final point: it may not score any points for flashiness (which I’m sure is the least of your priorities, anyway), but it sure is perfect for a family-friendly sedan.
Ford 2009 Focus Coupe
Reader’s Question:
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!
Should I Buy A Ford Edge?
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.
2009 Ford Focus 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.
2008 Ford Edge Packages
Reader’s Question:
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.
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