2006 Ford Taurus: Swan Song

The 2006 model year will end the heralded Taurus name and for this writer it is a bittersweet time as Ford retires what once the best selling car in all of America. When Ford introduced the Taurus along with its cousin the Mercury Sable in the mid 1980s the car represented a radical departure from the standard American car of the day. Fairly large, front wheel drive, and very aerodynamic, the Taurus quickly rose to the pinnacle of the American car sales charts and was the best selling car for several years in a row. A much delayed “reskinning” did not occur until 1996, some ten years after the Taurus and Sable were first released. The new style, perceived by some to be ugly, quickly cost Ford sales as newer and more modern Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords out gained the line. Slight changes in style incorporated with the 2000 model year took some of the edge off, but by then the Taurus was considered to be too old and outmatched by the competition. I purchased an all new 1994 Taurus and kept the car for seven years, racking up 117,000 miles before deciding it was time to trade in the car for something newer. I found the ride to be comfortable, the interior room to be expansive, and I enjoyed the overall style of the car. I was also one of the first people to purchase a Taurus in the then new Hunter Green color, an attractive deep green that was admired by many. When 2001 rolled around, I elected to lease a Saturn L series instead of going with the Taurus. I needed something similar in size with the Taurus and at that time Saturn had a lease deal that could not be beat. In addition, I still wasn’t impressed with the Taurus which I felt had been out-engineered by other cars in its class. So, I took home the Saturn and donated my Taurus to the Kidney Foundation. The 2005 model year represented the final year that Ford would offer the Taurus through dealers; for 2006 the Taurus is only available as a fleet car and it is unchanged from the previous year’s model. The slow selling Sable was mercifully put to rest one year earlier. For Ford, concentrating on trucks and SUVs meant neglecting much of their car line up, including the Taurus. Bigger and stronger SUVs, including the Expedition and Excursion, were introduced as America’s tastes continued to shift from passenger cars to SUVs. In addition, the ever popular F Series pick up trucks went through regular style and engineering changes every four years or so as did the Explorer, Ford’s midsized SUV. Higher gas prices and changing tastes are once again impacting Fords’ line up. The beefy Excursion is gone and new cars including the Five Hundred and Fusion are now part of the line up. These two new models represent a fresh change for Ford and a promise that the attention once given to the Taurus would be given to the new models. For that, I am glad.

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Curtains Down For The New Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

The much awaited Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet will be unveiled soon enough. And all those who would be actually able to witness such an event will find out that, indeed, this new Ford Focus is a vehicle that is worth your while and your money.

The Ford Motor Company states that the new Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet holds an open air motoring feature. And aside from this, it also offers owners and passengers stability, comfort, as well as practicality. Of course, this is very much associated with the current range of the Ford Focus line of vehicles, making it a top selling vehicle in the auto market. Come October this year, interested parties can start purchasing this new model. And this month, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet would be making its debut in the United Kingdom at the British International Motor Show.

Created and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Focus range of vehicles has been produced since 1998. It took the spot that previously belonged to the Ford Escort and the Ford Orion. It actually belongs to the compact car and the small family car segment. It has been built in various body styles that include the hatchback with three doors, the sedan holding four, the station wagon which also holds four doors, and the hatchback with five doors. For its power source, it runs on a 1.4 liter to 2.3 liter I4 engine.

Either with the top down or up, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet is a sight to behold. It is stylish and has a two-piece folding hardtop. This hardtop can be placed up or down with an efficient, neat, and very reliable system that only takes as much as 29 seconds for the whole process to complete.

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles’ sales. George Pipas, the manager of Ford’s Sales Analysis, states, “Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains.” Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge. Pipas adds, “For February of this year, the Fusion’s rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.”

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles’ sales. George Pipas, the manager of Ford’s Sales Analysis, states, “Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains.” Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge. Pipas adds, “For February of this year, the Fusion’s rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.”

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Replacement Auto Parts: Where to Find Them

When needing a replacement part for you car, where do you shop? Like many motorists you may head down to the big box retailer for all of your needs. A good choice both for value and for selection. Still, mostly any retailer is limited as to what they can stock. This especially holds true if you drive a rare or uncommon vehicle. Try finding a window regulator for your ’69 Torino at the parts store; they’ll get it for you but it will have to be back ordered. So, where should you shop? That’s up to you, but let’s goes over the options that you have. The Salvage Yard. Let’s admit it: there isn’t anything wrong with going to the junkyard to find the part you need. My ’78 VW Rabbit’s window handle broke and I snagged one off of a junker for just a few bucks. Still, if you are looking for a radiator, engine, exhaust stuff, or anything else that actually runs, you risk that the part will fail soon after you place it in your car. Naturally, the price you pay through the junkyard should be the lowest price going. Your Dealer. On the other side of the spectrum is your car dealer. If they don’t have it in stock, they can get if for you. Service with a smile and a price that will make you frown! Yes, you will pay dearly for some parts, as middleman mark ups kick in. Your Retail Store. Retail auto supply chains typically have the broadest selection and the lowest prices of any of the brick and mortar retailers. Your best option for a good buy is when something is on sale; stock items will cost you the prevailing retail rate, but that is the price you pay for convenience. Overhead [buildings, labor] is high even with most national retailers. Shop Online. Wholesale providers of automobile replacement parts and accessories are springing up all over the internet. Some stores are good, some are not. What to look for: available customer service agents; a toll free number where you can call someone to talk with directly; a store that never closes and has a secured payment site; and clearly understood shipment, payment, and return policies. Generally, an online retailer should be a great option as low overhead and purchasing directly from the manufacturer is what sets these wholesalers apart from the rest. Still, do your homework and make sure that the site is what it says it is. One special warning: the growth of the counterfeit parts industry is causing fits for retailers and consumers. If you suspect that you have purchased a bogus part, return it to the retailer for a full return. One more good reason to learn what a company’s return policy is before you do business with them. In all, shopping for parts is easier today, thanks to the internet. From the ease of your computer you can compare prices, service, shipping options, warranties, and more. The consumer is the winner and retailers are keeping prices low in order to bring in additional business.

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You Can Install A "Green" Air Filter!

All right now, no laughing. Probably the easiest part to swap out in a car is the air filter. A quick pop of the hood and the loosening of a couple of clamps or a wing nut and you simply reach in and pull out the old air filter. Next, open the box up containing your new air filter, pop it into place, secure everything and you are done. Five, maybe ten minutes to accomplish the easiest job going. So, why doesn't everyone change their own air filter? More importantly, why don't more people opt for environmentally friendly air filters, commonly known as "green" air filters? You can install a green air filter yourself and do much more than keep the air clean in the process. So, what is a "green" air filter? A green air filter is an environmentally friendly air filter. No, they aren't usually green as the color green is what signifies that the product works in harmony with nature. Now go hug a tree. Seriously, there are several advantages to owning a green or reusable air filter: Once is Enough. With a reusable air filter, you never have to buy another air filter again for your car. Periodically, all you would have to do is take the air filter out, clean it, and then reinstall it. Reusable air filters, such as an AFE air filter, are made of a washable cotton gauze material. As you probably know, cotton is one of the most durable materials on God's green earth. Save the Landfills. In many states, disposing of trash is a big problem. You can do your part by not adding to the problem. Just think about it: over the lifespan of a car you could easily add 8, 10, 15 or more air filters and boxes to the city dump. With a reusable air filter, less is actually more. Engine Runs Better. A deep pleat in a reusable air filter means better filtration: your car's engine "breathes" better with a higher quality, natural product. As you may know, an efficient engine uses less fuel too. Sure, a reusable air filter will cost you more, approximately 2-4 times the price of a throw away air filter. However, you will recoup that money over time and do your part in showing environmental responsibility. Who can put a price on all of that? Go with green and make a difference today!

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Famous Ford Flops

American automakers sometimes take the brunt of the criticism for producing models that are ugly, useless, or even downright dangerous. Ford has had its share of beasts through the years in addition to several winners including the current Mustang for which demand cannot be met. For the fun of it let’s take a look at some of the Ford models that have been derided down through the years.

Model T – What?! How can the car that introduced mass production make the list? Well, the car was fine, but Mr. Henry Ford’s statement, “…you can have any color you want as long as it is black” has been attributed with the rise of General Motors [who gave its customers a choice in colors] which eventually dethroned Ford as the top automaker in the world. No, the Model T was fine, but Mr. Ford’s marketing strategy was not.

Edsel – In September 1957, Ford launched a new division – Edsel – and introduced to America one of the weirdest looking cars. Sporting a “horse-collar” shaped grille – some equated it with a toilet seat – the Edsel line was hyped by Ford and rejected by consumers wholeheartedly. Expecting to build 200,000 Edsels in its first year of production, only 63,000 were built. Other “radical” aspects of the Edsel included a “floating” speedometer that glowed upon reaching a particular speed and an awkward push button transmission with controls attached to the hub of the steering wheel. Even with a quick makeover completed in time for the next model year, the Edsel limped along only to be pulled one month after the third model year vehicles were released.

Pinto – Hey, even I owned one! With a 2.3L inline four cylinder paired with a 4 speed manny tranny, the Pinto was Ford’s answer during the 1970s to the onslaught of Japanese cars flooding the market. The compact rear wheel drive coupe, three door hatchback, or wagon sold fairly well until disaster hit: the revelation that the Pinto’s gas tank was capable of exploding during a rear impact scared buyers away. Mercifully pulled after the 1980 model year; replaced by the popular Escort.

Mustang II – Ford tarnished the Mustang name during the 1970s with this forgettable and ugly model. Resembling a bloated and stretched Pinto, the Mustang II was weak, poorly made, and a terrible competitor against its arch rival, the Camaro. All was forgiven by the early 1980s with the return of a newly designed Mustang. Today’s Mustang, on the other hand, is a sold-out success story as it took its styling cues from a Mustang of another era: the fastback cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Before you point your finger at Ford, don’t forget to recall some truly forgettable models, foreign and domestic. The Toyota Van was panned for its ugly styling and for having an engine that had to be dropped from the engine bay in order to do a tune up; the Chevy Vega – a Pinto wannabe; AMC’s Pacer – the Jetson’s car; the Suzuki Samurai and Isuzu Rodeo – flip over specialists; the Yugo – a thinly redone 1960s era Fiat; and countless other cars not worth the mention. You hope that automakers learn from their mistakes, but don’t count on it. Maybe in another generation we will see a truly forgettable Ford show up, but for now there isn’t one in the line up...hooray for that!

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