About: Autolove

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Premium. This 4-passenger sports car is one of those exciting pieces of history preserved for generations. Thanks to Ford Motor Company.

As I proceeded up the highway in the desert the words Yee Haa came to mind. Giddy up cowboy. This Mustang is fun and exciting. One of Steve Martin’s lines in LA Story comes to mind when driving this Mustang – “I feel young again”.

I don’t know if Muscle Cars ever lost favor totally, but there is a re-birth of the nostalgia of the breed. Mustang has been one of those to retain the look, feel and sound of those performers from yesteryear, in contrast to the newer high performance sports cars that make much less noise with improved performance. Cars like the Nissan Z and Lexus SC. Corvette has also maintained its historical look and feel. Pontiac GTO struggles to be counted in the big V8 performers while Camaro gave up the ghost.

Friend Richard bought his dream car cruiser Corvette that will turn you every way but lose… but what about the Porsche, says I? “Ah, that’s just a VW, powerful VW but VW none-the-less. To many men, the Vette is a real mans muscle car.

The Mustang is half the money of the Vette and is a daily driver that is a great value for the money in the muscle car arena – small as it is. But if you asked me what is the most important reason to buy a car like this Mustang it would have to be said in one word – “Funeral”. You can’t take it with you and if you’ve ever wanted a performance car – Just do it (as Nike says).

Two baseball fanatics were talking about whether there is baseball in heaven. Soon after one man died and not long after he appeared to his friend in a dream. He told his earthly friend there is good news and bad news. The good news is, there IS baseball in heaven. The Bad News is … you’re pitching tomorrow.

Public Service:

Suggestion to Cal Trans and the Highway Patrol – You can help smooth out the flow of traffic. Push the use of current technology to post the average speed of the flow (miles per hour) of traffic and then enforce that “Safe” flow. This pounding on the gas and breaking hard is stressful and dangerous. Knowing that traffic is flowing at 40 mph means all of us are best served by setting our cruise control at 39 mph and be assured we’ll get there in exactly the same amount of time and avoid quick starts and hard stops. It will reduce accidents and traffic will be much less stressful.

This is a band aid approach to help us all until government gets off its ass and solves the gridlock so common on our highways.

Handling & Performance:

Rear wheel drive is consistent with what muscle cars have always been – and the 4.6 liter V8 at 300 horsepower takes you from 0-60 in a quick 5 seconds. That will get your day started with heart pounding excitement. Subtle handling qualities found in steering feel is excellent. Some are just “Too Lose” as I noticed, for example, in the new Chrysler Nitro SUV.

I slipped into my Navy flight Jacket and got behind the wheel and felt like the “Red Baron”. Verrry coooool even if I couldn’t reach the clouds.

Styling:

Retro is the look most Mustang lovers are drawn to. The convertible top is excellent reflecting the evolving technology available. You can hardly tell it IS a convertible rag top. Tops this good eliminate the need for “Hard Top” versions that take up so much trunk space when the top is tucked away.

Rear seat leg room is sparse which doesn’t speak well of creativity. There must be a way to provide a better rear seat without sacrificing outer design. Long doors are also a part of the design required for access to the rear seat and still retain 2-doors.

Perhaps the most important benefit for American car makers is there is no competition, particularly from the Japanese. This is American Heritage supported by sentimental people who gravitate to such designs that revisit the past. One only need look at the popularity of such reintroduced cars like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet SSR and HHR and Ford Thunderbird. And if you think only old fogies buy them for the memories you’d be wrong since young macho guys also appreciate such all American icons. In any case it reflects the cars they grew up with when mom and dad bought them. Son Mike has a restored 1967 Camaro that was his first car.

Fit and Finish:

Solid feel with the quiet of a hard top. Assembly is very noticeably good.

Cost:

Affordable performance sports car.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you like the retro look and feel of the all American cars of the past 50 years this Mustang is truly an American icon. Great car.

Recognized Competition:

Ford Mustang $19-32,000, Pontiac GTO $31,290, Mitsubishi Eclipse $20-28,000, Mazda RX-8 $26-31,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-22,000, Nissan 350Z $28-40,000.

Good News:

Great retro styling, fun to drive, powerful and sounds great.

Bad News:

Tight rear seat leg room.

Standard Equipment:

4.6 liter 300 hp V8 engine, 5-speet auto trans, power convertible top, rear spoiler, fog lights, stainless dual exhaust, dual power mirrors, rear window defroster, Shaker 500 audio with 6 CD changer and MP3, air conditioning, leather sport seats, 6-way power driver seat, cruise control, tilt wheel, power door locks and windows, power 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, dual air bags, power rack and pinion steering and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

$2.59/ Gal avg. Feb. 20, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 23 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $31,280.

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Chicago , Ill. USA

Class:  – Subcompact

Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, E-Series Van and Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150,250 & 350, Five Hundred, Focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford Five Hundred Limited front wheel drive 4-door sedan. Competitors that instantly come to mind are the Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Camry.

Although I am quick to point out the plain Jane styling it’s important to note that in a family sedan that is common to all the top sedans in this class. Consider the most popular – Toyota Camry followed close behind is the Honda Accord and Chevrolet Impala.

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Chicago, Ill. USA

Class: – Midsize

Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, E-Series Van and Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150,250 & 350, Five Hundred, Focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.

Public Service :

Being a good example on the highways is a conscious commitment you need to consider.

You can be a good example by avoiding the instinct to be a traffic cop.

• Move over when others are traveling faster than you are. It doesn’t matter why they are         traveling faster – what’s important is that you shouldn’t really care why.

• It is enough to know that if those exceeding the speed of the flow of traffic will be                 encouraged by the Highway Patrol to slow down or escort them if the speeder is rushing his     wife to the hospital.

• Don’t be a reason for road rage in others because that can cause accidents.

The Five Hundred is a comfy sedan and that comfort means you will need to slow on dips, because the suspension is a little soft and the car will bottom out easily. The 203 hp V6 is very responsive to your foot and it won’t cost a lot in gas – which by the way only calls for 87 octane regular. In all speed ranges the car is perfectly responsive for a heavy car approaching 2 tons.

Styling:

Ok so it looks like an FBI car. Not that it isn’t nice but think about it – what brand car does your local police department drive. Bet you don’t really know for sure. That’s because they are simply “Plain Wrap” kind of cars.

Designers of this Five Hundred have used the platform of its sister company Volvo to share like good siblings.

Very good. And that could be in part due to the Five Hundred being assembled in a state of the art newly equipped plant in Chicago.

Cost:

There is a lot of value for the money Ford asks. In keeping with Henry’s original idea to make money was to mass produce Ford automobiles and price them so most people could afford to buy one. In the early days of the first few decades of the 20th century you could buy a Ford in any color you wanted as long as it was black. But for that small condition you could buy a copy for $600-800.

Conveniences and comfort:

Adequate gadgets and good with the options packages. The seats are comfortable but marginal on those long trips.

Consumer Recommendation:

This is a definite contender in the midsize class sedan. Camry has a more popular design reflective of its #1 sales ranking. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the quality reputation Toyota has earned over the past few decades. American cars that set the standards are not dog food however and this Ford will stand up strong to any of the competition in this class. Test it and I think you’ll be impressed as well.

Recognized Competition:

Ford Five Hundred $23-28,000, Chevrolet Impala $21-28,000, Honda Accord $19-30,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $22-29,000, Buick LaCrosse $22-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-34,000, Dodge Charger $21-36,000, Toyota Camry $18-28,000, Chrysler 300 $24-40,000, Mazda 6 $19-27,000, Hyundai Azera $25-27,000, Nissan Altima $18-28,000, Volkswagen Jetta $16-24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $20-27,000.

Good News:

Decent fuel economy, lots of room, good size trunk, nice comfy ride.

Bad News:

Plain Jane styling inside and out.

Standard Equipment:

3.0 liter 203 horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, fog lights, auto headlight, heated folding power mirrors, 8-way heated power driver’s seat, audio with 6 CD player, dual auto climate control, o/s temp and compass display, wood grain accents, leather,  4-way power heated passenger seat, power windows and locks, cruise control, power steering, antilock braking system, child latch safety system and rear door locks, anti theft, remote keyless entry.

Options: rear safety canopy, driver and passenger side air bags, memory adjustable pedals, reverse sensing system, power moon roof, Navigation system. ($3,860).

$2.45/ Gal avg. Feb. 10, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov  for more information.

21 City and 29 Highway MPG unstated

Pricing:

MSRP $26,280 – With options $30,940.

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford F 150 Lariat Supercab 4X4 pick up truck.  The F Series has a rich history that began in 1948. As a new driver I owned arguably the most popular model year 1955. That year, like all pickups of the day, was a two door, one bench seat with practically no useable space behind the seat.

Today, for Ford, all models of the F Series are 4-door – either full or half rear doors. If you need to carry passengers or gear in the cab I found the smaller rear half door cumbersome to use.

My Dodge Ram 3500 has a rear half door and I’ve been unable to warm up to it in light of the more convenient Crew Cabs. Unless the cargo area is secured with a hard cover, as was the case with the recently tested Ford Explorer Sport Trac, pickups are a pain if you must leave them for even the shortest time. You can be parked at Home Depot or Lowes and you are literally unable to leave anything in the bed or someone will find a use for your stuff. I suppose when you drive a truck you learn to live with the inconvenience. In fact it must not be considered too troublesome because buyers continue to have a love of trucks. And Fords F Series trucks have earned the spot as number one sales leader for over 20 years.

Handling & Performance:

Excellent for a truck. The wheel base seems to be long enough to eliminate much of the bounce, bounce you feel when driving them empty on some highways. 300 horsepower is great and some buyers will even use the 4X4 capability. Steering is sure and perfectly geared for comfortable steering. The overall feel is solid and sure, and the feel extends to the large door handles in and out that are easy to grasp. I hate it when design is more important than function. You know, like door handles that slip out of your hand as you pull up. In any case Ford appears to deliver on its slogan that their trucks are built “Ford Tough”.

Styling:

Very attractive with clean lines and no nonsense style. The bed extender is becoming more popular as it provides for longer loads on demand, yet allows for a smaller bed for generally smaller loads. The extender also works great inside the bed to separate cargo and makes for a convenient space for hauling smaller loads with easy tie down.

Most macho guys will not mention the high step up into the cab but the ladies will appreciate the (albeit too small) running boards on some models.

Fit and Finish:

Car like interior but exterior seams must be wide for needed movement between the bed and cab.

Cost:

Pricey which, as I’ve said before, is one of the reasons trucks are profitable and why every manufacturer is in the truck market. They are simply the most profitable vehicles to make and sell. Believe it or not Ford’s Lincoln division sells a Lincoln LT.

Conveniences and comfort:

Nearly as well endowed as passenger cars and far from the “good old days” just 40 and 50 years ago when 4 wheels, hydraulic brakes, a radio and heater were about as much as you’d expect from a truck. Roll up windows were common, and power anything was rare to non-existent.

Consumer Recommendation:

There are approximately 31 model configurations to select from and only 6 car makers in this segment of the truck market. That means you can find just about any configuration to fit your specific need. You may also want to consider looking at the Avalanche or Escalade EXT if your use will be more recreational than dirty work. That truly gives you two vehicles for the price of one.

Recognized Competition:

Ford F150 Lariat $18-36,000, Lincoln Mark LT $38-41,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $21-41,000, Nissan Titan $24-36,000, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $18-38,000, Toyota Tundra $16-34,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $18-38,000, Honda Ridgeline $28-35,000.

Good News:

Powerful, smooth long wheel base ride, car-like comfort in seating and ride suspension.

Bad News:

Half rear door is cumbersome, very poor fuel economy and bed extender should be standard on all short bed models – the option price is $195.

Standard Equipment:

5.4 liter 300 horsepower V8 engine, 4-speed auto trans, shift on the fly 4 wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-pin trailer wiring, front tow hooks, fog lights, stereo with CD changer, cruise control, tilt leather wrapped steering wheel, auto temp control, compass, outside temp, power driver seat, power heated mirrors, power windows and locks, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, dual air bags and keyless entry and keypad.

Options: special metallic paint, Navigation system, power adjustable pedals, skid plates, power sliding rear window, overhead storage system, trailer tow package, bed extender, reverse sensing system, leather seats, power driver seat and satellite radio. ($6,800).

Gas Stats:

$2.45/ Gal avg. Jan 25, ‘07

14 City and 18 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $32,765.

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – USA

Class:  – Standard Pickup

Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape & Hybrid, E-series Van & Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150, 250 &350, Five Hundred, focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD. The last time I had an Escape it was a standard power plant and we journeyed to Glacier National Park by way of Yellowstone and Jackson Hole Wyoming State Parks in the heart of America . 3,000 miles later and we were back in California .

You do the math on how many gallons we burned at about 20 mpg then and the 32 mpg possible from this hybrid. My calculator says that’s a 38% savings in fuel consumed with a Hybrid version. Any more questions?

If you believe Al Gore invented the internet and is absolutely correct about global warming you will surely buy a hybrid like this Ford Escape Hybrid. If you don’t you’ll buy a less fuel efficient model. But after all said and done it matters little what Gore thinks because it makes economical sense to support the higher fuel efficient models. If I were taking another 3,000 mile trip you can bet I’d schedule a high mileage Hybrid.

I guess the bottom line is that the industry gives us the hybrid option in the same car or truck. I have to say there is still no information on how reliable the electric motor and conventional internal combustion engine will be over time. But “No news is good news”. If you have had experience with repair and maintenance difficulties please share with others by emailing me. I’ll share with our readers.

Handling & Performance:

Wow. This is truly an “escape” from gas guzzlers without suffering performance. It is nearly undetectable that it is a Hybrid until you come to a stop and the engine shuts off. Then when you resume the electric motor starts you off and the engine kicks back in when it’s needed. Driving to my friends’ house for poker night I drove up his long half mile drive in stealth silence – on battery alone. Very cool.

Styling:

The only difference in look and presence of this hybrid is the small green leaf that is a part of the logo. The rest is unmistakably Ford.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Not bad – all things considered.

Conveniences and comfort:

Quite good – see list below. I particularly like the Nav systems, but the screen on this one is as small as a portable model. Car makers really should compete with the portables that save you $2 grand for a Nav system. You can do as well with some cell phones for a small usage charge. Two car families, (like everyone), would be spending four grand for Nav, so why not get $500 portables and take them anywhere, with anyone. Daughter Jenny bought an Acura with Nav and husband Marc bought the portable and you can guess which is more flexible. When they came down for the holidays and had to take the truck the Acura stayed home with the Nav solidly attached to the dash. So much for $2,000 options.

Another favorite that I would invest in is the rear back up sensor option that is very practical. I can do without the camera that is more of a distraction than a help. My head still rotates so I can turn and see much better.

Recognized Competition:

Ford Escape Hybrid $26-27,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-25,000, Mazda Tribute $20-25,000, Nissan Xterra $20-28,000, Hyundai Tucson $17-24,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000, Mercury Mariner Hybrid $28,000, Chevrolet Equinox $22-29,000, Toyota RAV4 $21-26,000, Jeep Liberty $21-27,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $21-25,000, Pontiac Torrent $23-24,000, Honda CR-V $20-28,000, Kia Sportage $16-23,000, Subaru Forester $21-28,000, Saturn Vue $17-24,000.

Good News:

Great fuel economy that is even best around town, precise steering and snappy performance.

Bad News:

Costly Nav system.

Standard Equipment:

2.3 liter inline 4 cylinder engine, auto transmission, front wheel drive, 330 volt hybrid battery, regenerative braking system, electric power assist steering, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, dual air bags, fog lights, privacy glass, power windows, mirrors and locks, rear defrost and wiper, roof side rails, cloth bucket seats, 60/40 rear fold seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, stereo with 6-in dash CD changer, cruise control, tilt wheel, hybrid gauges, message center, air conditioning, perimeter alarm and tire pressure monitor system.

Optional: Nav system for $1,995, 110 AC power outlet $180, upgraded cladding etc. $695, other items for a total with destination charge of $29,705.

Gas Stats:

$2.60/ Gal avg. Jan 07

36 City and 31 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $25,600.

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Kansas City , USA

Class:  – Special Purpose

Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape & Hybrid, E-series Van & Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150,250 &350, Five Hundred, focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ltd 4X4 standard pickup. But to me this was very special. My first pick up truck was a 1946 Chevrolet ½ ton and it would pull a house with an inline 6 cylinder engine. Long stroke and torque. My second Pickup was a 1955 Ford ½ ton and with a small V8 it has remained the most memorable of vehicles. In those days and those cars and trucks you could smuggle 10 illegal aliens under the hood.

The engine was almost an afterthought – remember?  

Today you can’t find room under the hood of this Explorer for a Mexican Chihuahua, legal or illegal.

I loved that first Ford Pick up and although I’ve leaned to GM cars ever since that pick up I can’t tell you why. We all have our favorites but in the truck market the field is getting very crowded. Toyota has now set up a new factory in San Antonio , Texas for trucks only. They have announced building 5 more factories over the next 10 years. On the threshold of becoming the second largest car manufacturer in the world, behind GM, they have some nice product.

But they will have to pay some more dues in earning a place in the Big 3 truck makers – GM, Ford and Chrysler’s impressive Dodge Ram Series.

Congrats to Ford for this small pickup. It is especially good for those outdoor sports enthusiasts where large is not as important as comfort, convenient manuverabliity and well provided tie downs and closed in and lockable cargo area.

I enjoyed this well equipped truck and quickly got used to the back up sensors and a tire pressure monitoring system that saved my bacon in the middle of 3 million acre Death Valley , California . A rock must have broken the bead between tire and rim and released half the air on one of the tires. Ding and the Tire Pressure Icon popped up on the instrument panel. I just happened to be close to a service station and fixed the issue before it became a problem.

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – USA

Class:  – Standard Pickup

Cars: – Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape & Hybrid, E-series Van & Wagon, Expedition, Explorer & Sport Trac, F150,250 &350, Five Hundred, focus & Wagon, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger and Shelby GT500.

Observation:

I have a keen sense of the obvious and have to express my frustration with the ineptness of CalTrans and every other government agency and official we’ve entrusted with the job of planning highway construction and maintenance. The obvious part? Population growth is no secret in high density parts of the cournty. And with that knowledge they do nothing about highway congestion. It has reached critical 24-7 and that didn’t happen over night. These guys must smoke dope – shame on them. Jobs of this nature should be elected postions so those scoundrels are accountable to the people who pay them. What’s more, where has the mainstream media been all this time. All they do is report how congested it is. Lousy reporting on such an obvious problem – especially in California .

Handling & Performance:

The Crest test proved unexpectedly positive mostly due to not being as high profile as larger trucks. Dropping it down to 3rd gear allowed me to cruise easily up and over the San Gabriel mountain range. 0-60 is a quick 7.5 seconds and plenty of power for condident freeway passing.

Another benefit of a standard size pickup is the short turning radius and precise steering. The 4X4 is automatic.

Styling:

The turn signal is oddly placed, higher than usual design and since it is something you use all the time, it is misplaced. The Orange Frost paint initially strikes you as wild but it grew on me.  And the sharp edges do as well.

Fit and Finish:

The ride is solid with a tight feel.

Cost:

A little on the pricey side as equipped, mostly because of the Navigation system. That can be replaced with a portable one that would save $2,000. I can’t understand why they are so expensive. Portable versions can be purchased for about $5-600. And if you don’t need an entertainment system that’s another $1,295.

Conveniences and comfort:

This is truly designed for the dual purpose of having a truck and a family vehicle equipped with a roomy crew cab complete with a rear entertainment center. Sirius satellite is also worth the price even if only to eliminate commercial interruptions. Cruise control was perfect – these things get better every year, which reminds me this is perhaps the best invention of the past 20 years for cars. I find the longer I drive, before cruise control I would drift in and out of consciousness as pedal control of speed has to be the most significant reason for stop and go flow and resultant accidents.

That being said I have to ask Ford to improve the seats that are uncomfortable on longer commutes.

Consumer Recommendation:

I’ve always been a Chevy fan but I have to admit this Ford impressed me.

Recognized Competition:

Suzuki XL7 $23-32,000, Dodge Durango $29-38,000, Nissan Murano $28-32,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $21-28,000, Ford Explorer $25-35,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $25-37,000, Toyota Highlander $25-32,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $28-43,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $27-31,000, Honda Pilot $27-35,000, Kia Sorento $20-26,000.

Good News:

Nice handling, versatility of truck combined with SUV-like passenger compartment, roomy, rust resistant cargo bed and 131 inch wheel base for smooth ride.

Bad News:

Very poor fuel economy, seats on the uncomfortable side, great looking instruments but hard to read.

Standard Equipment:

4.6 liter 292 horsepower V8 engine, 6 speed auto transmission, locking tailgate, rear privacy glass, roof rails, chrome grille, stereo w/ CD / MP3 player, auxiliary audio input jack, 6-way power front seats, 60/40 rear split fold down bench seat, power windows and locks, temp and compass display, hverhead console, auto headlights, power 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, cargo box tie down hooks, class II trailer tow hitch, front and side air bags, child seat tether anchor and anti theft system.

Optional: door entry keypad, auto dimming mirror, ltd elect pkg, upgrade to class III towing, Nav system, power sliding rear window, power adj pedals, cargo cage bed extender, reverse sensing system, Sirius sat radio, hard tonneau cover, two-tone leather seats and rear seat entertainment DVD.

Gas Stats:

$2.60/ Gal avg. Jan 07

14 City and 20 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $29,540

With Options $37,545.