Soybeans, wheat straw, coconuts, and dandelion greens make for an interesting salad. They’re also key ingredients in one of the most outstanding cars of the year, the 2013 Ford Fusion. For those who truly want a green car, this baby more than qualifies.

Recently, staff writer Casey Williams told us how the new Ford Fusion is a great combination of Mother America and Father Europe. That assessment is spot-on — and one that absolutely has no horse meat or horse waste in it.

Scientists have been busy as a bee lately, trying to devise more earth-friendly materials for all our needs. Their goal: to make door frames and dashboards that are just as sturdy as steel but weigh less and have more in common with our kitchen tables than our garbage bags.

They’ve started with that darling bean of the faux food crowd, soy, which can be manipulated into polyols, or alcohol, which can then become a large component of the foam used throughout the automobile shaping process. This soy foam has allowed Ford to shed five-million pounds of petroleum from its annual diet.

And think of this: next time you stash your school books or classical CDs in your car, you may be putting them in care of Mr. Scarecrow. Wheat straw is now being used to make a reinforced plastic for car storage bins. This manufacturing technique saves another 20,000 pounds of petroleum per year.

Love coconut water for your poolside libations but don’t know what to do with the shell once drunk? Ford and its partners are exploring ways to use coconut coir (or husks) to mold plastic parts.

And your milky-white secretions don’t have to go to waste — at least not if you’re a dandelion. Those dandy pearls are used to produce a sustainable rubber, and that rubber can be use to build cup holders, floor mats, and other car accessories that are lighter and more durable than today’s.

Here’s another way of looking at these secret ingredients: the organic material found in your 2013 Ford Fusion is the equivalent of two pairs of jeans for the average-sized adult (whatever that is), or about 31, 250 soy beans. Throw in about 40 clear plastic water bottles for the cloth seats, and you’ve got a car that brings recycling up to speed. What’s more: the covering for those seats is woven from “Omni” cloth, made from 100% recycled yarn. Thus, you can now sit on what didn’t go into that hand-knitted holiday sweater, which is probably for the best.

Over time, this kind of manufacturing eco-friendliness will likely sneak up on us. Our daily products will become more and more earth-friendly, and we may never notice.

At least not until someone offers us some edamame hummus to go with our next hybrid or electric car.

Ford’s new mid-size Fusion is an odd mix of Mother America and Father Europe. That’s in direct contrast to the last-generation Fusion that was essentially a Japanese Mazda6 underneath. There was precision to its moves that was wholly in line with its underpinnings. It was especially nice as a hybrid. Only one problem: except for its brash, flashy chrome grille, its design was B-O-R-I-N-G.

By comparison, the latest Fusion is a smooth, bronzed supermodel, ready for Monaco. An Aston Martin grille, sexy fastback roofline, chiseled flanks, and Jaguar tail let it slip through a throng of exotics unnoticed. It looks like papa. But there’s a hint of American muscle car in the hood bulges, angry headlamps, and twin chrome exhaust outlets. Mama’s proud. Friends and family universally panned our test car’s Ginger Algae Metallic paint, which approximated baby peas laced with grind shavings, but the rest of the car is GQ-handsome.

Step inside. Somebody at Ford worships at the altar of Audi. It shows in soft-touch materials, elegant woodgrain, aluminum-look detailing on the dash and doors, and comfy, heated leather seats. Nothing in the interior feels cheap; even the underside of the center stack is vinyl-covered. Leather on the steering wheel may have been shed from a goat, but the Fusion is designed to a price. A large analog speedometer with flanking LCD screens for trip computer and audio read-outs are sporty and high-tech.

Our Fusion came with MyFord Touch, which converts the center stack into one large touch pad. Drivers can control audio, navigation, and climate through voice, the high-mounted touchscreen, or labeled touch spots below. Optional safety systems include Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning. Front and rear parking sensors matched with a backing camera keep that Algae paint from spreading to foreign surfaces.

Ford’s powertrain for the Fusion is based firmly on options from across the Atlantic. Our test car came with a 1.6-liter direct-injected EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 178 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs of torque. Auto Start-Stop Technology, which pauses the engine at rest, and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions help the car return 26/37 mpg city/highway.

Ford may have sought too much input from America for the chassis and steering. There’s nothing obscenely sloppy about the chassis, but it floats over rough roads — in fact, it floats over all roads. It’s smooth, but not particularly engaging. Same is true of the steering. It’s precise, but light. Most owners will love it, but you can’t help feeling that Ford could’ve done more to excite lovers of Euro ‘chinery.

A co-worker narrowed his mid-size sedan search to the VW Passat, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion. He chose the Fusion. Overall, I like the car, too. Its exterior and interior are supermodel hot, but I can’t help wishing for the crisp moves of the previous-generation. A little more input from Cousin Japan could make the Euro-American Fusion near perfect.

A base price of $21,700 ($30,180 as-tested) serves up tough competition for the Fusion’s enemies on both sides of the oceans.

2013 Ford Fusion
Five-passenger, FWD sedan
Powertrain: 178hp 1.6-liter turbo I4, 6-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels: 18”/18” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Style, ride
Fuel economy: 23/36 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Hermosillo, Mexico
Base/as-tested price: $21,700/30,180

Los Angeles and Detroit are two of the largest auto shows in North America, but automakers often save some big news for Chicago. From a new little diesel to a Superman sedan, big man van, and Texas-sized truck, there was a lot to see at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, which wrapped up last week. Here are some of the highlights:

2014 Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel
Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI gets company. Chevy is shoving a 2.0-liter diesel engine — which delivers 148 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque — into the compact Cruze. In combination with low-rolling-resistance tires, rear spoiler, and lightweight 17” alloys, the engine enables 42 mpg highway. 0-60 mph arrives in 8.6 seconds. Prices will start at $25,695.

2014 Toyota Tundra
Not to be left behind, Toyota debuted its new Texas-built pickup. Bold exteriors accompany luxurious interiors with available saddle brown leather, JBL audio, Entune infotainment, heated/cooled seats, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Drivers will choose from a V6 and two V8 engines, delivering up to 381 horsepower.

2013 Nissan Nismo Juke
Nissan’s in-house tuner works over the Juke with a race-inspired exterior, sport-tuned suspension, and firmer steering. Interiors feature bolstered suede seats with red stitching. Whether owners choose front- or all-wheel-drive, they’ll enjoy a 197 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. Pricing wasn’t announced, but sales begin in March.

2014 Ram ProMaster
Developed from the Fiat Ducato, this unibody front-drive Ram will become a staple of contractors and delivery services and could give the Ford Transit Connect a run for its hard-earned money. Doors are wide enough for pallets. Under the hood is a 174 hp, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel or 280 hp 3.6-liter V6. Bluetooth, hands-free texting, web access, and navigation aid drivers. Sales begin this fall.

Kia Cross GT Concept
Peter Schreyer’s design studios created another stunner. Penned in Frankfurt, but built in California, it previews a next-generation crossover. Motivation comes from a 400 hp V6 hybrid system with AWD, enabling 20 miles of all-electric range. A hexagonal glass skylight, leather tanned with veggie oil, and walnut trim the interior. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR
Inspired by a ‘70s Beetle of the same name, the GSR will echo its predecessor with yellow paint, black accents, and large rear spoiler. Interiors boast Fender audio, sunroof, alloy pedals, and a stopwatch (!). The 210 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and 19” alloys should deliver peppy performance. A limited allotment of 3500 units arrives this fall, pricing TBD.

2013 Dodge Mopar Dart
Outfitted with Mopar accessories, this special Dart wears black paint with blue stripes, 18” gloss black alloys, spoilers, Katskin blue leather driver’s seat, and industry-first wireless smartphone charging. A lowered suspension, premium brakes, and Fiat-sourced 1.4-liter turbo engine enhance performance. Production is limited to 500 cars.

Ford Fiesta ST Racer
Ford has been a contender in almost every racing series over the decades, and will continue in the Global RallyCross Championship, including five North American events, with a special Fiesta ST that previews the coming launch of a production version. The cars will be expertly driven during 2013 by Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan, and Ken Block.

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid
The Optima Hybrid is already a superhero for Kia sales, but a partnership with DC Entertainment created this special car to help raise money for the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign to alleviate drought and famine in Africa. Widened fenders, adjustable suspension, and Superman color scheme gave the car super powers in Kia’s stand. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

It’s difficult to over-state how dramatically different the aerodynamically-tuned Taurus was upon its 1986 debut. I remember seeing the television commercials and sitting up with a gasp. It defined futuristic and still cuts a swath a quarter-century later. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation would not have split as many sides without it — either hauling that Christmas Sequoia or flying through a snow bank.

Now, after decades of neglect, the latest model is again a very cool car that innovates.

During the recent re-style, designers gave the Taurus an aggressive stance, shortened the side windows for a sexier profile, and tapped into Galaxy heritage for the square tail lamps. The high trunk conceals a boudoir that could bed at least four Jimmy Hoffas -– maybe more with the rear seats flipped. Integrated dual chrome exhaust tips, 19” alloys, and canted headlamps wax sinister.

Interior stylists gave the Taurus a twin-cowl dash as in the Mustang, but angled it way forward for the feeling of a muscle ship command center. Our test car had MyFord Touch with SYNC that ditches traditional buttons for touch points on the center stack and voice controls for audio, navigation, climate, and other functions. The system is not a darling of Consumer Reports, but seemed relatively easy to use. Heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and ridiculous rear seat space poshed out the joint.

Real innovation lands under the hood. The big poppa is moved by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 hp and 22/32 mpg city/hwy. I should have noticed the “EcoBoost” label on the decklid, but drove it home wondering why the six-cylinder engine had suddenly become so smooth and rich with torque. The Taurus with EcoBoost is no Shelby Cobra, but it commands considerable street cred among other full-size four-doors, proving that you don’t need a big engine for big grins.

Much of the car’s chassis was cribbed from the Volvo S80/XC90 architecture and is shared with the Lincoln MKS/MKT and Ford Explorer/Flex. That bestows the full-size American car with sophisticated European behavior. It’s difficult to tame the big wheels as they rumble over rough roads, but the four-wheel independent suspension does a good job of maintaining composure.

As with the big Volvos, safety performance is world class and earns an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. There’s a ton of high-strength steel, thick doors, and beefy roof pillars to fortify the passenger compartment. To prevent contact in the first place, the Taurus is available with adaptive cruise control that uses radar to scan 600 feet ahead. Using the same radar, the collision warning system with brake support blinks red lights beneath the windshield and pre-charges the brakes should an accident seem imminent. Blind spot and cross-traffic alert systems further warn drivers of danger.

Books have been written about how the original Taurus saved Ford’s ass in the ‘80s. The big car with a powerful little heart may not set the club a-dancing, but it is still a very formidable ride. That’s almost enough to justify the $35,180 as-tested price.

2013 Ford Taurus
Five-passenger, FWD sedan
Powertrain: 240hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, 6-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels: 19”/19” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Style, convenience
Fuel economy: 22/32 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Chicago, IL
Base/as-tested price: $26,600/35,180

Once upon a time, ordering a Ford Mustang with a V6 signified that you were a secretary, a college student, or “worse”, a “man-loving sissy”.

Oh, how times have changed. Don’t get me wrong — you’d get no grief from me if you ordered the 420 hp Mustang GT, 444 hp Boss 302, or 650 hp Shelby GT500. But there’s absolutely no shame in coming out with the V6, either.

The 3.7-liter V6 produces a hunky 305 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, all while running on cheap 87 octane. To get the most of that power, engineers have conjured up a choice of transmissions: a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with SelectShift capability. Power gets to the road only one way: through the rear wheels. Automatic-equipped cars achieve up to 19/31 mpg city/hwy. That blend of performance and fuel economy is hard to deny.

The only problem is, all that power is harnessed by a chassis that’s seen better days. A solid rear axle remains out back, and while trained by the choreographers in Ford’s engineering department, rough roads will unsettle it like your mother at a pride parade.

That said, the Mustang handles any curves a sober driver can toss it into and many that only the mentally deranged would try. On the whole, ride quality is a balance of firmness and comfort — just what you want in an American muscle car that will spend much of its life at sub-super speeds.

Stylists keep the 2013 Mustang honest, yet stylish. Subtle updated give the car a new grille, a more prominent lower front splitter, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. A long hood, fastback roofline, and kicked-up rear fenders are as recognizable as Elton John’s glasses; LED taillamps maintain the Mustang’s “three-barrel” look while slapping its bum with modern flair. Painted rocker panels, 19″ charcoal-painted alloys, and puddle lamps that project the pony logo onto the ground are nifty accessories.

Updates to the interior are equally subtle, but appreciated. I always hated Ford’s “safety headrests” that uncomfortably forced your head downward. New seats, available in contrasting leather, are comfortable, hug your sides, and are blessed with rotating headrests. There’s still too much hard plastic, and the doors sound like they shut in three parts, but the twin dash design looks expensive with silver metallic accents.

Technology like a touchscreen for navigation, audio, and climate control is easy to use and fits nicely in the center stack. Our test car came with the Shaker audio system that will rattle glass but also connects with Ford SYNC voice controls, USB iPod connections, and an in-dash CD player. The availability of AppLink, a free software program, lets SYNC users voice control apps already downloaded on their smartphones.

The Mustang V6 is no sissy, looking debonair with its updated styling, foot-tapping power, and fuel efficiency. It’s just time to quit making excuses for the rear dance missteps, cut the interior plastic, and create a door that doesn’t sound like it came from a ’75 Ford LTD. Accomplish that, and Ford will have a Mustang ready for the next 50 years.

2013 Ford Mustang V6
Four-passenger, RWD coupe
Powertrain: 305hp 3.7-liter V6, six-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/Solid axle
Wheels: 19”/19” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Heritage, power
Fuel economy: 19/31 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Flat Rock, MI
Base/As-tested price: $22,200/$33,220

Ford’s Escape has always been the stuffy little nerd that was well-mannered, but never seemed to have much fun. Its attire was as conservative as a tweed suit and the interior was about as boring.

That’s not to say the Escape wasn’t popular. Since arriving a decade ago to give hell to Japanese benchmarks like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it has been perfect for urban travel and soft-roading. But clearly, Ford’s compact crossover needed to cut loose and find a good stylist.

With the 2013 model, the Escape has been reborn. Gone is the “two boxes on wheels” profile of the original Escape and replaced by a sleek multi-faceted design influenced by suave silhouettes, like those of the Focus and Fiesta, with a hint of Explorer in the wrap-around taillamps. Ford claims the new model is 10% more aerodynamic. I’d say, at least.

Inside, there is a big expanse of windshield and convergence of curves and angles. It’s a bit busy, but everything is easy to use, and there’s attention to detail. The shifter glides fluidly through its notches, and knobs turn like fine pens. I really like the available heated leather seats, thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and deep cupholders. (Hey, I’m addicted to soda.)

Then, there’s SYNC with MyFord Touch that theoretically directs the infotainment system through voice, steering wheel buttons, or touchscreens — if it is in a good mood. My past experiences with SYNC caused cussing when it refused to do something as radical as finding “Elvis Presley” on my iPod, but the new version is better. I almost wore out the cool under-bumper sensor that raises the tailgate with a foot wave.

Hitting the gas brings only joy, even if V6 and hybrid options are M.I.A. The base powertrain is a 168hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Better are the available 240hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost and 178hp 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines. The turbos deliver smooth, savory torque without burning excessive fossils. All three engines deliver over 30 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.

The chassis is just as sophisticated. Using 25 sensors, the all-wheel-drive system analyzes wheel speed, accelerator position, and steering angle to determine where the driver wants to go and how to best execute his or her demands. Curve Control automatically slows the vehicle if drivers enter a corner too quickly; Torque Vectoring Control helps accelerate through a turn. It’s an impressive amount of technology for a small crossover.

If all of that doesn’t excite you, the 2013 Escape is available with Ford’s BLIS blind-spot warning system and Cross-Traffic Alert that gives a heads-up when vehicles approach from the sides or kids’ toys are behind it when backing.

The coolest feature, though, is the automatic parallel parking system. I’m pretty good at parallel parking, but the Escape is much better.

Still smart, but a lot more stylish, the all-new Escape is sure to make more affluent friends than its predecessors. The 2013 Escape starts under $23,000, but an as-tested price of $31,540 puts it up against lofty versions of the Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, Jeep Compass, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Outback.

2013 Ford Escape SEL
Five-passenger, AWD crossover
Powertrain: 240 hp 2.0-liter T4, six-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/ind
Wheels: 19”/19” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Style, power
Fuel economy: 21/28 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Louisville, KY
As-tested price: $31,540

I’m gunning it out of corners and dodging construction cones in Queens, New York, when I realize this is the first, and hopefully last, time I’ll spend with Ford’s brand new range of Police Interceptors. After decades of loyal service, the Crown Victoria sedan, a staple of police forces and taxicab fleets around the country, is headed for a long-overdue retirement. Its two-pronged replacements are based on either the Ford Explorer SUV, or the Taurus sedan. To prove the merits of both models, Ford invited journalists to CitiField, home of the New York Mets, to simulate hot pursuits in several coned course layouts in the stadium’s parking lot.

Ford also brought along the outgoing Crown Victoria for back-to-back comparisons between the old and new squad cars. Now I’ve been lucky enough to drive some pretty exotic machinery, but there is something that makes you seriously giddy when you slide behind the wheel of a police car. Full disclosure: This marked my first time on the other side of the partition, that thick plate of plastic separating good from bad. Or in my case, a patient Brooklyn cop who took a hapless sap (i.e. me) for a cruise of my neighborhood after my car had been stolen. The shell was discovered, months later, in the Bronx.

Whether you’re in the Explorer or Taurus-based Interceptor, the cabin is a sea of black plastic and easy-to-clean rubber surfaces. Since these were demo models, the vehicles weren’t fully equipped with all the necessary crime fighting gear, such as computers and riot guns. Most car companies don’t trust journalists with a working cigarette lighter, so the lack of a loaded shotgun on the dash didn’t come as much of a surprise. What did shock me was how nimble and punchy the Police Interceptors proved to be. Even on the tightest of the three courses, the Explorer and Taurus dodged and darted their way through around the cones.

The comparison to the Crown Victoria was dramatic, though I couldn’t help but enjoy the retro feel of the old girl as she leaned and wallowed her way through corners. If your silver-screen police idols include Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood, you might actually favor the Vic. It’s the hard drinking and chain-smoking grizzled veteran, the one who doesn’t get the girl, but always bags the bad guys. In comparison, the latest Police Interceptors feel like quick-thinking rookies who can run faster and scale obstacles with vastly more grace and ease.

They also drink a lot less. According to Ford, the base 288 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 in the Police Interceptor sedan delivers an EPA-certified fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway – an improvement of 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway (plus 38 additional horsepower) over the Crown Victoria. The Interceptor sedan is also offered in hot rod format, with all-wheel-drive and a seriously potent 365-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood. Not to be left out, the Interceptor sport-utility features a 3.7-liter V-6 that delivers 304 horsepower. Even the SUV manages to drink less fuel than the outgoing Crown Victoria, while still delivering a solid 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds.

There is no doubt the latest Police Interceptors are better in every way. They even look cool, though you might disagree if one suddenly shows up in your rearview mirror with its lights flashing. Before you ask, neither the Interceptor sedan nor the sport-utility is available to the general public. If you want one, you’ll need a career in fighting crime. For that reason, I decided to put the Interceptor sedan to one final and, for many of us, much more relatable test. With the passenger’s side rear door open, I placed my hands behind my back and ducked my head, before sliding backwards onto the rear seat.

I can’t say there was much in the way of luxury or, for that matter, any means of escape after one smart-ass colleague decided to shut the door. Once you’re in, it’s clear you’re meant to stay inside. Yet it was reasonably comfy and spacious, even if ergonomics are unlikely to be a top priority for most rear occupants.

Turning heads is what fashion is all about. But, in today’s fiscally restrained environment, fashion must sometimes take a back seat to paying the rent. Every now and again, however, one discovers that odd bargain; the designer coat carelessly tossed into the half-off bin, or the rare Picasso snagged at a garage sale. Style and savings can go hand-in-hand, which is why we’ve selected five cars for around $20,000 that are guaranteed to drop jaws wherever they appear.

1. 2012 Fiat 500 Sport
Although the 500 is new in the U.S., its face is well known in Europe where its goes by the name Cinco. This cute little compact is loaded with style both inside and out. Better yet, the 500 sips fuel with the same restraint as an Italian rationing out his last bottle of fine Chiante. We like the features and content in the Sport trim, but if you really want to save money, you can get into the 500 Pop for around $16,000. The 500’s options sheet is full of colorful and exciting add-ons, and the exterior offers a choice of no less than 14 different colors. Keep in mind that Fiat is still reacquainting itself with the American consumer, so finding a 500 dealership may prove more daunting than picking a color. To see more of the 500 and locate a dealer near you, visit the company’s website at www.fiatusa.com.
Price Range: $15,500-$22,500
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 30/38 (manual), 27/34 (automatic)

2. 2011 Kia Soul
Who says you can’t combine practicality and a pretty face? With the Soul, Kia has created a compact economy wagon with supermodel good looks, a choice of three unique interiors—including one in houndstooth—and probably one of the most watched commercial advertisement’s on YouTube (cute Hamsters with a gangster theme, you’ll love it.) Although the Soul starts around $14,000, we think the Soul  comes nicely equipped yet still manages to remain under our $20,000 target price.
Price Range: $13,300-$22,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: (2.0-liter engine) 24/30 (manual), 24/30 (automatic)

3. 2011 MINI Cooper
Although the MINI Cooper has been around for a few years, it still garners stares as if it had just debuted. Tiny on the outside, the brilliant MINI Cooper can actually accommodate drivers as tall as six-feet five-inches, which means if you gotta lot of leg (are you listening Tina Turner?) you’ve found your ride. Of course, beyond its cool exterior and amazingly detailed interior, the MINI Cooper is a true driver’s car that will have you finding any excuse to get behind the wheel. The base MINI Cooper without options starts right at $20,000, so technically it meets our criteria, but in truth you won’t find a model without options (nor would you want one), so expect a nicely equipped model to push closer to $25,000.
Price Range: $19,400-$32,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 29/37 (manual), 28/36 (automatic)

4. 2011 Nissan Juke SV
Can funky be fashionable? It can be if your idea of funky is a turbocharged compact sedan that is part hot-hatchback and part Baja buggy. The Nissan Juke won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you have a thing for off-beat good looks and big rear ends (think Meryl Streep meets J.Lo), then the Juke may very well find a new home in your garage. Toss in the massive color-keyed center console, available all-wheel drive and cutting-edge features like Bluetooth, navigation, iPod connectivity and a killer Rockford Fosgate stereo, and the Juke proves beauty is more than skin deep.
Price Range: $19,340 – $27,500
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 24/31 (manual, FWD), 27/32 (automatic, FWD)

5. 2012 Ford Focus SEL Sedan
When you think Focus, you think rental car, right? Well, Ford is asking you to jettison that impression and replace it with the alluring, sexy sedan that is the 2012 Ford Focus SEL. The new Focus’ European styling influence is evident inside and out, with radically intriguing sheetmetal, racy alloy wheels, and a modern interior filled with high quality materials and lots and lots of blue lighting. The cherry on the Focus sundae, however, is the suite of available hands-free communication and media devices, such as Ford’s MyTouch configurable display, SYNC Bluetooth and iPod interface, and an available 355-watt Sony sound system.
Price Range: $16,270 – $28,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 26/36 (manual), 27/37 (SelectShift automatic)

For the record, the cars selected here have an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) around or below $20,000 and do not include destination fees nor taxes. But, the invoice for all of these cars is well under the $20,000 cutoff, and seriously what self respecting gay or lesbian pays retail these days? To see the invoice prices plus the cost of adding options, we suggest you try using KBB.com’s new car pricing page http://www.kbb.com/new-cars. KBB’s site is clean, easy to navigate and gives invoice pricing not only for the vehicle, but all the options as well. Happy shopping!

Last week, Joe Tralongo and Nick Kurczewski visited the Derek & Romaine Show on the Sirius network to talk about the highs and lows of the 2011 New York Auto Show. During their visit, they answered a lot of questions from listeners, but they didn’t have the chance to respond to everyone. Here’s one of the late-comers, whose question might be of interest to some of you:

I enjoyed listening to you on Derek & Romaine. I’m in the market to change cars (currently driving a 2007 Jeep Liberty). It was nice to hear you mention the Kia Soul this week on the show. I’m also considering the Jeep Patriot and the Dodge Journey. The Nissan Juke was a possibility, too, but I’ve decided that it’s too small. I’m looking for something that has room for my things and is a little higher-end than a regular car. I’m looking to spend in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim

* * * * *

Hey Jim,

Thanks for listening, I hope we gave you some good ideas, but let’s talk more about your needs.

I like the Dodge Journey, it’s been completely remade for 2011 with a much improved interior and V6 engine. Unfortunately, even the base model nicely equipped starts at about the top of your price range of $25,000. If you want to go the Jeep route, take a look at the new Compass. Jeep grafted the new Grand Cherokee’s front end on it, as well as made significant interior improvements, creating a very attractive package. If all-wheel-drive is important, the Subaru Outback Premium with the CVT automatic is also around $25,000, as is the Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Chevrolet HHR.

We own a 2008 Honda Element and love it. This is the last year for the Element, but you can also consider getting a used model if you can’t find a 2011 model on the lot. The Element is a really versatile vehicle with a huge cargo hold, has great upright seats (good for bad backs) and about seven-inches of ground clearance.

Hope this helps. Happy hunting!
Joe T.

This year at the New York International Auto Show, the theme we repeatedly heard more than any other was fuel economy—or to be more precise, 40 mpg fuel economy. Auto makers, both foreign and domestic, rolled out a number of high-mileage cars that promise to help us all fight the pain of four and five dollar a gallon gasoline. But, there was also excitement in New York with sporty concepts and luxurious land yachts peppering the Javits Center halls. Although we’ve listed a small sampling of our favorites here, you can see all the cars for yourself April 22-May 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. For more information, visit www.AutoShowNY.com.

2012 Subaru Impreza
A reworked Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatchback receive more angular sheetmetal, a much needed interior upgrade including more front and rear-seat legroom, and a new 2.0-liter boxer engine teamed to either a manual or CVT automatic transmission. That last bit of information is crucial to the Impreza’s story, as Subaru is promising cars equipped with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) will see 36 miles-per-gallon, making the 2012 Impreza the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in America.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The new 2012 Beetle is set to hit VW showrooms this fall, and what a splash it will make! While still recognizable as the iconic VW coupe, the 2012 VW Beetle is a bit longer and less rounded than the last model; it’s also much more athletic and muscular. Beetle fans can choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (the same found in the sporty GTI.) Both manual and automatic transmissions, including VW’s DSG dual-clutch automatic, will be available. Pricing has not yet been announced, but rumor has it that the 2012 Beetle will start under $20,000.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback
Joining the small but steady proliferation of what are being dubbed “four-door coupes”, the A7 also incorporates the best attributes of a wagon as well. Surprise guest Stephen Colbert appeared on stage, partially to help launch the new car and partially to announce his collaboration with Audi in the Charleston Bermuda sailing race. All jokes aside, the A7 is a stunning car with a fastback like rear end that, though not quite as obvious as the BMW 5GT’s rear, is certainly more handsome than the Porsche Panamera. Models will include gasoline and diesel engines, as well as Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel drive.

2013 Ford Taurus
Ford continues to make small but significant improvements to its biggest sedan, proving that the company is no longer content to sit by and watch foreign competitors overtake its newest models. In addition to its standard 3.5-liter V6, the 2013 Ford Taurus will offer an available 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that will deliver V6-like power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of the 2.0-liter turbo marks the second EcoBoost engine offered in the Taurus line, the other being the 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 in the Taurus SHO. Other changes in store for the 2012 Taurus include a new front fascia with electrically operated grille slats that help reduce aerodynamic drag when closed, LED tail lights, and the addition of Ford’s MyTouch configurable gauge cluster.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is treated to a sporty new makeover that, when viewed from behind, makes the sedan appear almost like a four-door Camaro. While more curves have been added to the Malibu’s sheetmetal, dash and wheel arches, the front end seems to have missed the boat, retaining a more angular appearance with strong ties to the previous model. Inside, a new instrument panel includes cool grooved bars that mimic the flamboyant old dashes from the 50s and 60s, as well as more interior room and a stunning attention to detail. We flat out love this interior. The biggest news, however, is the addition of the Malibu ECO, which uses GM’s eAssist electric motor generator to assist the gasoline engine, returning an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

2012 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai has been on a tear lately, and the new Accent is proof the Korean car company is showing no signs of slowing down. The lightweight Accent looks great, comes loaded with features, yet will probably barely reach the $17,000 mark with all the bells and whistles. Better yet, Hyundai is promising 40 mpg highway when either the manual or automatic transmission is paired with the 138-horsepower gasoline direct injection (a first in this segment) 2.0-liter engine; figures like these also mean the Accent bests the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Mazda Mazda2 in both horsepower and fuel economy.

2012 Honda Civic
The previous Civic ran for five years with only minor changes and still looks as fresh and modern as the day it was launched. Not wanting to tempt fate, the all-new 2012 Honda Civic doesn’t venture too far from the successful formula that helped make the last Civic a perennial best seller. While the basic size and shape are familiar, the exterior is now a bit more vivid, with added dimensional sculpting on the hood, trunk and sides. There are a total of seven Civic models, including the sporty Si, Eco-friendly Hybrid, and the luxurious EX; this year also marks the return of the fuel-efficient HF trim. Our own Nick Kurczewski will have a full write up on the new Civic soon, so check back for his in-depth review.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
Hot on the heels of the new 300 sedan comes its sinister alter-ego, the SRT8. Still smooth and stylish, the Chrysler 300 SRT8’s massive HEMI V8 engine, which is good for 465 horsepower, can rocket this big sedan from 0-60 mph in the four second range. Talk about your ticket magnet! Also debuted were two new 300 trims: the S trim is endowed with a more urban, youthful appearance, while the C Executive line is designed to be the must luxurious 300 model ever.

Favorite Concepts
Concept cars are only dreams formed in metal and plastic (and sometimes clay). But, dreams do come true, which is why we have our fingers crossed for these two concept beauties

Scion FR-S
This car finally delivers on Scion’s promise of a youthful, aggressive and fun-to-drive coupe that anyone can afford. The FR-S features a 2.0-liter boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and a lightweight body with a nearly 50/50 front to rear weight distribution. But it’s the styling that really gets us. WOW.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class
Fun, smart and small are not adjectives normally attributed to Mercedes-Benz cars, but this little concept could very well change all that. If MB does it right (and prices it right), the A-Class Concept could be the car that finally pulls in the super cool, super young buyers that have long alluded the German luxury car giant.

Touching Ford’s Edge

A few years back, about the same time gas prices went through the roof and SUV owners realized they didn’t need a full-framed truck to get their tushes to the club and back, Ford witnessed sales of its once popular Explorer’s plunge. While still a suave ride, the Explorer was simply no longer what sensible gents needed or wanted. Fortunately, at about the same time, Ford introduced the Edge, a Fusion-based crossover that offered everything people loved about their Explorers without any of the unpleasant side effects. For 2011, Ford has given the Edge a significant makeover, including the debut of the cool MyFord Touch system and an athletic new Sport edition.

The 2011 Ford Edge is a unique blend of American flash and Japanese high-tech. While the Edge’s styling is clearly American, its underlying chassis and vehicle architecture are derived from the last-generation Mazda6 and are shared with the Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and Lincoln MKX. Few exterior clues let you know about the stirring within. A big bold grille reminiscent of the Fusion sedan’s and new body trim definitely amp up the performance feel, while optional 22-inch wheels and massive black grille on the Sport model help the Edge to strut its stuff. The lower front fascia and underbody shields contribute to diminished wind noise and improved fuel economy. All of the body enhancements give the Edge a contemporary but menacing attitude.

Under the taut skin are a retuned suspension and chassis featuring shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars all re-engineered to allow for a firmer ride and sportier handling. Corners and hill crests are now attacked with greater vigor, while upgraded four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes enhance stopping ability. The Edge offers Hill Start Assist (reduces rollback on hills), Trailer Sway Control (detects oscillating trailers and brakes the vehicle to compensate), and Hydraulic Brake Assist that provides higher braking forces when emergency stops are detected. Already available in the Taurus, the Edge is now available with Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support that automatically reduces speed and pre-charges the brakes when a collision is predicted; now if it could only take you home when drunkenness is predicted, we’d all have a better morning.

Undoubtedly, the feature getting the most attention with the new Edge is the first application of the MyFord Touch system. Buttons and knobs are mostly replaced by an iPhone-type touch pad located in the center console. Two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster show trip computer and infotainment settings while an 8-inch touch-screen in the center control stack adjusts climate, audio, and navigation functions. One of the many cool features allows passengers to tag songs on the HD Radio system, and then later download them to their iPod.

Powering the Edge is a Ford-engineered 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough juice to boogie the Edge down the road. Fuel economy is rated at a relatively-efficient 19-city/27-hwy. The Edge Sport, like our test vehicle, gallops with the Mustang’s 3.7-liter V6 that ups the thunder to 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque – plenty to haul its handsome self well above legal velocities. But, opting for the larger engine causes a slight dip in the Edge’s fuel economy, which falls to 18-city/25-hwy. Both engines are matched with six-speed SelectShift™ automatic transmissions that maximized fuel economy and performance and delivers nearly imperceptible gear changes.

For those who want even better fuel economy but don’t want to sacrifice power, Ford has created the EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Although not the first time we’ve seen this type of configuration from Ford (think back to the mid-80s Thunderbird Turbo Coupe), the EcoBoost pumps out significantly more ponies while delivering 30-percent better fuel economy than the 3.7-liter V6. Rumors are still whirling around about the EcoBoost’s transmission partner, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it is Ford’s new Powershift 6-speed dual-clutch gear box. Final power and fuel economy ratings will be released when the new engine makes its debut later in the 2011 model year.

Although much of the Edge’s internals remain largely unchanged, the visible upgrades we can see make the 2011 Ford Edge seem like an entirely new set of wheels. And, while the new powertrains, updated exterior and improved suspension will likely impress the media, it’s My Ford Touch that will wow the public. With the Edge on a roll, it probably isn’t long before a hybrid model makes it way to Ford showrooms (a pretty easy assignment given the Fusion has all the parts ready to go), but until then, we’ll hold out for the EcoBoost model.

2011 Ford Edge
Five-passenger, AWD Crossover.
Powertrain: 305-HP 3.7-litre V6, 6-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind./Ind
Wheels: 22”/22” f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have feature: Style, performance
Manufacturing: Oakville, ON
Fuel economy: 18/25-MPG city/hwy
As-tested price: $40,930

Snakes are just nasty. My mother would be the first to tell you. They slither, shed, hiss, rattle, suffocate, and sometimes bite. Mostly, they just do their own thing, wishing to live in peace. Despite every warning, somebody always has to walk up and poke venom with a stick. Do that to the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 and you’ll get a nasty surprise.

Like a rattler shakin’ its thing in the Texas prairie, the GT500′s exterior tells trespassers to leave it alone. From mugs to plugs, the GT500 is shaped for fear, but there is also plenty of refinement and detail to please less testosterone-infused gents.

A gaping grille, air scoop, bulging hood to shield the supercharger, 19″ gray alloy wheels, and rear spoiler mean business. But, there’s a finesse to the styling that recalls vintage Mustangs while softening the tones and amping the stripe colors (love the bright red on gray background) to appeal to Gen-X and Gen-Y, of all persuasions, raised on Hondas, V-Dubs, and Scions. Telling it is a Mustang, the GT500 flips its tail to the world on wide haunches enlightened by triple barrel taillamps. Ford goes after the whole tribe in one big bite; competitors who fail to heed this blaring warning will be sprayed in puddles of snake hiss.

Open the door and a twin cowl dash greets you as only a Mustang could. Being a Shelby, the cabin was loaded to the 9s with red leather bucket seats, suede- and leather-wrapped steering wheel, cue ball shift knob, metallic-look console trim, and the largest color-changeable gauges Ford could devise. Ford’s SYNC system links the navigation and audio systems by voice. USB ports plugged my iPOD easily, and then allowed it to be controlled through the touchscreen. Bluetooth wirelessly connected my phone to the car, but it was a little hard to have conversations over the intoxicating engine rumble. There’s still a lot of hard plastic on the doors, but key touch points have been padded for a more upscale feel. Interior designers blended the right portions of heritage and technology to please almost everybody. Still, nobody drinks the GT500 for its interior flair.

Unless you’re on a track, drink responsibly. The GT500 takes you from sober to sideways with one toss of the throttle. A new aluminum-block 5.4-litre supercharged V8 charges with 550 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque – 10 HP more than last year. Cast in aluminum instead of cast iron, engineers eviscerated 102 lbs. from the V8 for better acceleration, handling, and fuel economy – enough to erase the GT500 from the Fed’s gas guzzler roster by enabling 15/23-MPG city/hwy. Shifted with a six-speed manual transmission, the crisp wrist-activated lever enables 0-60mph runs in 4.2s.

Tread in near-slicks, slight provocations will send the GT500 wobbling until the relatively-passive stability control system whips it back into line. Stabbing the throttle full-on should really only be done on a track or a very wide straight road as deserted as the Mustang plant on Labor Day. Fortunately, there’s an electronic safety net when things get really stupid and the power is easy to modulate.

While driving the GT500, it hauled tail and tummy through Kentucky on my way to drive the Nissan Leaf and Nissan’s HQ. And, that’s just funny – like Pig Pen showing up at Al Gore’s pool party. The engine has so much power by itself that it barely took a nip of supercharger during heavy-footed cruising through Appalachia. It was docile when I wanted it to be, but left in a furry worthy of Endora’s thunderous vanishings on Bewitched. The poor little librarian in her strung-out Civic never knew what left her. Even after 700 miles behind the wheel, the car elicited evil cackles getting onto the Interstate at full throttle. Power does indeed corrupt absolutely.

Ford better enjoy its wide open fields now because Chevrolet is planning to encroach upon its slither space with a Camaro Z28 that is rumored to harbor the Cadillac CTS-V’s 556-HP Supercharged V8. Given the Chevy’s smooth styling and chassis to match, Ford will have to spice up its wicked brew to put that giant down.

Carroll Shelby has been a long-time snake charmer under Ford’s tent – a relationship that goes back to when Lee Iacocca ran the place. He had a few thoughts about the GT500. “Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.” I’ll take power AND less weight.

As if Elvira attended finishing school, the GT500 is refined evil. It’s wonderful that Ford conjures such a beast. But to be truthful, the world’s full of nasty snakes – the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, Corvette ZR-1, Dodge Viper, and a pit of Porsches among them. None, however, come with as tame of a base price like the GT500′s $48,645, or $55,330 as tested.

2011 Ford Shelby GT500

Four-passenger, RWD Coupe
Powertrain: 550-HP 5.4-litre SC V8, 6-speed manual transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind./Solid axle
Wheels: 19″/19″ f/r
Brakes: Disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have feature: Power, style
Fuel economy: 15/23-MPG city/hwy
Assembly: Flat Rock, MI
As tested price: $55,330

By Casey Williams

From the available red-and-white-striped seats to the wind it puts in your face, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible is like a big kid’s Schwinn Stingray. I had one in yellow and red when I turned five. About five minutes after it came home, I weebled it into my mom’s Pontiac Phoenix and dented both the car and my chin. The car survived the incursion (although it later shed its transmission and every other part not deemed essential by itself). My chin, however, required five stitches to be put whole. Buy a 2011 Mustang GT and you’ll have a lot of fun – hopefully without a trip to the emergency room.

Check the front fender and you’ll see a classic element we used to love: a chrome 5.0 badge. Raise the hood and you’ll find much more. An all-aluminum 32-valve V8 engine generates 412 horsepower, directed to the rear wheels through — God forbid anything else — a solid rear axle. You can option a six-speed auto transmission, but the crisp six-speed manual is the one to own. Fuel economy for the manual GT is rated 17/26 mpg city/highway. If that sounds like too much excitement, there’s no shame in choosing the base Mustang with its 305 hp 3.7-litre V6 that achieves 31 mpg!

One gets the feeling by looking at the Mustang that V.P. of Design, J. Mays and his team aimed to imbue just a bit more European flair to the latest pony. Exterior styling could be mistaken for nothing other than Ford’s flagship sport coupe, but it seems more finely tailored. An aggressive grille, canted taillamps with progressive turn signals, and a hip bump in the shoulderline update the classic. I like the 19″ alloy wheels on our test car, but would go for a more dramatic color than basic silver.

Back to those clay red leather seats with creamy white stripe: they look great, fashionable, and complement the red leather steering wheel and charcoal metallic-look dash inserts. Padded dash materials cover a twin-cockpit design that echoes past Mustangs. Large analog gauges with changeable light colors, a big aluminum shift knob, and freeze-cold climate control make the car even more enjoyable. Mustang is also available with SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated audio and navigation system. You can summon restaurant directions, view weather forecasts, or access your iPod’s menus (via USB port) on command.

Mustang’s key competitors – the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger – sauntered out of the last decade underpinned by independent rear suspensions. Well, we would have none of that advanced technology under the Mustang. Ford sticks with a solid rear axle, but has significantly enhanced the car’s handling with new rear lower control arms and stiffer rear stabilizer bar bushings. The car still dances its tail over very rough pavement, but the behavior is ages ahead of anything that came before. Purists will argue the rear axle allows hot rodders to more aggressively modify the Mustang. Who am I to argue? It certainly hasn’t hurt sales, and Ford enthusiasts seem perfectly pleased.

That’s not where the under-skin changes stopped their molting. Engineers replaced the traditional belt-driven power steering system with electric assist that is quieter, uses less energy, and allows for variable-assist to best balance light low-speed effort with heavier high-speed feel. Drift-Pull Compensation automatically adjusts the steering to compensate for crosswinds and road crowning. Nibble Control filters out vibrations from out-of-balance wheels. Electronic Stability Control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and traction-control keep this powerful stallion in the corral. Available Brembo brakes halt the rampage from ridiculous speeds without drama.

Driving the Mustang GT is believing. The car is noticeably more refined, separated from squeaks and rattles, and behaves itself even over rough roads. It feels sportier, tighter, and much more mature than any Mustang before. It is a car that remembers its raucous roots, but steps up with a level of sophistication that would be a great compliment for many European-brand sport coupes. I was more than pleasantly surprised. Mustang enthusiasts have much for which they should be thankful.

I could quibble about the solid rear axle, tight cockpit, and old-school powertrain. However, there is no debating how well Ford knows its customers that keep the Mustang in the pony car sales race. They evolve what needs to evolve and leave the rest the heck alone. That seems to keep the tribe happy, giving the rest of us plenty of eye candy on the highway and boulevards. One certainly can not dismiss 45 years of success.

The classic styling of the Schwinn and the power of a modern day supercar put the Mustang GT at the top of any kid’s wish list. Now available with the iconic 5.0 on the front fender, this may be the best overall Mustang yet. Put down the top, slip into the striped seats, and take a ride through your Schwinned childhood. (Just watch out for parked Pontiacs.) Mustang GT Convertibles start at an incredible $34,645.

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Four-passenger, RWD convertible
Powertrain: 412-HP 5.0-litre V8,six-speed, manual transmission
Suspension f/r: Independent/Solid axle.
Wheels: 19″/19″ f/r.
Brakes: Disc fr/rr with ABS.
Must-have feature: Style, speed.
Fuel economy: 17/26 mpg city/hwy.
Assembly: Flat Rock, MI
Base price: $34,645

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By Casey Williams

There’s a saying in Texas about a cowboy being “all hat and no cattle”. You see them all over – driving their pickup trucks and SUVs to collect the kiddies at dance class or pulling a lone Jet Ski to a mud puddle. When these over-starched cowpokes really need a truck, they choose some whimpped-out pretenders that can barely wheeze under their own load. Buying a Ford F250 Super Duty with a diesel engine will put to rest all rumors about the size of their cattle.

If you want to scare the night out of pesky drivers of Smarts and Buicks, hoover up to their bumper at 70 mph and see what happens. If the air you’re displacing doesn’t displace them, they will quickly displace themselves to the right-hand lane. Let them get a load of that meteor-sized chrome grille and Ford Oval as big as a football. When I see the crew cab truck in prairie-hued metallic brown livery, I don’t know if I should run from it or polish it. For sure, you can’t deny it.

Climbing into the saddle may be tough as you step on the big step chrome bars and heave up to the A-pillar-mounted grab-handles, but once seated in leather thrones, you’ll have an easy view of your cattle and all they graze. Inside, notice the urban-outback themed woodgrain and silver metallic dash panels, camo leather seat inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and huge center storage console. Automatic climate control will roast and freeze with ease. Ford’s SYNC system allows for voice-activated calling, audio, and navigation. Truck stops with B20 diesel can be found just by asking. All prepped for work, the F-250 comes with trailer brake controllers and 4 uplifter auxiliary switches on the lower center control stack. A cool step with grab bar slides out of the tailgate to ease entry to the bed. Side and side curtain airbags are optional to enhance safety.

You don’t buy a Super Duty because you want a pick-up truck for domestic duties. There are far better choices for commuting to work and carrying a little mulch. This is what you buy to pull the mini-yacht, a stable of horses, or a 30-ft. fifth-wheel through the mountains without loosing your (or your truck’s) cool. Open the hood and try to count all of the radiator coils. If it uses or moves fluid, there is probably a coil up front to cool it. Properly-equipped, Super Duty trucks can tow 24,400 lbs. or haul 6,520 lbs. of payload, or roughly equivalent to 13.5 Smarts in tow or 3.5 in the bed.

To do this, the Super Duty requires lots of power. You can get a 6.2-litre gasoline engine in the truck, but I wouldn’t. There is no comparing ponies with Power Stroke® 6.7-litre turbo-diesel V8 that produces 735 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 390 hp at 2,800 rpm – 85 lb.-ft. and 40 hp more than the 2010 model. Ford claims best-in-class fuel economy and the ability to run on B20 biodiesel fuel. In mixed driving, much of it running at super-legal speeds on the Interstate, the truck achieved just under 16 mpg. Given the truck’s capability, that’s impressively frugal. There are many 1970s cars that couldn’t get 16 mpg going down a mountainside, and they could barely pull six Christians to church and back.

Gas and diesel engines are mated exclusively to six-speed automatic transmissions, with column-mounted selectable gear capability, that enable Power Take Off. On Super Duty diesels with the PTO option, the truck can be equipped to power auxiliary equipment like snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers, or dump trucks. Power is available whenever the engine is running.

On the highway, the big truck is a dream. All of the diesel’s torque is at the ready while a unique turbocharger, featuring a dual-sided compressor wheel in a single housing for improved noise and harshness control, breathes easily. The single unit provides the benefit of a twin-turbo, but with faster response (less turbo lag). Empty or loaded, the truck always has an obscene amount of power in reserve.

Since most Super Duty diesels will pull trailers, engineers went the extra mile in providing for safe towing. Trailer Sway Control works with Advance Trac electronic stability control and Roll Stability Control to detect trailer sway, apply brakes, or reduce engine torque to correct unwanted motions. The built-in trailer braking works with the truck’s anti-lock brake computer to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. During a sway event, the system can apply brakes to stabilize the trailer. Hill Start Control (sets brakes to hold the vehicle on an incline), Hill Descent Control (creeps down inclines), and an electronic locking rear differential work in concert to get the most of friction.

I think it was Christine Baranski’s character Tanya in Mamma Mia! who was messing around with the kid that was “all mouth and no trousers.” Drive up in the F250 and everybody will know you’re packing a full set of pants. Price as tested came to $60,810 including the $7,835 Powerstroke Diesel V8 option, 4×4, Crew Cab with 6.75′ bed, and Lariat package. Competitors with heavy-duty diesel models include the Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, and GMC Sierra.

2011 Ford F-250 Diesel
Five-passenger, 4×4 pickup
Powertrain: 390-hp 6.7-litre diesel V8, six-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: I-beams, solid axle
Wheels: 18″/18″ f/r.
Brakes: Disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have feature: Engine, style
Manufacturing: Louisville, KY
As tested price: $60,810

COLORFUL AND FUN, THE FIESTA LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

By Joe Tralongo

For years now, I have scratched my big balding head in bewilderment at Ford’s refusal to bring its impressive world-class European models to the United States. There were attempts, mind you, in the form of the ill-fated Merkur brand in mid 80s, or the poor Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, so watered down to meet American tastes that they became mere shells of their former Continental selves. So you’ll have to forgive my skepticism when Ford invited me to test drive the 2011 Fiesta, the much-lauded European minicar scheduled to make its U.S. debut this summer. Would the suspensions be dialed back so far as to resemble riding atop marshmallow fluff in a tube? Would the interior be stripped of any semblance of original thought, replaced by generic Ford plastics and idiot lights? Would I even want to spend the week driving this thing? The answers to my questions were soon revealed in a quick test drive through the winding hills outside San Francisco, California, and the answers surprised even me..

My first inkling that something at Ford had gone horribly right occurred upon my arrival at the hotel. There, parked along the entrance, were three Fiestas. The first car, a SEL Sedan slathered in electric lime green paint, immediately caught my eye. But, as I drew closer, it was not the car’s sleek body, but the interior that made my processed cheese-laden American heart beat faster (or so says Jeremy Clarkson). Not only was the original European dashboard completely intact, the interior itself was replete with–wait for it–color! On this car it was a lovely cashmere leather and vinyl combo with contrasting piping; and the color wasn’t just on the seat surface as is the case with so many cars. No, the materials covered the entire seat from front to back and top to bottom. I then cast my gaze toward the second car, a stunning little magenta number in hatchback form; it too had matching magenta (Ford calls it “plum red” but I know better) leather seats. I mean, is it me, or do the top-of-the-line Fiestas now seem more opulent than a Lincoln MKS? I grant you it’s a bit of a stretch, but to those of us who consider individuality and unique styling cues — not endless hordes of technology — to be the true hallmark of a refined motor car, it’s not much of a stretch.

After a brief walkaround, I grabbed my keys and headed toward my ride for the day. Climbing inside the Fiesta revealed a set of terrifically comfortable bucket seats, a thick-grip steering wheel, a proper dead pedal on which to rest one’s left foot and an instrument cluster and dash design that could easily have come from the best Italian design studios. While I found most of the controls simple to view and operate, my old man eyes did have a bit of problem with the smallish monitor used to display the audio and SYNC features; its all-red LCD readouts are rather diminutive, making them sometimes hard to read, especially in strong sunlight. One other gripe of note is the absence of a volume regulator on the steering-wheel mounted controls. Not a deal killer by any means, but worthy of mention nonetheless.

As impressive as the Fiesta is to behold, it’s even more amazing in motion. Powered by a feisty 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine, the Fiesta’s ability to dart in and out of traffic, as well as quickly merge from freeway onramps, is truly impressive. The five speed manual not only provides clean, precise shifts, but its clutch is so light and easy to engage that even first-time manual drivers will feel comfortable behind the wheel. For those who don’t care to shift their own gears, Ford’s new PowerShift six-speed automatic employs a twin-clutch setup that allows for rapid shifts and excellent fuel economy, an estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Complimenting the Fiesta’s efficient powertrain is an equally capable suspension. With go-kart like handling, a smooth ride and cabin so quiet you’ll swear you’re driving a mid-size sedan, the Fiesta trumps everything in its class. And, despite its bargain basement price, the Fiesta employs a fair bit of high tech wizardry, such as an electric power steering system that includes Pull-Drift compensation to help keep the car moving in a straight line even when the road surface is crowning or the wind is pushing the vehicle from the side..

Ford offers the Fiesta in two body styles, sedan and hatchback, covered in a dizzying array of color choices including Lime Squeeze, Yellow Blaze and Blue Flame. The base S sedan features a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with auxiliary audio and USB jacks, a rear defroster, 60/40 spilt folding rear seat, power side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with covers. The five-door trims start with the SE, which adds single CD player, message center, power door locks and windows and a rear decklid spoiler. The premium SEL sedan and SES hatchback include 16-inch alloy wheels, 80-watt six-speaker audio and LED driving lamps with chrome bezels; these upper end models can be equipped with heated leather seating, SIRIUS satellite radio, a power sunroof, adjustable color ambient lighting and push button start. Also available is Ford’s widely acclaimed SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment system that includes Bluetooth connectivity, 911 Assist, Directions and Information services, and steering-wheel mounted controls. Unique features include the Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler (just open the fuel door and fill ‘er up) and the external locking/unlocking keypad, a great add-on to have when you can’t take your remote fob with you.

For the record, leather trim is an option, as are many of the Fiesta’s upscale trappings. But, even the base car comes nicely equipped with such helpful features as seven airbags including side-curtain and a driver’s side knee airbag, quad headlamps, electronic stability control, and a set of integrated blind spot side mirrors. With the sedan starting around $13,000 and the five-door hatch just hair over $15,000, the Fiesta is real steal. Even after tossing in some of the more exotic options, such as heated leather seats, the SYNC audio system, and the Intelligent Access with push button start, the Fiesta barely pushes past the $22,000 mark. But while the Fiesta’s long list of cool features puts it well ahead of such competitors as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, it’s the car’s willing engine, slick shifting five-speed manual transmission, and incredibly responsive suspension that makes this the sweetheart of the subcompact set.

NOT SO FAST CAMARO: THERE’S A NEW PONY IN TOWN

By Joe Tralongo

There are two kinds of driver in this world and Ford builds a Mustang to suit them both. On the one hand there are people like my friend and fellow automotive journalist Wes Siler, one of the annoyingly cute adrenaline junkies from the impossibly straight Jalopnik clan. Wes and his ilk see cars as Herculean vessels designed to test the limits of manhood and common sense. They revel in pushing tires to their limits, get goose-pimply at the thought of triple digit speeds and dream of exceeding NASA approved g-force limits without ever leaving the ground. It is for the Wes Silers of the world that Ford builds the Mustang GT.

To prove the point, I recount for you my recent trip to Southern California, where I was invited by Ford to test the 2011 Mustang and Mustang GT. Wes was invited too, although after some insane red-eye flight from hell and a mere three hours of sleep, he appeared nearly catatonic at breakfast and was not much livelier as the drive began. He remained in this state until our group reached the Camarillo Airport. Here, Ford had transformed part of the tarmac into a quarter-mile drag strip and slalom course. Handed the keys to a bright red Mustang GT, Wes quickly jumped behind the wheel and set in motion a power braking session the likes of which I have not seen since my last day in the parking lot at Robert E. Peary High School, circa 1981. With tachometer racing and Mustang motionless, the spinning rear wheels quickly vaporized into a toxic veil of white smoke that immediately enveloped the Mustang. After a few minutes, the newly created low-lying cumulus cloud drifted away to reveal Wes, staring at us through the driver’s side window, a giant, shit-eating, Cheshire Cat-like grin spanning his cherubic face, delighted with the thing he’d just made. Wes was happy, which made the Ford guys happy, which meant the Mustang GT had accomplished its mission.

I tell this story because there is another Mustang to be touted, the kind that appeals to people like me; moderate car junkies that may be a little older, a little wiser (or wider)  and endowed with measurably slower reflexes than our young, GT loving friends.  For us, Ford builds the Mustang V6. Stay with me because the 2011 V6-powered Mustang has undergone a complete transformation from the car it replaces. Gone is the anemic V6 of rental car lore, with is spongy suspension, sickly manual transmission and laughable 0 to 60 speeds. The new Mustang uses a 3.7-liter V6 with variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust valves to generate big horsepower and torque numbers while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum (that is when you’re not mashing the accelerator pedal to the floor). In V6 guise, the Mustang now boosts a whopping 305 horsepower, yet claims an amazing 31 mile per gallon highway driving when equipped with the automatic. That’s nearly as much muscle as the old GT’s V8!  Better still, Ford has improved both its manual and automatic transmissions, instilling each with six gear ratios that help to enhance rather than inhibit the driving experience.

On the GT front, the 5.0-liter engine returns to the Mustang ranch using the same variable valve technology to raise output to 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lbs of torque. Gear heads will quickly point out that these figures are not superior to the Camaro SS’ 426 horsepower and 408 ft.-lbs figures. But, the smaller, lighter Mustang is indeed faster than the more powerful Camaro. To prove the point, Ford shuttled an entire fleet of journalists to the aforementioned makeshift drag racing course, where we discovered the Mustang GT to be quicker in a straight line than the Camaro SS–at least when both cars are equipped with automatic transmissions. Of course the numbers vary widely when you move to the six-speed manual transmission, since it’s the skill of the driver, not the transmission’s computer brain, that decides which car is first to cross the quarter-mile marker.

Beyond the improvements in power, both the base Mustang and the uber-macho GT see significant improvements to their chassis, suspensions, brakes, and steering. The GT can be equipped with a Brembo brake package, which brings, not surprisingly, the Brembo disc brake setup from the GT500 and a set of really big, really expensive 19-inch wheels. The base Mustang also can be enhanced through a Performance Package that equips the V6 with much of the GT’s upgraded stock suspension and performance equipment, including an enhanced electronic stability control with a sport mode. Needless to say, the Mustang, no mater which trim, is a far better performance car than its predecessor.

But, there is more to the story than just the car’s performance aspect. There is the livable daily driver side that so eludes competitors like the Camaro. It is here that the Mustang V6 takes center stage, for unlike the boy-racer GT with its rumbling exhaust note, stiff ride, and so-so fuel economy, the Mustang V6 seems to strike the perfect balance between performance and comfort.

Ford has made a number of improvements designed to stiffen the chassis and quiet the cabin, but it’s the upgraded cockpit that makes the Mustang V6 such an enjoyable place to spend time. I found the seats to be much more comfortable than those in the Camaro and the quality of materials and dedication to details is light years ahead of both the Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Where the Camaro’s instrument cluster looks like something developed by the skunk works division of Fisher Price, the Mustang’s layout shows a sophistication and elegance harking back to the original car. The modern mixes with the old through the magic of Ford’s “My Color” instrument cluster that can be modified with over 125 color combinations. Add to this an ambient lighting option allowing you to choose the lighting color in the foot wells, door panels and overhead pin lighting, and you have a car even Tim Gunn could love.

The six-speed manual is tight and accurate and the clutch feels light and easily engaged; opting for the automatic brings an equally capable six-speed gear box, but the omittance of steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters makes this choice less engaging. Once up to cruising speed, the Mustang’s ride is firm but not so much that it telegraphs every bump and road blemish into the cabin. The optional fixed glass roof bathes the interior in sunlight and creates a feeling
of largess not found in most sports cars. Technophiles will love Ford’s SYNC audio system that allows seamless integration of Bluetooth or USB compatible music storage devices and cell phones. Voice integration allows you to call out your favorite music by artist or song title; you can also call out commands to your cell phone, such as “call Mike.” Team SYNC with the onboard navigation system, and your voice options expand to include such helpful shout outs as “increase driver’s side temperature to 68 degrees.” The brilliance of the SYNC system is that it allows you to control so many functions while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

If it sounds like I’m high on the Mustang V6, you’re correctly reading between the lines. With a base price starting around $23,000 and a well equipped V6 Premium remaining below $30,000, there’s much to like. The GT trims range from a low of $30,000 to around $45,000 fully loaded, while the convertible trims add about $5,000 to the bottom line.

In a nutshell, if you’re all about speed, sound and burning rubber, the GT will please you in ways you never thought possible. But if you’re looking for something a bit more demure, a pussycat that can become a panther only when it needs to, then Mustang V6 is the way to go. An unbeatable combination of price, fuel economy, performance, and comfort make this my favorite pony car for 2011. As for Wes, I figure he’ll eventually reach the same conclusion, probably sometime around the year 2031.

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Our dealer locator is one of our most valuable tools on Gaywheels.com and we are going to begin featuring dealers as they become listed as Premium Gaywheels.com Dealers on the site. Remember, if you see a dealer listing that is activated with hyperlinks, mapping functionality and an email address, that dealer is actively supporting your community by advertising with us.

It is very important that we as a community support the businesses that support us. LGBT media sites like this one are supported by advertising and without it we cannot continue to provide information to our users.

Even if you aren’t in the market for a car, call or email these dealers and thank them for supporting the community.

This month’s featured dealer is in Winston Salem, NC

Previous featured Dealers:

We saw the majorly face lifted Lincoln MKX at last month’s Detroit show, but Ford took the mystery away from the also-impressive 2011 Ford Edge. An updated exterior, stunning interior, next-generation hands-free communications, and a range of power options will keep crossover buyers rolling into Ford showrooms.
New grilles and trim look cool, but its engines are powerfully hot. Returning is a 3.5-litre V6, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, now producing 285 horsepower and achieving 27-MPG highway. Extending Ecoboost turbo engines to the Edge, Ford will offer a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that gets 30% better fuel economy than achieved in 2006 while producing power comparable to a V6. Those wanting to Mustangize their Edge in terms of performance will opt for the Sport model and its 305-horsepower 3.7-litre V6.

Interiors in the outgoing Edge looked pretty good, but this one will blow away luxury buyers with beautiful woodgrain across the dashboard, LCD auxiliary instruments, sporty-three-spoke steering wheel, and Sony-designed audio controls. MyFord Touch builds on SYNC, providing voice-activated calling, navigation, and audio control. Grace Notes allows owners to connect their iPOD through a USB port and flip through simulated album covers on the in-dash touchscreen to find the songs they desire. As with MyLincoln Touch in the MKX, MyFord Touch will change audio volume and fan speeds with the swipe of a hand.
Edge Sport is the version you’d want to hand off to the club valet. You’ll know it by its Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamps, body-color rocker moldings, and optional 22-inch aluminum wheels. Oval chrome exhaust tips and lower front and rear facias confirm the seriousness of the Edge Sport’s performance. Aluminum pedals, smoke metallic leather seat inserts, and paddle shifters confirm sporty side inside.

Here are our picks for the Top Five new models from the show. Click on a photo below.

Ford’s trophy from Detroit, where the Transit Connect was named North American Truck of the Year, is hardly collecting dust as the company is at it again. If you think the little van is as cool as a florist’s back room, check out the electric and Taxi versions coming later this year.
Developed in partnership with Azure Dynamics, which has been designing drive systems for over 20 years, the Transit Connect EV runs on a 192-cell, fluid-cooled lithium ion battery pack located under the floor. Ford claims the van will zip emissions-free from 0-60 mph in 12 seconds, continue to a top speed of 75 mph, and keep buzzing along for about 80 miles before a recharge. Weight goes up and payload goes down slightly from gasoline-powered vehicles, but the van is ideal for businesses with defined routes. Owners can charge with 120V or 240V outlets, the later enabling a full re-juice in 6-8 hours.
Given the Crown Victoria has at least three wheels in the ditch, Ford is hoping to entice Taxi operators with their own special version of the Transit Connect. It is ideal for taxi service with its large cargo hold, low step-in height and sliding doors for passengers, upright seating, and rear controls for heat and A/C.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that can be converted to run on CNG (compressed natural gas) or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Natural gasses are not only more efficient and burn cleaner than gasoline, but 87% of it is produced in the U.S.
To make a dream taxi, Ford is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies to integrate credit car payment devices, 8.4-inch infotainment and navigation screens, and up-to-the-minute news, weather, and fare information. The touch screen also lets passengers choose their own programming, track their journey on a map, or learn more about local points of interest.
The Transit Connect is becoming Ford’s little van that could. It delivers flowers, caters food, hauls band instruments, and soon will move passengers around cities and run routes without burning a drop of gasoline. It could become the next cultural phenomenon, doing everything while looking good. Move over London, America is getting its own signature taxi.

Here are our picks for the Top Five new models from the show. Click on a photo below.

Ford Fiesta is bringing the small car party to the U.S.

by NICK KURCZEWSKI
A “Fiesta Movement” might sound more like a circuit party than a way to sell cars, but Ford Motor Company hopes some off-beat marketing gets the word out about the 2011 Fiesta subcompact. We’ve been down this road before, and with a variety of youth-targeted vehicles. Not too long ago, the Scion brand attempted to cast aside the reliable but stodgy image of parent company Toyota by utilizing urban-centric ads and sponsorship deals.
Ford has taken a slightly different approach – and avoided alienating buyers with polarizing styling, like that found on the Scion xB. For starters, Ford didn’t just focus on urban dwellers and the occasional graffiti artist to do the (marketing) dirty work. The company picked 100 people from around the U.S. for a six-month trial run of a European-spec Fiesta hatchback. While the Fiesta is brand new to North American shores, the car has been on sale in Europe since 2008. Yours truly drove several variations while living in the land of wine, cheese and surly customer service – a.k.a. Paris, France. But more on this later…
Insurance and gas bills were covered by Ford, but it was up to these “young trendsetters” to detail their Fiesta adventures through various media sites. A free car for six-months for some “tweets” and cell phone snapshots sounds like a pretty good deal to us! Apparently, the initial results of the Fiesta Movement sounded pretty good to Ford too. According to its internal tabulations, during its six month run last year the Fiesta Movement received 5.7 million YouTube views, more than 710,000 Flickr views and (at last count) over 3 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta “agents” themselves racked up an impressive 1.4 million miles as y zigzagged across the country spreading the word about this economical small Ford.
So what’s the point?
The easy answer: to drum up sales! Ford reports that over 80,000 people have expressed interest in the Fiesta thanks to this program. Of course, considering a car and actually putting a deposit down are two vastly different things. To get car buyers behind the wheel, Ford is now shifting the Fiesta Movement into second gear. Twenty teams will be stationed around the country and more agents hired before the Fiesta goes on sale this spring.
Prices for the Fiesta start at $13,320 for the base sedan, and $15,120 for the hatchback. This pits the car against stiff competition from the likes of Honda, Toyota and Hyundai. Power comes from a 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) four-cylinder gas engine. Highway fuel economy, according to Ford, is approximately 40 m.p.g. when the motor is paired with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. Electric power-assisted steering, electronic stability control and optional hill start assist are features you wouldn’t expect in a subcompact. The Fiesta also has no fewer than seven airbags as standard equipment.
So we think Ford’s efforts will pay off? Yes, but the reason will likely be more to do with the solid value and fun-to-drive characteristics of the 2011 Fiesta. Having recently spent nearly five years in Europe, I had the chance to drive several variations of the Fiesta – along with its mechanical twin, the Mazda2. Nimble, comfortable, and with enough grunt for city driving or long distance highway cruising, the Fiesta was a personal favorite amongst Ford’s accomplished European lineup.
Diesel versions offered phenomenal fuel mileage – I frequently saw close to 60 m.p.g. on the highway. But while the gasoline-powered version sacrificed a bit of economy, the zingier and more energetic feel of the gas motor felt better-suited to the car. If the Fiesta Movement can convince U.S. car buyers to go for a test drive and discover how good this car really is, Ford will have plenty of reason to celebrate.

Photos Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The Ford Focus is a very important car for Ford. It represents one of the largest segment of vehicles sold around the globe and the platform that underpins it will be the basis of up to 10 vehicles sold around the world representing 2 million units annually by 2012.
The first Focus sold in the U.S. did well despite some initial quality hiccups. The current generation has been a bit of a disappointment to those who know what Ford is capable of overseas so it is with great anticipation that the 2011 Ford Focus arrives on our shores.
The new Ford Focus is the second example of the “One Ford” philosophy that dictates that Ford products are built to be sold around the world. So the days of seeing hot Ford products in movies that we can’t have are over – FINALLY!
The 2011 Ford Focus will feature a new direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more efficient than the current model. It will be mated to a 6-speed “PowerShift” automatic transmission.
The Ford Focus will also debut the MyFord Touch – a system of technologies in addition to their excellent Sync system that will allow owners to configure their vehicle interface to meet their whims.
Pricing and full specifications have not been announced. We can say that the 2011 Ford Focus looks amazing!

Photos Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Click on the images to read about our Top 5 picks from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

December 28, 2009 - I was a guest of Ford Motor Company at their headquarters in Dearborn, MI to get a glimpse of what is coming from FoMoCo at the 2010 NAIAS (a.k.a the Detroit Auto Show). While I can’t tell you about the majority of what we saw, Ford is allowing us to share the news about the new engine in the 2011 Mustang GT.

Following up on the news of the updated 3.7L V6 with 305 HP and estimated 30 MPG on the highway, Ford announced the return of the 5.0L V8 in the GT. The new V8 pumps out 412 HP and is estimated to get a respectable 25 MPG highway. Combined with some minor interior upgrades and a new 6-speed manual transmission the new 5.0-liter V8 will address the complaints of it being underpowered compared to its arch rival the Chevrolet Camaro.

We didn’t get to get behind the wheel but they started and revved it for us. Words cannot describe it. I got tingly all over..and I mean ALL OVER.

More great product news to come from Ford. Watch for our live coverage of the Detroit Auto show January 11 – 12, 2010.

Joe Tralongo – 2010 GMC Acadia

A variation on my pick last year, the Acadia (and its sibling twins the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave) is still, in my view, the best family hauling CUV on the market. It offers an exceptionally roomy interior, provides usable cargo space even with the third-row seat in place and, considering its size, returns pretty reasonable fuel economy. GM’s traction and stability control systems are among the best in the industry and unique features, such as OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation guidance and emergency response, add the peace of mind every family wants when they hit the road.

Nick Kurczewski – 2010 Ford Taurus

Like Taylor Lautner packing on 30 pounds of muscle for “New Moon,” Ford has given the Taurus a similarly strict gym regime. Pumped up with handsome new looks and bursting with power (we’re talking about the car folks!), the new Taurus is suddenly a stand-out in the crowded family car market. If you crave high-speed thrills as much as I desire Taylor’s six-pack abs, the 365-horsepower SHO is the best choice.

Casey Williams – 2010 Subaru Tribeca

While the first-generation Tribeca’s “screaming vagina” grille did little to win dates, the creatively styled crossover was the perfect family car. Redesigned and up-powered, the current edition looks great, seats seven in three rows, and trudges through the worst weather with Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive and horizontally-opposed “boxer” six-cylinder engine. Best of all, Tribeca is a family car from a company that takes care of “family”.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Volvo XC60

Volvo introduced their beautiful new XC60 in 2009 with the tagline “The Car That Stops Itself”. It describes Volvo’s innovative new City Safety system that automatically applies the brakes if the driver is about to drive into the vehicle in front. This is yet another Volvo safety first and when choosing a car to haul your precious cargo around, safety is paramount. It also doesn’t hurt that the Volvo XC60 is roomy, comfortable and a blast to drive – perfect car for your family, no matter how you define it.

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

Joe Tralongo – 2010 VW GTI

This car just gets better with each generation. A 2.0-liter turbo matched to a taut suspension and low-profile 18-inch tires creates the perfect balance between livable daily driver and weekend rejuvenator. Some may gripe that 200 horsepower is not enough umph, but I disagree. I’m not willing to sacrifice handling, ride comfort and a quiet interior just to have bragging rights for the biggest balls. When you can no longer justify the STI’s Impreza-grade interior, gotten over the Mazdaspeed3′s maddening torque steer and tired of trying to fit your friends into a MINI Cooper S, the GTI will be there waiting. I’ll take mine in Tornado Red.

Nick Kurczewski – Fiat 500C

I’m not trying to cheat by adding an adorable Europe-only city car to my “Best of” choices – okay, maybe I am. Just remember, the Fiat 500 is part of the Italian company’s North American sales strategy now that it’s in control of Chrysler. The 500 should start arriving on U.S. shores in the next 1-2 years. Having driven the 500 while living in Paris for approximately five years, I’m positive American car buyers will fall for this itsy-bitsy Fiat. The convertible version only makes it more chic and huggable. This is the only car that could out-cute a Mini Cooper.

Casey Willams – 2010 Ford Taurus

When the original Ford Taurus beamed down in 1986, it was a Euro-style sport sedan ready for the 21st Century. Over time, it went from cutting edge to the anchor of rental fleets and salesmen. With one re-style, Ford took that boring lump and turned it back into a better sport sedan it ever was. A futuristic interior, aero-muscular exterior, SYNC voice-activated audio/navigation, real time weather maps, available all-wheel-drive, Volvo-based chassis, top-of-class crash ratings, and 365-HP Twin-turbo V6-powered SHO version make the Taurus a mean bull to control.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Toyota Prius

Most people who know me well, know that I am not on the cheer-leading squad for hybrid vehicles. Then why am I choosing the 2010 Toyota Prius as my choice of Best Makeover? Pretty it isn’t but the latest iteration of the vehicle that brought the term hybrid mainstream is the best hybrid yet. It drives better, is more fuel efficient, features more versatility and has some of the latest technology available. Finally, with this makeover the Prius is a true replacement for the family car.

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

Back to the Top 5 From the 2009 LA Auto Show

Back to the Top 5 From the 2009 LA Auto Show

I attended the 2009 LA Auto show and provided daily updates via Twitter (click HERE for a compilation of my tweets).
As is customary, I choose the Top 5 vehicles from the show and post them here. Note, these are new vehicles introduced from gay-friendly manufacturers. Some of my colleagues will more than likely point out the absence of the excellent vehicles introduced from Hyundai and Kia. Until they extend their same-sex domestic partner policies throughout their organization, they do not qualify to be in our picks from the auto shows.
Our Top 5 Picks from the 2009 LA Auto Show (in no particular order):
2011 Toyota Sienna

Despite the call for the death of the minivan, these boxy movers are still the most efficient at moving people and things. Toyota’s Sienna has been a reliable player but hardly set the stage for styling, features or capacity. All that has changed with the introduction of the 2011 Sienna from Toyota. We won’t go so far as calling it pretty (it looks like a Venza had sex with a Honda Odyssey) but it is bigger, wider and more feature-laden than its predecessor. With available reclining second-row seats complete with footrests, rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center that displays side-by-side images to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image and segment-only optional AWD, Toyota Sienna finally has strong competitor in the segment. The Sienna is available with a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. See more photos of the Toyota Sienna
2011 CTS Coupe

The excellent Cadillac CTS lineup got another addition to the family in a sexy, beefy, muscular coupe. The CTS Coupe will never be mistaken for anything but a Cadillac. It isn’t sexy in a sinewy, sensual sort of way. Rather, it is like a heavily-muscled stallion that impresses with is raw power visible under its taught skin. You may be slightly afraid of it but you know you want to go for a ride. The CTS coupe is powered by the same 3.6 direct-injection V6 as its brethren pushing out 304 horsepower via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. AWD is also available and the rumor mill hints at a wicked CTS-V Coupe with a supercharged V8 in the future. See more photos of the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.
2011 Ford Fiesta

Ford introduced, for the umpteenth time, the 2011 Fiesta at the LA Auto show. While the existence of the vehicle was hardly a secret thanks to a heavily publicized and popular social media blitz, we did get some intriguing details about the hot new hatch from Dearborn. A 1.6L four-cylinder engine will be available with Ford’s version of a dual-clutch automatic transmission called PowerShift. It is more efficient than a traditional automatic transmission and this type of gear changer is usually found on more expensive, high-performance vehicles form Germany. Expect 40 MPG highway with the PowerShift. Also available is a traditional 5-speed automatic for those control freaks like me. The Ford Fiesta starts at $13,320 but quickly gets into the low $20s.See more photos of the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

2011 Mazda2

Mazda calls its Mazda2 “Zoom Zoom Concentrated” and while we haven’t driven it, we aren’t going to argue. It was originally launched in 2007 in markets outside the U.S. and has won a myriad of awards, including the 2008 World Car of the Year. Powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, the Mazda2 promises to deliver fun-to-drive performance in an attractive package. Trust me, the Alien Green they chose to show the car in doesn’t do it justice. Details on specifications and MPG are few but we do know the 1.5L will be available with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed manual. The Mazda2 goes on sale in late summer 2010. See more photos of the 2011 Mazda2

2011 Buick Regal

Buick announced their new sport sedan, the 2011 Buick Regal. Based on the excellent Opel Insignia from Germany, GM continues to mine their global resources to bring better product to our shores. The Regal will feature a choice of four-cylinder engines – a standard 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower and an optional 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower
Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard and the turbo model will have an optional 6-speed manual. The design is clean, tight and athletic but don’t expect this to be a people mover as the rear seat headroom is tight. The interior is another exercise in functional, stylish simplicity – thank you Opel. The 2011 Buick Regal is available in late Spring 2010. See more photos of the 2011 Buick Regal

In March of 2009, we conducted the first comprehensive study of the LGBT Automotive owner in the U.S. We received a total of 4,920 responses to the survey and the database compiled from the responses includes information on social media usage, media consumption and psychographics in addition to vehicle ownership and basic demographics.
Our initial report focused on LGBT new car buyers in the U.S. and gave a broad overview of that sub-segment of the market. This is the second of three Brand Snapshots that focuses on all LGBT vehicle owners in the U.S. (n=3,402)
To view and download the .pdf of the Ford Brand Snapshot, click HERE (a new window will open).
To view and download the .pdf of the Toyota Brand Snapshot, click HERE (a new window will open).
To learn more about the study or inquire about upcoming brand snapshots, email us at info@sorgenfreillc.com

This listing is proof that there are gay-friendly businesses in places you least expect it. Rasmusssen-Stewart Auto group in Crete, Nebraska understands the value of reaching out to the LGBT car and truck buyer and welcomes anyone in their area looking for a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chevrolet or Buick. You can visit their site by clicking on their logo above.
Consider making the trip if you are visiting Iowa to get married. Remember, we have to support those that support us!
Name of Dealership: Rasmussen-Stewart Auto Group
Brands Sold: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chevrolet Buick
City, State and Zip: Crete, NE
Contact Name: Tom Rasmussen
Website: Rasmussen Stewart Automotive Group

by Donny Nordlicht
Ford introduced their innovative Flex in 2008 as a 2009 Model (we reviewed it HERE). One of the few criticisms of the Flex was that its base engine could use more power. Ford responded quickly for 2010 with the Ford Flex EcoBoost. Read our contributing editor’s thoughts on the new turbo-charged Flex from Ford.
Looking like the box from which it came, the Ford Flex crossover is seeing some new shiny bits for 2010. OK, so actually, these “shiny bits” are upgrades that will satisfy your need for power while helping you save money at the pump.

Call it a wolf in sheep’s clothing; for 2010 the Flex gains the addition of a high-output powertrain in addition to the base 3.5 liter V6. Flex engineers took the the all-new twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 right out of the new Taurus SHO. Why Ford didn’t badge this version of the Flex SHO is beyond me because this really is a Super High Output family hauler. The new EcoBoost V6 adds direct injection and twin-turbos – one mounted fore of the engine, and one mounted by the firewall – to the 2010 Taurus’ 3.5 liter V6, putting down 355 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque, from as low as just 1500 RPM.
That kind of power is why Ford is marketing the Flex EcoBoost as a V8 SUV alternative – one that can go and tow. Ford brought along a couple of truck-based V8 competitors to the Flex all towing around 1200 pounds to test out in the hills around Boulder, CO. The Toyota Sequoia and Jeep Commander I drove both felt totally fine managing the two Can-Am’s out back, but the Flex was the only one which made me forget that I was towing anything. There was no difference in handling and acceleration, and the trailer sway control (right out of the 2009 F150!) made simple work of the mountain twisties.

Lose the trailer and the Flex borders on fun-to-drive. Along with the engine from the Taurus SHO comes the same steering wheel, and a shift-able 6 speed automatic. Manual mode comes in the form of paddles at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel; however, they are counter intuitive in actuation: pull for upshift, push for downshift, on either paddle. I found that using manual mode worked best for the hills and curves of the Rocky Mountains, and allowed me the best control and smoothest shifts. Otherwise, the Flex seemed to keep hunting for the right gear on inclines; a problem I’ve found with Ford’s newer automatics. But then again, using the manual control brings the EcoBoost’s fuel economy on par with the V8 players; leave the tranny alone and you can easily see MPGs near 25.
Since the Flex went on sale last year, Ford has been pretty happy with the results. Not only does it look like nothing else on the road – with its low, boxy shape, white roof, and side strakes – half of those taking home Flexes are new to the Ford brand; 20% coming from Honda and Toyota.
Ford correctly anticipated the move from large V8 SUVs to smaller, more efficient V6-powered crossovers. It is a trend seen throughout the industry and the base Flex satisfies most users. But there are still owners who want the power and towing capability that their old V8 SUV provided but without the shock at the pump. Ford understood this and delivered the Flex EcoBoost for the “Go and Tow” crowd.
EcoBoost pricing starts at $39,995 for mid-level SEL and $43,635 for the all-in Limited.

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Does This Hybrid Live Up to the Hype?

Since its launch earlier this year, I’ve been listening to my colleagues gush over the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The accolades range from amazing mileage figures to the seamless operation of the hybrid system. I’ve even read that it is actually fun-to-drive.
Having experienced the new Toyota Prius earlier this year, I am beginning to believe that hybrid technology is finally ready for a broader consumer base. The price premium has come down a bit, and the technology is beginning to deliver both excellent fuel economy and better driving dynamics. Can Ford actually deliver on both?
I have the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for the weekend and will be using Twitter to share my impressions. I drove home from NYC yesterday in relatively unobstructed traffic and got an indicated 42 MPG. If you aren’t following me on Twitter, you can do so by clicking HERE.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009 – I returned the Fusion Hybrid today and just realized I didn’t Tweet about it as much as I anticipated I would. Partial blame goes to the weather. It was simply gorgeous this weekend and I took the Fusion to the beach (or “shore” as we call it in NJ) and allowed myself to disconnect from the world on Sunday.
The Fusion shuttled me, my very tall friend Matt and his boyfriend Eric from NYC to Asbury Park, NJ and back. I mention Matt’s height because he sat in both the passenger seat and rear seat and found himself slightly cramped with someone in the opposite position. He IS 6′ 5″ though so unless you are experiencing high-altitude weather patterns like him, you should find the Fusion, hybrid or not, quite comfortable. My 5’10″ self found the driver’s seat very comfortable.
Prior to the highway portion of my test drive, I was blown away with the Fusion’s nearly seamless functionality and incredible fuel economy. You have to be uber sensitive to feel the switch between electric mode and hybrid operation. In fact, I think I only really noticed it once at a stop light. Otherwise, you have to watch the ingenious gauges to tell which mode you are in.
Speaking of the gauges, they are amazing. I’ve attempted to give you an idea of how they operate by videoing them at start up (see below). The majority of the display is customizable with the operator choosing which information to display. I had every conceivable bit of information showing and was amazed at how it really altered my driving pattern. I was consciously trying to stay in EV (electric only) mode in stop-and-go traffic and used a really light foot when accelerating for fear of killing any of the leaves that “grow” when you operate the hybrid system efficiently. It trained me well as I averaged 35.7 over the time I had the vehicle and my last trip which included combination of mostly highway and some city delivering an average of 40.2 MPG. This system is designed for competitive people like me!
I insinuated above that the highway portion of my drive changed my opinion of the Fusion Hybrid. It was only during extended periods of highway driving that reminded me that this was a hybrid vehicle. At speed I felt a slight surging that I’ve felt in other hybrids. I’d say that most people wouldn’t notice it but is an odd sensation when maintaining speed. I found that engaging the cruise control remedied the situation but for me, it was a noticeably different sensation to drive at constant speeds compared to a non-hybrid vehicle.
Other than that, I have to agree with my colleagues. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was a blast to drive, handled similarly to a “normal” car and its fascinating display actually engages the driver and teaches you to be more efficient. Brilliant.
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,270. Our test vehicle had heated leather seats, sunroof, upgraded Sony audio system, rear view monitor embedded in mirror, and rear parking assist. Its MSRP is $31,125.

Photos Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

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The Best Ford Taurus Ever, and that’s No Bull!

by Joe Tralongo

The Taurus brand means a lot of things to a lot of people, at least in the world of family sedans. Some have enough gray hair to remember the original Taurus, a revolutionary design that catapulted Ford, and the American family sedan, to new heights. The second generation was basically a watered down version of the original that saw its European good looks slowly morph into Middle American spread. By end of the third generation, the Taurus had become little more than basic transportation, associated more often with an airport rental than a sleek, ground breaking design of the future. At some point the Taurus name even lost its way, tossed aside in favor of the Five Hundred and then just as quickly was revived, but to no avail. Now Ford brings us the 2010 Taurus, a car unlike any Taurus before it, a car with substance and style, size and power. A Taurus that shares the same strong attribute that made the original a runaway success: the car’s an original.

I met the Ford Taurus on a rainy day in Asheville, North Carolina. A row of shiny red, black and silver Tauri lined the hotel drive, rain bouncing of their sheetmetal skins like a million tiny translucent super balls. This is a big car, bigger than the standard Accord or Camry. Its primary competitors are now the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon, although Ford points to the Audi A6 and Lexus GS as rivals to the high-end Limited trim. That may seem far fetched, until you look at the incredibly long list of standard and available equipment. Appearance wise, the Taurus looks like nothing on the road. A tall belt line creates armored car-like side doors, offsetting the narrow side windows and tall roof line. It does a bit of visual hocus pocus that makes a rather tall car appear low to the ground. The front end is punctuated by a billet-style grille (shades of the Ford F-Series), and the massive wheels are some of the most original and aggressive stock wheels I’ve seen on a production car in a long, long time. The performance-oriented SHO has returned as well, touting a twin-turbocharged 365-horsepower V6, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and sport-tuned suspension. As I only was able to spend a short time in the SHO and as it was pouring rain, I was unable to getting a feel for what the car can really do. Look for a separate SHO review in the near future.

Unlike many cars I’ve tested, it took only a few hours behind the wheel to get what the Taurus is all about. It’s a sedan for people who are leaving their SUVs, but don’t want to give up much in the way of size, safety or style. Driving on the twisting, narrow roads around Asheville only served to accentuate the Taurus’ wide stance leaving me with the feeling this car is more akin to a big Lincoln than mid-size Ford. The steering is heavily weighted, a welcome attribute at highway speeds but one that requires a bit more muscle then the overly-assisted systems commonly found on family sedans. Uncommon to past Taurus alumni is a modern V6 engine that pumps out a healthy 263 horsepower. This engine is able to move the Taurus with ease, which is impressive considering the car’s considerable heft, especially the all-wheel drive versions. Power is routed through a new six-speed automatic complete with steering wheel paddle shifters. Overall, I have to say that the engine and drivetrain are a first rate pairing, delivering power promptly when requested with no sign of gear hunting or sluggish shifts. Fuel economy figures are expected to be 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The Taurus’s cabin is as much a surprise as its exterior especially the impressive headroom, which for a tall guy like me is always a concern. The Taurus offers ample space in all directions, and that goes for rear seat passengers as well. The front seats are wide enough to accommodate most folk comfortable, yet still offer a respectable supply of side and lumbar support. At the time of testing, the anti-whiplash front head rest were angled too far forward for my liking, but Ford promises the production cars will see the aggressive angle dialed back to a comfortable setting. The overall feeling inside the Taurus’ cabin is one of inviting textures, top quality materials and an attention to detail usually associated with high-end luxury brands. Because I’m basically an old queen in an angry queen’s body, I tend to fixate on the little things. I was pleased with the elegant sew pattern on the molded door panels, the complex angle of the flowing center console and the thorough use of ambient lighting in the foot wells, door pulls and overhead console. I was none too pleased with the cheap black plastic door lock spindles (complete with left over plastic flash) and the antiquated steering wheel button controls (they are stacked one atop the other, all the same size and are difficult to reach.) I’m bitching, I know, but I have to gripe about something. One last note on the interior, a special green thumbs-up to Ford’s design team for making this car as eco-friendly as possible. The faux suede SHO seat inserts, for example, are made from recycled pop bottles.
And then there’s the option’s list, which is really quite remarkable. No one will mistake a fully loaded 2010 Taurus Limited for the 2005 model of the same name, and here’s why:
• Adaptive Cruise Control – Uses radar to maintain a safe distance between you and the traffic ahead.
• BLIS – Blind Spot Information System alerts the driver to cars traveling in the vehicle’s “bind zone” via a flashing icon located inside the driver or passenger side mirror.
• Active Motion front seats- Great for long trips, these massaging seats feature air bladders that continually inflate and deflate. The idea is to constantly change the seat contours, thus helping to relieve fatigue.
• MyKey – Parents are going to love this, kids will be sending angry hate mail to Alan Mulally right up until they themselves have kids, at which point they’ll be thanking him. The system allows the owner to set limits on radio volume and top speed as well as activate alert chimes for preset speeds at 45, 55 and 65 mph.
• Ford Navigation and SYNC audio- While gathered for dinner one night, a group of my colleagues and I agreed that Ford’s navigation system is hands-down the best factory installed system of any manufacture. From its intuitive screens, simple icon imagery and abundance of useful information, it’s the template for all others to copy. Team it with Microsoft’s SYNC system and you have the ability to access you’re phone’s e-mail, text messaging, song library and call list, all by using voice commands. Even if you don’t elect the Navigation option, you can still receive turn-by-turn direction via the SYNC system, as well as traffic and weather updates.
• Keyless Entry Pad- Still a Ford exclusive, the touch pad key lock (cleverly hidden behind the black door pillar) allows access to the vehicle without the need for a key or key fob.
Because the Taurus offers so many features uncommon to this class, it renders competitors such as the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon silent, and with a price range starting around $26,000 for the SE and topping out just over $40,000 for a loaded SHO, even many luxury brands can’t match what the Taurus is offering.

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by Joe LaMuraglia
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 – At the 2008 Chicago Auto show Ford debuted a funky utility van called the Transit Connect – a vehicle on sale in over 58 countries since 2003. Targeted to the small business owner (think catering, florists etc) with cargo needs, it features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine, 135 cubic feet of cargo space and a 1,600 pound payload capacity all starting at $21,475, including destination.
While most of the coverage of the Transit Connect focuses on its utility and appeal to the small business owner, this little box can be configured to carry up to 5 people with loads of room to spare behind the second row of seats. In addition to the small business owners that will rejoice at its size and price, I think there will be a lot of sports enthusiasts (cyclists, skiers, surfers etc.) that will find the commodious and bare-bone interior very attractive for their lifestyles.
I’ll be driving the Ford Transit Connect in New York City tomorrow and will be Tweeting away. If you are new to this exercise, note that the Tweets will appear in reverse chronological order. If you aren’t following us on Twitter, you can do so HERE.
Stay tuned!
Friday, May 29, 2009 – I spent the day driving around Manhattan in the 2010 Ford Transit Connect yesterday. For those of you that follow me on Twitter, you got a updates throughout the day. I had them fed into this page live via a RSS reader from Widgetbox but for some reason, it only showed the last 20 Tweets. I’ve also had experiences where the Tweets disappear from Twitter’s servers so I’ve gone old school and provided screen shots of all the tweets from yesterday (see below). Yes, you still need to read them from the bottom up.
Bottom Line: – After spending only a few hours with the Transit Connect, I think Ford has a hit on its hands. We met with three different small businesses in NYC and they all were visibly excited about the prospect of a smaller, more efficient means of delivering their products in the notoriously congested metropolis. The fact that Ford has packed the Transit Connect with available technologies that will help them provide better service to their customers was icing on the cake.
I still stand by my assertion that this baby cargo van is going to be a cult car for outdoor enthusiasts and customizers alike. With such a low cost of entry and literally a blank canvas in the back, there are so many things that can be done to create a mobile office/party van/escape pod/locker room/workshop/toy hauler. I’ll take mine with shag carpeting and a disco ball please.
2010 Ford Transit Connect goes on sale this summer. Photos at the end of the posting.

All images courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Muscle Car Makeover

by Joe LaMuraglia

I have to be honest; when I was scheduled to drive a 2010 Ford Mustang GT for five days my expectations were not very high. Sure, the Mustang got a new look with all-new sheet metal and a tightened and toned styling but having spent many years in LA I knew that when a face gets lifted it doesn’t change the fundamental personality of the recipient. Happily, my jaded and jaundiced self was blown away after spending quality time with the new Mustang, emphasis on quality.
My doubt about how good the new Mustang would be was based my last experience with a Pony from Ford. It has been a few years since the experience but the last Ford Mustang GT convertible I last drove had such bad cowl shake I actually called the press fleet distributor and had them come pick it up early. I spent all of a few hours driving around Atlanta and the wet noodle effect was driving me crazy. I found out later that the car had been in an accident but it has been difficult to completely erase the experience from my memory. I knew that the new coupe would be better but I wasn’t prepared for the drastic difference in dynamics and craftsmanship.

I picked up the car in Manhattan and in typical fashion was more concerned about getting run over in the service garage than taking in the details of the vehicle. I signed the forms, jumped in the car and quickly exited the insanity of the service area. My next move was to find a parking spot to get myself familiar with the vehicle, set up the Bluetooth connection and make sure seat, mirrors and controls were all where they needed to be. This is when I began to realize the magnitude of changes that went into the 2010 Mustang.
The interior is simply stunning. Gone is the old Ford-issue brick of a radio that always looked that an afterthought in Ford’s products. The new sound system is beautifully integrated into the center stack along with the climate control and information display. The dashboard materials are on par with those of Audi and the neo-retro design is instantly familiar and useful at the same time. My brother got in and immediately re-told the story of how he wrecked my grandmother’s ’67 Mustang within hours of its delivery. The connection to classic Mustangs is that strong yet far from overdone.

One of my biggest pet peeves are steering wheels. To me, they are the most important part of the vehicle. Other than the seat, the steering wheel is your primary touch point with the vehicle. Many vehicles (current VW Jetta anyone?) have wheels that seem like an afterthought and for people like me, ruin the brand experience. Ford got the wheel right on the 2010 Mustang. Its design is superb; proper thickness, fantastic materials and a center hub that is substantial and finished with a high quality Mustang emblem. You feel at once in control and pampered when you grab the wheel; as it should be.
I got my seat adjusted and noticed the high quality leather and overall comfort of my perch. It seems that Ford finally tapped into Volvo’s seat supplier and came up with an attractive, supportive and comfortable seat. Other than the Ford Flex, this is the most comfortable seat I’ve experienced in the Ford product lineup, Lincoln MKS included. I wasn’t alone in my admiration of the interior and seating. My sister and mother spent time in the front and back seats and used “beautiful” and “gorgeous” to described their surroundings. Considering both can be rather critical unless a luxury brand is associated, that is high praise indeed.

It was time to get the Mustang on the road and the jaunt up the West Side highway, over the GW Bridge to NJ was the perfect primer for a few days behind the wheel. The GT features Ford’s proven 4.6 liter V8 engine pushing out 315 horsepower. Matched with the 5-speed manual in my test car, it proved to be an entertaining pair. The Mustang GT launches beautifully and accelerates down the road with a distinctive roar in full gallop and then diminishes to a subdued rumble during prolonged cantering. I was impressed with how easy it was to drive and loved the raw horsepower at my disposal. It was nowhere near as powerful as the beastly Pontiac G8 GXP I had prior to it but it was plenty of horsepower to entertain.
The weekend consisted of a jaunt up the Saw Mill Parkway to CT. This trip does double duty; I get my family fix by visiting my sister and her brood and I have a consistent road to compare vehicles on. The Saw Mill is narrow, curvy and when taken at high speeds, nerve wracking. The Mustang GT attacked it with ease and other than a few bumps along the way, was completely composed.
This leads me to my only major criticism of the 2010 Mustang; its road manners on less than perfect surfaces. Bumps and ruts upset the usually compliant ride of the Mustang and the blame goes to its rear suspension. All the engineering prowess in the world can’t make a solid beam act as well as independently suspended wheels. Ford has done a very impressive job but where the Nissan 370Z and Chevrolet Camaro simply laughed at road irregularities, the Mustang bucked and bounced like a frightened Pony. 8 times out of 10 it won’t be noticeable but on the hideously-maintained roads in Northern NJ and Manhattan, it was pretty evident.

Other minor complaints include the inability for my Blackberry to sync with Ford’s SYNC™ system on a consistent basis. I finally got it to work but subsequent attempts failed. I am sure it was user error but the system isn’t as intuitive as others. I was also surprised at how easily the Satellite radio lost its signal. On the aforementioned drive to rural CT, I lost signal often where other vehicles never had an issue. Finally, as a sunroof lover, I wish the Mustang had a sliding roof as an option. They are offering a fixed glass roof but it isn’t the same. Luckily the Mustang Convertible is available and should satisfy the sun worshipers.
When I drove back into Manhattan to return the 2010 Mustang GT, I went over my experience with the latest iteration of the classic pony car. My impression of the nameplate had been seriously recalibrated based on overall design, level of quality and driving dynamics. The new design caught the eye of a few hotties along the way as well. I’m just saying
Having recently driven the most excellent Chevrolet Camaro and the Nissan 370Z I was prepared to relegate the Mustang to a distant third place but ended up confident that the 2010 model will keep it near the top of the consideration set for people in the market for an affordable sports car with few compromises.

2010 Ford Mustang
Starting at $20,995 for a V6 Coupe. Mustang GT Coupe starts at $30,995
As tested, $31,985
Equip your new muscle car with brand new Ford Mustang body kit, set of wheels, exhaust system, and other performance parts and accessories from AmericanMuscle.

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Vehicles Vetted Vicariously

by Joe LaMuraglia via Marty Padgett via TheCarConnection.com
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I am not attending 2009 Chicago Auto show media days this year. It is a result of belt tightening here at Gaywheels.com and the fact that we aren’t on “the list” of invitees that the Chicago show flies in every year.
Rather than just read press releases and regurgitate their content, I’ve asked my good friends from TheCarConnection.com if I could re-purpose their reporting and post highlights here with links back to their full insight. Enjoy.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO
• What is it: A twin-turbo version of the 2010 Ford Taurus, bringing back the old “SHO” tag
• Key facts: 365-hp V-6 is the most powerful “EcoBoost” Ford will offer; paddle-shifted automatic should add to sporting feel; Ford’s SYNC system is standard
• On sale: Summer 2009
• Price: $37,995
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO marks its return to the blue-oval lineup this week with a world debut at the 2009 Chicago auto show.
The reborn SHO–the favorite of enthusiasts everywhere since it first was introduced on the first-generation Taurus–completes the new Taurus lineup with twin turbos, a tuned suspension, and some of the visual flair that made the original hotted-up Taurus a hit when it took its bow in 1989.
Read more……

2010 Kia Forte
• What is it: Kia’s new compact sedan, replacing the Spectra
• Key facts: It’s four doors only this time; SX models get larger four-cylinder engine; Bluetooth and Sirius are standard
• On sale: Summer 2009
• Price: $15,000 (est.)
The 2010 Kia Forte takes a bow at the 2009 Chicago auto show today. Replacing the Spectra in Kia’s lineup, the Forte makes the trip to reality in four-door form only, leaving the buyers of the old five-door Spectra wanting, at least for now. The Forte is the first product overseen in its entirety by Peter Schreyer, the wunderkind hired by Kia to remake the lineup in a more modern vein. Schreyer’s touch shows in a more sophisticated shape, though no one will mistake the Forte for the daring Honda Civic (or the kludgy Ford Focus, for that matter).
The Forte’s basics are the stuff economy cars do best: simple independent suspensions, four-cylinder engines, manual and automatic transmissions. Base cars have a 153-hp four, and five-speed manual and four-speed automatic trannies. The SX edition spools up 173 hp with a 2.4-liter four, and teams it to a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Read more…..

2009 Dodge Ram HD
According to Dodge, the heavy-duty segment contains about one-third of all full-size truck sales in the U.S. And buyers in the segment are said to be the most brand-loyal in the industry. So Dodge is taking aim at Chevy and Ford with its new Dodge Ram HD, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show and fortified heavily from winch to tailgate.
Based on the new-for-’09 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, the burly tow/haul monsters finally bring a true crew cab to the Dodge Ram HD domain. The crew cab is said to be the highest-volume segment of the heavy-duty pickup arena (approx. 50 percent of HD pickup sales). Regular cab and Mega Cab models will be offered, as will two box sizes (6’4″ or 8′ even), and five distinct trim levels (ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie, and Power Wagon). Read more…….

2009 Scion tC Series 5.0
Scion yesterday announced a special edition of its sports coupe, the tC, which will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show from February 11-22. This 2009 tC RS 5.0 features unique styling elements draped on a lowered suspension with 18-inch alloys. Numerous mechanical enhancements also give the vehicle a more aggressive driving demeanor.
Outside, the aforementioned 18-inch multi-spoke alloys (matte black with red accents) are supported by lowered springs from TRD to give this bespoke tC aggressive curbside swagger. The vehiclel is bathed in gloss black, and an available rear lip spoiler adds some attitude at the rear.
On the inside, the black and red theme continues. A black leather steering wheel with red stitching continues the color theme inside, as do black seats with red inserts and TRD floor. Read more…..

2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
• What is it: A dolled-up version of Ford’s new full-size truck
• The Basics: A standard Ford F-150 SuperCrew with Harley trim; includes interior leather, colorful add-ons, and plenty of chrome and enamel badges
• On Sale: Shortly
• Price: $40,000 (est.)
Flames and chrome and a big badge on its chest: is it time for a new Harley-Davidson F-150 again, or a superhero we missed on the comics stand somehow?
For those of you who veer away from Tim Gunn’s style tips and toward Dog the Bounty Hunter’s wardrobe, Ford offers up the latest in a long string of Harley-badged trucks. Fourteen of them, to be exact, dating back to 2000. This year’s edition is actually next year’s edition—the new SuperCrew in Harley drag is a 2010 model, making its debut this week for crowds at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Read more…..

FORD F-150 IS HOT

by Casey Williams

There’s something hot about a pickup truck. Cowboys drive them, throw hay into them, and lasso wayward calves from them. More domesticated ranch hands haul their favorite weekend toys, travel comfortably on vacation, or load up on mid-century furniture at the local flea market. In a market full of capable vehicles, it is hard to think of a better truck for both customers than the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150.
In the world of automobiles, the Ford F-Series is an old gray hair at 60, but keeps its youth by working out and staying contemporary. Although the 2009 edition is not a complete nip n’ tuck, it receives a very thorough face lift that comes off as a new pickup. You’ll know the ’09 model by its Super Duty-style grille, flared fenders, integrated rear side step and chrome-stripped triangular taillamps. Engineers also transplanted the deployable tailgate step from the SuperDuty models to allow convenient access to the bed.

F-150 interiors are among the most debonair in the business and continue the same theme as before with rich materials and refinement that would please Jonathan Adler. There are enough satin finish silver accents, wood grain panels, and contrasting-color stitched leather in high-line models to furnish a New York loft. Entry models are not quite so exclusive, but never give the impression of basement living.

Our Lariat-grade test model was loaded with heated and cooled leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, an art-worthy gear selector, 32-oz. McCup drink holders, and rear legroom that rivals a stretched Town Car. There’s enough floor space to host an all-night rave (or keep my parents comfortable on the way to dinner). Given reclining front seats, flip down rear bench, and easy access with power-deployable steps (Platinum editions), you could host a sleepover.

Some boys like music or sports to go with their big trucks. Ford offers an audio system with Sony speakers, Sirius Satellite Radio, and USB iPOD input to bring all of the ear-pleasing rhythm and play calls you could endure. Ford’s Sync system, co-developed with Microsoft, not only enables drivers to voice-command the navigation and audio systems, but also accesses real-time weather forecasts and satellite maps. Bluetooth connects your cell phone to the truck for hands free dialing.
The interior spoils like a Ritz Carlton, but underneath it all lies a platform true to the F-150 truck DNA. All of the 2009 F-150s are equipped with V8 engines. Base models come with a 4.6-liter V8 that generates 248 HP or 292 HP, depending on configuration. A larger 5.4-liter Triton V8 grunts out 320 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque – ideal for towing and hauling heavy loads like a sports car, pontoon boat or a weekend of “finds”. Six-speed automatic transmissions come with the two most powerful engines and helps improve fuel economy over 2008 models. Optional all-wheel-drive, standard electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and Trailer Sway Control make hauling those loads a ton safer.
Especially when decked out in elegant attire, the hot and powerful F-150 will turn heads wherever it goes, but is not afraid to scrape the matte lacquer off its manicure when real work is required. The rest of the time, you can enjoy it with your partner deep in the woods, busting through deep snow, snuggled inside on heated seats, drenched in music, listening to sports, or washing it to a shine. It is no surprise the 2009 F-150 just won the North American Truck of the Year award at the Detroit auto show.
Vehicle Tested
2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4
Powertrain: 320-HP 5.4-liter V8, 6-speed automatic
Towing capacity.: 7,200 lbs.
Fuel economy: 14/18-MPG city/hwy.
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by Joe LaMuraglia

I attended the 2009 North American International Auto Show last week and as is custom, I chose the Top 10 vehicles from the show. Our criteria is that they have to be production vehicles from gay-friendly manufacturers in order to qualify. While some of the concepts introduced were HOT (Cadillac Converj anyone?), we stuck to our guns and picked vehicles that you’ll be able to drive in the near future.

2009 BMW Z4- There are very few mainstream cars that elicit jaw-drop stares and unintelligible utterances from me. That all changed when I walked up to the BMW stand at the Detroit show. All I could say was “wow, wow, WOW” over and over again. The new BMW Z4 has been totally redesigned and skillfully incorporates design cues from the past (Think 503 and Z8) in a beautifully modern form. It features a retractable hard-top that retreats to its proper place in 20 seconds – a first for the Z-series. Engines are the wonderfully familiar inline-6s: the 255 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and the 300 hp BMW Z4 sDrive35i. On sale this spring.

2010 Ford Taurus It is always fun to talk about sexy, exotic cars but the fact of the matter is the most significant vehicles are the one’s that sell the most and one of the biggest segments is the mid-size sedan segment. Ford launched their entry, the new 2010 Taurus, at the show and for a four-door sedan starting at $25,995, it is a stunner. It’s new look is less box more missile but without a compromise on utility. Ford has packed it full of technology that is usually reserved for the luxury segment and they claim to have the quality to match that segment as well. The 2010 Ford Taurus is available in Summer 2009.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Yes, you read it correctly, this is a 2011 model that was introduced at the 2009 auto show. In light of all the criticism of the Detroit-based automakers, GM probably wanted to show the world that they can indeed produce world-class product. The 2011 Cruze is fantastic-looking sedan that will replace the Cobalt in Chevrolet’s lineup. Forget everything you know about small cars from GM because the Cruze is finally going to give them something to go head-to-head with best from Europe and Japan. Available with either a 1.4L or 1.8L four-cylinder engine and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the Cruze can get up to 40 MPG on the highway. Available in mid-2010.

2010 Toyota Prius – If there is one name that is synonymous with the term hybrid, it is Prius. Toyota started it all two generations ago and launched their latest iteration at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With a slew of new technologies to keep it ahead of the pack and a refreshed but not unfamiliar design to keep consumers interested, the new Toyota Prius should have no problems continuing their sales success. Toyota claims a combined fuel economy number of 50 MPG. The 2010 Toyota Prius will be available in late Spring 2009.

2010 Lexus HS250h - Lexus debuted their first dedicated hybrid vehicle – the 2010 Lexus HS250h. While many assume it is a Lexus-bodied Toyota Prius (and who could blame them?), Lexus assures us that it is a new platform unique from the Prius that builds on the technology introduced by that car. The HS250h has a larger four-cylinder engine than its cousin from Toyota and doesn’t look much like the Prius either. Lexus claims the new Hs250h will get 30% better fuel economy than the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their lineup now. Available in late Summer 2009.

2010 Cadillac SRX – Replacing the much-loved but slow selling Cadillac crossover is the new 2010 Cadillac SRX. The last SRX impressed journalists with its driving dynamics but never got high points in the looks department. The new 2010 SRX promises to win in both categories (and maybe even the swimsuit competition!). The designs builds on the success of the CTS and is the best interpretation of the Art & Science theme to date. Powering the new SRX will be a standard 3.0 direct-injected V-6 and a new 2.8L turbo V-6 as an option. Both promise V8 fun with V6 fuel economy. The SRX goes on sale Summer 2009.

2009 MINI Convertible - MINI launched their redesigned MINI Cooper last year but the drop top soldiered on with the old body and power plants. The new 2009 MINI Convertible, like the hard top, doesn’t look much different but enters this model year with improvements across the board. You can get your hands on this epitome of adorable starting on March 28, 2009. The suggested retail price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550, and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible, $27,450 including $650 destination and handling charge.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox – GM has come a long way in what they call “perceptual quality” – you know, the feeling you get when you sit down in a vehicle and start touching a feeling the materials. While past GMs have had good quality in terms of things not breaking, things like switchgear felt cheap and flimsy. The new quality “gurus” around the world are out to remedy that and a perfect example of this new focus is the new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. This new small crossover will compete in a fiercely competitive segment and does so with a new bodystyle, new engines and yes, a new attitude. With great looks, high quality materials, a class-leading 30 MPG with the base engine and standard technology like OnStar and XM Satellite radio, the 2010 Chevy Equinox should do just fine. Available mid-2009.

2010 Jaguar XFR – There is a certain point when purchasing an automobile when rational thought goes out the window and is replacement by pure unadulterated lust. The new XFR is considerably north of that point and not just because it looks like bad little kitty on wheels. The new supercharged V8 pumps out 510 hp and a lightly modified version of the XFR hit over 255 MPH on the Bonneville salt flats. Rational? Hell no. Do I want one? Oh hells to the yeah! Here kitty, kitty.

2010 Buick LaCrosse – You are going to see a lot from Buick in the coming years. It started with the sexy Enclave last year and the next iteration of their revival is the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Yes, Buick has claimed to take on Lexus in the past but this time they are serious. The sculpted exterior looks European and the gorgeous interior is simultaneously classic and modern at the same time. Most of you reading this wouldn’t be caught dead considering a Buick. Take my word, the 2010 LaCrosse is the first sedan worthy of your attention. Available late Summer 2009.

Each year, the editors of Gaywheels.com drive hundreds of new cars to find the best new vehicles for you, your partner, your family, and sometimes for ourselves too.
We published our inaugural Favorite Vehicles list in 2007 and are continuing the tradition for 2008. The field of best-ofs includes some 2008, 2009 and even a 2010 model. The list includes vehicles perfect for us, for families, for dates and clubbing, and cars and trucks notable for their new looks, new hardware and new attitude.
The winners for Gaywheels.com’s Best of 2008, in order of seniority, are:
Joe LaMuraglia-Founder, Gaywheels.com

Best New Car: 2009 Mazda6

The newly designed Mazda6 is a bigger, badder and more beautiful entry in the midsize segment from Mazda. With a choice of two engines and the availability of a manual transmission, this car is the epitome of “Zoom-Zoom” for the driver that needs to carry clients or kids as well. I say the Mazda6 is the new 10 for sedans.
Best Makeover: Mercedes-Benz BlueTec Equipped Vehicles

It is more of a transplant than a makeover but the idea is the same. Mercedes-Benz launched their amazing Clean Diesel technology a.k.a. Bluetec in their SUVs and gave Americans a reason to fall in love with them all over again. They are clean, quiet, efficient and they get my vote for best makeover for 2008.
Best Date Car: BMW 1-Series

This the second time I’ve picked a convertible as the best date car. A drop top says you are fun-loving with few responsibilities (a.k.a. single) and the new 1-Series from BMW says all that and more. It is a no-nonsense convertible that gets back to the basics of looking good and driving fun. Enjoy it while you can because once you find your mate, the car in the next category will be more your speed.
Best Family Car: Ford Flex

Just because you have responsibilities doesn’t mean your car has to be boring. The Ford Flex seats up to 7 and looks like nothing else on the road. Stylish inside and out, you may consider it even if you don’t have kids to haul around. Cool features include Sirius Travel Link, Ford’s Sync and an available refrigerator! We called it “Flexalicious”.
Best Club Car: Maserati GranTurismo

You’ve seen it in the movies; two hotties roll up to a club in a sexy car, a valet appears out of nowhere to take their keys and they alight from the car right as the velvet rope is unhooked allowing them direct entry into the club while hundreds of less fortunate wait in the cold. The Maserati might not make you as pretty as the actors in the movie, this gorgeous coupe might just get you to the front of the line at the club. That’s worth $114K+ isn’t it?
Best Car For Me: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen

History repeats itself, in bodystyle choices at least. Two years and two wagons as choices of my Best Car for Me. The new VW Jetta Sportwagen is good looking, roomy and with the TDI clean diesel engine, one of the most efficient vehicles on the road today. We called it the “Vehicular Version of Comfortable Shoes”.
Joe Tralongo-Montana Editor
Best New Car: Nissan GT-R
40 years of automotive foreplay came to an end this year when Nissan finally brought its screaming Skyline GT-R stateside. Known here as just the GT-R, this car has been taunting enthusiasts from afar since 1969. The 480 horsepower twin-turbo coupe costs a pretty penny, and a limited production run is bound to push the price even higher, but it’s worth it to own a little piece of automotive history. Good job, Nissan.
Best Makeover: 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Due out this summer, the all-new Mazda MAZDA3 is going to shatter all preconceived notions of what an economy car should be. With styling that is more exotic and economical, and such cool features as keyless entry and start, the MAZDA3 is the stylish solution to a new fiscal reality.
Best Date Car: Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
If he doesn’t swoon when you pull up to his condo complex, just show him the $301,000 price tag. With only 350 cars being produced world wide this car is sure to grab attention, and its fuel thirsty V12 engine makes the old “Uh-oh, we’re out of gas” line utterly believable.

Best Family Car: Chevrolet Traverse

If you’ve got kids and cargo, you need a three-row SUV. The Chevrolet Traverse provides all the room of a full-size SUV in a midsize package that is stylish, safe and economical. Loaded with standard goodies, the V6-powered Traverse can shuttle up to eight passengers and still pull down 24 mpg on the highway.
Best Club Car: Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac’s V-Series treatment is to the stunning CTS what Human Growth Hormone is to Major League Baseball. With 556-horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, you might want to bypass the club and head straight for Mulholland Drive.
Best Car for Me: Subaru WRX
OK, last year my perfect car as the VW GTI, and in truth it’s still my favorite. But after experiencing my fourth Montana winter, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. With the WRX, I get all the fun of the GTI but in a package I can live with year round.

Josee Valcourt-NY Editor
Best New Car: Volkswagen CC

It’s the exterior coupe action combined with a competitive price point that does it for me. This Mercedes Benz CLS look-alike starts nearly at $27,000. The VW midsize newbie looks great in city drives, and I’d assume, it’s just as striking along a winding mountainside road. Its handling is responsive and ride comfortable.
Best Makeover: Infiniti G37
The defunct Infiniti G35 coupe was one good looking car. The G37, its replacement, looks even better. It’s exterior appearance speaks to the Infiniti brand’s design strength. The engine is quiet and fast, propelling the car like a slinky panther.
Best Date Car: Lexus GS350
This a sweet looking car, and in my view, especially in the iridescent pearly white hue. It looks good from dawn till dusk, meaning you’ll be sure to impress your date at any hour. The sporty vehicle has all the necessities one would expect in a luxury brand including a booming sound system that can drown out the awkward first-date silence or weird conversation if needed. It’s also available in all-wheel drive for added traction.

Best Family Car: Volvo XC70
First things first, the Volvo XC70 is a station wagon. Now that we’ve gotta that out of the way, here’s the skinny: the vehicle is also a pretty cool ride for carting the fam in luxury. The XC70 offers a smooth ride and grips curves – a must-have when it comes to hauling your precious bunch from point A to point B. The vehicle is spacious, providing comfortable seating and a roomy cargo. There’s also the whole added safety thing that’s synonymous with a Volvo.
Best Club Car: Nissan 370Z
The new 370Z from Nissan is an attention grabber, for sure. Heads will turn when you pull up in front of your destined swanky club spot of choice. It’s the slick design that gives it a “Bond, James Bond” flair or “Sex and the City” edge. Whether you’re stepping out in a hot LBD (little black dress) or rocking your GQ look, you’ll look good emerging from the 370Z.
Best Car for Me: BMW 335i Convertible
This Beamer hard top is a beast, pumping out 300 horsepower from its twin turbo-charged six-cylinder engine. You may find yourself fighting the urge to scream “woo hoo!” while in motion. The vehicle reacts nicely on roads, hugging curves all the while looking fabulous with its top down.

Ford Focus Whiffs of Europe

By Casey Williams

Ford’s latest Focus is like the trip my partner and I took through Europe last year. We caught a whiff of the place, sniffed the interiors of old buildings, drooled at the architecture, luxuriated in fine parlors, rode in a gondola, and then jetted ourselves home. We felt like we were in Europe, but somehow did not fully experience it and only have a few trinkets and memories to show for the trip. You get the same feelings with the 2009 Ford Focus, but the ride is much better.

One could be forgiven for thinking they had been to Europe after driving the Focus. The first one was almost identical to versions sold in the Old World. It not only had a funky, new-edge Euro look, it drove the way a fine European compact should. The total experience was enough to usurp the VW Golf as Europe’s best-selling car. That’s a pretty tough tour to top.
Apparently the original three- and five-door hatchbacks were too cool for Americans, so we’ll be driving four-door sedans and two-door coupes. With their chrome bar grilles, 16” alloy wheels, chiseled bodysides, dogleg rear windowline, faux air outlets on the front fenders, and wrap-around taillamps, they look more BMW than Kia, but definitely do not cause as much excitement as when the first-generation paraded onto the boulevard. It’s not the purest of architecture, but looks good nonetheless.

Going for the ultimate parlor affect, the interior glows like the ROXY at night with ethereal blue lighting that glows a haze on the dash and floor. That will hit the right spot for Millennials, but older queens will luxuriate in an interior fit for budget-minded royalty. Heated black leather seats and steering wheel with gray stitching are more Lincoln than Ford. A new dash top readout displays key information while the silver-painted dashboard and large radio buttons look like they came from a teenager’s boom box.

To rock like it’s 2010, choose Sync, co-developed by Microsoft and Ford. By the magic of Bluetooth, microphones, and a button on the steering wheel, you can make phone calls, access music, and conjure up directions. A USB port and audio jack let iPODs plug, play, and succumb to the car’s controls. A single CD slot bats for the old school.
When it’s time to blow for home, light the engine and stomp the 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine. For best results, choose the five-speed manual, but if your lazy self doesn’t want to raise a heel to shift, go for the four-speed automatic. The tight Euro feel of the original Focus was replaced by a comfortable, almost floaty ride – probably much better for the New World. Much appreciated these days are fuel economy ratings of 24/35-MPG city/highway.
After driving the 2009 Focus, I still have fond memories of the original’s pure Euro ride, but realize memories are better than reality.

Ford is a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2009 Ford Focus

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Read other Ford reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

Get more detailed information on the 2009 Ford Focus in our New Car Section

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It’s Flexalicious!

Ford set out to re-create the family vehicle and from a design point of view, they’ve certainly done their homework. This vehicle is totally unique in a sea of “me too” crossover vehicles. The two-box shape and unique exterior design details give us a modern interpretation of the classic “woody” wagon. The availability of a contrasting roof color allows you to create your own color combination similar to MINI and the chrome treatment of the grill and tailgate further differentiate it from anything else on the road.

While the exterior gets your attention and makes the Flex easy to find in a parking lot,it is the interior that will please both your eyes and derrière’.

Visually, the instrument panel, center console and materials used are easily the best Ford has ever created. The interior themes were inspired by the fashion background of former clothing designer Anthony Prozzi, who we recently featured in headlights. The base seat fabric looks like it came from Brooks Brothers and the upgraded leather would look at home on the runways of Paris and Milan. And this from FORD!
Speaking of the seat fabric; those fashionable coverings surround some of the most generous and comfortable perches in autodom. It is one thing to look gorgeous but it is rare to have both eye and butt appeal in one package. Ford has figured it out.
Need to get a way from the hustle and bustle of the city? Spending time in the new 2009 Ford Flex will make you realize how much noise you’ve put up with in the past. If you’ve ever used the Bose noise-cancellation headphones, the experience is similar. Extensive use of sound-deadening materials, acoustic glass and attention paid to the “noise points” around the vehicle make a very quiet vehicle.

We get it, it’s pretty. But How Does it Drive?
There is nothing more disappointing than a good-looking package that lets you down when you open it up. Think about the last person you met online and you know what I am taking about. Luckily the Ford Flex won’t remind you of all those dating disasters. It drives and performs as good as it looks. The ride is controlled and “European” in feel and the 3.5 liter V6 provides spirited, if noisy, performance. In a trip from New York City to Westchester County, NY, the Flex handled the challenging Saw Mill Parkway with ease. Inherent to its boxy design is excellent visibility and its wide stance and long wheelbase deliver a solid, comfortable ride.
Front-wheel drive models are expected to get 17 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway which is about on par with the best in this class. Ford promises a more refined and efficient “Eco-Boost” turbo engine in the near future which should increase efficiency and rid the Flex from the rough noises at full throttle.

What Else Can It Do?
Two things that differentiate cars in today’s market are design and technology. Clearly Ford went a different route with the appearance and they continued that theme with the technology available in the Flex. For starters, you can get the Ford-exclusive SYNC™ – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows you to control your phone and music. Then there is the available SIRIUS Travel Link that when combined with voice activated navigation displays real-time traffic, weather, fuel price information, sports scores and even movie times for your local theater!
The available technology is not limited to information and entertainment. Ford has done their part to make your life a little easier as well. There is an available refrigerated console between the second row seats that can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans to 41 degrees 40% faster than your home fridge. Last but not least, the Flex is equipped with an EasyFuel™ capless fuel filler. This feature replaces a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, reducing the release of smog-forming vapors.
Does He Have a Brother?
So it looks good, knows the importance of quiet time; is a spirited performer and has all the latest gadgets. Sounds like the perfect partner, right? Well, while we know “he or she” doesn’t exist outside of the cineplex, the Ford Flex comes close to a perfect companion in vehicular form.
Does that mean that the Flex is perfect for everyone? Far from it. Similar to our quest for a partner, everyone has different tastes. For example, as good as the Flex is, it can’t provide top-down driving for two. However, for those of you that are looking for a 6-7 passenger vehicle that has a very distinct look, doesn’t feel to need to dress like all the other crossovers and is versatile in its approach to life, you should check out the new Ford Flex.

Ford is a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2009 Ford Flex

Find a Ford Dealer Near You

Read other Ford reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

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Flexing Your Impression of Ford

by Joe LaMuraglia

I just finished up a ride-and-drive program for the new 2009 Ford Flex. While our driving impressions are under embargo until June 12th, I am able to show photos and discuss what really makes this vehicle so special, the design.
More after the photos:

Ford set out to re-create the family vehicle and from a design point of view, they’ve certainly done their homework. This vehicle is totally unique in a sea of “me too” crossover vehicles. The two-box shape and unique exterior design details give us a modern interpretation of the classic “woody” wagon. The availability of a contrasting roof color allows you to create your own color combination similar to MINI and the chrome treatment of the grill and tailgate further differentiate it from anything else on the road.
While the exterior gets your attention and makes the Flex easy to find in a parking lot,it is the interior that will please both your eyes and derrière’.
Visually, the instrument panel, center console and materials used are easily the best Ford has ever created. The interior themes were inspired by the fashion background of former clothing designer Anthony Prozzi, who we recently featured in headlights. The base seat fabric looks like it came from Brooks Brothers and the upgraded leather would look at home on the runways of Paris and Milan. And this from FORD!
Speaking of the seat fabric; those fashionable coverings surround some of the most generous and comfortable perches in autodom. It is one thing to look gorgeous but it is rare to have both eye and butt appeal in one package. Ford has figured it out.
Check back after June 12th to read the full review of our time with the Flex. In the meantime, enjoy the photos and check out www.fordflex.com to get more information

By Joe LaMuraglia
With gas prices rising and oil supplies dwindling, automakers are hard at work on “green” cars, most of which promise guilt-free driving in the form of emissions-free vehicles. But what about vehicles that you can buy now that leave less of a mess behind? Here are five cars on the market that will have a lower impact on the environment as well as on your wallet.
smart fortwo

The name says it all – “for two” – and that’s all the smart can hold. The smart is a space-efficient alternative to driving around with 3-4 empty seats and gets up to 41 MPG on the highway. Add to that the ability to recycle many of its parts and you have a cute-as-hell way to reduce your impact on the environment.
- Read our review of the smart fortwo
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section
Ford Focus

The 2008 Ford Focus has an optional engine that qualifies it as PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle). That means it is cleaner driving down the road than a car from the ‘70s was sitting in the driveway with a full tank of gas! Available with the cool Sync audio system and with a 35-MPG rating, the Ford Focus makes going green fun and affordable.
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section
VW Jetta TDI

The VW Jetta Sedan and SportWagen will be among the first vehicles in the U.S. featuring VW’s fun-to-drive and uber-efficient TDI “Clean Diesel” engine. Rumors indicate that the SportWagen will get up to 55 MPG on the highway. Fun, low emissions, efficient and available later this year.
- Read our review of the Jetta SportWagen
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section
Lexus RX400h

Toyota started the hybrid craze with its Prius so it makes sense that their luxury division should benefit from that technology. The Lexus RX400h was the first luxury hybrid vehicle, and the first to equate the hybrid moniker with speed. Mated to a V-6 engine, the batteries in the RX400h can be as delicate as a lamb around town and fast as a leopard when merging onto the highway. Fuel economy isn’t breathtaking, but it’s doing its part–and how many $40,000 trucks can say that?
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Some people really need a large SUV. Just ask any active family with 3 or more children and their gear. Chevrolet now gives these consumers a more fuel-efficient option with their 2008 Tahoe Hybrid. It’s a full-size SUV that gets 21 MPG in the city and doesn’t compromise on towing or payload capacity. If you just have to be different, GMC’s Yukon also comes in hybrid form, as does the swanky Cadillac Escalade.
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Chicago’s auto show may play a distant second to Detroit when it comes to new cars and trucks. But in the Windy City this year, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler brought new family haulers–and one ass-hauler–while Volkswagen finally rejoined the minivan market after years of absence. The highlights from this year’s Chicago show, in no particular order:
Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet is the last of GM’s mass-market car brands to get a big crossover vehicle. But with the Traverse, Chevy might have one of the best-looking of GM’s foursome, which includes the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. The Traverse shares some styling cues with the new Chevy Malibu, inside and out, with a smart front end and smallish taillamps giving it a distinct style. Under the hood there’s a 3.6-liter V-6 with 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Standard safety features include six airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control. All-wheel drive will be an option, as will 20-inch rims and Bluetooth.
Ford Transit Connect

It’s taken a long time for any car company to take on Dodge’s commercial Sprinter van, but Ford is doing it now with the Turkish-build Transit Connect. Think of it as a Honda Element with even more utility; the Transit stands 6’ 8”, and its customizable cargo area means it’s a perfect work/play vehicle for dog walkers to caterers to locksmiths. Available with a four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, the Transit promises to be a fuel-efficient trailblazer that can also double as a mobile billboard. Ford says for now it will import the vehicle from Europe, but it might eventually build the Transit Connect in the United States, if enough entrepreneurs step forward for its practical package.
Dodge Challenger

Musclecars might seem odd in the days of the Toyota Prius, but Dodge’s HEMI-powered, tire-shredding Challenger SRT8 couldn’t care less about what the Prius thinks. Not with a 425-hp V-8 under the hood, big 20-inch tires in its wheel wells, and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. Top speed for the reborn musclecar is 170 miles per hour, Dodge says, and the Challenger grips the road on massive Goodyear tires. A five-speed automatic is the only reminder that this is 2008, not 1970. The Challenger SRT8 is the high-powered version on display now; Chrysler will eventually offer a V-6 version of the big two-door coupe as well, and a convertible has been rumored but not confirmed.
Volkswagen Routan

Volkswagen’s been missing a real minivan since the Microbus left in a hazy green cloud in the early 1970s. But everything about the new Routan minivan is modern, because under its lightly reskinned exterior, it’s a rebadged Chrysler minivan sold under a new agreement between the two companies. The Routan gets a unique interior too, with seating for seven and an available power third-row bench. Chrysler’s 3.8-liter, 197-horsepower V-6 is the standard engine in the Routan. A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox offered. Volkswagen also will offer Chrysler’s 4.0-liter V-6, with 251 horsepower and 259 pound-feet, as an option. Standard safety gear will include revised suspension tuning, stability and traction control, and curtain airbags. Other features included in all Routans are a conversation mirror; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; dual power sliding doors; a touchscreen navigation system with a 20GB music hard drive; a power liftgate; and 13 cupholders.
HUMMER H3T

HUMMER’s future seems to be getting smaller: first the GM brand dropped the military-derived H1, then it introduced the compact H3 off-roader. Now the H3 loses its cargo cover in favor of a real cargo bed as it becomes the H3T, T for truck. The almost five-foot bed gets an accessory mounting system and a removeable tailgate, giving it flexibility if not a huge amount of cargo carrying room. Powertrains include the standard 3.7-liter in-line five-cylinder that produces 242 horsepower with either a five-speed manual or an old-school four-speed automatic. The Alpha-level 5.3-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower is optional.

By Scott Corlett

January is that time of year when the intrepid reporters of Gaywheels.com brave Detroit’s bitter cold to bring you the best new vehicles from the North American International Auto Show. Listed below, in no particular order, are the best new production vehicles from the gay-friendly manufacturers for 2008:

Bulls Will Be Bulls

Apparently the PR folks at Chrysler didn’t consider the inevitable outcome of penning up 300 males in close proximity. I doubt they intended to launch their redesigned Dodge Ram pickup with some hot bull-on-bull action. But that’s exactly what happened when 300 longhorns were herded down the street in front of the exhibition hall during the truck’s outdoor press unveiling: the daddy bulls started mounting the boy bulls in a bovine version of ’70s porn, complete with mustachioed cowboys. Oh, and the Ram? HOT. And that’s no bulls—.

Bulges in the Right Places

Sex and the City alum Kim Cattrall wore a hot red number and mile-high Manolos as she strode on stage and flirted with Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG, which owns Mercedes-Benz. She smiled coyly, touched Dieter’s shoulder, and cooed about “assertiveness, bulges in the right places … [and a] tight little package.” Undoubtedly Cattrall had the balding, brushy-lipped German worked up, but she actually was speaking about another onstage hottie, the new Mercedes-Benz GLK sport-utility vehicle. The GLK is a rugged, small-scale SUV with the stamina to keep up with hard-riding shoppers like Kim–and its planned, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will offer the torque of a gasoline-fueled V-8 but return an über-sexy 35 mpg.

The Vue Steps Out on Its Own

To date, the Saturn Vue Green Line reminds me of that guy in college who could only do other guys during a three-way with his girlfriend. The current Vue Green Line is a “mybrid,” which means that, unlike out-and-proud hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, its electric motor can never power this compact SUV without the aid of its gasoline engine. Starting with the 2009 model, the Vue Green Line will step out on its own, as it will be able to use solely the electric motor for propulsion. Compared with the regular Vue, the present Vue Green Line increases fuel economy by 25 percent, but thanks to the ability to run on the motor, the upcoming version’s mileage ratings are a whopping 45 percent higher.

Venza, Vidi, Vici

In 47 B.C., after routing a Turkish city, Julius Caesar succinctly said, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered). Now it’s MMLV years later and a new emperor is conquering foreign lands, and his name is Toyota and the battlefield is the North American car market. Toyota calls its new, Camry-based Venza a crossover sedan, which is Latin for station wagon. The Venza is a five-passenger hauler with a tall ride height to provide the all-important command-position seating and available all-wheel drive to help defeat inclement weather. Smooth-running four-cylinder (standard) and optional V-6 engines, an interior that’s far more luxurious than the Camry’s, and the Toyota badge of quality make the Venza a warrior unstoppable by Caesar himself. All hail, Toyota.

The Home Team Homerun

The Cadillac CTS-V is the performance version of General Motor’s slick CTS sedan. What does that extra letter on the badge buy you? How about a rocket-worthy 550 horsepower? Yes, you read correctly, that’s 550 horses pulling a mid-size sedan, as in 43 more ponies than Mercedes’s E63 and 50 more than BMW’s M5. Not only is the CTS-V wicked fast, he’s certainly not shy, with a well-bulging hood that Kim Cattrall would love and a mesh grill that shouts get the f– out of my way. The Germans were never very good at baseball; this badass CTS-V is an out-of-the-park homerun for the home team.

CC: Mercedes-Benz

With its new Passat CC, Volkswagen sent out a mass e-mail to the automotive buyers of the world. It read, “Hey! You no longer have to shell out luxury car bucks for slick styling. Cheers, VW.” The Volkswagen Passat CC is a coupe-style, four-door sedan, á la Mercedes-Benz’s sleek CLS. And like the CLS, the Passat CC is a thing of precious beauty, a bubble of metal and glass that rises up from the pavement, with cat-eye side windows and a swooping rear end. And with a price differential of $20,000 or more between the CLS and CC and a style differential of nearly zero, Mercedes can’t be happy with this news–which is exactly why VW cc’d M-B.

BMW Gets All Diesel-y

BMW plans to do for diesel what Justin Timberlake did for sexy–bringing it back. For the American market in 2008, BMW plans two models powered by its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter diesel in-line six. This oil burner lands Stateside first in BMW’s X5 SUV and its 3-Series sedan, and packs a respectful 265 horsepower and an off-the-hook 425 lb-ft of torque–well more than most V-8s. Not only will this engine be 50-state compliant, but BMW claims it will shoot their 335d sedan from zero to 60 in a sprightly 6.2 seconds and the X5 to the same speed in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy is an eco-friendly 23/33 mpg city/highway for the sedan and 15/25 mpg for the X5. If I can just talk JT into riding shotgun, then I’m all set.

Cutting Wood

Subaru was one of the first auto companies to advertise in the gay media. And ever since, we’ve rewarded Subaru with our loyal purchases of their ever-practical haulers, which always feature standard all-wheel drive and room for our kids, pooches, and tag sale finds. In 2008, Subaru launches the newest version of its venerable Forester wagon. The redesigned 2009 Forester is a meatier lumberjack, with a more SUV-like stance. Although bigger, the new Forester offers a tree-friendly 2.5-liter base engine in a “California-spec” version that meets stringent PZEV emissions requirements. Put simply, on a smoggy day in L.A., the exhaust of a Forester equipped with this plant may be cleaner than the air you breathe. And that is indeed a breath of fresh air.

Little German Soft Top

I usually do everything in my power to avoid the above combination of descriptors. But in the case of BMW’s all-new 1-Series convertible, I’d gladly pay for a long-term relationship with just such a special friend. The 1-Series soft top is a gorgeous, little two-door cabrio with sleek metal, a sprung stance, and a sexy, simple interior. And the 1-Series is fast. Like any guy packing six-pack abs on South Beach, the 1-Series sheds its top in 22 seconds. And like that same guy after a day of sun and proximity to half-naked men, the 1-Series is raring to go, with zero-to-60 times of 6.8 seconds for the base in-line six and 5.6 seconds for the twin-turbo six. Who knew a little German soft top could be such fun?

The Best Seller

The best selling vehicle in America is neither the Honda Accord nor Civic, nor the Chevy Cobalt, nor even the omnipresent Toyota Camry. No, the vehicles that Americans buy most often are the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. So whenever Ford announces a redesign of its F-150 pickup, the most popular of the F-Series trucks, everyone from Brokeback weekenders to workday tradesmen wait with bated breath. Bigger, badder, and techier, the new F-150 is one hot hauler, with USB and MP3 ports, a 700-watt Sony stereo, and voice-activated navigation. Now, if Ford could just stream the video from the F-150′s optional backup cam down from Brokeback Mountain, they’d have a major new source of badly needed revenue.
Read our blog “Putting the ‘Mo in Motown” for videos, photos and daily updates from our time at the show.
You can find any Ford truck accessory you need at the AmericanTrucks, the source for quality aftermarket parts and accessories.

Escaping the Pump

By Daniel Weil

Not all hybrids are created equal, and thanks to a strong head start, most are associated with Toyota and Honda. But American brands have been in the market now for some time. GM offers the Saturn VUE Green Line and the Aura Green Line as “light hybrids” (meaning, though less expensive, they don’t move on battery power alone). The GMC Yukon has gone green as well, employing a heavy-duty, two-mode hybrid system similar to those now employed in GM busses worldwide. But it’s the completely functional, unassuming, practical and good looking Ford Escape Hybrid and its full hybrid system that delivers the highest mileage of any SUV yet.

I was recently introduced to the Escape Hybrid at the Santa Monica Airport, where Ford had set up an interesting comparison between the Escape and the Focus, Ford’s most fuel efficient gas powered sedan. While the Focus’ 37 mpg highway rating beat out the Escape’s 30 mpg (which is still great for a small SUV), in city driving, the Escape performed better by almost 7 mpg with its 34 mpg versus the Focus’ 27 mpg. Also, get a load of this, both rate as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEVs).

All this is possible thanks to the Escape’s full hybrid system. Full hybrid means the electric motor can actually move the vehicle, which saves you more fuel than the light hybrids. While sitting in traffic the engine turns off, and with a light touch of the accelerator the car moves almost silently via battery-powered electric motor. The gasoline engine may not turn back on until you reach between 20 and 28 miles an hour. This means you can potentially get 500 miles out of a tank of gas! Did I mention this is an SUV? Four-wheel-drive versions see fewer miles between fill-ups, but still produce commendable numbers. And the added sure-footedness it provides widens the field in which this Hybrid can play.

The 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine, which the Escape Hybrid shares with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, produces 155 horsepower when mated to the electric power plant. If you’re really trying to limit your oil consumption, the Escape Hybrid also offers an optional engine that runs on E85 fuel as well as gasoline. As an added bonus, the Ford Escape has the highest Federal income tax credits available on any hybrid. Ford takes the green mentality a couple of steps further by making the seat fabrics from 100% post-consumer product. Yes, those cola bottles you threw away months ago might just end up as seat in the new Ford Escape Hybrid.

Okay, so down to the nitty-gritty, which for gay men means A: “Does it look good on me?” and B: “What’s it like to drive?” As for part A, you decide. I’d say yes – It is a good looking, right-sized SUV that can carry up to 5 adults (4 comfortably) and all of your gear. And for part B, Ford’s engineers took special care to make considerable improvements in the driving experience. This means software and hardware work in harmony to create a much smoother shifting drive than in previous years. Yep, this is one of those situations where the Escape’s computers control the driving feel – and they do a good job. All in all, I would recommend the Escape to any city-dwelling homo or lesbian who wants the “hybrid” label on their car and enough room to carry all his or her stuff.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD – base MSRP $25,075
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD – base MSRP $26,825

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Versatile, Smooth and Rugged Seeking Drivers Looking for Fun

by Joe LaMuraglia

All vehicles are not created to be equal. Each vehicle type – pickup, car, SUV, Crossover etc., has been designed with a specific person in mind. The idea is that if the product planners and designers are all thinking of the same “archetype” when creating a vehicle, the design will be consistent and the vehicle will attract that perfect customer as well as all the consumers that are like that customer.

When we drive cars here at Gaywheels.com, we do our best to consider who the target market is for a particular vehicle. It doesn’t come down to whether WE like the car, but rather, if the car meets the needs and the target customer in addition to comparing it to the competition. Of course, in our case, that target customer is gay and we do our best to write in the voice of our readers.

With that in mind, after driving the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, we thought it would be interesting to write the review in the voice of the vehicle. We thought “what if the Ford Explorer Sport Trac had to write a personals ad on Craigslist? What would it say?”…….

Versatile Truck with SUV Roots Looking for Someone Special

Strong silent type that enjoys it both mild and wild. Likes include everything from running errands to long road trips. Enjoy parties of 5 or less but equally at home with some one-on-one time with that special someone. Not as big as others but unless you NEED a fullsize, I can handle just about anything you throw my way.

Love music and can really get down if you order my Audiophile system with 6-disc changer and Sirius Satellite radio. While I am designed for a smooth ride, I can get into hairy situations off-road and have the equipment to handle it with my available 4WD and hearty frame. Have been told I am the perfect compromise between comfort and utility.

Hobbies include tailgating, camping, antiquing, home improvement, theatre and long walks on the beach (just kidding). My cargo box is designed to be versatile and when properly equipped, can expand to handle larger items. I even have built-in compartments to keep items handy but out of site. I’ve been told I am ruggedly handsome and after my recent facelift, I look younger.

Stats:
V6 or V8 power, available 4WD, independent rear suspension for smooth ride, seating for 5, versatile cargo box, proven technology and a history of dependability. Lots of options available to make me unique. Starting at $25,845.
If you are interested, drop me a line and we can go for a test-drive. I am really looking for a LTR but am open to other possibilities.

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By Gaywheels.com Staff

Dorothy, you better hold onto Toto, we are in for a wild ride! That is what Gaywheels.com staff was saying along with clicking our heels and wishing we were home in Atlanta during a recent trip to Nashville, TN. The radio was warning of severe weather in the Nashville area and they were not kidding. As if the rain and wind weren’t enough, Mother Nature offered up some tornadoes to boot. With the driver concentrating on forward motion, the passenger’s duties included 360 degree tornado watch. Our trusty transport on this trip to the hub of country music was a 2006 Ford Five Hundred Limited. After arriving safely and regaining the ability to speak, we commented on how solid the car felt despite the chaos that was going on around us. Thanks to a solid, Volvo-inspired platform and all-wheel-drive our new best friend delivered us with all the calm assuredness of Glenda, the good witch.

Despite the dramatic end to our trip, the majority of the 3.5 hour drive was uneventful. The 2006 Ford Five Hundred is a very capable highway cruiser. We were all pleasantly surprised at the ride and handling. Compared to the road trips of our childhood in the back seat of floaty American sedans, the Five Hundred is almost European in its manners. The ride was firm yet comfortable and the mountainous curves were approached with confidence rather than fear thanks to nicely weighted steering and a suspension worthy of the task. The interior is well-laid out with all the requisite gadgets and conveniences. The stereo was good and the navigation system was a blessing when we needed a quick detour to our destination around the funnels that were dropping from the sky.

In Nashville we picked up our friends for a night on the town in the hip gay area of Nashville. The Five Hundred had enough room to fit 4 of us very well. There is plenty of room and the rear seat is almost limousine-like. The only complaint heard from all was in relation to the seats themselves. They are very plush, yet they had a very short bottom cushion, which made them quite uncomfortable.

All Five Hundreds come with Ford’s 3.0 liter Duratec V6 engine. When you chose AWD like our tester, it is mated to a CVT transmission. Once we got used to just holding the pedal down and watching the RPM’s stay in one place until we reached our desired speed, we began to appreciate the technology. It is not by any means a rocket, but had enough power to get you moving and delivered more than respectable MPG. We saw a registered 28 MPG during our trip.. A more refined power plant would make all the difference as it got a little noisy at higher RPMs.

Our tornado buster came loaded with standard and optional equipment. Some of the standard features include: 18-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, auto temperature control, ABS and remote keyless entry, just to name a few. We also had several optional features as well including: universal garage door @ $150, safety package (side curtain airbags and side airbags) @ $595, Navigation system @ $1,995, reverse sensing system @ $295, family entertainment (rear DVD system) @ $995 and memory adjustable pedals @ $195. The total sticker was $33,130, which we felt was reasonable for a full-size, AWD sedan with navigation and rear entertainment.

Pulling back into Atlanta a few days later we channeled Dorothy and realized there really is no place like home. We were, however, happy to have made the trip to Oz and back in the comfort of the Ford Five Hundred rather than a rickety old prairie house powered by funnel clouds. The only thing Dorothy has left on us are those fab ruby slippers.

Likes:

• Build quality
• AWD option – felt very safe in inclement weather
• Price tag – even when loaded with options
• Highway ride
• Taught handling

Dislikes:

• Seat comfort – bottom cushion is too short
• Engine Noise – adequate but certainly not refined

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An Infusion of Style

By Cocoa Efficient

Rental car regulars and red state families will be glad to hear the Ford Taurus has finally gasped it last breath. The jelly-bean shaped sedan started life as a bold, even ground-breaking piece of American know-how. Alas, the cuteness of youth quickly grows tired and old, and as in life, the cute rarely know when to hang it up. The Taurus lingered well beyond its expiration date, laboring under the delusion that it was somehow still attractive to younger buyers. Sound like anyone you know? All is not lost, Ford fans, for Miss Effi revels in the knowledge that every cloud has a silver sequined lining and in this case, it has a name: the Ford Fusion.

The Fusion is Ford’s newest family sedan. Beefy, block-shaped and brazen, it’s a 180 degree opposite of the car it replaces. Adorned with a beautiful wide-slat grille seemingly carved from a single block of aluminum, the Fusion offers up a dynamic and refreshing look that immediately catches the eye. A move to the side brings more visual delight in the strong, clean lines and a handsome alloy wheels. As with many of my dates, I find the Fusion’s rear end somewhat of a let down. The taillights and trunk appear an afterthought borrowed from the Ford Focus sedan. Now don’t think I’m being too harsh on Ford, for Cocoa knows what its designers are capable of. The Ford 427 concept car heavily influenced the Fusion’s progressive styling and was itself inspired by the 1965 Galaxie 500. Galaxie 500, why we don’t have fabulous names like this today is a mystery to this girl. Honestly America, too much time under the rule of conservatives has left you dull as dishwater! But I’m getting off topic. The 427, like the Galaxie, had a marvelous rear end, the kind you could stare at all day and never grow tired. Deep set rectangular taillights and a sharp-edge decklid would really set the Fusion afire; instead, we get a three-quarter looker with a frumpy butt.

Peering inside the Fusion reveals a thoroughly modern dash and instrument cluster and well placed controls in within easy view and reach. Where the materials used inside the Taurus were Wal-Mart grade at best, the Fusion moves past J.C. Penny and Target into the fashionable realm where Versace meets Hugo Boss. Black, both inside and out, fits the Fusion like a hand-tailored Italian coat. Ford seems to agree as most of the press fleet is adorned in this non-color combo. Red and blue also work nicely, although you can’t get matching interiors; black, gray and beige are the only color choices. Boring, boring, boring. At least Ford offers options such as contrasting stitching and piano black, carbon fiber or woodgrain dash trim to try and add a hint of originality.

When compared with other sedans in this class, the Fusion’s interior room falls somewhere in the middle. It has more rear seat legroom than either the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, but nearly two-inches less headroom, and we all know what a difference two inches can make. The front seats are very comfortable, supportive and loaded with features such as power lumbar support and heated bottoms. The Fusion’s trunk is deep and well organized and can be expanded outward via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Ford offers the Fusion in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. All three trims feature a standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a smooth shifting five-speed manual. While this engine is capable of moving the Fusion, it doesn’t develop its power until midway around the tachometer or roughly at 3600 rpm. The 2.3 is fun to play with when driving the manual, but a dog when strapped to the five-speed automatic. The transmission is too slow responding to throttle input, often downshifting with a rude thud as it attempts to quickly reach the rpm range necessary to move the Fusion into action. Though not as fuel efficient, the best engine for this car is the 3.0-liter V6. Unfortunately, you can’t get this engine on the base model or with the five-speed manual.

The Fusion’s Mazda roots (it shares the same platform as the Mazda6 sedan) serve it well. The steering response is quick and on-center with a nicely weighted steering wheel that telegraphs to the driver exactly where the front wheels are aiming. The Fusion is a very stable car, devoid of the lean, pitching and heaving that so plagued its predecessor. The anti-lock brakes do their job, but I found the pedal feel soft and long of travel. For now, the Fusion is limited to front-wheel drive only, though an all-wheel drive option is rumored for 2007.

The Ford Fusion S starts at a very reasonable $17,795. Included at this price is air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 capability (show tunes for hours), remote keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, overhead map lights and 16-inch wheels. The SE bumps the price to $18,550 and adds six-way manual driver’s seat, upgraded audio, illuminated visor vanity mirrors and body-colored exterior mirrors. The V6 SE lists for $21,275. The top-of-the-line princess carriage is the SEL. When fully loaded with leather, power seats, heated mirrors, audiophile sound system, puddle lights, automatic headlights, side-impact and front and rear head-curtain airbags, the Fusion tops out at a very reasonable $25,555.

Stylish, comfortable and most importantly, gay-friendly, the Ford Fusion is an excellent alternative to the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, two vehicles unfortunately produced by two non-gay friendly companies. It’s your money, my little chrome covered hubcaps, put it where it best serves the entire family.

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Salvation is at Hand

By Cocoa Efficient

Thousands of Americans are trapped between a rock and hard place. The rock is the raising price of gas and the hard place is the need for a vehicle large enough to haul copious quantities of kids and cargo (or costume and wigs, should that be your priority.) The solution to this quandary is actually out there, sweet pea, sitting on dealer lots just waiting to be discovered. Take it from Miss Effi, though you may not know the name, the Ford Freestyle is the answer to your growing family’s automotive prayers.

The Freestyle is more than just the wagon equivalent of the new Five Hundred sedan. Taller than a traditional station wagon but not as ubiquitous as a minivan, the Freestyle strikes directly at the heart of the “crossover’ market. I said crossovers darling, not crossdresser. There is a slight difference. Crossdressers look, with any luck, like women but are built from a male chassis. Crossovers look like SUVs but are built from a car chassis. In the case of the Freestyle, the chassis is derived from one of the safest platforms available, the Volvo S60. While the Freestyle cannot venture off road or tow as much weight as the butch and brutish Ford Explorer, it is less prone to top heaviness and delivers exceptionally competent ride and handling characteristics. Picture it this way: the SUV is like Dolly Parton in heels after five martinis and the crossover is Janeane Garofalo in flats after a root beer float. On which would you rather piggyback?

The Freestyle is not alone in this field, competing against such worthy opponents as the Chrysler Pacifica, Subaru Tribeca and Toyota Highlander. But the Ford configuration seems to have nailed an unbeatable combination of interior volume, price and fuel economy. The Freestyle offers the same three-row seating configuration as the Pacifica and Highlander, but provides more cargo room behind the third-row seat. Customers who choose the SEL or Limited trims can opt for either a second-row bench or adjustable bucket seats that move fore and aft. When not in use, the Freestyle’s second and third-row seats fold flush to create a flat cargo hold.

From the outside, the Freestyle strikes a rather attractive pose. It’s not as bombastic or beastly as some SUVs, yet nowhere near as dowdy as the average minivan. Ford’s two-tone exterior paint and body cladding treatment is tasteful without going overboard, with the lower cladding acting to protect from errant shopping carts, rude door dingers and the occasional stiletto thrown from the moving vehicle of an unworthy rival. Inside, you’ll find a clean interior, with high quality plastics and easy to operate switchgear. Nothing revolutionary mind you, but also nothing that will soon grow old. Those with little ones will appreciate the Freestyle’s abundant safety features, including optional front side-impact airbags and a head-curtain side airbag covering all three rows.

On the road, the Freestyle is much more enjoyable to drive than a big SUV. The steering is firm and communicative with just the right amount of power assist. You won’t need bulging biceps to parallel park this car. Take the Freestyle into a tight turn and you’ll find body roll and lean come on gradually. Rapid inputs to the steering wheel return a predictable emergency maneuver pattern that leaves the driver with a sense of confidence and control. The tall profile tires may scream as loudly as under-aged twinks being ejected from the local watering hole, but they hold their ground, especially when aided by the optional all-wheel drive.  The Freestyle’s suspension soaks up bumps and distortions like croutons in soup, returning a comfortable ride that never feels floaty or light. Cocoa doesn’t suffer loud noises very well, especially the morning after a night on the town, so I was thrilled to discover the serene quite of the Freestyle’s interior, even at highway speeds.

Power for the Freestyle comes from a single source: a 3.0-liter Duratec V6. With a modest 203 horsepower on tap, the Freestyle is not the most powerful vehicle in its class. It does, however, achieve respectable fuel economy (20 mpg city/27 mpg highway) and its revolutionary CVT transmission makes the most of the engine’s low-end torque. Listen up sadists, you’ll like this description. The CVT uses a set of pulleys and a tight belt to hold the engine’s rpm at its maximum output. It takes some getting used to the system as the CVT does not shift up as the vehicle gains speed. As a result, the tachometer just hovers around 5800 rpm until the car reaches the desired speed.  It’s a pretty efficient way to transfer power and our un-scientific (Longine Dolce Vita in hand) test results yielded a 0 to 60 time of just under nine seconds. The upside to the CVT is the smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy; the downside is its unproven long-term reliability record.  You may want to opt for an extended warranty, just to be safe.

The Freestyle is offered in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. Prices for the SE start at $25,805 for the front-drive version and $27,655 for the all-wheel drive model. The standard equipment list is generous and includes air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, power windows, power door locks, tilt wheel, AM/FM stereo with CD and aluminum wheels. The SEL carries an asking price of $27,205 and a fully loaded Limited with AWD, navigation, Safety Canopy side curtain airbag, rear A/C, power moonroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and rear parking sensor tops out at $37,150.

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An Exercise in Secret Rebellion

By Robert Farago

The days when you bought a big burly SUV and pretended to be a rugged outdoorsy type– even as you struggled to squeeze out of the behemoth without losing your dignity– are officially gone.  According to the straight press, high gas prices have convinced American motorists to drop-kick their SUV through the goal posts of life.  But c’mon, you and I know better.  SUV’s were dead a long time ago.  They’re more ‘80’s than A Flock of Seagulls.  And I raaaaaaannnnnn… Ran and bought a Ford Explorer.

OK, I didn’t.  I’m so backwards on my Porsche Cayenne I put it into reverse to go forwards.  Anyway, hear me out.  If you want to be way ahead of the automotive fashion curve, get behind it.  In other words, the perfect time to buy a gas guzzler like the new Ford Explorer is when the genre is as socially acceptable as a drag queen in a fundamentalist gospel quartet.  Maybe it’s because I’ve learned to find liberation in revulsion, or perhaps I’m just hiding my ethnic imperative to get the world’s largest new car discount, but I reckon there’s nothing quite as chic as driving a machine that everyone else hates.

OK; this is where it gets a bit tricky.  While the new Ford Explorer earns its enmity by dint of its horrific fuel consumption, traveling just 12 real urban warfare miles per gallon of gas, it’s pretty much invisible.  From a design standpoint, a Bic razor has more personality.  Ed Bagley Jr. (Prius-driving loon that he is) has more charisma.  Dunkin’ Donuts has more panache.  An Explorer may be less politically correct than smoking a Cuban cigar in a pediatric hospital, but you’re the only one who’ll notice.  Driving one is an exercise in secret rebellion.  And who amongst us can’t relate to that?

Fortunately, gas cash is the only sacrifice required.  The Blue Oval Boys have done a remarkable job transforming the Explorer from a cheap and nasty crash-bang-wallop truck to a suave and sophisticated luxury-car-on-stilts.  Sure, the Explorer can still climb every mountain and follow every rainbow, but it’s now a suitable carriage for nature-aversive prima donnas.  Credit the Explorer’s kinkily christened, tube-through-tube chassis for its wonderfully solid yet compliant ride. 

The Explorer also benefits from a new, more powerful V8, married to a six-speed autobox so smooth you’d swear it was churning moisturizer rather than swapping cogs.  The disc brakes are also superb; they’re amongst the most powerful and communicative stoppers I’ve ever had the pleasure of pressing.  

The Explorer’s interior is modern, bright and cheery: the automotive equivalent of a mid-town Manhattan sushi restaurant.  It’s also all very hush-hush, thanks to the deployment of enough sound deadening material to kill disco (finally!).  And the SUV’s push-button, tippy-up third row fits genuine adults– great for those times when you’re the designated dandy.

So can you see yourself behind the wheel of a non-descript, gas-guzzling, Ford SUV?  Before you answer that question, answer this: what would Jesus drive?  ‘Nuff said?

Model Tested: Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition

Engine: 4.6-liter SOHC V8, with 3 valves per cylinder, variable camshaft timing

Horsepower: 292 hp @ 5,750 rpm

Torque: 300 ft.-lbs. @ 3,950 rpm

Drive Type:  four-wheel-drive

Price as Tested: $34,845

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Conservative and Cool—The Ford Escape Hybrid

By Kate McLeod

The Ford Escape (and it’s sister the Mercury Mariner) are the only hybrid small SUVs to offer 4WD; it is also the world’s most fuel efficient SUV. In LA traffic, our Escape got 51 mpg in a contest with others.  (One got over 58 mpg, but I think these guys pushed from behind with the motor off just so they could win––so competitive.)  You can expect 35 city/30 highway.  City mileage is higher because you use the electric power more when you stop and start. The 133 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine combines with the 94 horsepower electric motor to produce a combined 155 HP. The PZEV emissions designation (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) means it will produce less than one pound of hydrocarbon emissions over 100,000 miles––so cool.

The instrument panel gauges instantly show you energy flow and fuel consumption diagrams.  For some inexplicable reason, this is endlessly fascinating. In a hybrid you save fuel several ways––the obvious way is engine shut off; the engine is smaller than a regular engine and the weight of the vehicle is less.  The Escape Hybrid front-wheel drive weighs 3620 and the AWD weighs 3782.

The exterior of the Ford Escape Hybrid is no different from the regular hybrid. The egg-crate SUV grille, integral fog lamps and quad headlamps with jewel effect clear lenses create a handsome front end.   You can order it with bright silver, painted body cladding. Sixteen-inch wheels with all-season tires are standard.  A road-and-leaf hybrid badge announces your virtue on the liftgate and front doors.   The Escape has a slightly aggressive stance with bold wheel wells and a rugged look––you will look good; you will get noticed.

OK, it’s practical.  Should you need more than 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space, lower the 60:40 split rear seats and you’ll have a total of 65.5 cubic feet.  If you’re not hauling booty from the thrift shop, pile four friends into the Escape and drive to the White House and take Dick Cheney out for a latte. The lift gate has a flip-up rear glass so you can dump stuff in the back easily. You cannot pull a horse trailer with this little SUV, but you can tow if you are properly equipped up to 1,000 lbs.  So kayaks, yes, horses, no.

With no compromises the Escape covered highway, city and offroad driving on my test drive.  It handled easily in L.A. traffic (is there a tougher test?) and up in the mountains outside L.A.  The steering with electric power assist is nicely responsive. I love the size of this vehicle––I’m one who’s a bit overwhelmed by monster Expeditions and the like.  I mean we don’t have to outrun elephants.  We live in the U.S. where most of the roads are paved and there are places that have been tamed for our off-road entertainment.  Personally I think this vehicle fits the bill for any circumstance.  When in need, who doesn’t have a friend with a truck?   If you don’t, make one.

Safety in the Escape Hybrid includes dual-stage driver and single-stage front passenger air bags.  The structure has been reinforced to increase protection in offset frontal crashes.

Optional safety equipment includes a side curtain rollover protection system and a thorax protecting side impact air bags.  OK, now find your thorax.

The Ford Escape Hybrid ain’t cheap.  It runs from a base price of $28,455 to around $30,000 with options.

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