2012 Ford Escape – Rock Star Crossover – SUV – Car Buying Tips -

There are 5 models in the 2012 Ford Escape model  line-up.

• They are the XLS
•  XLT
•  Limited
•  Hybrid and
•  Hybrid Limited

The Effective and Fuel Efficient Power Plants That Run the 2012 Ford Escape

The XLS, XLT and Limited are powered by a 171 hp 2.5L in-line four cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual (XLS) and 6-speed auto (XLT,Limited) transmission, with a 240 hp 3.0L V6 as an option on XLT and Limited.

The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

The Hybrid and Hybrid Limited models have a 155 hp  2.5L in-line four cylinder Atkinson cycle and a 94 hp permanent magnet electric motor driving the wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

The 2012 Ford Escape Delivers Big in Miles per Gallon

Fuel economy for the 2.5L four with manual comes out at 23 city/28 hwy/25 combined, with auto it’s 21 city/28 hwy/23 combined. The V6 delivers 19 city/25 hwy/21 combined, while the hybrid models are the most thrifty at 34 city/31 hwy/32 combined.

Buyers opting for Ford’s Intelligent 4-wheel drive option available on all models but the XLS, will lose 1-2 mpg on the non-hybrid models, and 3-4 mpg on the hybrids.

The 2012 Ford Escape Comfy Interior

The interior of the 2012 Ford Escape varies on the different models. The hybrid models get dual-zone  air conditioning, this is optional on Limited but not available on XLS and XLT. There’s a handy overhead console on all models but the XLS. The XLS has a urethane steering wheel, while the steering wheel on all other models is leather-trimmed.

There’s a nice chrome shifter knob and ambient lighting on Limited and Hybrid Limited, these are also available as options on the XLT. 

You will Love These Nice Touches in the 2012 Ford Escape

• A useful feature is the Electro-chromic auto-dimming rear view mirror, which,
•  Like SYNC cellphone connectivity system, is standard on all models, optional on the XLS.
• Sirius Satellite Radio is standard on all models except the XLS.
•  A premium sound system is optional on XLT and Limited.
• The driver gets a 6-way power seat as standard on all models except the XLS which has a manual 2-way seat.
• Leather-trimmed seats are standard in the Escape Limited and Hybrid Limited models, while the XLT has eco-friendly seats made from recycled materials and bio-based foam, with leather trim as an option.

Outside the car, the Escape’s exterior is distinguished by body-color door handles and mirror caps instead of black on the Limited and Hybrid Limited models, while an XLT buyer can specify gloss black mirror caps.

There’s a standard power moon-roof on the Hybrid Limited, this is an option on all other models but the XLS. The standard wheels on Escape XLS and XLT are 16″ 5-Spoke items, cast aluminum 16″ wheels are standard on the Hybrid model.

16″ 6-Spoke Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels are standard on Escape Limited and Hybrid Limited, while XLT and Limited buyers can opt for 17″ items.

Creature Comforts and the 2012 Ford Escape is  Realistically Priced

Helping driver and passengers get up into the cabin of this SUV are optional side step bars which integrate nicely into the body, these are available on all models bar the XLS.

All in all, the 2012 Ford Escape model line-up is well specified for the price, starting with the entry-level Escape XLS at $21,440, and topping the range is the Hybrid Limited at $33,080.

There are a lot of useful options too, so buyers are not going to be disappointed by this run-out model of the Escape which will be replaced in 2013 by a smaller European-based model.

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford Flex is a Smooth Operator – Car Buying Tips

2012   Ford Flex Review 

As soon as you take your seat in the new 2012 Ford Flex  and grab the steering wheel you say to yourself “this is different!… This is cool!”  You are pleasantly surprised at how driver’s seat hugs you body. The instrument panel is well laid out and easy to read. Welcome to the 2012 Ford Flex. A  7-seat full-size crossover SUV. First introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model, it runs There is a 6-speed automatic transmission with the standard V6, and a SelectShift 6-speed auto with paddle shift controls on the steering wheel that comes with the more powerful turbo V6, 262 hp 3.5L V6 as standard, with a 355hp turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost  as an option on the Limited and Titanium models.

The Interior Space is Deceiving From the Outside.

This car has the space of a minivan, the drive-ability of a station wagon. The front-end design is reminiscent of a recent product from the UK, the Range Rover. [or did the Range Rover borrow the front end flare from the Flex?] This author thinks the later. Among other things the 2012  Ford Flex certainly is a very classy luxury vehicle.

The Flex is loaded with high-tech features found in other vehicles of the current Ford range. While the Flex may look a little like a Range Rover, it’s not really designed as a purpose-built off-road vehicle. No, this is strictly an urban cruiser. You can get the Flex in all-wheel-drive  with the optional  EcoBoost V6. For the thrill seeker these safety features are a great addition when the road surface is less than perfect. Skylights Open the 2012 Ford Flex to Maximun Light The Flex is quite a long vehicle, which allows for no less than 4 skylights if the Vista Roof option is specified. The Vista Roof consists of a power moonroof over the driver and front passenger, 2 smaller skylights above the 2nd row of seats, and a larger skylight at the rear. Inside, it’s very roomy with loads of legroom thanks to the boxy shape and long passenger compartment. This also makes it a great load carrier if one or more rows of seats are folded down. On the road, the Flex handles well, with independent front and rear suspension. The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system’s gyroscopic sensors measure vehicle roll and turning rates and feed this data to the braking system and transmission to keep the Flex under control in emergency situations where a sudden swerve is required.

A Vehicle that Goes From Good to Great

It’s amazing what some smart electronics can do to make a good vehicle great.  And the Flex is certainly well equipped with some useful electronic devices. MyKey, Ford’s personalized electronic key system is standard on all Flex models, while SYNC, the interface which connects the driver’s mobile phone or iPod to the car’s entertainment system is standard on SEL, Limited and Titanium and optional on SE.

• For those who want to plug in household electronic devices such as laptop or phone chargers, there is a handy 110 volt AC outlet available as standard on Limited and Titanium, optional on SEL.
• A nifty optional feature is the PowerFold rear seat. The way this works the 3rd row seat  folds flat with the touch of a button. In addition you can even reverse the seat when the tailgate is open. Now that is a nifty design  feature that  can be used for recreational purposes when the Flex is parked.
• Ford has really put a lot of thought into the wide market niche the 2012 Ford Flex can appeal to.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Third Generation 2012 Toyota Yaris – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

Lean- Tough and Affordable Describes the 2012 Toyota Yaris

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is the entry-level  car line-up and can be purchased either as a 3-door or a 5-door liftback. The model is available in 5 trims starting with the Yaris L and going up to the Yaris SE model. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                 The New 2012 Toyota Yaris is now a Third Generation  Yaris  The standard L model is a compact 3-door with 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual shift transmission that delivers a very attractive 30mpg in cities and 38mpg on the highway.  The 16-Value Variable Time Engine can generate 106hp and produce 103 pound-foot of torque at 4,200 rpm. The car can be supplied with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission

The 2012  Toyota Yaris is Longer -Wider and Roomier

The 2012 Toyota  Yaris redrafted the outward appearance of the Yaris in the 2012 version, opting to give the car a sportier look than earlier versions, which many felt was a little too feminine.

The new body is also larger both in length and width, making the car roomier than its predecessor. Regardless of the increase in size, this is still a small car and putting three adults in the single unit, fold down rear seat would be uncomfortable on longer journeys.

But who really cares? In this size car the back seat is used less that 30% of the time.

Technology for the 2012 Toyota Yaris

Unusually for a car in its class the:

• Yaris is equipped as standard with the latest technological safety advances in computerised braking and stability control.
• Car can automatically adjust brakes and throttle to help keep directional control as well as helping to prevent wheel spin where traction is a problem.
• Antilock braking system in the 2012 Toyota Yaris  is coupled with both an electronic braking-force distribution system that will maximize each individual wheel’s braking performance,
• Brake Assist System that automatically senses when an emergency stop is required and applies full braking power.
• Rack-and-pinion steering, which is assisted by electrical power, is also standard on the Toyota Yaris.

Inside, the 2012 Toyota Yaris comes with an AM/FM stereo radio and CD Player that can also playback MP3 and WMA  recordings. The unit has a USB  jack with iPhone connectivity. Air-conditioning is standard in the Yaris. The analog fuel gauge, tach and speedometer are complemented by an LCD  that displays other useful information, like fuel consumption and distance to empty, and various warnings. And as a special bonus both front seats are 4-way adjustable.

 The 2012 Toyota Yaris Top of the line 5 Door SE

The top trim in the Yaris range is the 5-door SE that Toyota claims has a sportier look. This is achieved by adding a chrome grille at the front and putting chrome finishes elsewhere on the vehicle as well as a rear spoiler. From a performance point of view, the SE is really no better than the Yaris L.

Both cars use same engine and the extra 1” wheel size on the SE is not going to deliver a noticeable performance boost. Nevertheless, a 1.5-liter engine in a car of this size and weight does deliver sprightly performance, especially when there are no passengers or cargo.

Free Maintenance for Twenty Four Months Comes Standard with the 2012 Toyota Yaris

Toyota cars are renowned for their reliability and dependability but should anything go wrong the Yaris is covered by Toyota’s generous warranty terms. There is a 3-year or 36,000 mile warranty on components. The Powertrain is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. The car is covered for corrosion for 5 years with unlimited mileage. And when bought new, regular scheduled servicing is free for up to 2 years or 25,000 miles, although this offer is not available for some classes of commercial usage.

 

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

Car Buying Tips – 2012 Lincoln MKS – Sporty Road Ready Fun

The 2012 Lincoln MKS – Sporty -Sleek-and Road Ready Fun

The 2012 Lincoln MKS is a luxury car in the mid-range sedan sector. It is designed with a sleek, swept-back yet understated quite sporty look. This Lincoln MKS is loaded with updated safety features that emphasis reliability.

The MKS appeals to drivers who are looking for a snappy vehicle that still has plenty of curbside appeal. The 2012 Lincoln MKS is geared toward the crowd that likes sporty but has parked their racing automobile attitude for good.

The MKS Power-Plant Delivers AAA Response Performance 

The 2012 Lincoln MKS  can be bought with either a 3.7-Liter, 24-Valve, Duratec V6 standard engine, or the higher-priced 3.5-Liter, Ecoboost, twin turbo direct injection engine.

The latter is also a V6 but uses ultra-modern design to generate the performance of a V8 engine while maintaining the fuel consumption of the V6. The base MKS comes with a price tag of $41,500 MRSP, whereas the Ecoboost version will set you back just under $7,000 more, but worth every penny.

The Ecoboost is a Smooth Operator Addition to the 2012 Lincoln MKS           

The 2012 Lincoln MKS is supplied with a 6-speed transmission that can be toggled between manual and fully automatic operation. In manual transmission mode, the gears are shifted from paddles mounted on the steering wheel, allowing you to change gears quickly, without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.

The Ecoboost model comes with intelligent all wheel drive as standard, and AWD is optional on the V6 model, which has front wheel drive as standard.

The V6 engine’s power output is 274 horsepower and it produces torque of 270 lb-ft. The torque rating for the Ecoboost trim is 350 lb-ft and its horsepower is a hefty 355. The fuel consumption figures for the FWD version of the V6 and the Ecoboost version are the same at 17mpg in built-up areas and 25 mpg for highway driving. The V6 version consumes slightly more when fitted with the AWD, down to 16 and 23 mpg respectively.

The 2012 Lincoln MKS Eliminates Blind Spots

Safety features are a major consideration to many modern buyers and the Lincoln MKS comes with AdvanceTrac, which is an electronically controlled system to enhance stability.

This safety system can automatically adjust throttle or selectively apply brakes to individual wheels when its monitoring system detects loss of traction or slipping wheels. The system offers improved safety in poor driving conditions such as you might encounter in snow, on wet or muddy roads, or on gravel.

An additional optional safety feature that is available for the Lincoln MKS is the Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert (BLIS). This very useful system uses the outside mirrors to warn you if there is another vehicle in your blind spot. This is particularly helpful when overtaking or when changing lanes. Thus helping to avoid situations where you unintentionally pull out in front of another vehicle.

The Cross Traffic Alert component is useful when backing out of a driveway or a parking space. It gives a warning when it senses traffic coming at right angles that might not be visible to the driver.

You Will Love the 2012 Lincoln MKS

The 2012 Lincoln MKS is a classy, well equipped vehicle, that gives the driver finger tip amenities  that make driving an even more pleasant experience. And, as a bonus, your Lincoln MKS now comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile free maintenance package to help you keep your new car in tip-top shape.

 

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – The King of the Road

Sitting near the top end of Ford’s F-150 3-ton pickup range, the 2012 F-150 King Ranch, named after a huge King ranch in Texas, is aimed at ranchers, contractors, or just regular pickup drivers who want or need more than just a basic truck and are prepared to pay almost twice as much as the XL base model for a truck that comes with a load more standard features, better styling and a standard SuperCrew 4-door cab.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Powertrain

Running an all-aluminum 5.0L V8 rated at 360hp or an optional 365 hp 3.5L turbo V6 EcoBoost engine for more horsepower and 420ft-lb of torque, the King Ranch actually weighs in at just over 2.8 tons but can carry between a half ton and a ton of payload depending on whether the buyer chooses the standard 5 1/2′ or the optional 6 1/2′ tray.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Features and Options

There’s a long list of standard features that make this comfortable yet extremely useful vehicle much more than just a workhorse: Remote Start system, Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) which allows individual control of heating/cooling for both driver and front passenger, cruise control, rear view camera, universal garage door opener, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled power front seats, 110-volt inverter, front and rear power points, 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), trip computer, reverse sensing system, Chaparral leather-trimmed steering wheel and front bucket seats, 4.2î LCD Productivity Screen, Sirius Satellite Radio, SYNC in-car connectivity system, and the list goes on and on. This is a high-spec vehicle for the pickup enthusiast who just has to have (almost) everything.

But then there are the options: Ford Work Solutions Cable Lock system for securing the truck bed and its contents, tailgate step, box side steps, skid plates, stowable bed extender, power moonroof, navigation system, electronic locking rear differential, 36-gallon fuel tank, 20-inch wheels and more. To get the more high-spec features such as sat-nav and moonroof as standard you can always upgrade to the Platinum or Harley Davidson model, but many of the exterior options would not be useful to the average pickup owner so haven’t been included by Ford as standard as they are more applicable to contractors or off-road enthusiasts.

The only thing you can’t get in the King Ranch is the 6.2L V8 available on the more expensive models, but for King Ranch buyers this isn’t going to be an issue as that extra power comes with a price, and the 5.0L and EcoBoost engines provide more than adequate power for work or personal use. It’s really only off-road enthusiasts who are going to want to pay the extra up-front cost and higher fuel bill that comes with the bigger V8.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – A Smart Choice

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Toyota Avalon – A Conservative Design that Delivers on the Bottomline

2012 Toyota Avalon – Elegance and Modern Technology Combined

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is the premier sedan manufactured by the Japanese automobile maker in the United States and is Toyota’s flagship sedan in North America as well as the Middle East. The Avalon is a full-sized sedan with plenty of room and a broad range of luxury features which provide a comfortably smooth driving and riding experience. Its size and functionality caters well to people who value comfort and excellent design over raw performance.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon will remain unchanged from its 2011 model year, but still offers a wide range of benefits highlighted by the largeness of its space, the comfort it provides and a number of luxury appointments as well. Is there reason to think twice about buying an Avalon then? No and here is why:

2012 Toyota Avalon Exterior – Classic Luxury

The beauty of the 2012 Toyota Avalon is in the simplicity of its design. Compared to its competition, the Avalon lacks sleek lines or strong accented angles. This is a strong point of the Avalon’s design. Instead of imitating modern aesthetics in new vehicles, it relies on the simplicity of its exterior to emit an elegant appeal akin to luxurious classic cars which were very popular in the past. With this in mind, there really is no reason for Toyota to chug out exterior changes every year which may very well alter the uniqueness of the Avalon.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon has a wide wheelbase and with the inclusion of a wide substantial grille that blends with the projector headlamps and the broad hood, the full-sized sedan looks even bigger than it really is. In fact, many people who have had the chance of reviewing the Avalon up close liken the sedan to an outstretched Camry.

The Avalon is equipped with very bright headlamps due to the combination of halogen high beams and halogen low beams producing a light signature that is unique to the vehicle. Its front fog lamps blend well with the trapezoid front bumper to produce lights that cover a wide area. The side mirrors are resistant to glare and are integrated with turn signals.

2012 Toyota Avalon Interior – Elegant Simplicity

Aside from its elegant and classic exterior, the interior design of the 2012 Toyota Avalon is no different. The spacious interior looks very elegant from the inside not to mention comfortable because of the seating and the included amenities. Colors of the materials match well with the wood-grain style materials used to exude the elegance found commonly in luxury sedans.

The gauges are very presentable with white lighting and white pointers enclosed in smoked lenses as well as deep chrome rings that add up to the already luxurious appearance of the interior. To add comfort to luxury, Toyota even included finger tip-controlled control switches that help access other vehicle systems including Bluetooth smartphone connectivity

2012 Toyota Avalon Technology and Gadgetry

Despite exuding a sense of luxury evident in classically modern automobiles, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has a wide array of modern electronic technology to improve the vehicle experience of the driver as well as the passengers. Just some of these features include hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth with a compatible device, auxiliary connectivity for iOS devices, and Sirius XM satellite radio capability among others.

The display system installed in the 2012 Toyota Avalon is not only for DVD playback. Likewise, it is also used by the navigation system and features a keyboard screen much like a personal computer. To provide the best sound quality, Toyota equipped the Avalon with a 9-speaker audio system to produce impressive sound quality. Upgrades to this system can also come in the form of a JBL 12-speaker 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system that is also fitted with a 2-coil subwoofer.

2012 Toyota Avalon Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC engine producing 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 pound-foot of torque at 4,700 RPM. Despite the powerful engine, it is integrated into a 6-speed automatic transmission system to maximize fuel economy. Because of this, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has an EPA rating of 20 miles per gallon on city roads and 29 miles per gallon on highways making it more fuel-efficient than many of the full-size sedans available in the market today.

There are many good reasons why the Avalon has a huge following among the older generation and there is no reason why younger car enthusiasts should not consider transitioning to a more elegant car design in the form of the 2012 Toyota Avalon.

Review and price 2012 Toyota Avalon now.

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum – Executive Luxury at Work

It is almost ninety years since the Ford Motor Company designed and built the world’s first pickup truck and the success of that innovative idea is still reflected today as the company’s F-150 range of full-size pickups is the top selling brand in the USA and Canada. The ultimate in modern technology, the Ford F-150 Platinum is the company’s model aimed at those who want to have a high performance, 4-wheel drive, working vehicle that comes with a classy appearance and plenty of modern conveniences.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Powertrains Deliver

This truck ships with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine as standard, giving an impressive average fuel consumption of 16 mpg. Buyers may opt for a 6.2L V8 engine, or Ford’s remarkable EcoBoost engine. The EcoBoost engine is a 3.5L V6 engine with twin turbochargers, but the technology behind it makes it perform at least as well as, and often better than, the V8 versions. It can run on 100% unleaded gas or on a mixture of gas and ethanol to reduce carbon emissions. The performance of the EcoBoost engine is good enough to pull the maximum permissible trailer weight of 11,300 pounds and to carry the maximum payload of 2,400 pounds.  It generates 420 pound-feet of torque and delivers a very hefty 365 horsepower, with peak torque being generated a full 2,000 revs below the peak torque level in the V8 engines.

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Combines Great Design and Function

While the Platinum wants for nothing in terms of performance as a tough working vehicle, Ford has designed the interior of this pickup to appeal to the executive on the job and the outward appearance is guaranteed to get envious looks.  A solid easy to understand design highlights an interior that is upscale and clean. The Platinum also sports a unique grill and exterior look that is tough and masculine, but still refined and upsacale.

 

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Offers Superior Techonolgies

The F-150 Platinum comes with a broad selection of devices to give the driver and passengers every convenience. This technology includes a proprietary, connectivity system that provides a range of voice-activated options. Bluetooth-enabled phones can be connected allowing you to make hands-free calls while driving. You can even select and run mobile apps on some smartphones using just your voice. USB drives and MP3 players can be connected to the system, giving you access to music, podcasts and audio books by using simple spoken commands.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum is also supplied with a rear view camera to make backing up simpler and safer by eliminating the blind spots caused by high backed vehicles. The camera’s images are displayed in the rear view mirror. If the optional Navigation System is installed, the camera’s images can be displayed in the navigation screen.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum has an advanced climate control system to cope with any kind of weather. It is fitted with power locks and also has remote keyless entry. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and the mirrors and windows are all electrically operated. For longer journeys the standard cruise control and fully automatic six-speed transmission help to take a lot of the driver workload. For added convenience, audio controls are built into the steering wheel. The front bucket seats are 10-way power adjustable and have individual built-in heating and cooling. A wealth of information on the vehicle’s performance is provided by the built-in, easy-read LCD screen, which is provided in addition to the standard gauges.

For more information, please drop me a line or comment or click here.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 – Power with Safety, Economy and Dependability

When you are in the market for a pickup truck, if you are looking for a workhorse that is going to earn its keep, then Ford’s F-150 FX2 is an ideal choice. The days when a pickup was used only as a work vehicle are long gone, and the modern pickup is designed to double up as a useful leisure time vehicle as well, delivering performance levels, appearance, and dependability on a par with standard cars while also providing value for money in terms of fuel economy.

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Safety Features

The 2012 Ford f-150 FX2 demonstrates Ford’s commitment to safety right from the basic structure of the pickup all the way through to the most modern technology designed to deliver maximum protection inside the truck.

The frame of the F-150 FX2 truck is built around a safety cage fabricated from steel that is made using an advanced process called hydroforming, a manufacturing method that delivers a very high-strength product. The cage incorporates reinforced crossbeams as well as extra tubes of hydroformed steel at the front that are specifically built to absorb impact.

The F-150 FX2 is supplied with Ford’s proprietary AdvanceTrac® Roll Stability Control (RSC) system providing additional on-road safety. The system continually monitors driver action and road conditions and will automatically intervene when it senses loss of control likely to lead to horizontal roll. It will determine the adjustments required to maintain horizontal stability and can alter throttle and apply individual braking to all four wheels.

As the F-150 FX2 is designed to pull trailers up to nearly five tons in weight, Ford offers  a Trailer Sway Control safety system that is also completely automatic. Thus safety system instantly detects the start of any instability in the trailer’s movement and brings the trailer under control before the problem has a chance to develop.

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Delivers Power and Fuel Economy

The F-150 has won several best in class awards for, amongst other things, pulling power and payload, yet the sheer power of the truck has not led to a compromise in the stylish appearance of this pickup. The truck also delivers very impressive fuel economy with an average of 20 mpg.

The electrically controlled automatic transmission has been built with the very latest shift technology and with six speed selections. This highly advanced system operates on a par with a manual transmission, seamlessly changing gears to always provide the most efficient performance and economy. Fuel economy is further enhanced by the electrical power steering system and the use of lightweight aluminum in engine construction.

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Is As Dependable As They Come

Dependability has been an ever-improving feature of modern vehicles and the F-150 FX2 is built to the highest standards and should give a lifetime of trouble-free operation. Just in case things do go wrong, the truck is delivered with a three-year or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty, five years or 60,000 miles on the Powertrain and an unlimited mileage corrosion warranty also for five years. Additionally, there is five years or 60,000 miles inclusion in Ford’s Roadside Assistance Program.

For more information or a great price on a 2012 Ford F-150 FX2, please click here.

Popularity: 2% [?]

The 2012 Toyota Camry – Reliability, performance and economy in a midsize sedan

The Toyota Camry is one of the best selling cars in the midsize range. Its reputation is one of solid, consistent performance, roomy interior, and excellent fuel economy all combined with the ability to deliver power when required. The 2012 version of the Camry has been totally redesigned, but Toyota has held on to all the features that have made it such a popular car. Toyota has received some criticism in the motoring press for not giving the car a racier appearance, but these journalists seem to be missing Toyota’s point. The Camry is aimed at buyers who want to feel they are investing in a safe, reliable vehicle and the Camry’s exterior conveys exactly that image. The new Camry also sports a much more refined interior than previous models and features the new Web-based Entune system that integrates audio, infotainment and navigation.

2012 Toyota Camry Trim Levels

The Toyota Camry model is available in six different trims, two of which are hybrid versions. The entry-level car is the Camry L, which, at under $23,000 MSRP, represents excellent value for a car of this size and class. This trim, and the other standard engine trims, is sold with a 2.5-liter engine that delivers an impressive 268 horsepower to the front-wheel drive with a torque rating of 248 pound-feet at 4,800 rpm. The power available makes the car very comfortable when overtaking, and is all the more pleasing because the gas consumption level is surprisingly low. Consumption has been rated in all trims with standard engines at 25-mpg city and 35-mpg highway, excellent value for the money in a car of this size.

For those who want even more oomph, the Camry SE and XLE trims can be bought with a heftier 3.5-liter, V6 engine that, as you would expect, is less fuel efficient but still quite impressive at 21/30mpg. If fuel efficiency in a city environment is a key requirement, then the Hybrid LE (43/39mpg) and Hybrid XLE (40/38) are available. These are shipped with a 2.5-liter, hybrid engine with a combined horsepower rating of 200. All of the standard engine trims come with 6-speed automatic transmission while the Hybrids use the automatic electronic variable transmission.

2012 Toyota Camry Warranty and Toyota Care

While virtually all Toyota cars can be expected to offer trouble-free performance, there is always the chance that something will go wrong, so Toyota bundles a warranty package with its Camry range. Components and build benefit from a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty while the powertrain is guaranteed for 5 years or 60,000 miles. The car is supplied with an anti-rust warranty for 5 years with unlimited mileage. The company also offers its Toyota Care package with new vehicles. This provides free regular scheduled maintenance up to 25,000 miles or 2 years.

2012 Toyota Camry Interior Refinement

Inside, the car feels spacious and comfortable. Toyota has modified both the base and slope of the rear window as well as the seating to give more space and the car provides a comfortable ride for three average adults in the rear. When carrying only two rear passengers, there is a pull-down central armrest with cup holders.

As you would expect, the higher priced trims deliver more in terms of style and features. The XLE comes with a 6.1-inch display with touchscreen for managing on-board entertainment as well as providing a navigation unit and Internet access.

Look for another post in the near future on Toyota’s Entune system.

For more information or pricing, please click here.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Ford Taurus is “Fun to Drive” and Hits the Bull’s-eye

The Ford Taurus, Ford’s iconic full-size sedan, was first introduced in 1986 and quickly became one of the best selling sedans of all time.  The 2012 Ford Taurus is a well rounded sedan with something for everyone.

2012 Ford Taurus Combines Performance and Safety

The Taurus is truly a driver’s car, in line with Ford’s aim to present a “fun-to-drive” image, particularly the high-performance Taurus SHO model with the 365 hp twin turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine and all-wheel-drive. But, don’t think you will be disappointed by the other, less expensive set ups. These deliver many of the same driving dynamics, along with the safety features and high-technology options that Taurus and Ford have become known for.

The Taurus SE comes with a normally aspirated 263 hp 3.5L V6, which is reason enough for a prospective Ford buyer to shift his sights from the smaller Fusion. A Taurus buyer will save money by choosing the $25,555 SE over the $38,155 SHO, but won’t save a lot in fuel costs, as the direct-injection EcoBoost engine on the SHO gets pretty close to the standard 3.5 Duratec’s mpg (17/25 for the turbo vs. 18/28).

Slotting in between these 2 extremes are the SEL for $27,755, providing more features than the SE, like dual-zone air-conditioning and leather trim and then there’s the Limited for $32,155 which provides a more complete luxury package than the SEL without the performance and handling upgrade of the SHO.

2012 Ford Taurus Advanced Technology Features

As with every model in the current Ford lineup, there is a lot of useful technology built into the 2012 Ford Taurus.

MyKey, a personalized electronic key system, is standard right across the 2012 Ford Taurus range.

SYNC – Ford’s class leading technology developed in partnership with Microsoft – links your handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and USB devices, with your vehicle through voice commands and much more.

The message center with trip computer and compass is standard on all but the SE base model. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning is a great feature which is sadly only available as an option on the Limited and SHO models. This system not only maintains vehicle speed at a preset limit on the highway, but also slows down when vehicles ahead slow, then accelerates when the traffic flow speeds up again.

Likewise, the Sirius Navigation System is optional only on the top 2 models. As basic GPS systems are a dime a dozen these days, however, most buyers in need of electronic map guidance will just head to Wal-Mart for a cheap and cheerful Chinese dash-mounted device. Still, it seems a pity that a major manufacturer like Ford can’t provide such a popular and useful item as standard. For more information on the Ford technology, click here.

2012 Ford Taurus Hits the Bull’s-eye

The 2012 Taurus is all about providing what the market wants, and Ford knows that there is a market for high-spec, high-performance vehicles as well as for entry-level base models which allow buyers to purchase a bigger, more powerful car without blowing the budget.

This is a full-size Ford for every market segment, and if sales in the last 2 years are anything to go by, the 2012 Ford Taurus will be a runaway success.

If you just can’t wait to own one, click here.

 

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