Ford Announces Three More Turbo Engines

Ford has rolled out only one of its EcoBoost turbo engines — a 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Taurus, Flex and Lincoln MKS  and MKT — but the company says it is going all-in on the technology and will add three more globally by the end of 2010.

In the U.S., we’ll see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the upcoming Ford Explorer — as we learned in January — and the 2011 Ford Edge, which goes on sale this summer, although the EcoBoost might not be available at launch. There was no mention of the Lincoln MKX getting the same engine.

A 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 engine will also find its way into rear-wheel-drive-equipped F-150s.

European shoppers will get to pick a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the C-Max small van.

All three engines promise power and performance akin to larger engines while returning mileage of smaller ones. However, the current EcoBoost applications carry a higher price tag than base models, like engine upgrades of old. Except now, you’re not upgrading to a V-6 or a V-8, you’re upgrading to a turbocharged four or six.

2011 Ford Edge: Up Close

The biggest exterior difference between the 2011 Edge crossover and its predecessor is its new front end, and Ford has managed to get a lot of mileage from that change despite keeping the rest of the crossover's styling mostly the same. I always thought the Edge's chrome grille was kind of showy, and the new one is even more so. I'm not sure I like it. Sport models get standard 22-inch wheels, but I can't understand why rims this large are on a family-oriented crossover. It also sports a black chrome grille, which is less showy, but I still don't like it.

Ford Offering Deals for Two Weeks

According to Ford’s consumer website, its latest incentives are good only through Nov. 17 or 18, depending on the region. This is an unusual amount of time for rebates to run, so we’d expect bigger discounts or a specific themed sale later in the month that will last through the holidays. For the next two weeks, though, there are some decent savings on 2009 and 2008 models. The new 2009 Ford Flex is still carrying $2,500 cash back. A new 2009 Ford Fusion — you can read about the upcoming 2010 Fusion here — has up to $3,500 cash back depending on your region. We list the top cash-back deals below. Check out Ford’s site to see the latest deals in your area. 

She Said, She Said: 2008 Ford Edge

This time out Amanda and Beth took on Ford’s Edge SUV. Amanda doesn't go into her current Ford SUV ownership trials and tribulations, but she has a lot of background preparing her for this review. Check out what they both had to say.

Amanda: I spent a lot — and I mean a lot — of time driving this car. Over one weekend I spent more than 10 hours driving it to St. Louis and back, and I’ve gotta say it’s a comfortable road trip car. To be fair, we did have the Limited trim that came with seat heaters, leather interior and Ford Sync. I would’ve liked a little more pickup when trying to merge on the interstate, but it was a really smooth ride and I honestly didn’t mind having to spend so many consecutive hours in it.

Beth: I didn’t spend nearly that much time in the Edge, but it’s easy to see it as comfortable highway transportation. I didn’t love it quite so much driving around town, where it felt slightly underpowered whenever I took it up an incline. Overall, though, it’s a smooth and comfortable — if uninteresting — crossover to drive, which is probably what a vehicle of this type ought to be.

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Ford Edge

We’ve let the Reader Review of the Week slip through the cracks over the past month or two, as summer vacation seemed to sap our brains. Looking at this week’s pool of eligible reviews, though, I had a hard time choosing just one winner. The responses are getting more informative. Almost everyone is now listing their mileage, which is both a sign of the times and a helpful thing for prospective buyers out there.

The winner was “perfect stranger” from College Station, Texas — Go Aggies — and his 2008 Ford Edge. Since they build ‘em big in Texas, he lets us know that the Edge is a good fit for tall drivers and passengers. Read his review below. If you want to submit your own review, go here.

Ford Improves Gas Mileage

Fueleconomy.gov continues to release 2009 EPA estimates as we inch toward the new year. On average, we’ve seen slight gains from many existing models and larger ones for new models. Automakers are making modest changes to carryover models because buyers are demanding more fuel-efficient vehicles, and all-new models aren’t in the immediate pipeline for every car out there.

We’ve already mentioned fuel economy increases for GM, Chrysler and Hyundai products; now it’s Ford’s turn.

Recall Alert: 2008 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX

Ford is recalling 142 model-year 2008 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers with all-wheel drive due to a faulty fuel tank. This is a relatively small number of units for a recall, but because the issue could lead to fuel leakage and fire, we felt it should be highlighted. 

Through June, Ford has sold 68,727 Edge and 17,563 MKX crossovers this year.

To find out if your vehicle is involved in the recall, contact Ford at 866-437-7332.

Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX 2008 Models Recalled (US Recall News)

Ford Incentives Up, Include Specialty Models

April has begun, and Ford has updated its incentives for the rest of the month. There are some very interesting deals to be had. We’ll break down all the models soon enough, but the most interesting tidbit of information for car enthusiasts is that both the Ford Mustang Bullitt and the upcoming Ford F-150 Chip Foose Edition are getting cash back just like their plain-jane brethren. 

The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt is already on sale, and the Bullitt package costs an additional $3,310 on top of the cost of a regular Ford Mustang GT. Rebates range from $1,000 to $1,500, with an additional $1,000 offered in some regions if you go with Ford Credit to purchase the vehicle.*

Depending on where you live, that means you could pay just a $810 premium to have the special edition, which adds horsepower and suspension tweaks.

The 2008 Ford F-150 Chip Foose Edition isn’t on sale yet, but the roughly $55,000 sport truck will come to market over the next few months with between $3,000 and $3,500 cash back (plus that potential $1,000 in financing cash) on the intricately detailed hood.

Other rebates are more pedestrian, but still noteworthy:

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Ford Edge Sport

• Competes with: Nissan Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Looks like: A surprisingly understated, custom SUV
  
• Drivetrain: 265 hp V-6 with six-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

Ford is adding a fourth trim level to its popular Edge crossover. The Edge Sport delivers something the plain-old SE, SEL and Limited models don’t, accessories. The Edge Sport is exactly the same when it comes to the engine and other mechanical bits as other Edges, but it adds custom body-cladding, a revised lower grille and foglights, and revised tailpipes and taillights. Only four colors will be available, the Sport Blue seen here, Ebony, Brilliant Silver and Redfire.

The interior also gets some interesting changes, with each Sport getting dark gray leather seats with suede-like inserts and stitching. The center console is covered in a new metallic material.

Of course, no custom look would be complete without some big wheels. The Edge Sport comes with 20-inch painted wheels standard. Yep, you can go bigger: 22s are the upgrade, and Ford says it’s the first time they’ve been offered on a crossover. We don’t doubt it. 

Ford says the Edge Sport is to address the customizer crowd. We’re not sure that group of automotive DIY’ers wants or needs a leg-up from the manufacturer, but the Sport is surprisingly understated for something aimed at the bling crowd. More images below.

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Ford Edge

It’s finally started to feel like winter here in Chicago, so I finally got to take a car out for a cross-country ski trip. As one would expect, claimed temps of 10 below meant different features were a bit more important now than they had been before.