Karl on Cars
Ford
July 25, 2008
Like the all-new Honda Pilot, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and half-a-dozen other large vehicles debuting this fall, the 2009 Ford Flex enters a rather hostile new-car market.
That's too bad, because like GM's Lambda triplets and Kia's all-new Borrego, the Ford Flex could have been a rock star...two years ago.
Of course with mileage ratings of 17/24 it's not exactly an environmental disaster. Those numbers are actually quite impressive for a large, powerful, comfortable, and stylish people mover capable of hauling seven adults (along with a built-in refrigerator) in comfort. No, the question isn't whether or not the Flex is a "good" crossover. The question is, will people care?
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- Karl Brauer July 25, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford
- Technorati Tags:
- Crossover, Ford Flex
July 21, 2008
I'm back after 2,200 miles, six days and two high-school reunion events in Denver.
I'll chronicle the Ford GT's road trip aspect in our long-term blog, but let's just say the car was trouble free and an easy partner to live with during the journey (big surprise, right?).
As for the 20-year high-school reunion, the thought of bringing my 1970 Plymouth GTX back to Denver last summer, and then driving it to the event this summer, worked out pretty well. The first of two night's reunion festivities took place at Braun's Bar & Grill in downtown Denver. I arrived at the event early to beat traffic and try to get a decent parking space (limited parking downtown because of early preparations for the DNC in Denver next month). Much to my surprise, I actually ended up with "showroom" parking right next to the entrance.
This made it tough to miss the car, and plenty of people remembered it from two decades ago. Lots of "As soon as I saw that car I knew you were here" and "I can't believe you still have it. Very cool!" comments.
BTW, despite the GTX's 11-month "nap" since last August it fired right up after a night on a Battery Tender, and it ran great while I was back there. Can't wait to bring it back to L.A. this fall.
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- Karl Brauer July 21, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Muscle Car, Road Trips
- Technorati Tags:
- Ford GT, Plymouth GTX
July 15, 2008
I'm driving the Ford GT (pictured above on the assembly line in June 2005) back to my 20-year high school reunion in Denver this week. You can follow the details of the trip on twitter if you're really bored.
There are a number of reasons I could list for this action. It provides great blog content. Edmunds will pay the gas bill. The car's warranty runs out in August, meaning this is my last chance to really utilize the car with some level of factory protection against mechanical defects.
But I think we all know the best reason -- to do what The Bandit did best: Show Off.
I was a certified car guy back in high school. Actually it started in junior high, when I drove my 1969 Plymouth GTX to the last day of 9th grade (so what if I only had my permit at the time). By 11th grade I owned a second, 1970 GTX. Between the two of them I had the most notorious cars in high school. The '69 was sold during my senior year, but the '70 GTX is still in my possession and already back in Denver, waiting for the festivities. The reunion schedule includes two night events and one daytime event, giving me ample opportunity to drive (show off) both cars.
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- Karl Brauer July 15, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Muscle Car, Road Trips, Talk Back Tuesday
- Technorati Tags:
- Ford GT, High School Reunion
July 10, 2008
What the majority of crossover/SUV buyers say: "I need a functional, roomy vehicle that can carry me and my stuff wherever I may need to go."
What the majority of crossover/SUV buyers really mean: "I basically need a station wagon, but I want to look cool and sit up high to satisfy my 'king of the road' delusions, and if it can get decent gas mileage all the better."
I bring this up not to make fun of most crossover/SUV buyers, but to point out that a car-like ride and handling, combined with a roomy cabin, useable cargo space and 30-plus mpg, is really all these people want or need.
Ford knows this too, as they've clearly proven with the updated 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Everything from horsepower to electric-only motivation to structural integrity and in-car entertainment has been improved.
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- Karl Brauer July 10, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles
- Technorati Tags:
- 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, Crossover, Fuel Efficiency, SUV
June 16, 2008
Here we go again. An all-new vehicle with four conventional side doors, a squared off rear-end and three rows of seating. And, although this one has available all-wheel drive, it doesn't have an elevated ride height. It also offers less cargo space than a minivan (15 cubic feet) or large SUV while riding on a unibody platform. What does this vehicle sound like to you?
To me it sounds like a station wagon, but Ford's marketing mavens will not be pleased if you label the all-new 2009 Flex as such. "It's a crossover!" they implore at ever opportunity. Apparently, beyond elevated ride height and off-road prowess (neither of which the Flex possesses), if a vehicle looks cool it earns "crossover" status.
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- June 16, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Ford
May 22, 2008
I told you it was coming last week, now it's live and the final results are in.
The most interesting aspect of this test is that it accurately captured the miles-per-gallon results for distinctly different driving conditions. Most tests just lump all mpg figures together and say, "We got XX mpg in mixed driving." What exactly does "mixed" mean? For our fuel test we broke the results up and recorded fuel costs and gas useage for each segment of the driving loop. This makes it easy to see which of the competitors did well in each driving condition.
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- Karl Brauer May 22, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles, Smart Car, Toyota, Volkswagen
May 20, 2008
You may have already heard this, but BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine took home the International Engine of the Year award for 2008. If you've experienced this powertrain you know that title is well and properly earned, as the 3.0-liter's combination of horsepower, torque and even fuel efficiency make it one of the best engines in history.
But that got me thinking: What are the best engines in the history of the automobile? There are no internationally recognized test parameters to answer this question, so it's basically a judgement call. With that said, here are the 10 engines I would place in the annals of "Best Engines of All Time."
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- Karl Brauer May 20, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Vehicle Awards
May 16, 2008
I just got my first close-up look a the 2009 Ford Flex. One of Ford's able-bodied reprsentatives brought it by the office, showed us all the major features and then let us crawl in, through and around it. We didn't get to actually drive it, but we do have a First Drive coming in a few weeks.
I'm impressed with this car for several reasons. First, I like the square profile. We all know that everything comes in cycles, and I'm more than over the "SUV-with-curves" style dominating the current crossover segment. Have I mentioned how many times I've had the keys to our long-term Enclave or CX-9 or Veracruz and walked up to the wrong car in the parking garage? I'm not trying to make a joke -- this has really happened, several times. Between the similar colors and shapes it's genuinely hard to tell them apart from more than 20 feet. If nothing else, the Ford Flex will not look like every other $30K crossover.
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- Karl Brauer May 16, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Future Vehicles
May 12, 2008
Our long-term 2008 Ford Focus isn't the most loved car in the long-term fleet, but I've spent the last several days driving it (despite several other options) for a simple reason: SYNC.
It's no secret that the "new" Ford Focus is basically the latest version of an aging chassis long past its sell-by date. Many have flatly stated that SYNC is the only thing the Focus has going for it in the ultra competitve economy-car segment. After playing with the system for several days and watching it talk to my iPhone I've decided...they may be right. Not because the 2008 Ford Focus is really that bad, but because SYNC is simply that cool.
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- Karl Brauer May 12, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Car Audio and Technology, Ford
May 8, 2008
If put to a real-world test, which of these cars would get the best fuel mileage? That's the question we intended to answer with our test of a 2008 Ford Focus, 2005 (certified used) Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 2008 Toyota Prius and 2008 Smart Fourtwo.
So we ran each of them through an identical test loop of close to 1,000 miles. The loop included everything from highway travel and constant speeds to stop-and-go driving in one of the most congested towns on the planet (not L.A.) to medium speeds on deserted two-lanes. When you put a diesel (Jetta) up against a hybrid (Prius) up against a traditional economy car (Focus) up against a...a -- well, whatever the Smart car is -- what do you get in terms of fuel mileage and fuel costs?
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- Karl Brauer May 8, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles, Smart Car, Toyota, Volkswagen
April 21, 2008
As one of the oldest existing vehicle nameplates in the automotive universe it seems only fitting to ask the inevitable question: When (if ever) did the Ford Mustang jump the shark?
I'm going to take the suspense out of this discussion and tell you up front when I think the Mustang topped out: 1969. That's actually one year after my favorite Mustang of all time -- 1968 Shelby GT500KR -- but there were enough exciting models in 1969 to validate the model's sustained health. The Boss Mustangs (302 and 429) both hit showrooms that year, as did the Mach 1. The 428 Super Cobra Jet was going strong, and Shelby still had a couple models in the line-up (though I don't like them as much as the '68 versions).
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- Karl Brauer April 21, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Cars that Jumped the Shark, Ford, Muscle Car, Retro Revivals
April 17, 2008
The immediate answer is, "I don't know for sure" because I didn't instrument test these vehicles or carefully analyze every aspect (cargo capacity, price/value, audio system, etc.). But I did hijack a couple staffers and we took both cars on a driving loop through Mulholland.
Beileve it or not, there's some kind of embargo on Dodge Challenger driving impressions. Seems impossible, considering I've read several First Drives about the car, including our own, and they all include driving impressions. Don't get me started on the stupidity of road test embargos in 2008, that's a discussion for another day (maybe next Tuesday...). Anyway, I can't believe it's "against the rules" to reiterate what our First Drive already says, so here goes.
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- Karl Brauer April 17, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Dodge, Ford
March 12, 2008
I spent most of yesterday at Willow Springs driving the Ford GT at "The GT School."
It was quite the experience and one that justifies an in-depth blog -- though I'll just throw out this teaser for now. Look for more information in an upcoming Ford GT long-term blog, and suffice to say I'm more impressed with Ford's supercar than I was 48 hours ago. I drove it 100 miles to the track, drove it (very fast) on the track, and then drove it 100 miles home. No mechanical complications, just shrinking lap times and lots of fun...
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- Karl Brauer March 12, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford
February 25, 2008
"Why doesn't Ford bring back the Zephyr?"
I can't believe anyone ever actually said this, but lo and behold that paragon of 1970s Mercury style and performance did return in 2006 -- as a Lincoln. Actually, the Zephyr was originally a 1930s-era Lincoln before it was a '70s Mercury, but how many people know (or care) about that? Should Ford have revived this nameplate? I guess its staying power (Lincoln changed that model's name to MKZ after one year) is answer enough.
I was recently thinking about dead nameplates that should not come back after someone brought up Edsel in conversation. I'm assuming Ford will never revive that nameplate, and I don't expect to see the words "Aztek," "Chevette" or "Volare" on a future model, either. But then again, who would have predicted the rise of "Aspen" from the automotive underworld. Which brings up today's burning question:
What dead vehicle nameplates do you most fear the return of? In my opinion there are two reasons for a nameplate to never come back: (A) it's associated with a horrendous vehicle (Aztek) or (B) it was a horrendous name itself, regardless of the vehicle it was affixed to (Probe).
Here are my Top 5:
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- Karl Brauer February 25, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota
February 8, 2008
The 2008 Ford Fusion has plenty going for it. It rides on the Mazda 6 platform. It looks as good or better than anything in the family sedan segment. And it offers all-wheel drive, a feature few sedans priced in the mid-20s offer.
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- Karl Brauer February 8, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford
February 1, 2008
I'm going to admit it -- my interest in professional football is at an all-time low. Growing up in Denver it was impossible not to be a fan of the Broncos, which ultimately paid off several years ago. But I don't live in football-crazed Denver anymore. Hell, I don't live in football anywhere anymore. Gotta love the second-largest city in the nation not having a pro team. Regardless, the Broncos have been mediocre at best for several years, and honestly I've got other ways to spend my Sundays. What, you think those old Triumph motocycles stay in tune by themselves?
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- Karl Brauer February 1, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cars in Entertainment, Ford
December 24, 2007
Of course nobody is still buying Chistmas gifts on December 24th, right?
But, in theory, if you still have to buy something for that car geek on your list you might stop by the local Radio Shack. They've got $8 remote control cars that range from Enzo Ferraris to Porsche Carrera GTs to Hummer H2s. I bought two of these toys in Ford GT form a couple months ago when I couldn't pass up the low price. Last week I saw some more, and because those first two were bubble-wrapped for future posterity it made sense to snag a couple more for the kiddies.
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- Karl Brauer December 24, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Cars in Entertainment, Ford
December 20, 2007
After 100 miles in Ford's "new" 2008 Focus I've got a strong sense of where this car feels "new" and where it feels "old" -- and where it feels "expired" for that matter.
The Sync system feels quite new, as it should. There's a definite learning curve to figuring Sync out, but on a system this advanced that's probably unavoidable. I also like the updated switchgear for the climate control, and the overall design/lighting of the dashboard looks, feels -- and for all intents and purposes is -- "all new." My test car was an SES coupe with several options, including ABS, the upgraded "Audiophile" sound system with MP3 capability and the Ambient Interior Lighting package. That last option provides soothing console and floorboard lighting at night, giving the cabin a more upscale demeanor. MSRP for this vehicle is $19,030, but dealers are already dealing on the "new" Focus.
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- Karl Brauer December 20, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford
December 12, 2007
I can't believe I'm going to say this -- but the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is too much of a muscle car for me. Maybe I should add, "...old-world muscle car..." to that statement for better clarity. I just had possession of a GT500 convertible for a couple days, and I was fully ready to hand the keys off when my allotted time was up.
A comparison between this car and a 1971 Hemi 'Cuda can not be avoided. Both cars make approximately 500 horsepower. Both cars weigh approximately 4,000 pounds. Both cars use a live-axle rear end. And both cars are about as subtle as 50 Cent lyrics when their engines rev past 5,000 rpm.
Problem is, I don't have much interest in driving a 1971 'Cuda convertible these days, and the same holds true for the most radical version of Ford's new Mustang. In both instances, a more balanced version of each car is available (AAR 'Cuda in one case, Bullitt or Shelby GT in the other).
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- Karl Brauer December 12, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Muscle Car, Retro Revivals
October 30, 2007
The 2008 Ford F-250, complete with optional 6.8-liter V10 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, represents Ford's combination of power, luxury and style. On the power side Ford also offers a 6.4-liter PowerStroke diesel making 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, but this V10 is no slouch at 362 horsepower and 457 pound-feet. On the luxury side our test truck had the optional reverse warning system, trailer brake controller, heated leather seats with memory settings, electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive and a navigation/Sirius head unit. Style-wise, I dig this truck's Tonka-like headlights, two-tone paint and front fender grilles. A sweet ride, but is it better than the competition from GM?
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- Karl Brauer October 30, 2007, 5:22 PM
- Categories:
- Ford
October 3, 2007
This 2008 Volvo C30 would make a helluva Ford Focus. Of course it rides on Ford's C1 platform, the same one underpinning the European Focus -- the same one we should have here by now, but don't. There's no way this car will convert Mini Cooper fans, as Volvo suggests, and I'm not sure I see many urban males going after it either (another claim by Volvo). After all, it's still a Volvo with a hatchback, and neither factor suggests a stampede of G4 viewers.
However, its combination of power (turbocharged 2.5-liter with 227 hp) and tossable (if not outright sporty) handling make it the most fun you can have in a Volvo short of testing the crumple zones. Our recent road test of the C30 had it pulling zero-to-60 in 6.6 seconds, so it's not slow. And a slalom time of 69.1 mph jibes with our impression of the car being more than capable for most drivers. But at 3,200 pounds it ain't light, so once again I don't see Mini Cooper or Civic Si buyers lining up for this one.
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- Karl Brauer October 3, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Volvo
September 27, 2007
I drove a 2008 Ford Taurus recently around Dearborn, Michigan (where I saw one or two other Ford products). I always felt bad for the Five-Hundred and Freestyle, because both cars' overall execution was strong but the drivetrains were far too weak to be ignored. The headline "Good Car in need of a Drivetrain" was essentially what everyone said when these models debuted back in 2005. Three years later and Ford has replaced the anemic 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower V6 with a 263 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The new six-speed automatic replaces the CVT that further sapped performance, giving the car adequate go-power despite the 3,800-pound curb weight.
I like the overall feel of the car, and I don't even have a problem with the styling (yeah, it's not as exciting as the 300 or even the Azera, but it's clean and effective as family sedans go). My real issue centers around seat-to-control placement. Basically, I feel like I can't easily reach the primary controls because the seat is so high. Add in the non-telescoping steering wheel and I'm forced into a Quasimodo position while driving -- despite the Taurus' high roofline.
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- Karl Brauer September 27, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford
September 7, 2007
Well, it would appear there's some passion when it comes to the definition of "fun-to-drive." First I must say I'm glad to see this, for if nothing else it proves people are at least still thinking about the concept of fun-to-drive (the Toyota-ization of so many modern cars had me thinking it was a dying topic of concern).
Ironically (or maybe appropriately) I happen to be driving my Ford GT yesterday (versus a random test car) and as many of you can probably guess I consider the GT one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. After reading through all the comments yesterday I drove it home and was more congnizant of FTD than I've been in a long time. But I can appreciate the fact that most folks haven't experienced a GT, and I would emphasize that it certainly doesn't take $150,000 to experience FTD.
Rather than argue which cars are or are not fun-to-drive, I'll describe the various components that, in my opinion, define it.
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- Karl Brauer September 7, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Driving, Ford
September 4, 2007
According to Automotive News, Ford's future product is going global, while the Mercury division may be going...away? The industry publication shows a slow (probably too slow, IMHO) product ramp-up over the next three years for Ford and Lincoln, while Mercury simply seems to be slowing to a stop. The core strategy to Mr. Mulally's plan involves cutting costs by sharing platforms and parts on a global scale. Don't forget that while Ford continues to struggle in the U.S. market the Blue Oval is doing rather well in other parts of the globe (including Russia). Here's the three-year plan by division...sorry there isn't more to report...
Ford: The most exciting thing in Ford's future is the launch of Flex (pictured above) in 2009. If you're looking for more than a "refresh" or "reskin" or "re-engineer" in the coming years you'll have to wait for a possible Focus redesign in 2012 (only about seven years late) and an Expedition redesign in 2011. The all-new, global products won't start showing up until after 2012. Mustang gets a reskin in 2010 (I hear it may look something like that Giugiaro thing from last year's L.A. Auto Show -- please say it ain't so), and the F-150 gets a re-engineer in 2009 that should keep it competitive. Otherwise it looks to be a long half-decade.
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- Karl Brauer September 4, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Future Vehicles, Lincoln, Mercury, Talk Back Tuesday
August 20, 2007
Today I'm driving the next, all-new Ford F-150 at Ford's specific (i.e. out of spy photography range) location. This is a bit ahead of the normal press drive. So far ahead, in fact, that the embargo is over a year away...
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- Karl Brauer August 20, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Ford
August 17, 2007
I already covered the 2008 Lincoln Navigator a few weeks ago, but I just drove the "L" version and realized this car is more than simply a Cadillac Escalade ESV competitor. It's really (along with the Ford Expedition EL) a replacement for the Excursion. That particular Ford vehicle was lambasted by everyone from environmentalists to safety advocates (not surprising considering the curb weight of more than 7,000 pounds and real-world mileage around 12 mpg).
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- Karl Brauer August 17, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cadillac, Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Lincoln
August 2, 2007
I'd hate to simply link to my last Ford Fusion post and call it day, but like most Mercury vehicles these days that's the most efficient manner of reporting on a winged-foot product. Let's see -- solid driving dynamics with steering feel approaching Honda's Accord; unique styling that trumps the Accord and Camry while giving the Altima and 6 some solid competition; a 3.0-liter V6 with 221 horsepower that is barely adequate in this segment and a bit raspy at high RPM; an interior that is quiet and attractive. I like the availability of AWD, but where's my stability control? It's going to be required technology on everything pretty soon, Mercury, so you better get on it...
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- Karl Brauer August 2, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Mercury
July 26, 2007
Once upon a time I really liked the Nissan Pathfinder. It was actually our Most Wanted mid-sized SUV circa 2002 (after it got the much-needed power boost midway through 2001). Back then the Pathfinder had attractive looks, a surprisingly car-like ride quality on pavement, and even more surprisingly capable off-road prowess (considering its pleasant on-road demeanor and unibody design). Back then I considered the Toyota Land Cruiser the king of combining on-road refinement with off-road capabilities, but those qualities didn't come cheap in the Toyota. After driving the Nissan I decided the Pathfinder was a slightly smaller, far less pricey "Baby Land Cruiser" -- about as strong of praise a midsize SUV could hope for from me.
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- Karl Brauer July 26, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Nissan
May 24, 2007
We just saw an in-person demo of Ford's upcoming Microsoft-powered Sync system. While much of the system essentially comes down to hands-free phone and music-player operation, there are some key features that make it truly unique in a world where hands-free operation is increasingly common. For example, if you connect an MP3 player to the system you can tell it to play songs by artist, title or genre. Vocal commans like "Play Genre Jazz" or "Play Artist U2" or "Play Track Hysteria" will get you exactly what you ask for. The system will also transfer your cell phone's contact list and allow you to make calls by vocal command like "Call Bob Lutz" (you do have his number in your cell phone, right?)...
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- Karl Brauer May 24, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Car Audio and Technology, Ford
May 7, 2007
Ford must have known I was going to San Fransisco this weekend. How else can one explain the arrival of a Ford Escape bag in my mail one day before I left. The bag itself, according to the tag attached to it, "...is made from 100 percent post-industrial waste." The release specifically notes that San Fancisco recently banned all plastic bags to save 450,000 gallons of oil a year and remove 1,400 tons of debris from landfills. Thus, with this bag, I can buy groceries in S.F...
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- Karl Brauer May 7, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Fuel Efficiency
March 16, 2007
The rumors started a few weeks before the Tundra went on sale last month:
"Psst. Hey, Toyota is going to launch their brand new Tundra with incentives!"
It seemed ludicrous to think the most successful automaker on the planet, and one historically loathe to incentives, would be offering them on a brand new product even before the dust could settle on showroom models.
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- Karl Brauer March 16, 2007, 7:09 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota
March 7, 2007
One of the more exciting cars to debut at the Geneva Auto Show is the Mazda2. Why? After all, it's only got about 100 horsepower and, officially, it's not coming to America. However it will be the basis for a new Ford subcompact vehicle, likely to be called the Fiesta, and that version will be coming to America...
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- Karl Brauer March 7, 2007, 7:07 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Mazda
March 2, 2007
Most of you already know about the updated EPA testing process for all 2008 and newer models. We posted a story a few weeks ago that provides the details of what is changing, but the bottom line is that EPA numbers will be dropping to more accurately reflect real-world driving behavior. That's all well and good for 2008 and later models, but how would your 2005 -- or 1995, or 1985 -- model do under the new testing procedures? Well, now you can find out...
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- Karl Brauer March 2, 2007, 7:03 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles, Toyota
