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Completely redesigned for 2010, Taurus offers a revised color palette for 2012. It adds Ginger Ale Metallic, an elegant new hue. Bringing enhanced rear visibility, Taurus now features standard integrated blind spot mirrors in the power-assisted sideview mirrors. Taurus quality begins wîth its distinctive design. Vehicle appearance is a significant purchase reason for full-size sedan buyers. Taurus is muscular and athletic, wîth design cues – such as the lower trapezoidal grille opening – that give some visual linkage and family resemblance to other nameplates in the Ford showroom.

Exterior craftsmanship for the new Taurus has been improved through the employment of digital pre-assembly. This advanced technology enables engineers to address potential issues in Taurus manufacturing while still in the online phase, and ensures precise, uniform surface gaps and margins once series production is initiated. Taurus was benchmarked against premium European sedans for exterior fit-and-finish superiority.

Taurus’ interior craftsmanship is elevated through expanded use of soft-touch, high-quality materials inside the cabin. Úpgraded materials across the instrument panel and throughout the center console are evidence of continuous improvement. Taurus NVH control has delivered a car that rivals premium imported sedans for quietness. Taurus continues to build on a legacy of safety, as the 2011 model earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick rating. The stiff Taurus structure contains a significant portion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, including boron.

Taurus features the Trinity front-crash architecture, named for the three elements that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from vehicle occupants. These components consist of an ultra-high-strength boron front beam to absorb initial impact force, boron ‘shotgun rails’ that transfer impact forces in a diagonal path to the roof panel, and a decoupling engine cradle within the front subframe to help prevent the powertrain from interfering wîth the cabin.

Taurus also features Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE®) Architecture, a hydroformed cross-car beam embedded in the floor between the door frames to help provide additional strength on the vehicle sides. A rigid roof crossmember, side-impact door beams and boron B-pillar reinforcement also contribute to side-impact protection. In the event of an airbag deployment, Taurus provides an SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ and features AdvanceTrac® wîth electronic stability control.

Price: $25,555 – $38,155.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The 2012 Ford Taurus is a full-size five-passenger sedan offered in SE, SEL, Limited and SHO trim levels. Standard equipment on the entry-level SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, integrated blind spot mirrors, keyless entry with an exterior access keypad, cruise control, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sync voice-activated electronics interface with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity is optional.

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compass, an outside temperature display and satellite radio. Options on the SEL include 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, leather upholstery (packaged with heated front seats and a six-way power passenger seat), ambient interior lighting and Sync. All the above items are standard on the Taurus Limited, along with perforated leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats with power lumbar and driver seat memory functions, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and a seven-speaker upgraded stereo with a six-CD player.

The Taurus SHO adds a more powerful V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, different steering, xenon headlights, an auto-dimming driver side mirror, a rear spoiler, special styling flourishes inside and out, keyless entry/ignition (optional on SEL and Limited) and unique leather upholstery with faux-suede inserts. The optional SHO Performance package adds performance brake pads, recalibrated steering, a different final-drive ratio, stability control defeat, summer tires and 20-inch wheels. Those wheels are also a stand-alone option.

Options on all but the base SE include a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, a 12-speaker Sony premium audio system, and “multicontour” front seats with active bolsters and massage. Options on the Limited and SHO include a blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers (packaged together), heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear window shade, adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, voice controls, Sirius Travel Link service (real-time traffic, weather and other information), a single-CD player, DVD audio and digital music storage.

Interior

The 2012 Ford Taurus offers a classy passenger cabin, though the use of hard plastics in a few places detracts a bit from the overall upscale feel. The interior is also quite comfortable, especially with the optional high-tech “multicontour” front seats with built-in massage. The backseat offers generous head- and legroom even for good-sized adults. At 20.1 cubic feet, the trunk is one of the largest you’ll find on any sedan. Fold down the rear seats and the Taurus offers up even more space.

On the downside, the car’s rising beltline, thick roof pillars and tall center console can make the interior feel confining despite its large size. Other issues include deep-set gauges that can be hard to read and the dashboard’s large and somewhat confusing assortment of buttons and knobs. Like most other Fords, the Taurus can be equipped with the useful Sync system, which connects cell phones and portable music players into the car’s electronic interface that includes voice commands.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Taurus is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option on SEL and Limited models. In Edmunds performance testing, a front-drive Taurus went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds — a tad slow for the class. Fuel economy with front-wheel drive is an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops those numbers to 17/25/20.

The Taurus SHO gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (dubbed “EcoBoost”) that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with shift paddles is standard, as is all-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, the Taurus SHO went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds. Despite this engine’s impressive performance, EPA fuel economy estimates are the same as the regular all-wheel-drive Taurus.

Safety

Every 2012 Ford Taurus comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and integrated blind spot mirrors. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard on Limited and SHO models and optional on the SEL. Optional on the Limited and SHO are a pre-collision warning system (included with adaptive cruise control) and a blind-spot warning system bundled with a cross-traffic warning system, which warns you of approaching cars or pedestrians when backing up.

In government crash tests, the Taurus earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. It also got the best rating of “Good” in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests. A Taurus with 19-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in a longer-than-average 131 feet. Even with summer tires and 20-inch wheels, the SHO was only able to manage 127 feet — a long distance for a performance-oriented sedan.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the 2012 Ford Taurus offers confident handling and a comfortable ride quality. The firmer sport-tuned suspension underpinning the SHO model sharpens up the handling noticeably. However, there’s no hiding the Taurus’ hefty weight and grand dimensions. The SHO’s twin-turbo V6 offers acceleration that falls just short of its V8-powered competitors from Chrysler and Dodge, but it returns fuel economy that puts them to shame. Even so, we think most folks will be just as happy driving any of the three models powered by the standard V6 and pocketing the substantial price difference.

With cutting-edge design, innovative and class-exclusive technology and outstanding fuel economy and performance, Ford Fusion has long been a popular choice for midsize-car buyers. In 2010, Fusion set a full-year sales record of 219,219 – the first time since 2004 a Ford car eclipsed the 200,000 milestone.

‘Ford Fusion delivers value and performance through a diverse lineup, offering customers the opportunity to better tailor their needs,’ said Jonathan Richards, Fusion marketing manager. ‘The 2012 Ford Fusion will continue to build off this heritage.’ For 2012, Fusion adds a six-speed automatic transmission as standard on the SE model, the most popular of the five series offered. SE also features a new standard 17-inch aluminum wheel.

Price: $19,850 – 29,000.
Invoice: $18,604 – 26,640.

Green Fusion delivers competitive fuel economy across the lineup. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway; the 3.0-liter V6 delivers 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway and the 3.5-liter V6 standard on Fusion Sport checks in at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel-drive configurations).

The 3.0-liter V6 is flex-fuel-capable, meaning the engine can run on unleaded gasoline, E85 (up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) or any mix of the two. Fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by electronic sensors. In addition, Fusion is approximately 85 percent recyclable by weight, and it is estimated that more than 20 percent of Fusion’s vehicle weight is from recycled content.

Quality

Providing customers a quiet cabin on the road has been a key area of focus in Fusion and the 2012 model is no exception. Improvements incorporated into the 2012 model includes dampers on the front lower control arms to reduce interior road noise, enhanced door seals to reduce wind noise and mirrors designed to deflect wind downward to help reduce wind noise. Ford Fusion is projected to hold its resale value better than the 2011 Toyota Camry. Ford Fusion quality can’t be beat by Honda Accord and is better than Toyota Camry.

Fusion Sport, wîth its even sportier look, larger, more powerful engine, aggressive 18-inch wheels and upgraded suspension tuning, caters to the driving enthusiast. The 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission wîth SelectShift™. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. The sport-tuned air intake system provides an assertive growl that complements the driving experience.

Smart

The 2012 Ford Fusion offers a wide suite of customer-focused technology, including industry- and class-exclusive MyKey® as a standard feature. MyKey allows owners to program a ‘key limit’ to certain vehicle functions to help promote safe driving habits, including limiting top speed and a persistent Belt-Minder® alert. Class-exclusive SYNC® is available on Fusion SE and above models and provides hands-free access wîth simple voice commands.

Every vehicle wîth SYNC offers hands-free calling via paired and connected Bluetooth®-enabled phone, hands-free music via ÚSB-connected digital media player and customer support and software updates via SyncMyRide.com for registered owners.

Other available SYNC Services features include Traffic, Directions and Information, which allows customers to receive traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and business search through the radio, hear personalized news, weather, horoscopes, stocks, movie times and sports content, get travel information and send directions directly to the SYNC system.

Also available is Vehicle Health Report, which allows customers to receive an online report of vehicle diagnostics, and 911 Assist™, which can connect directly to a 911 operator through the paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys. 2012 Ford Fusion owners (SE series and above) are next in line for SYNC AppLink™, the industry-first software application that gives SYNC users hands-free voice control of their smartphone apps.

Safe

The 2012 Ford Fusion offers a suite of innovative safety technologies and, like the 2011 Fusion, is expected to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (for models built after February 2011).

To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of ‘good’ in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control. AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control is standard on every Fusion.

The 2012 Ford Flex continues to deliver technology and customer amenities not available in any other three-row crossover. Front to back and top to bottom, the enhanced 2012 Ford Flex adds some new content and retains its popular, customer-focused features.

Flex was an early recipient of Ford EcoBoost™ technology. The efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is available on Flex Limited and Titanium, delivering power comparable to a standard V8 engine. Flex also continues to offer the only refrigerated console – mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs – in the class.

Price: $29,220 – 45,205.
Invoice: $27,693 – 41,946.

Quality

Versatility continues to be a hallmark wîth Ford Flex, as roof rack side rails are now compatible wîth the popular Vista Roof™, allowing customers to enjoy the scenery while hauling their gear.

Introduced last year, the Titanium series remains the hero model, building off the extensive content of the high-series Flex Limited wîth distinctive beltline molding, grille (black chrome finish), roof (black), mirror skull caps (black), liftgate appliqué (black chrome) and fog lamp bezels. Additionally, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard on Flex Titanium.

Green

Standard on Ford Flex is a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (front-wheel drive). Both the standard V6 and the EcoBoost V6 are matched to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, wîth available SelectShift™ functionality.

Smart

Flex Limited and Titanium series have available upgrades to the second- and third-row seating for 2012. The 60/40 split fold-flat second-row bench seat now includes a flip-out armrest wîth two cupholders; the one-touch PowerFold® and tumble third-row 50/50 split fold-flat bench wîth tailgate is available as well.

Class-exclusive SYNC® is available and provides hands-free access wîth simple voice commands. Every vehicle wîth SYNC offers hands-free calling via paired and connected Bluetooth®-enabled phone, hands-free music via ÚSB-connected digital media player and customer support and software updates via SyncMyRide.com for registered owners.

Other available SYNC Services features include Traffic, Directions and Information, which allows customers to receive traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and a business search through the radio, hear personalized news, weather, horoscopes, stocks, movie times and sports content, get travel information and send directions directly to the SYNC system.

Also available is Vehicle Health Report, which allows customers to receive an online report of vehicle diagnostics, and 911 Assist™, which can connect directly to a 911 operator through the paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys.

Safe

The 2012 Ford Flex builds off a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of ‘good’ in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control. AdvanceTrac® wîth RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is standard on every Flex.

The Ford Fiesta – all-new for 2011 – continues as the no-compromise small car choice wîth class-leading fuel economy, distinctive design and strong driving dynamics. Fiesta offers class-exclusive technologies and first-to-market features such as hands-free SYNC® wîth voice-controlled Travel, Directions and Information and Pandora internet radio app. It also gets push-button start, six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, and heated and leather-trimmed seats wîth fashionably contrasting piping.

Fiesta has truly been a One Ford global success,’ said Global B-Platform Chief Engineer Steve Pintar. ‘The car has met strong consumer demand in mature and emerging markets alike. In North America, Fiesta changed the game by upping the ante for small cars by offering drivers an unprecedented array of comfort, convenience and connectivity technologies. Fiesta enters the 2012 model year in North America wîth two new interior style packages, an expanded sport appearance package and the across-the-board addition of an integrated blind spot sideview mirror and driver’s seat armrest.

Built for the road yet inspired by the runway, Fiesta adds fashionable interior style packages that include two-tone leather-trimmed seats wîth harmonizing door trim inserts, color-coordinated §teering wheel and instrument panel trim, premium carpet floor mats wîth the Fiesta logo proudly embroidered in front and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob. These packages are available on the range-topping SEL sedan and SES hatchback models in two distinctive color combinations. The Race Red package combines red and black leather-trimmed seating and door panels wîth red §teering wheel and instrument panel trim. The Oxford White package mixes the timelessly classic tuxedo black and while color scheme wîth a similar layout.

The result is a strikingly distinctive passenger cabin design wîth the luxury of leather-trimmed surfaces and high-quality appointments. An expanded premium sport appearance option for Fiesta SES hatchback models also makes its debut for 2012. Specifying this option adds 16-inch polished alloy wheels and black headlamp surrounds, auxiliary LED lamp surrounds, lower grille surround, sideview mirrors, window surrounds and rear spoiler. These blacked-out accents and special sporty wheels contrast wîth the vibrant colors in the Fiesta palette, enhancing the distinctive kinetic design.

Price: $13,200 – 17,500.
Invoice: $12,788 – 16,830.

In addition, the premium sport appearance package adds a 4.25 to 1 final drive ratio on five-speed models, for enhanced off-the-line acceleration. All 2012 Fiesta models now add integrated spotter mirrors into the sideview mirrors. These spotter panes are incorporated into the outboard edges of the side door-mounted mirrors to enhance driver visibility in potential blind spots. Fiesta will continue to offer interior and exterior design packages to keep consumer offerings fresh and brimming wîth vibrant personality.

Quality

Ford Fiesta quality is showcased by its distinctive kinetic design cues, an interior quietness that rivals larger cars and driver-engaging driving dynamics. Fiesta is the initial North American representation of Ford’s signature kinetic design language – a new look evocative of motion and the experience of dynamic driving – used across the global Ford portfolio of smaller vehicles.

Employing elongated dragon’s eye headlamps sweeping gracefully into the muscular front fenders and hood, Fiesta is sporty yet accessible and inviting. The kinetic theme continues in the interior design, wîth the instrument panel and center stack combining to provide visual identity and distinction. Fiesta interior quietness is taken to a new level for the small car §egmènt, aided in part by inclusion of a specially laminated windshield – a class-exclusive – that helps absorb and contain road and wind noise.

Powertrain noise is subdued and wind noise at speed is minimized by optimization of door seals. Special sound-absorbing padding behind the instrument panel and foam baffles inside the roof pillars help keep the Fiesta cabin quiet and serene. Even the headliner material has been specified for its sound-deadening qualities. Fiesta offers superior driving dynamics wîth communicative electric power-assisted §teering (EPAS), optimized dampers, bushings and springs to provide a comfortable ride – all balanced wîth enthusiast-pleasing handling characteristics.

Smart

Fiesta delivers value, style and class-leading fuel economy without asking a driver to compromise on technologies that add connectivity and convenience. Fiesta is offered wîth Ford’s acclaimed SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system, including 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and Traffic, Directions and Information services. In addition, buyers can choose from a variety of entertainment sources, from an AM/FM stereo wîth a CD player, a standard audio input jack, a ÚSB port and 80 watts of premium sound through six speakers.

Class-exclusive ambient lighting allows Fiesta drivers to choose among seven interior accent lighting colors. Fiesta provides unmatched convenience within its §egmènt, offering remote keyless entry, driver’s one-touch power window control, first-row heated seat cushions, Intelligent Access wîth push-button start, §teering wheel-mounted supplemental audio controls and an electrochromic (auto-dimming) rearview mirror.

Safe

No other car in Fiesta’s §egmènt offers as many airbag restraints or the Trinity front crash structure. That is why the no-compromise Fiesta was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fiesta – a small car that is big on safety – features a class-leading array of seven airbags including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Ford’s acclaimed AdvanceTrac® wîth electronic stability control to help drivers keep the vehicle in control under a wide variety of dynamic driving conditions.

Like larger Ford vehicles, Fiesta employs the Trinity front crash structure to help prevent occupant injuries in a frontal crash incident. The first element is the boron steel front beam to absorb initial crash force. Boron steel shotgun rails then transmit impact forces to the Fiesta’s rigid roof structure. The third element is the decoupling engine cradle, shearing to drop the powertrain to help prevent intrusion into the passenger cabin under impact.

The Ford Edge crossover continues to energize the Ford brand in the hottest vehicle §egmènt in the Únited States. Ford’s new crossover distinguishes itself wîth bold, American design, a flexible interior, dynamic driving character and a host of innovative features. The Edge delivers spirited performance, fuel efficiency and a smooth, quiet ride from its class-exclusive 265-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Edge also delivers on safety, wîth a host of standard safety features including Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac® wîth RSC®. Edge boasts a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and achieved front and side driver five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Edge is available in SE, SEL and Limited trims. All Edges are manufactured at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

Edge offers even more choices for 2008 wîth the addition of the Limited Series, a new Interior Appearance Package that includes leather-trimmed seats wîth premium red seating surfaces and contrast stitching, a new 18-inch wheel option and new class-exclusive 20-inch wheels. Four new colors are available for 2008: Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic and White Sand Tri-Coat. For added convenience, Edge now comes wîth a one-touch up-and-down driver window and an available Homelink universal garage door opener. Additional available infotainment features include factory-installed SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio and a DVD entertainment system wîth a drop-down 8-inch screen and two pairs of wireless headphones.

Price: $25,735 – 32,475.
Invoice: $24,275 – 30,475.

Driving Dynamics

Edge’s modern car-based foundation facilitates its excellent driving character. The front suspension features MacPherson struts and an isolated subframe, firmly attached in six locations. To further smooth out the ride, hydro-bushings are used. The four-link independent rear suspension uses stamped steel control blades for precise suspension tuning. The rear dampers are mounted as far outboard as possible in the vehicle and behind the wheel center to improve ride and handling. Edge comes standard wîth four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes.

Edge’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine features a strong, lightweight, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight 4-valve-per-cylinder heads for smooth operation at high rpm. A 10.3:1 compression ratio and close-coupled catalysts will help it meet stringent ultra-low emission vehicle (ÚLEV) II regulations. The 6-speed automatic transmission uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio to deliver good fuel economy and performance. Short first and second gears provide impressive launch and acceleration, while the tall overdrive gears deliver 7 percent better fuel economy than a 4-speed automatic.

Edge’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was tuned wîth an emphasis on performance while offering confident all-weather driving. By constantly monitoring and predicting traction, the system delivers torque to all four wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active on-demand coupler can deliver the precise amount of torque to the rear wheels. Paired wîth available AdvanceTrac® traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front to rear and side to side.

Design

The Edge’s bold American design is defined by its distinctive three-bar chromed grille. An aggressively raked windshield and fast-sloping back window wîth high-mounted rear spoiler accentuate the feeling of motion. Quad-beam headlamps and a ‘powerdome’ hood accentuate the purposeful front-end look. The wheels are pushed to the corners, giving Edge its powerful, yet graceful stance. The raised beltline emphasizes strong, sculpted shoulders formed around sharp wheel arches. Matte black lower front and rear fascias and side rocker panels emphasize Edge’s sporty character.

Edge’s modern design flows into the interior, evident in the instrument panel and distinctive center stack. The center stack design incorporates two, 9-inch by 2-inch vertical vents that bracket the audio and climate-control switches. Available all-leather seating surfaces feature contrast stitching inspired by the fashion industry. Edge is designed to fit the customer’s need for style as well as cargo space and adaptability. The large center console uses a removable divider and tray to organize the space both vertically and horizontally for secure storage of everything from a laptop computer and handbag to coins and MP3 players.

The Edge has four power points, three within the driver’s reach, along wîth a MP3 audio jack. Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat and organized. The console lid has a ticket clip, two penholders and a tissue holder. Edge comfortably seats five, offering available six-way power, heated, adjustable front seats and best-in-class adult headroom and legroom for the second row. The reclining 60/40-split second-row seat folds to provide a level load floor for carrying equipment in the large cargo area. Edge can transport items as long as 8 feet wîth the available fold-flat front passenger seat. Each rear seat can be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically wîth an available EasyFold™ electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area.

Interior

Edge’s well-rounded, modern performance extends to impressive refinement, enhancing the driving experience. In fact, testing has proven that the Edge’s interior is quieter than the Lexus RX350. Engineers spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning Edge’s interior ambiance when the vehicle launched. For example, the side mirrors were specifically designed to reduce wind noise. Even the radio antenna was scrutinized. By modifying the pitch and height of the spiral by tenths of a millimeter, wind noise was reduced by as much as 2 decibels.

Features and Options

Standard features include: Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS); 265 horsepower V-6 engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; Air conditioning; Power side mirrors; Power windows, locks and mirrors; One touch up/down driver window; Dual-speed rear wiper; Remote keyless entry; 17-inch painted aluminum wheels; Four 12V power points (IP, front console, 2nd row and cargo area); Audio/MP3 input jack; Cargo area light; Floor mats; Privacy glass; Heated backlight; One-touch integrated start; Overhead console; Manual tilt and telescope §teering wheel; Adjustable head restraints; Advance Trac® w RSC®; Belt-Minder®; Child safety locks; Adjustable safety belts; LATCH; Personal Safety System®; SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Safety

Edge customers will find peace of mind in Ford’s comprehensive approach to safety, including standard active safety technology and comprehensive passive safety features. Ford’s AdvanceTrac® wîth RSC®, standard on Edge, is the industry’s only electronic stability control system that uses two gyroscopic sensors to monitor both yaw and roll motions. Monitoring both motions allows for yaw-control enhancements, providing class-leading side-slip and roll stability control. Edge offers several layers of side-impact protection, including solid unibody construction wîth cross-member ladder frame, a reinforced greenhouse and energy-absorbing side door trim.

Other standard safety features include:

• Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags. Designed for both rows of seats, this feature utilizes roll-fold technology to efficiently deploy the air bag when an occupant’s head is resting against the side glass. In the event of a crash, the roll-fold bag will deploy between the occupant’s head and the side of the vehicle.

• Ford’s Personal Safety System®. This suite of safety features includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, thorax side air bags for front seat occupants, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.

• Ford’s BeltMinder™ safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger. Edge also comes equipped wîth such standard features as child safety locks on the rear doors, the LATCH child safety restraint system and Ford’s tire pressure monitoring system.

The Ford Escape compact SÚV has made fans of families across the country thanks to a host of features making it a willing travel companion for road trips and the daily grind alike. Now, fresh off its second-best sales year ever, the 2011 Escape brings a wide array of standard and available upgrades like HD Radio technology, offering free access to digital radio broadcasts across the country, and the Ford-exclusive SYNC® wîth Traffic, Directions & Information – helping reduce distractions while accessing important route and traffic information.

Music lovers will enjoy the addition of HD Radio technology, which enables more listening options and digital sound quality. No additional equipment or cost is involved: To use HD Radio, listeners simply tune in their favorite station. If the station is broadcasting wîth HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded. SYNC wîth Traffic, Directions & Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone. SYNC’s new applications provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather.

Price: $21,215.

Safe And Convenient

Escape features Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors consisting of an outside rearview mirror designed wîth a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, which is aimed exclusively at the driver’s blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror, helping provide the driver a broader peripheral view. An available Rear View Camera System uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen, if equipped, to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse. Ford is leveraging the affordability of high-quality video cameras to widely offer the technology.

Fuel Economy

Ford Escape continues to offer advanced powertrain options that maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Buyers can choose a 171-horsepower, 2.5-liter I-4 engine wîth Intake Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) or an available 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 240 horsepower wîth i-VCT. A five-speed manual transmission is standard wîth the I-4 engine; I-4 buyers can also opt for the fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission that’s standard on V-6 models. Refined aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance tires also enhance fuel economy while contributing to a quiet, refined cabin environment. The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC). This technology replaces the manual linkage between accelerator and throttle wîth a control unit that calculates the optimal throttle position from a number of sensors.

ETC is a form of state-of-the-art, drive-by-wire technology. Additionally, the EPAS system replaces the traditional hydraulic power §teering pump. Because it operates only when required for §teering assistance, it contributes to lower fuel consumption than a hydraulic pump, which operates whenever the engine is running. Escape scores in both comfort and sustainability wîth their eco-friendly seats. The seats include soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products to conserve limited resources and reduce CO2 emissions. Eco-friendly seat fabrics made from 100 percent postindustrial recycled materials also are offered on Escape Hybrid.

To help encourage safe teen driving, Escape also comes standard wîth the Ford-exclusive MyKey system. Parents simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as:

•Limited top speed of 80 mph
•Traction control system that limits tire spin cannot be deactivated
•Audio system volume limited to 44 percent of maximum volume
•A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
All Escape models come wîth an Anti-lock Brake System and Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac® wîth RSC (Roll Stability Control™). The only available electronic stability control system wîth two gyroscopic effect sensors, AdvanceTrac wîth RSC measures vehicle motion about both the yaw and roll axes.

More Choices for Hybrid Buyers

Escape Hybrid for 2011 expects to continue its claim as America’s most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SÚV, based on 2010 EPA estimates. Hybrid models use a 2.5-liter I-4 designed to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle. An advanced engine processor enables nearly imperceptible transitions between gas and electric vehicle mode, and hybrid models also feature a powertrain damping system to reduce vibrations and feedback to the driver and other vehicle occupants.

The Escape Hybrid Limited is packaged for environmentally conscious buyers who still want a full complement of accessories and equipment. Along wîth its gas counterpart, the Escape Hybrid Limited features 16-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and exterior chrome accents, a standard six-speaker audio system, chrome and ebony interior touches and a luxury and convenience package that includes ambient lighting, heated front leather seating surfaces, a power moonroof, reverse sensing system, rearview camera and universal garage door opener.

Safety Technologies
Standard and available 2011 Ford Escape safety features include:

•AdvanceTrac traction control wîth RSC (Roll Stability Control)
•Safety Canopy®, a side air curtain technology offering protection for the first and second seating rows
•Personal Safety System™, a suite of seven safety technologies, including dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger, side air bags and a front passenger sensor system
•MyKey programmable vehicle key
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
•LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for CHildren) system on rear seating positions.