Ford recently started working on a Ford Fiesta that uses diesel engine technology. And it gets 86.5 mpg. Wow! That’s unheard of.

There’s just one problem. It will only be available in Europe.

Nevertheless, U.S. drivers shouldn’t say “never.” With fuel prices on the rise and green consciousness gaining more favor, more drivers are interested in reducing their carbon footprint while saving on driving expenses. The diesel-powered Ford Fiesta could be the solution.

Reports are showing that diesel car sales are on the increase. In fact, sales for diesel vehicles have gone up by 35%.

When it comes to choosing between diesel engines or hybrid/electric technology, one consideration consumers should keep in mind is the cost of maintenance should you need to visit your dealer’s parts and service department. Diesel technology has been around a lot longer than hybrid and electric. You’ll find more qualified service technicians who are familiar with diesel engines than hybrid or electric.

At the end of the day, however, it all boils down to your own preferences. Diesel cars are green and clean. They are also efficient. And if you are going to buy fuel, you’ll spend less money in the long run.

A group of engineers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have put their heads together to create a car that can fly. It’s called Terrafugia Transition. Nice name, huh?

OK, so it’s not a Ford. But would you drive it if it was?

You never know what new technologies will come nor where they will come from. And you never know what companies will adopt new technologies as they become available. For many years advocates of hybrid and electric vehicles touted the benefits of those vehicles, but it wasn’t until just in the last couple of years that automakers – including Ford – started mass producing them. Will that ever happen with flying vehicles?

Flying cars are a different problem. That’s why the Transition requires a pilot’s license before an owner can take it up in the air. And early adopters paid nearly $300,000 for the privilege of ownership.

Maybe it will happen and maybe it won’t. But don’t write Ford out of the picture. If flying cars do become a popular item at some point in the future, then you never know. Ford could just pick up the mantle and drivers could be flying around the U.S. in their new Ford Taurus flying vehicle.

It could happen. No harm in dreaming, is there?

This four-cylinder sedan is larger than past models allowing for roomier and more comfortable transportation. The EcoBoost engines that will be available for the 2013 Ford Taurus Limited are turbocharged and provide V-6-caliber horsepower and torque. They provide this while maintaining 31 miles per gallon during highway driving. This is an impressive improvement from previous Taurus models and allows for Ford to gain a competitive edge with companies like Toyota that are known for their fuel efficiency.

If the optional 2-liter EcoBoost turbo engine is not acquired by the Ford consumer, the 2013 Ford Taurus Limited will come standard with a 290-horsepower V-6 engine. Each engine type will be connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will come equipped with twin independent variable camshaft timing.

Ford spent some time developing features that would allow for the better fuel efficiency so craved by consumers. These features include a low-tension accessory belt, a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor, smart battery management, more aggressive fuel shutoff, and reduced-friction lubricants. Ford also makes an appeal to those focused on reducing their carbon footprint, by providing seats and noise padding made from recycled materials, such as soy foam.

The steering and brakes have also been adjusted for the 2013 Ford Taurus Limited allowing drivers more control, a quicker ratio, and a shorter stopping distance.

All of these improved upgrades allow consumers to truly experience the luxuries of driving while remaining conscious of the economy and the environment.

For starters, the engine is a hefty 5.4-liter V8 that puts out 301 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and it offers a 6-speed transmission to boot. You might think you’d sacrifice some fuel efficiency with that, but you can expect the normal range for an SUV. It’s estimated EPA rating registers at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include:

• Child safety locks on rear doors
• Power door locks by remote
• Vehicle anti-theft by alarm, engine immobilizer and exterior monitoring
• Selectable 4-wheel drive
• Automatic locking hubs
• Wireless communication access for Bluetooth-enabled devices
• World class audio system
• Rear step up bumper
• Voice-activated controls for navigation, phone, audio, and Bluetooth
• Steering wheel mounted controls for audio and cruise control
• Super safety features and airbag system

And this is just the beginning. The 2012 Ford Expedition King Ranch is stacked with standard features, and the options are even better and include:

• Rear seat DVD entertainment system
• Navigation system
• HD radio
• Power running boards
• Remote ignition
• Captain-style bucket seats on the second row
• Storage cargo net
• Power moonroof
• A couple of special package options
• And much more

If your family likes cruising around in a comfortable, spacious, and in-style SUV, then the 2012 Ford Expedition King Ranch is about the best you can get in the average price range.

He recently talked about the future of cars and what automobile drivers will be driving 25 to 50 years from now. Among his recent predictions are:

• The number of vehicles will quadruple leading to major gridlock in world cities
• Future cars will be linked electronically and be driven in platoon-like formations
• Auto accidents will be prevented by a “rolling collection of sensors”
• Self-navigating vehicles will be the norm by the middle of the century
• There will be a single connected network that consists of pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles (also by the middle of the century)
• While in transit, or before you leave for your destination, you’ll be able to plot and reserve a parking space and your vehicle will park itself
• Your car will be able to communicate with school zones, traffic lights, and construction work sites through detection devices
• You’ll be able to take back control from your auto-pilot features within 5-10 years

Some of these predictions are not all that far-fetched. The technology is there. It just needs to be better harnessed and directed with more focus in order to accomplish some of these feats. And if Bill Ford is correct, you’ll be driving into your Ford dealer’s service department for routine maintenance on your in-dash technology.

The study has been conducted every year since 1990 and this year marks the biggest improvement in the auto industry since then. Overall, vehicles on the road in 2012 are 13% more dependable than they were last year.

Study was conducted using 2009 models of all vehicles and Ford Fusion won the best in the midsize car class.

Ford actually won three categories in the 2012 study, an outstanding achievement. 31,000 vehicles participated in the study and the total number of problems per 100 vehicles were 132. That’s the fewest number of problems overall since 1990.

Ford registered at only 124 problems per 100 vehicles and the Fusion won its class for the second year in a row. Some of the outstanding features in the 2009 model that helped push the car to the head of its class include ambient lighting, satellite radio, and five speed automatic transmission with traction control. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on one trim.

Ford has always been a leader in the automotive industry. It is constantly innovating and improving and consumers have long considered its vehicles models of dependability. Now, there is data to back that up.

In all honesty, the 2012 Ford Mustang V6 can be described as a “bare bones” model, but it still includes spotter mirrors, and with the performance package installed it has an impressive 3.31 gear ratio. Without the performance package you could still expect a 2.73 ratio.

The performance package also offers side, front, and rear black calipers with a glossy finish. Friction pads and a bigger front sway bar are included as well. There is also the SVT rear sway bar, front strut tower brace, unique front springs and very sporty 19-inch aluminum wheels. It also comes fitted with 255/40R19 tires.

Some of the reasons why the 2012 Ford Mustang V6 is so economical including the fact that there are no power seats and no built-in navigation system. It has no SYNC system, and the seats are cloth instead of the usual luxurious leather. It also does not feature automatic climate control. The steering wheel is standard and does not come with leather wrapping that you’d be accustomed to with other Ford Mustangs. And it doesn’t feature audio controls built into the steering wheel, but that doesn’t detract from the driving experience.

What the 2012 Ford Mustang V6 does offer is affordable access to a top-notch sports car. The features that are offered make this car more than worth the while. It does come with cup holders and tilt steering and also has handy map pockets. Another interesting feature is the dual light-up vanity mirrors.

A high-quality radio with a CD player is included as well amongst some other standard features. It’s easy to see that the Ford Mustang V6 offers everything you need while still allowing for a sense of indulgence.

This model offers great acceleration, and the performance should be more than adequate for the average driver. Getting into and out of tight spots or tiny parking spaces is a breeze with the optional reverse sensors. It’s a great way to ensure you don’t get too close while you’re reversing, and will keep you from scratching or dinging your new sports car. The handling of this car has been greatly improved upon in comparison to the previous model and this is because of the performance package’s larger front sway bar.

The 2012 Ford Mustang V6 has a dual exhaust setup, but it lacks the “rumbling exhaust” you’d associate with the GT Mustang, for example. It’s by no means a big deal, but it may be a slight let down for some driving enthusiasts. On the upside, the car handles like a dream, and it’s powerful as well as fast. It not only looks great, but it’s a pleasure to drive.

What’s that mean for auto consumers? It means if you want to buy a used Ford, then you’d better do it sooner rather than later.

In January, trade-in value for used mid-sized cars went up .9% in one week. Some vehicle trade-in values rose by as much as 50% year over year from 2010 to 2011. These prices are likely due to an increase in gasoline prices. Since auto dealers are also drivers, they have to increase car prices in order to maintain profits. Those are then passed on to consumers. The market is shifting.

Ford is still one of the least expensive vehicles on the road, and the features that Ford drivers enjoy are still some of the best. Whether you buy a used Ford or a new Ford, you’ll still enjoy the Ford brand.

The rise in used car prices was inevitable. It’s a matter of economics. That doesn’t make the frustration of the additional expense any better for drivers. But Ford understands that frustration. That’s why we are constantly striving to improve the driving experience, introducing new technology that saves fuel efficiency, and making driving a Ford safer.

Right now, there really isn’t a way to compare prices and costs between electric cars and fuel driven cars. That is the sticking point with consumers in addition to questions about charging stations, battery life and long distance traveling.

Some questions that are on the minds of consumers include how long will the batteries last between charges, how much will electricity cost them when charging the electric car at home and at public charging stations, how fast will the top speed be and what type of service and maintenance will be required.

Since electric cars will not need to have the oil changed or the spark plugs replaced, it is still a question of what exactly, will be needed during servicing at a dealership and the costs associated with the maintenance.

Ford has come a long way in electric vehicle technology. So, when they are able to match the MSRP of the electric car with a comparable medium for the consumer, more will be sold.

Since electric cars are still fairly new to consumers and still a work in progress with Ford, one of these days it won’t be impossible to see a large percentage of electric vehicles on the highways.

The F150 XL comes in 3 available engines – the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, 3.7L V6 FFV and the 5.0L V8 FFV. Adding the EcoBoost will give you 360 horsepower for the feel of the V8 and higher towing capacity, while the new 5.0 V8 engine (the same engine as the Mustang GT) has been retuned for increased low-end torque. Along with the new engines, electric power steering has been added.

Interior features include:

• climate control
• large, easy-to-read gauges
• fully flat load floor for maximum cabin-carry capacity
• dome lamps
• power locks with integrated keyless entry
• Powerpoint front and rear
• cruise control
• overhead console with storage bins
• fold-out cup holders
• Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
• auxiliary audio input
• two-ton jack capacity
• vinyl or cloth seating

The exterior gives the F150 XL the iconic look of Ford and includes features such as:

• painted front and rear step bumpers (or chrome in the optional package)
• black grille with bar-style insert
• removable tailgate with key and lift assist
• tailgate step
• box side steps
• cargo box tie-down hooks
• running boards
• power side mirrors with telescoping trailer tow
• quad-beam halogen headlamps
• skid plates
• Ford Work Solutions – cable lock system by Master Lock
• rear window with fixed solar tinted glass

The Ford F150 XL also comes with a bunch of standard safety features such as dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Safety Canopy side curtains, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, remote keyless entry and SOS post-crash alert system. It comes standard with stability control in addition to hill starter and trailer-sway control – a great feature for anyone who does serious hauling. You can also add features like a rearview camera.

Because electronic power steering was integrated with the engines for 2012, the F150 XL responds quickly and deftly to inputs. It handles extremely well for a pickup this size and with all of the customizable options it’s easy to find one that fits your exact specifications. Whether you need a no-nonsense work truck or seek a more luxurious, sporty truck experience, the 2012 Ford F150 XL has something to offer.