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.

In the near future, Ford vehicles will come equipped with new features of their Sync System. The Sync System has been wildly popular for Ford fans by syncing smart phones to the vehicle so drivers can talk through the speakers of the vehicle.

With cloud-based auto technology, drivers will be able to virtually extend their offices into their vehicles. Customizable apps will be accessed from the Sync System just as you would on your phone, thereby bringing the internet into the Ford vehicle for any number of things.

You would be able to connect to Facebook, check your bank balance and have the ability to let your Ford vehicle tell you when it’s due for maintenance along with voice-activated controls for better safety.

Ford is also looking at the ability for automobiles to be able to talk to each other to avoid heavy traffic, hazardous conditions among other things. This is almost unheard of but something that is being studied.

Cloud-based auto technology is here and will only grow ever larger with the available apps for Ford vehicles now. We never thought we would see the day that we drive into a Ford Service department, not to get the oil changed but to have a qualified technician work on your cloud apps. You just don’t know where information technology will lead us next.

No longer do you have to take time off from work, visit several dealerships, or sit in an office the rest of the day waiting to find out information and complete all paperwork on your next Ford vehicle. Now, you can simply look at several cars, enter the vehicle’s VIN number into the iphone app. The next thing you know, you have the information on that vehicle right at your fingertips.

Perhaps you only have time to enter the information and be on your way, you can also have the information sent to your email address so you can look at it in your spare time.

The Carfax VIN iphone app is a free download and very easy to use. You have the option of entering the VIN number or the license plate number into the app. Additionally, you can take a photo of the numbers as well to enter the information manually.

Ford vehicles can easily be found on the VIN iphone app by Carfax. This new technology will free your time up while helping you find your next Ford vehicle with the touch of your fingers. Visit your local Ford dealership and try it out on the ford vehicles of your choice.

The North American Car of the Year contest is held annually and auto manufacturers compete to have one of their vehicles in the top spot for the best improvements overall in their vehicles. The Ford Focus is one of three finalists for the award and the winner will be announced in January during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford manufacturers are very pleased with the Ford Focus and are proud to show it off. It’s no wonder either with all the new features that are in the 2012 model. Some of those features include:

• Rear stabilizer bar and control blade rear suspension, which resists body rolls.
• Twin independent variable cam timing. A self-adjusting cam so that you can really let her fly while saving fuel.
• Six speed automatic transmission. Some models are also available with a touch button to change gears.
• Electronic Power Assist Steering with pull drift compensation. This is specifically tuned to each Ford Focus and the driver will see enhanced control and responsiveness.
• Torque Vectoring Control. The Ford Focus hugs the road in curves so the driver will experience an exhilarating ride.
• Electronic Stability Control. With this technology, all four wheels will be monitored at once to keep the Ford Focus stable during certain road conditions. Just another advancement in helping the driver stay safe on the road.
• Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers. Now, you don’t have to turn the wipers on, they will come on for you when rain is sensed on the windshield. They will also adjust the speed of the wipers by the intensity of the rain.
• Active Park Assist. Not only does the Ford Focus have the imaging monitors, the active park assist also uses sensors for objects around the vehicle when parking. Not only that, the Ford Focus can virtually park itself when the active park assist is activated.
• Intelligent Access With Push Button Start. No more keys! Simply push a button to unlock the doors and to start the engine.
• Voice Activated Navigation System. Sirius Satellite traffic and travel links are integrated into the system to allow the driver access to road conditions, directions, places to eat and places to stay.

The 2012 Ford Focus will be an awesome sight on the roads. It is easy to see that the Ford Focus could very well be the next 2012 North American Car of the Year. You can drive with confidence behind the wheel of a Ford Focus knowing you’ll spend a lot less time in your Ford dealer’s service department.

The 2012 Ford Flex is ideal for busy parents who have precious cargo to carry. With 7 trims available (SE FWD, SEL FWD, SEL AWD, Limited FWD, Limited AWD, Titanium FWD, Titanium AWD), and an MSRP range from $29,355 to $39,995, you’re sure to find the right one to fit your budget.

Features At-a-Glance

The 2012 Ford Flex SEL gets 17 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, offers an interior air filter ideal for allergy sufferers, AM/FM radio, CD player and MP3 player and front seat belts with height adjusters perfect for smaller adults and children.

Standard Features

The Flex offers an array of standard features designed with convenience and comfort in mind. The theater-style rear seating is ideal for long business trips or family vacations, as is the driver manual lumbar support. Keyless entry is perfect for when your hands are too full with children or packages to get inside. Front and rear map lights can be used for finding your way or for passengers to read on late-night trips.

Safety Features

The vehicle is also designed with plenty of safety features so you and your family can feel secure both on and off the road. Front seatbelt height adjusters ensure smaller adults and children of age to travel without a child safety seat are safely secured. The rear electronic parking aid is created to help you back with confidence. With crash sensors that automatically unlock doors, you’ll be able to exit the vehicle safely in the event of an emergency.

Engine Specs

3.5-Liter Duratec(R), V6, 24-Valve, DOHC, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 262@6250, Torque Of 248@4500, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Heads, 6-Speed automatic transmission. Roadside Assistance Warranty for 60000-Miles, 60-Months. ULEV II Emissions, Easy Fuel(R) Capless Fueling.

Design Features

The 2012 Ford Flex is not only a safe, comfortable car to drive, but it also looks good on the road. This vehicle comes in 8 colors and is carpeted from hood to trunk. The hammered metal trim on the instrument panel complements the painted obsidian trim on the center floor and console. The leather steering wheel provides a comfortable and attractive grip while you drive.

With the 2012 Ford Flex SEL, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. 7 different trims, 8 exterior colors and loads of safety and comfort features. When it comes to choosing a reliable vehicle for your family, Ford has got you covered.

Carfax has released a new iphone app that allows iphone users the ability to check a vehicle’s history. There is even an option that will allow the user to scan the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the app instead of having to type the letters and numbers in. You can still type the information in if you prefer, but the idea to scan it by taking a photo prevents an incorrect VIN number from being entered.

The VIN is a unique set of numbers and letters that identifies every vehicle on the road. Each vehicle has its own set of VINs. When doing Ford VIN research, there is a 17-digit code that is typically found on the driver’s side of the dash at the bottom of the windshield. It can also be found inside the driver’s door.

This is great news for auto shoppers as they will now be able to virtually get a report of any car that interests them. The app itself is free, but there is a fee for obtaining reports as in the past. Since there are approximately 40 million used vehicles sold in the United States each year, timing is ripe for Carfax to release this new app. And Ford is embracing the new technology. Ford VIN research has never been easier.

The Carfax app is incredibly easy to use. Navigating the screens is very easy with a tap or two and the report is ready for you. It can even be sent to your email for later access. The most popular method of getting the report is using the VIN number, but you can use the license plate number where applicable. Additionally, you can scan the bar code that is unique to a particular vehicle.

Buying a Ford vehicle is getting better every day.

But the Ford vehicles that did end up on the best buys list of 2012 are super cars. There’s no doubt about that. Here’s a list of the honors:

• Ford Focus, Best Compact Car
• Ford Fusion, Best Family Car
• Ford Taurus, Best Family Car (second car on that list, thank you very much)
• Ford Mustang, Best “Sporty” Vehicle
• Ford F-150, Best Full-Size Pickup
• Ford Explorer, Best Midsize SUV
• Ford Fusion Hybrid, Best Hybrid

That’s a great list and something to be proud of. Don’t you agree?

Just a couple of notes. If you thought the Ford Mustang was a thing of the past, think again. You should never write off a classic. The 2012 Mustang is every bit as cool as any of those old 1960s models everyone goes oogle-eyed over.

The Ford Explorer is an SUV for the future. It’s the only vehicle on the road with a driver alert technology that is catching a lot of news. Ford is in the lead on this technology and if you want an SUV you can drive and be proud of, the Ford Explorer is the one.

• S
• SE
• SEL
• SEL AWD
• Sport
• Sport AWD

The technology is due to arrive in 2012 with the Ford Explorer, which will be the only vehicle on the road with this technology.

Using a camera system behind the rear view mirror, the system analyzes road lines to ensure that you stay in your line while driving in case you nod off. While you should really pull over and stay in a motel if you’ve driven your fair share of miles in one day, this technology could save your life on long road trips.

Another aspect of the technology, however, is a visual and audible signal on the dashboard that tells you when it’s time to get a cup of coffee. The vehicle system will analyze your vehicle movements to determine that you are dozing and then you’ll hear a chime and see a coffee cup signal. Time to pull over.

While technological innovations such as this often lead to other vehicle manufacturers adopting something similar, Ford can proudly say it’s ahead of the curve on this one. And if you are a Ford driver, you can know that you’ll soon be staying between the lines – even in your sleep.

Let’s start with AWD with an MSRP of $36,650.

The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with 24 valves. For put out, you get 285 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The torque is set at 253 at 4,000 rpm.

The transmission is a 6-speed automatic and the fuel efficiency rating is 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The FWD version is priced just a little lower with $34,800 MSRP, and the fuel efficiency is slightly higher at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Sticking with the latter, standard features include:

• Vehicle anti-lock via engine immobilizer
• Child safety locks on rear doors
• Power disc brakes with 4-wheel anti-lock
• SD card reader
• SYNC telematics with automatic collision notification
• Wireless communication access for Bluetooth-enabled devices
• Satellite radio
• Voice activated controls for navigation system, phone, audio, and Bluetooth devices
• Audible seatbelt warnings
• Steering wheel mounted controls for audio, cruise control, instrumentation, and wireless devices
• State-of-the-art safety features
• And a whole lot more