Ford has a fixation on the Toyota Prius V, that homely hybrid schlepper of families who demand more cargo room for antiquing or obscenely large Fender stacks. “That popular hybrid that everyone’s talking about,” Ford snidely remarked in its presentation for the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid in West Hollywood, which got a chuckle out of us media types.
But here’s how things work in the product development team, issuing press releases that mention the Toyota Prius V with aplomb: Ford claims more mileage than the Prius V with their C-MAX. The C-MAX is $1,500 cheaper than the Prius V, before federal incentives. It has more range than the Prius V, more horsepower, and can drive in electric mode at a higher top speed as well.
The C-MAX, in itself, is a curious sight on our shores. Based on the European version, it comes to America as a relatively niche product; as a hybrid in lieu of gasoline and diesel versions that Ford sells in Europe, both variants that could eke out more sportiness and cargo room without battery packs. But “we wanted to offer something that was more unique, in terms of what we’ve got for a family vehicle,” says Ford, and a car that “is really speaking to an electrified type product as opposed to just a general product that offers a hybrid.”
So there you have it — the making of an epic brawl between the Ford C-MAX, a European transplant, and the Prius V. Seeing as there are currently no other hybrids in this weird pseudo-wagon segment, it’s an apt comparison. And one that, as we found out, is more complex than we thought.
New High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport, a Fully Capable SUV Certified to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy
The Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV is certified at 365 horsepower, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway mpg
The Ford Explorer Sport’s standard Terrain Management System™ has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased EcoBoost® power
Explorer Sport features an interior inspired by designer fashion accessories, sporty exterior cues, and 20-inch high-performance tires and wheels
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 24, 2012 – Ford’s new Explorer Sport will stand in a class of one when it goes on sale next month with an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating, the only seven-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to do so.
New for the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport arrives, packing a 365 horsepower EcoBoost® engine, high-fashion interior design and class-leading fuel economy.
“Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. “The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions.”
Explorer Sport mixes high-performance SUV power with fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. This is 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.
Explorer Sport scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the supercharged Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
No compromises
“Explorer Sport is an uncompromised high-performance SUV,” said Gubing. “From making changes to the chassis and suspension, uniquely calibrating the Terrain Management System for added power, we’re delivering an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”
The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better highway fuel efficiency.
Ford engineers also added chassis tunnel reinforcements and a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved pedal feel and response for drivers, both on-road and off.
This model comes standard with larger brakes for improved pedal feel, stronger resistance to fade and better performance while towing.
Explorer Sport also has received special Terrain Management System settings for optimizing increased power and torque in on-road touring and under sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent conditions. These changes enable a luxurious ride for driving enthusiasts, without the harshness or thirst for fuel of performance-intended competitors.
Development engineers validated snow settings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and returned to Borrego Springs, Calif. to fine-tune sand settings.
Sport-specific calibration optimizes increased EcoBoost power and consistent torque to specific conditions such as deep sand or snow, at the setting of a console-mounted knob.
Design elements
The 2013 Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.
Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.
The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars.
The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement.
Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.
The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.
Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.
Comfort, convenience, connectivity
As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:
Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC)
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rearview camera system
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers
Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options:
Adaptive cruise control
BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
Cooled seats
Inflatable rear seat belts
110-volt outlet
PowerFold mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
Remote Start
Power tilt and telescoping steering column
Adjustable pedals with memory
Dual-panel moonroof
Power liftgate
Class III trailer-towing package
Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility and goes on sale this fall. You can order your Explorer Sport at Waldorf Ford. We are located on Route 301 North in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
Yesterday, when I was out and about in a 2013 Explorer, I happened to stop at a local grocery store to pickup some things. As I was walking into the grocery store a woman I didn’t know stopped me to ask how I liked my Explorer.
Have you ever had this happen? Seems like I am always being asked about whatever vehicle I am driving – whether it is an Explorer, Edge, Fusion or Super Duty. My answers are always honest about what I like and don’t like, but they do always end up promoting what I am driving. I guess its because I won’t drive it if I don’t like it….but that is probably the case with most of us.
So what did I tell her you ask? Well simply that I really liked the Explorer. It handles well, is roomy and gets decent gas mileage for it’s size. I encouraged her to take it for a test drive at a local event sponsored by our dealership. Hopefully she will and we can add another promoter to the Ford family.
I don’t know where you live, but here in Southern Maryland the amount of pollen in the air is unbelievable. To make things worse we haven’t had any real rain in weeks. So everything is covered in a thick yellow/green layer of pollen and dirt. It’s driving me batty! The answer…wash my car of course
If you don’t want to go to the car wash, here are some tips from the good folks over at ConsumerReports.
When should I wash the car?
Don’t… wait for a layer of crud to accumulate before washing. Dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere all leach acids that can strip away wax and eventually eat into your car’s paint. If left too long, they can cause damage that requires sanding and repainting the area to correct.
Do… wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree-sap mist as soon as possible. Other than this, a weekly car wash will keep the finish in its best shape. In addition, if you live in an area that suffers from acid rain, rinse your vehicle off after a period of rainy weather. Otherwise, acidic chemicals in the rainwater will be left on the surface after the droplets have evaporated, leaving a mark that can permanently mar the paint.
What kind of products should I use?
Don’t… use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren’t formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax.
Do… use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb’s-wool mitt. See our car wax buying advice for tips on all types of waxes.
Grease, rubber, and road-tar deposits picked up from the road often accumulate around the wheel wells and along the lower edge of the body. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove these deposits, as they can quickly blacken your sponge.
Use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other debris that could mar the car’s finish. Mild soap and water may work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be required. Be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheels. A strong formula intended for mag wheels, for instance, can damage the clear coat that’s used on the wheels that come on today’s cars. To be on the safe side, choose a cleaner that’s labeled as safe for use on all wheels.
Are there any general guidelines I should follow when washing a car?
Don’t… wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.
Don’t move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don’t continue using a sponge that’s dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.
Do… rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car.
Work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface. And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water.
When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.
How should I dry the car when I’m done?
Don’t… let the car air dry, and don’t expect a drive around the block to do an effective job. Either will leave watermarks, which in areas with hard water are the minerals left after evaporation. In addition, don’t use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.
Do… use a chamois (natural or synthetic) or soft terry towels. If you choose towels, you may need several. It’s best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint. The drying process can be speeded up by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body, but be sure the rubber is pliable and that it doesn’t pick up bits of dirt that can cause scratches.
Well, there you have it. It’s a lot of work to keep your Ford vehicle clean, but will be well worth it when you decide to trade it in.
Stay tuned as we add more articles that hopefully you will find informative. If you have a topic you would like us to cover, feel free to email us at leads@waldorfford.com. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.
Usually if you ask 10 different people the same question you get 10 different answers. That wasn’t the case when I asked 10 people how they would go about picking a repair shop for their vehicle. The overwhelming majority said they would ask their friends and family. The rest said that they would go online to find a shop and read reviews. We were surprised to find that there really weren’t any other answers given.
So, we are guessing that the first way to find a shop is pretty straightforward, so we will take you through some of your online choices that will assist you in finding the right repair shop for your needs.
Google: The frontrunner of search engines. But Google is more than a search engine. It includes mapping, store information and most importantly reviews. Google will also be adding photo tours of locations, though this is new and not widely in use currently. If you want to see what information you can find, just click here to see the Waldorf Ford information.
Yelp: Yelp was started to help connect people with businesses. Their viewers have written over 25 million local reviews. They do not allow businesses to pay to change reviews and they don’t let businesses re-order the reviews. Yelp also posts deals from businesses, posts local events and lets Yelpers talk to each other. Click here to see the Waldorf Ford Yelp page.
Bing: Another widely used search engine. Completely independent of Google, so search results may be different from what you see when you search using Google. The information that Bing provides on the company listings isn’t as detailed as Google, but will get you what you need to make a call. To check out Waldorf Ford’s Bing listing, click here.
The last online resource we’ll cover is Yellow Pages.
Yellow Pages: The online replacement for the yellow pages section in the printed phone book. With so many people abandoning print it only made sense for them to publish online using the same name. It’s well organized and includes reviews. Business can buy premier listings that put them at the top of your search results. Click here for Waldorf Ford’s Yellow Pages listing.
That pretty much covers where you can find a repair shop online. Just go to any of these resources, enter the area you want to find service in and then enter “repair shop“, “auto repair“, “oil change”, “transmission repair”, etc. We are confident that you will find many places to choose from. Of course we hope that Waldorf Ford will be your pick from these lists. If you want to talk to one of our service advisors regarding servicing your vehicle, just give us a call at 301-843-2400 and ask for Ford Service. Or check us out online at Waldorfford.com. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.
Did you know that we are a Ford Certified Preowned dealer? Well, we are! We became a FCPO (Ford Certified Pre Owned) dealer because of the great benefits it has for our customers. It allows you to drive home in a late model Ford with peace of mind. Here are some of the benefits of the program:
Every FCPO vehicle goes through a rigorous and thorough 172 point inspection. We check the VIN, make sure all service recalls are performed, run a vehicle history report and perform any necessary scheduled maintenance. While its in the shop, the engine is tested and 35 items under the hood are checked and if necessary brought into spec. Then we take it for a Road test to make sure it runs and drives properly. The exterior and interior are both gone over with a fine toothed comb and any necessary repairs are performed. We check the frame, exhaust, tires, brakes and lots more! When we are done the vehicle is practically new!
The benefits of FCPO don’t end with the 172 point inspection. Every FCPO vehicle comes with peace-of-mind warranty coverage. The comprehensive limited warranty covers more than 500 components for 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever comes first) and the fully transferable powertrain limited warranty covers you for 7 years /100,000 miles. You can also choose to extend the warranty when you purchase your vehicle for extra assurance.
Wait, it doesn’t stop there either. FCPO vehicles also come with 24-hour roadside assistance. Complimentary roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Available services include:
* Towing assistance of up to $100 for warranty and non-warranty problems, including accidents (excludes impound and repossession)
* Travel expense reimbursement of up to $500, for up to 3 days lodging, meals and rental vehicle for travel expenses accrued when the breakdown occurs more than 100 miles from home
* Destination expense assistance of up to $75 for emergency transportation to the immediate destination
* Rental car reimbursement of up to $30 per day for up to 5 days
* Fuel delivery if the vehicle runs out of fuel — up to 2 gallons at no charge
* Flat-tire changes on site
* Jump starts for dead batteries
* Lockout assistance of up to $50 to unlock vehicle doors
* Service throughout the 50 United States and Canada
Not every vehicle has what it takes to become Ford Certified. Each Ford must be less than 6 years old and have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Additionally, the vehicle must pass the check of the vehicle history report.
Finally, when you purchase a FCPO you may be eligible for a special interest rate, which can be as low as 1.9% APR.
If you have any questions about the Ford Certified Preowned Program, check us out online at waldorfford.com or stop by and see us. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.
Our sales staff occasionally get asked questions like this, so we thought it might be time to answer it here.
So, we understand you are out looking for a new truck. With all of the advancements Ford has introduced over the past couple of years, we can understand why it it is so hard to pick. Here are some of the questions we ask to help narrow down the choices.
1. Are you going to do any towing? If yes,
a. Is the trailer a gooseneck, fifth wheel or bumper pull?
b. How much weight will you be towing?
c. How often will you be towing and where?
These questions help us determine which size truck you need – F150, F250, F350 etc.
2. How many people does it need to seat (or pets)?
This one helps determine whether you need a regular cab, Super cab or Crew Cab.
3. Will this be your daily driver or just a tow/haul vehicle?
Or better yet – is fuel economy important
4. Do you drive anywhere you might need 4 Wheel Drive?
5. Will you be carrying anything in the bed?
This will help us determine if you need a full 8 foot bed or if a shorter bed will work.
6. Is this for business use or personal use?
We ask all of these to help you make the right choice when purchasing a truck. Since the introduction of the Ecoboost V6, we are finding more and more that people that previously needed a diesel F250, can now have all of their towing and hauling needs met by the F150.
So, if you find yourself truck shopping, we hope you find these questions helpful. If you would like us to help, just stop by and see us. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC. We are proud to be your local Ford dealer.
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