1993 Ford Mustang on 2040-cars

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #329 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #329 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #329
Subcompact sales slump, yet again

Car Stories: Owning the SHO station wagon that could've been

A little over a year ago, I bought what could be the most interesting car I will ever own. It was a 1987 Mercury Sable LS station wagon. Don't worry – there's much more to this story. I've always had a soft spot for wagons, and I still remember just how revolutionary the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable were back in the mid-1980s. As a teenager, I fell especially hard for the 220-horsepower 1989 Ford Taurus SHO – so much so that I'd go on to own a dozen over the next 20 years. And like many other quirky enthusiasts, I always wondered what a SHO station wagon would be like. That changed last year when I bought the aforementioned Sable LS wagon, festooned with the high-revving DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed manual transmission from a 1989 Taurus SHO. In addition, the wagon had SHO front seats, a SHO center console, and the 140-mph instrument cluster with mileage that matched the engine. When I bought it, that number was just under 60,000 – barely broken in for the overachieving Yamaha-sourced mill. The engine and transmission weren't the only upgrades. It wore dual-piston PBR brakes with the choice Eibach/Tokico suspension combo in front. The rear featured SHO disc brakes with MOOG cargo coils and Tokico shocks, resulting in a wagon that handled ridiculously well while still retaining a decent level of comfort and five-door functionality. I could attack the local switchbacks while rowing gears to a 7,000-rpm soundtrack just as easily as loading up on lumber at the hardware store. Over time I added a front tower brace to stiffen things a bit as well as a bigger, 73-mm mass airflow sensor for better breathing, and I sourced some inexpensive 2004 Taurus 16-inch five-spoke wheels, refinished in gunmetal to match the two-tone white/gunmetal finish on the car. That, along with some minor paint and body work, had me winning trophies at every car show in town. And yet, what I loved most about the car wasn't its looks or performance, but rather its history. And here's where things also get a little philosophical, because I absolutely, positively love old used cars. Don't get me wrong – new cars are great. Designers can sculpt a timeless automotive shape, and engineers can construct systems and subsystems to create an exquisite chassis with superb handling and plenty of horsepower. But it's the age and mileage that turn machines into something more than the sum of their parts.

Ford issues recalls for Fiesta, Fusion, E-Series, and Lincoln MKZ

Ford has issued two new safety recalls for North America. The first covers certain 2014-15 Ford Fiestas, 2014-16 Ford Fusions, and 2014-16 Lincoln MKZs with doors that might not close properly. The second pertains to 2021 Ford E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway vehicles with a wiring harness that might chaffe and expose important wiring.    Ford is recalling 268,343 Fiesta hatchbacks, Fusion sedans, and MKZ sedans across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 248,912 of the affected vehicles located in the U.S. The recall says the "latch pawl spring-tab design" could crack in locations where the temperature gets too hot. If the tab breaks, the door might not shut. Or, worse, the door will shut temporarily and reopen once the vehicle is in motion. As a fix, Ford dealers will remove and replace the side door latches. In a separate recall, Ford is targeting 3,631 2021 E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway vehicles. These vehicles could have frame-mounted wiring harnesses that could deteriorate and break due to rubbing on the frame. If the chaffing wears down the harness, wiring for the fuel, trailer tow, and antilock braking systems could be exposed and damaged. In the worst-case scenario, the damage to the fuel pump wiring could cause the pump to stop working, which could stall the vehicle.  Those with affected E-Series vehicles should bring them in to dealerships for inspection. If there is no damage, technicians will add anti-abrasion tape over the area and "ensure clearance to surrounding components." If the harness is damaged, the wiring will be spliced and fixed, then anti-abrasion tape will be added. Ford also issued a third recall, but it is specifically for the Canadian market. On 54,292 examples of 2006-10 Ford Fusions, 2006-10 Mercury Milans, and 2006-10 Lincoln MKZs, a valve inside the hydraulic control unit might stick open. According to Ford, this could result in a longer brake pedal travel, which could possibly create dangerous situations if the driver is unaware. Dealerships will inspect the control units and replace those that are defective. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport Leaks!!