1993 Ford Mustang Special Edition Triple White 5.0 Convertible on 2040-cars

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2013 Ford Explorer Sport

When one speaks of sporty and fun-to-drive utility vehicles, few would put the Ford Explorer in the same category as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Yet, with just a few reservations, I'd toss the new-for-2013 Ford Explorer Sport close to that arena for consideration.
As a recap, the sportiest of Explorers is fitted with Ford's twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, making 365 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque. Acceleration is brisk (figure about 7 seconds to 60 miles per hour), as power goes to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Contributing to its more athletic demeanor are larger front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, chassis upgrades, quicker steering ratio and a more aggressive wheel/tire package. Cosmetically, the Sport is distinguished by its blacked-out lights, black trim and noticeable lack of chrome (with the exception of the door handles).
Ford recently handed me the keys to a Ruby Red Metallic Explorer Sport. Rather than mindlessly drive the big seven-passenger all-wheel drive hauler in soccer mom circles around Los Angeles, I loaded up my family and embarked on a long weekend road trip to Yosemite National Park.

Ford lowers MPG ratings on six vehicles

Ford has announced that it will be lowering the fuel economy ratings on a number of its 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles after an error was discovered in the company's internal testing data. The EPA has been notified.
Worryingly for Ford, the vast majority of the vehicles affected are hybrids, including the C-Max, Fusion and MKZ in both hybrid and plug-in varieties (where applicable). Also covered as part of the rerating is the entire lineup of 2014 Fiesta engines, with the exception of the ST, including the turbocharged, three-cylinder EcoBoost.
The C-Max was originally rated at 47/47/47 mpg, but dropped to 43/45/40 last year and now to 40/42/37.

Ford recalls 200,000 vehicles for brake lights that won't turn off

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles because their brake lights may not turn off. Drivers of affected vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions may also be able to shift the vehicles out of Park even when their foot is off the brake. That increases the risk of a rollaway and could cause a crash. According to documentation posted on NHTSA's recall hub, a separated brake pedal bumper is to blame for the issue. The recall applies to "certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii." The safety regulator adds that "exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to disintegrate and separate from the brake pedal." Owners of affected vehicles should expect notification of the recall in early March. They will be directed to the dealership of their choice to have their brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers replaced free of charge. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.