Ford - 2009 New Car and Truck Line-Up
The Blue Oval has introduced some new vehicles and new features for its existing vehicles in its 2009 car and truck line up. Ford has also kept its promise in improving its reliability of its vehicles. In addition, customers can expect good safety ratings from Ford's new 2009 line-up.
Ford's major product changes for 2009 model year are in the cross-over and truck area. Ford has introduced the new Ford Flex model. The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover vehicle that is perfect as a family car. It is a bold, boxy seven-seat vehicle with a roomy interior. Also, the F-150 full-size pickup received a complete redesign for 2009. Changes include new styling and a lighter and stronger chassis. It should continue as a leader in the truck market.
Other Ford models have also had some changes for 2009. A new Edge Sport model and a new Taurus SE model are now available. The Ford Escape received a 171 horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine, and the optional 3 liter V6 for the Ford Escape has more power, an additional 40 horsepower. The new engine also delivers improved fuel economy for the Escape.
Ford's full-size vans, E-Series, have new interiors, and the Expedition has a flex fuel option for its 5.4 liter V8 engine. The Ford Fusion now has a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard, and the new Fusion hybrid is due out later this year as a 2010 model. The hybrid will bring improved fuel economy to the Ford Fusion. And finally, the Ford Mustang now has a panoramic glass roof option for both the V6 and V8 which should impress customers.
Ford continues to improve its reliability with its 2009 line-up. According to a recent report from Consumer Reports magazine, almost all of Ford's models are now average or better than average in reliability. Ford leads the domestic manufacturers and is now starting to rival its Japanese competitors, Honda and Toyota, in vehicle reliability of its 2009 line-up.
The newer models, Ford Flex and F-150, are leading the way for the Blue Oval. Ford would be really giving Toyota and Honda a run for their money if it was not for a few poor performing truck models though. One in particular, the F-250, turbodiesel, performed worst in its class for reliability according to the Consumer Reports' study.
In terms of safety, Ford, like all the other automotive manufacturers, has made improvements for 2009. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recently announced its 2009 Top Safety Picks. Ford, and its brands, was one of the highest-ranking companies in the study. Ford makes 16 of the 72 vehicles that were on the final list. Leading the way for Ford was the Ford Fusion.
In summary, the largest changes for Ford for 2009 were the introduction of the new Ford Flex and the redesign of the F-150. Customers should also expect improved reliability in all of Ford's models, except a few truck models. Safety, especially for the Ford Fusion, is also a top attribute for Ford 2009 models.
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