Tag: Ford

  • The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2021 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2021 iteration of the Ranger?

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Trim Levels

    The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

    XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

    Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

    Off-Roading

    The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

    The TMS,

    in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

    When and How Much?

    Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2021. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

    For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.


  • 2021 Ford Ranger: A Worthy Compact Pickup?

    2021 Ford Ranger: A Worthy Compact Pickup?

    After a long eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger is back on the market. The 2021 iteration of the vehicle comes in a bit bigger and meaner than some prior builds, which reflects modern trends towards overall larger vehicles, even among compacts. Today we’re looking at the Ford Ranger to get a feel for its features and whether it’s a worthy successor to the name. Let’s talk about compact pickups!

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Styling

    The vehicle is stylish, to be sure. Fans of Ford’s trucks, like the F-150, will be pleased by the smooth curves and stylish creases found along the body. The grille is narrow and sleek, and the truck has an overall feeling of elegance and stylishness not found in some competitors’ compact trucks. It’s hard to mistake this vehicle for anything but a Ford, with its telltale body lines and iconic styling.

    Interior

    One of the weak spots for this new Ford Ranger is the interior. While far from “bad,” it’s not quite up to par with a lot of the competition. The build quality of some of the plastics, such as on the door and in the center console, is lower quality than we’d expect. Despite being a brand-new model for 2021, the Ranger’s interior feels straight out of 2009.

    On the positive side, the infotainment system is stellar and quite user-friendly. It’s not hard to get your music going, to navigate through unfamiliar regions, and to handle all of your setting through the big touch screen.

    Engine

    What the Ranger is missing in the interior it more than makes up for under the hood. This is where that Ford name really means something: the engine can put out some serious torque, coming in at 310 pound-feet. It’s sporting 270 horses, and it puts out that satisfying rumble when you gun it. Interestingly, the same four-cylinder engine is present at all trim levels.

    While the Ford Ranger’s base trim offers a better engine than most other compact trucks, the lack of options to upgrade to a V6 or diesel engine is notable. Most competitors’ compact pickups offer these as options, though this doesn’t mean that the Ranger’s engine is bad. It’s just an odd design decision.

    Towing

    Arguably the most important thing for a pickup is its ability to tow and haul. Thankfully, the Ranger has that area covered. The truck comes standard with a 6-foot bed, and can carry upwards of 1,560 pounds of payload. This makes it, far and away, the best pickup in the class for hauling cargo in the bed.

    Meanwhile, it can tow up to 7,500 pounds, putting it near the top of the heap among compact pickups. Really, the only truck in the compact class beating the Ranger in terms of towing is the Chevy Colorado, which tows 7,700. A difference of 200 pounds isn’t enough to be notable for most uses.

    Safety Features

    Another important factor of any vehicle is the safety features. The Ranger offers a number of features standard, from the rearview camera to the forward collision warning. Automatic emergency breaking accompanies the pre-collision system, making the vehicle safer for many drivers.

    Another huge safety features is the Ford MyKey system, which allows the primary driver to set volume level maximums and top speed limits for secondary drivers. This means you don’t have to worry about a teen driver cranking up the music and flying down the road!

    Pricing

    The base trim for the Ford Ranger comes in at $24,000, making it a rather affordable purchase for most people. Higher trim levels can get up to $38,000 or more, depending on the options you want to add to the vehicle. Either way, this is a solid compact pickup, and a good choice for anyone who needs to tow cargo.


  • 2020 Ford F-150 Preview: What to Expect

    2020 Ford F-150 Preview: What to Expect

    The newest offering from Ford, the 2020 model of the ever-popular F-150 line, is set to release later this year. However, in the meantime, we’ve got plenty of juicy details about just what to expect from the upcoming, high-tech, high-powered truck. There’s a lot to love about what Ford is bringing to the table! But is the F-150 still going to be on top of heap when it comes to pickups when this truck hits dealerships?

    2020 Ford F-150

    Balance

    It’s important to strike a balance when you’re designing a truck like the F-150. On the one hand, you want to have the power to tow a lot of weight, but you also want to make the ride comfortable and the technology needs to be cutting edge. It’s also important that Ford balance the luxury of their F-150 with a reasonable base price, as well as a variety of trim levels to please all types of customers.

    It appears as though the 2020 F-150 is slated to strike that balance relatively well. Notably, the V-8, 6.7-liter turbo diesel engine under the hood offers a ton of power for heavy-duty jobs. However, the vehicle also comes sporting a ton of driver assist technology, connectivity, and high-end luxury to make it a modern vehicle.

    Engine

    The engine under the hood is expected to be a beast. While the current projections are for a 450 horsepower engine, with 35,000 pounds of towing capacity, that could be a conservative estimate. In January, Ford posted projections that they wanted the new vehicle to have as much as 35,100 pound of towing, with 7680 pounds of payload.

    There are expected to be three engines available at various trim levels. All three will be offering a ton of power, though the diesel-powered option will allow for a lot more fuel efficiency than the others. In short, there’s a lot to look forward to in the powertrain of the 2020 Ford F-150, and you can expect serious power from the newest line of Ford’s trucks.

    Technology

    While we’re not yet sure what will come standard on the 2020 F-150, it’s clearly shaping up to sport a wide array of driver assist technologies. For instance, expect to see lane-keeping technology, emergency braking assist, advanced backup camera, lane merge warnings and more. On top of these technologies, expect to see a ton of new connectivity technology.

    The car will offer a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten wireless devices. It’ll offer this through a 4G LTE modem, making it a high-speed connectivity option and helping you to keep your data bill down for your phone! Also expect a huge infotainment screen, a fast-acting UI and a wireless charging pad. Namely, this pad will be a Qi-enabled charger that can wirelessly charge most new phones.

    Redesigns

    The 2020 Ford F-150 is expected to bring some major redesigns for the line. These are expected to hit both the exterior and the interior of the car. Firstly, the outside of the vehicle, expect to see new grilles on all trim levels. The exterior redesign makes the vehicle look sleeker, meaner and more modern. Higher trim levels will include the signature daytime running lamps, and the brake lights will be of a new, single-light style.

    On the interior of the vehicle, expect to see a number of new features. These will partly be related to trim level, while all trims can expect a more luxurious and plush ride. As the Ram line becomes more and more luxury-focused, Ford will have to make moves to keep up with the luxury changes. As such, the interior redesign will likely be more noticeable at higher trim levels.


  • The Scoop on the New 2019 Ford Ranger

    The Scoop on the New 2019 Ford Ranger

    Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2019 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2019 iteration of the Ranger?

    2019 Ford Ranger

    Trim Levels

    The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

    XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

    Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

    Off-Roading

    The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

    The TMS, in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

    When and How Much?

    Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2019. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

    For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.

  • Meet the New 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup

    Meet the New 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup

    Eight years since the last time we saw a Ford Ranger, the line has been resurrected and rides again. That’s right, 2019 is the return of the Ford Ranger! The mean new appearance and steel frame give it a new edge that makes it that much more of a powerhouse. There’s a lot of cool new features on display with the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger. While fans of Ford’s production will love it, is the new Ford Ranger pickup right for the average driver?

    New 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup

    The Body

    In appearance, the new Ford Ranger has more in common visually with its Ford F-150 cousin than the line from which it gets its name. The vehicle is far from an all-new beast, though: the front grille and headlight spacing are both reminiscent of the original Ranger designs.

    Fans of the older, smaller Ford Ranger might be a bit disappointed by the larger body and big cab interior. However, smaller pickups have been out of fashion for a while, and soaring sales of full-sized trucks have driven the trends to bigger vehicles.

    However, those looking for a more trim, zippy truck shouldn’t fret: the new Ranger is still notably smaller than the F-150. The Ranger is definitely a great midway point for those who don’t quite wanta full-sized truck but still want to drive a pick-up truck.

    Under the Hood

    The most notable aspect of any given Ford vehicle is always the engine. Ford’s powertrains are always powerful and impressive, and the new Ford Ranger is no different. The engine puts out a powerful 270-horsepower and does so on a Turbo 4-cylinder build. While it might sound like the engine would slurp down gas like no one’s business, this isn’t even the case! It sports a solid 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles on the highway.

    Options Aplenty

    There are a number of options on display with the Ranger. For instance, there are two different cabs to choose from. SuperCab and SuperCrew each sport variations on the modern Ford interior, including infotainment systems, Ford Sync 3, Alexa functionality and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

    Off-roading options are available, including skid plates and off-road tires. Those looking for a meaner machine can also opt for higher power LED head and tail lights, Ford Smart Trailer Tow connector and several other great options. What’s more: even more options are available throughout the various trim levels, letting you choose just how luxurious you want your truck to be.

    Trim Levels

    When the Ford Ranger hits dealerships near you, it’ll be with three trim levels. The first of these is the XL, followed by the XLT trim level and finally the Lariat trim. There are also packages available for off-roading available in the XLT and Lariat trims, the FX4 and FX2 packages. For those who love the look of their vehicles, Sport and Chrome appearance packages are both available to spice up your ride.

    Off-road tuned shocks, Terrain Management system and tuned-up suspension are all available for the off-roading packages. These features might sound familiar to Ford faithful: a lot of these features have already been seen on the F-150 Raptor pattern trucks.  The Terrain Management System, for instance, first appeared on that vehicle. This system helps your vehicle change into different modes for various grass, gravel, sand and snow conditions, allowing it to grip and perform in any terrain.

    As for other features, the trim levels introduce a number of higher-end safety features. For instance, the XLT and Lariat trims both offer blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, lane departure warning and more. All trim levels will be including emergency braking and a few other features.

    Interior Options

    The Ranger has an infotainment system that sports an 8-inch screen, giving drivers and passengers both access to the fun features within. As we mentioned earlier, all trim levels include Amazon Alexa support as well as Apple and Android phone integration. Passengers can use optional 4G LTE in the vehicle if you opt for this option, and you could also upgrade to the LCD productivity screen for the instrument cluster.

    The productivity screen includes navigation maps and GPS audio at the same time. Another option you can scale up to is the Bang & Olufsen Play audio system. This allows you to upgrade your system if you’re a big audiophile and plan on jamming loud music in your vehicle.

    Pricing and Availability

    The base XL trim starts right at $24,300, which makes the Ranger a very competitively-priced vehicle. This puts it in the same range as the GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma vehicles. On the other end of the spectrum, the Lariat trim level with all-wheel drive and all the fixings will run you a solid $38,385, making it a competitor for high-end trucks in the field.

  • Unsold SUV Inventory Causing Prices to Drop

    Unsold SUV Inventory Causing Prices to Drop

    Getting a great, affordable deal on an SUV or luxury SUV may seem too good to be true. But there’s never been a better time than right now to buy SUVs at reasonable prices – and that’s because many dealerships are being left with excess inventory due to a combination of market demand shifts and an overproduction of SUVs by manufacturers.

    Many of the top SUV lines have not changed in recent years, but due to last years unsold models prices are dropping. This is making it very easy to steal a great deal on an SUV.  The auto market is making SUVs more affordable than usual – but this climate won’t last forever. You need to start looking for new SUV deals now if you want to take advantage of the available incentives; odds are they won’t last long.

    Two developments in the auto marketplace have combined to put considerable downward pressure on the prices of new SUVs. The turn over market for leased vehicles is giving buyers a lot of gently used recent model SUVs you can buy used.  Then we have the fantastic shift in consumer demand away from sedans and towards SUVs. When there is a demand, surplus of supply follows. New SUVs are now more affordable than ever, thanks to a surplus of unsold inventory from the 2018 model year, manufacturers are scrambling to clear space for new 2019 models.

    If you’re in the market for an SUV of any kind, acting now could save you substantially. Here’s what you need to know about SUVs and luxury SUVs: why they’re more affordable now and how you can find the best deals.

    How You Can Save BIG Right Now On A New SUV

    Thanks to these 3 major shifts in the marketplace, you have a tremendous opportunity to get the vehicle you want an extremely low price

    • Consumers are giving back their leases at an epic rate4. This left thousands of dealerships with barely used cars that have very few miles on them

    • A shift from large gas-guzzling SUVs to more efficient and reliable cars

    • The model year is coming to a close and dealerships need space for new cars

    These conditions combined to form the perfect storm. Now consumers have access to the latest crossover SUVs and trucks at rock bottom prices.

    New OR Used?

    Should I buy new or used? That is the question, and everyone you asks has an answer and a reason and an Uncle with a story. the Truth is it depends. Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are sound reasons to buy new and sound reasons to buy used.

    Too often the only questions we ask ourselves: Will I look good behind the wheel? and How big a monthly car payment can I afford? Neither of these questions will help you make smarter car buying decisions. Buying a car based on how much car payment you think you can afford per month will almost always ensure you buy too much car and pay too much for it. It’s also the wrong question to ask yourself when deciding between new and used.

    Luxury SUVs?

    Luxury SUVs are typically sports utility vehicles with premium features that go well above and beyond the basic necessary function. High-end materials, like wood and leather, are often incorporated into the interiors of luxury vehicles, as are premium sound systems and other advanced infotainment features. Enhanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, are also usually found on luxury models but not the average SUV.

    Luxury vehicles also tend to involve a special performance component. Many, though not all, luxury SUVs feature powerful engines and perform beyond the level of a basic SUV, Consumer Reports writes. Performance SUVs often include enhanced transmissions, suspensions, and braking for a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

    New Options

    There are a lot of benefits of purchasing new. You can get the latest technology, including things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most new cars come with Bluetooth phone connectivity, so you can use your phone legally while driving, without having to purchase an aftermarket Bluetooth interface. Automobiles come from the factory with warranty coverage for at least the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That gives you a predictable cost of ownership over the first few years you own it, without much risk of a huge repair bill. Purchasing a new car is easier than buying used. With so many versions of the model you want at the dealership, you’ll likely find the car you are looking for on the lot. If not, your local dealer can trade inventory with another dealer to find the exact model, option list, trim level, and color you are looking for.

    Manufacturers also offer special financing incentives and lease deals on new cars that aren’t typically found on pre owned models. If you do the math, some zero percent financing deals can bring the total amount of money you’ll pay for the car down to the level of used cars with traditional financing. If you are seeking a loan from a bank or credit union, you will generally be offered a lower interest rate on a new vehicle than you would on a preowned model.

    Best New SUV Deals

    Chevy

    Chevy has some great purchase options on the 2019 Equinox.  The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LS/Premier/LT is getting 0% APR for 72 months for qualified buyers.That monthly payment is $13.89 for every $1000 you finance. In addition to that they have $4876 in rebates and incentives. The Equinox doesn’t skimp on standard features, rounding out a truly versatile compact SUV and one of the best buys on the market.

    Ford

    The Expedition and Explorer from Ford, lets check these out. Ford is throwing financing offers at their top end SUVs. Making some very attractive offers. Along with rebated and incentives they are putting up 2.90% financing for 84 months on Explorer and Expeditions.  Now I never recommend taking a 7th year financing option but it will drastically reduce your monthly payment. While not adding to much to your total cost.

    Infiniti

    Infiniti has some offers you may want to explore and some great new SUV deals. Cost on these high end luxury SUV are quite comparable and affordable. Boasting four models in 2016, Infiniti offered a crossover vehicle or sport utility vehicle for almost any luxury preference. An entry-level compact premium crossover, the Infiniti QX50 was heavily revised for the 2019 model year. Snagging 0.9 percent APR financing for 60 months is offered on remaining 2018 QX50 models. Infiniti’s flagship QX80 is also featured with 0.9 percent financing. The only 2018 Infiniti vehicle to be available with front-wheel drive, seven-passenger crossover QX60 can be acquired with 60-month, 1.9 percent APR financing. For people requiring aid due to a physical disability, the Infiniti Mobility Assist offer provides a reimbursement for approved equipment meant to improve accessibility.