Vehicles: 2010 Fords – Performance and Innovation

Being the lone American carmaker not in dire financial trouble should be a significant competitive advantage for Ford (www.ford.com). However, they still have to deliver attractive cars to a demanding public that can choose from a multitude of multinational options. The newest Ford models offer an attractive combination of styling, technology, safety, and fuel economy. I test drove some of their premium models and came away impressed.

Ford has made a big splash into the hybrid pool with its brand new 2010 Fusion Hybrid. Unlike some of the other cars competing in this specialty group, the Ford looks good and performs brilliantly. My test vehicle was a radiant silver metallic with a stone-hued cloth interior. The model comes loaded with convenience and safety equipment, but the test car also included an option package with a power moon roof and 12-speaker Sony sound system. The package also had safety features like the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System – an innovation shared with corporate sibling Volvo) and a rear-view video camera.

The 2010 Ford Fusion.

When operating in electric mode, the car is incredibly quiet, almost disturbingly so. Sitting at a traffic light, you forget that the car is running, it is so silent. The advanced engineering allows the Fusion to operate solely on the electric motor up to 47 mph. The interior is comfortable and looks expensive. With multiple LCD displays, the dashboard seems like it belongs in a nuclear power plant control room. The ride is smooth, steady, and solid. Acceleration is fine, and the gas-powered engine kicks in when needed. Fuel economy is excellent, with a city rating of 41 mpg and highway of 36 mpg. An overall enjoyable ride, we’d say that environmentally and economically conscious buyers should strongly consider the new hybrid Fusion for their family driving needs. MSRP $27,270; as tested $29,590.

Another view of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Ford has a long history of delivering high-performance vehicles, and the new 2010 Mustang GT Premium (shown above) keeps that reputation intact. The test car had a luminous custom exterior color called Yellow Jacket. The interior was a plush charcoal black, with leather seating. The test car came with an optional automatic transmission, which I generally find unsatisfying in sports cars. However, the highly responsive engine and smooth computer-controlled shifting of the automatic made me forget about the lack of clutch and stick shift. Other options on the test car included a magnificent glass roof, a voice-activated navigation system and rear-view camera, painted nickel aluminum wheels, and dual-zone climate control with heated seats. Overall, this was a loaded and hot-looking road burner.

The new GT Pony is big for a sports car, but handles like some world-class competitors that are much more expensive. The suspension is extremely stiff, and the 19” tires hug the road on tight turns. Throttle response is instantaneous, and high-speed cruising is a pleasure. The steering and brakes are exceptional, creating the sensation that any challenging maneuver is manageable. The elegant interior offers all the necessary instrumentation and creature comforts. One small annoyance is the reflective silver glossy lining around the gauges and vents. The day of my test drive was very sunny, which resulted in a distracting reflection from the lining. Ford would be wise to replace this with a matte finish.

Overall, the newest Mustang GT takes some of the best styling cues from the 45-year history of the model while incorporating innovative technology. The car continues to deliver great performance, good looks, and fun. Sports car enthusiasts on a budget will be pleased. MSRP $31,845; as tested $39,680.

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

If you love the Mustang GT but have to haul the rugrats and all of their gear to soccer practice, than the 2010 Taurus SHO is your car. The Taurus was brought back from the dead by Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who was stunned that the successful model had been discontinued. The new Taurus is a brand-new design, and the top-of-the-line SHO is a beast. The tester I handled had a custom Red Candy Metallic Tinted CC paint job that added $295 to the base price. The interior was charcoal black with leather seating. SHO branding appears on the floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The console, instrument, and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. The keyless ignition system and paddle shifters on the steering column make the SHO seem like a sports car in a sedan package. Options included a power moon roof, Sony audio system with 12 speakers, voice-activated navigation system, 20-inch aluminum wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and multi-contoured seats.

The SHO interior is luxurious, comfortable, and supportive. The firm support is needed because this car loves to go fast, and with a twin turbocharged, 365hp Ecoboost V6, performance is breathtaking. For enthusiast drivers, the paddle controls allow complete control over gear selection. Squeezing either paddle delivers an economical up shift under acceleration, while gently pushing forward brings a smooth downshift. A sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System efficiently distributes torque to the wheels with optimum traction.

The SHO also features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering system and a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars, and strut-mount bushings. With all of these features, and in spite of its four doors, it feels like a serious sports car. Not unlike its predecessors, the new SHO is a “sleeper” sports sedan, that will blow much of the competition, and many sports cars, off the road. It will do this while delivering fuel economy, ample interior room, and abundant comforts. Everything considered, it is quite a package. MSRP $37,130; as tested $43,575.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ.

The last of the premium cars I drove was the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Lincoln has positioned this car in the entry level luxury sedan category. The MKZ certainly comes loaded with standard performance, comfort, and safety features. The exterior of my test car was silver metallic and the interior, steel gray with leather seating. Options on the test car included a THX sound system, a power moon roof, technology package, navigation package, and a sport-appearance package.

Not unlike the Taurus SHO, the MKZ feels like a luxurious sports sedan. It lacks the aggressive performance of the SHO, but still delivers a comfortable and responsive ride. The interior looks like a finely appointed and stylish den, with hi-tech instrumentation. The six-speed select-shift automatic transmission, which allows the driver to actively shift the gears, gave a sense of control lacking in most automatics. The ride is supportive and stiff enough to handle hard cornering comfortably. The car does everything well, but in a field crowded with refined competitors, some with lower prices, the MKZ will be in for a battle. MSRP $34,965; as tested $41,355.

Ford continues to deliver well-built, attractive automobiles. Their lineup of luxury and sport vehicles can compete successfully with any other carmaker. With their continued dedication to performance, safety innovation, comfort, styling, and good value for your money, Ford is likely to stay financially viable. Can anyone say the same for the other American auto manufacturers?

[Andy J. Gordon, a Los Angeles based marketing and strategy consultant, made his writing debut in “Brentwood” magazine. His interests include music, sports, consumer electronics, premium libations, fine dining, travel, fast cars, and enjoying life.]