Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford says it already has 8,000 orders for new Escape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Ford Escape - front three-quarter view at sunrise

The 2013 Escape will soon arrive in dealerships, and it appears Ford has quite a few excited buyers waiting in the wings. The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford already has about 8,000 pre-sales in-hand before buyers have even had the chance to drive the handsome crossover.

That's good news for Ford for obvious reasons, but the new Escape is going to need all the sales it can muster. That's because the current Escape, which dates all the way back to 2001, has been one of the most consistently hot-selling Ford vehicles ever made. For reference, Ford managed to sell 22,679 units in March - enough to make those 8,000 pre-sales seem like the first few drops in a very large, very important bucket. In fact, in 2012, the outgoing Escape is already ahead of its 2011 sales pace by nearly 3,000 units.

At this point, it's difficult to project whether the new Escape will be able to surpass sales of the outgoing model, but we are pretty sure Ford will achieve higher transaction prices. The departing CUV features a hoard of cash incentives, but the new model features pricey options and a top-of-the-line Titanium trim model that can crest $37,000 with options. Speaking of pricing, Ford has finalized the numbers and options on its Escape configurator since we first told you about it in January, and you can check it out here.

Ford says it already has 8,000 orders for new Escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapeescape salesfordford escapepre-orderssalesMon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/20216079/article-detail.xml 20216079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Escape from Escape Routes

Ford is turning to prime-time TV to introduce the 2013 Escape. The vehicle will be front and center in "Escape Routes," a new NBC reality show that pits six teams of two against one another in a road-trip competition with layovers in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. Viewers, meanwhile, can interact with the show's contestants and participate via EscapeRoutes.com. Ford says the online community will even have a chance to impact the final outcome of the game, though it's unclear exactly how.

Currently, NBC and Ford have chosen five teams for the competition, and four more duos are currently duking it out for the last spot. According to the automaker, the team that takes home the gold in the final competition will win $100,000 and two Ford Escape models. "Escape Routes" is set to air for six episodes on Saturday nights at 8 pm EST, starting on March 31. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show

Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 escape2013 ford escapeescape routesfordford escapenbcreality televisionreality tvtvMon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20190792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/20190792/article-detail.xml 20190792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-escape-escape-routes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-escape-escape-routes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2001 Ford Escape front three-quarter view

Ford is recalling nearly half a million vehicles in two separate actions announced today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just over 244,000 Ford Escape crossovers from model year 2001 and 2002 are being recalled for potentially leaky brake master cylinder reservoir caps, while nearly 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans may have defective torque converter output shafts.

NHTSA says that in the case of the Escape, leaking brake fluid could cause corrosion on an electrical connector in the antilock brake system wiring harness, leading to "melting, smoke or a fire." Ford will begin notifying owners the week of Jan. 23, although a parts delay is expected to postpone repairs. "Ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available," says NHTSA.

The minivan recall is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012, and will result in dealers inspecting and replacing the torque converter in affected vehicles.

Read the full NHTSA recall reports after the jump.

Continue reading Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans

Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 ford escape2002 ford escapeescapeescape recallfordford escapeford freestarfreestarfreestar recallmercurymercury montereymontereymonterey recallnhtsarecallWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/20146152/article-detail.xml 20146152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Ford F-150

The numbers are officially in for 2011, and once again, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold more pickup trucks than any other model. The Ford F-Series was the top-selling vehicle through November of last year with 516,639 units rolling off of dealer lots. That number handily trounces the Chevrolet Silverado in second place with 367,343 units sold. The Ford Escape and Ford Fusion fell into third and fourth places, respectively, leaving Ram Trucks to fill out the top five domestic automaker-built vehicles, with 218,750 units.

All told, GM took five spots on the list while Ford walked away with four. Chrysler only managed to crack the top 10 with its Ram offerings. Overall, American automakers sold over 1 million pickup trucks last year, proving that in the land of (still) cheap fuel, The pickup truck remains king. Hit the jump for the complete top 10 list, complete with sales figures through November.

Continue reading These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011

These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500best-selling domestic vehiclesbest-selling domestic vehicles of 2011chevroletchevrolet silveradocruzeequinoxescapef-150f-seriesfordford escapeford f-seriesford focusford fusionfusionmaliburamram 1500silveradoTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/20139128/article-detail.xml 20139128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-f-150-1325604134_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-f-150-1325604134.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Ford will officially debut the next-generation Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, but ahead of the crossover's official debut, we're getting our first look at one of the vehicle's new features: a hands-free power liftgate. How does it work? Simply kick your foot under the Escape's rear bumper (as long as the key fob is in your pocket) and the liftgate will open. When you're done, wave your foot under the bumper again, and the hatch automatically closes.

It's a neat-o-nifty feature, no doubt, but this isn't the first time we've seen this technology. In fact, Ford first showed it to us on the now-dead seven-passenger C-Max, and the folks at BMW debuted this feature on the European-only 5 Series wagon. Regardless, it's a bit of added convenience that other vehicles in the segment don't yet offer. Click past the jump to see a video demonstration of the hands-free liftgate, and be sure to check out our latest batch of Escape spy shots if you missed them earlier this week.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate

2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapefordford escapehands-freelift gatelift-gateliftgatepower liftgatetailgatevideoTue, 01 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095860/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/20095860/article-detail.xml 20095860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/escapevideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/escapevideo.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Escape Spy Photos

We haven't seen the forthcoming 2013 Ford Escape up close since last March when our spy photographers caught it heavily adorned with camouflage. Until now, that is.

New shots of the small Ford crossover reveal plenty of details, from its Focus-like front fascia and vents on the front fenders to the sleek rear profile and small back window. Narrow headlamps and taillamps recall the Ford Vertrek concept, as does the upturned D-pillar. In fact, the Vertrek's styling looks to be carried over almost completely, with even the strong character lines on the new Escape's hood visible under the adhesive mask.

Our photographers have caught more than one Escape out in the wild, and we notice that both single and dual exhaust versions are being tested. The white Escape with single exhaust appears to be a base trim, as it is riding on steel wheels, while the black, dual exhaust prototype is wearing larger alloys with shorter sidewall tires.

We've previously speculated that Ford will offer the new Escape with three engine options: A base 2.5-liter four cylinder that's a carryover from the current model, and turbocharged fours in 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter displacements. We can only hope that the rumored 247-horsepower EcoBoost is what's hiding under the hood of that black Escape.

Ford is expected to introduce the 2013 Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, so shouldn't be long before we find out.

Next-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeecoboostescapefordford escapelos angeles auto showspy shotsvertrekMon, 31 Oct 2011 16:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/20094615/article-detail.xml 20094615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ford-escape-spy-shots-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ford-escape-spy-shots-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford receives nearly 17,000 applications for open positions in Louisville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Louisville Assembly Plant

Here's a measure of how bad the economy is. Ford is getting ready to start assembling the upcoming all-new Escape at its Louisville Assembly Plant after having built the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer there since 1990 (see the last one ever made in the mob of people above). To that end, the company recently began accepting applications for 1,800 open positions to shore up the 1,100-strong workforce already there. According to reports, nearly 17,000 people showed up to apply - 16,837 souls to be exact.

Unfortunately, most of those people don't have much of a shot at becoming part of the Blue Oval family. According to USA Today, the open spots will first go to Ford workers laid off at the Louisville plant since production of the Explorer was moved to Chicago, then to workers laid off at other Ford plants around the country. If there are any spots left after that, Ford will hold a lottery to determine who gets to move on for consideration, but even then, current Ford workers can refer friends and family as potential applicants, making the lottery pool that much larger.

What do they get if they make it to the factory floor? $15.51/hour, which is the lower second-tier wage that's now being offered to new workers, a concession the United Auto Workers granted Ford in its last contract negotiations.

Ford receives nearly 17,000 applications for open positions in Louisville originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapefordford escapeford hiringford louisvillehiringlouisville assembly plantmercury mountaineerFri, 15 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19992542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/19992542/article-detail.xml 19992542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lastmountaineer-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lastmountaineer-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New York Taxi Commission moves to ban Lexus RX 450h]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NYC Taxi

With over 13,000 taxis in Manhattan, it's easy to blend in. Over half of those taxis are of the Crown Victoria variety, while a quarter are Ford Escape models. Hybrids are beginning to enter the New York taxi fleets in solid numbers, but a certain model has been singled out as being "too powerful."

The New York Times reports that The Taxi and Limousine Commission has recently passed a regulation removing the Lexus RX 450h from the list of approved cabs. We've never thought of the RX hybrid as "too powerful," but that doesn't seem to matter to the commission.

The move, while a bit odd, will only affect six cab owners. But those owners dropped over $40,000 for their high-end taxis, and more money was spent adding the required yellow paint, lights, a camera and television screen. The owners are hoping to have their Lexus cabs grandfathered in before the Nissan NV200 van is officially ushered in as the Taxi of Tomorrow, but the Taxi and Limousine Commission isn't commenting on the issue.

For our money, it seems as though the Commission is a bit off on this one. After all, most any passenger is going to enjoy the luxury taxi experience, especially since the fares are the same as they are in an Escape or Crown Vic. And "too powerful?" Seriously?

New York Taxi Commission moves to ban Lexus RX 450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabcrown victoriaford escapehybrid taxilexus rx taxi bannedlexus RX450hnew york cityWed, 18 May 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/19943151/article-detail.xml 19943151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gyi0063759493_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gyi0063759493.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner under investigation for rear glass that shatters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 ford escape
2010 Ford Escape - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating 2010 and 2011 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners due to several complaints of shattering rear glass. According to The Detroit News, there have been 18 reported complaints of the glass braking "simultaneously" while opening or closing the liftgate, and one of the incidents reportedly resulted in the vehicle owner and a 10-year-old child receiving cuts from the glass.

The NHTSA investigation adds that Ford issued a technical service bulletin to dealers last November for 2010-2011 Escape and Mariner models. The TSB states that the incidents tend to occur in colder temperatures, and instructs technicians to inspect the glass for signs of impact or external damage, followed by glass replacement.

The investigation covers 200,000 vehicles built on or before October 15, 2010, but that total pales in comparison to a Ford recall that has already been issued for the same problem. In 2004, Ford recalled 955,000 2002 and 2003 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers for liftgate glass issues. Ford received more than 5,000 complaints for that recall - far and above what NHTSA has received for this latest issue.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner under investigation for rear glass that shatters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford escape2011 ford escapefordford escapemercury marinernhtsatailgate glass shatterMon, 02 May 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19929290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/19929290/article-detail.xml 19929290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10escapehybrid2010reviewopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10escapehybrid2010reviewopt.jpg <![CDATA[Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

men take ford escape taxi cab across the country
Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've taken a couple crazy cab rides in our lifetime, but we've never paid up for a ride that took us from New York to Los Angeles. John Belitsky and his buddy Dan Wuebben have done the deed, though, with cabbie Mohammed Alam providing the yellow Ford Escape taxi. The cost? $5,000. The media attention from paying a cabbie five grand to take you cross country? Priceless.

If you're thinking that this sounds like the script to a movie, Belitsky is probably thinking the same thing. CNN reports that the investment banker and son of a cab driver is heading to Hollywood to pitch the story as a movie idea, adding "we're going to take it to some movie people when we get there and see what happens."

We're all for a good (and we stress "good") road trip movie, but we're more impressed with the fact that Belitsky was able to convince a cab driver to take the fare in the first place. The traveling pair reportedly asked more than a few cabbies if they were up for the journey, but only Alam was interested in risking the hefty fare. But even at $5,000, Belitsky got off easy on the trip. We're guessing the trip would have cost at least three times as much if the meter were actually running, and the cab driver still had to get his Escape all the way back to the Big Apple.

Hit the jump to watch a WBIR video report about the trio's momentous road trip.

[Source: CNN]

Continue reading Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video]

Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5000 cab rideescapeford escapeford escape taxiJohn Belitskynew york taxinew york to LA cab rideny to lataxivideoTue, 26 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19922717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/19922717/article-detail.xml 19922717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ford-escape-taxi-cab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ford-escape-taxi-cab.jpg <![CDATA[Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buying a hybrid is a responsible environmental move but, given their premium over standard cars, they aren't always a money-saving purchase. A study by CarGurus showed that gas would have to top $7 a gallon to make most hybrids the economical choice.

Hybrids command, on average, a 17-percent markup over their standard-powertrain counterparts, which stunts their economy at the pump. The $7-a-gallon break even point is an average. For some cars, the break-even is point is even higher. For a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to make you money, gas will need to climb to $15 a gallon.

On the lower side of the scale are the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota's break-even point came out to $4 a gallon, while the Ford bucked the trend, breaking even at $2.50 a gallon.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Escape Hybrid2011 toyota camry hybridford escapehybridtoyota camryMon, 14 Mar 2011 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19877993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/19877993/article-detail.xml 19877993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lead10escapehybrid2010review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lead10escapehybrid2010review.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots
2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We may not know whether Ford will stick with the Escape name when the vehicle's successor comes along in 2012 as a 2013 model, but thanks to the quick shutters of our crack team of spy photographers, we now have a vague idea of what the machine will look like. Peek beneath all of that camouflage and you're likely to see a vehicle that borrows nearly all of its proportions from the recently-unveiled Vertrek Concept. That boxy aft-end appears to be nothing but floppy camouflage designed to hide the vehicle's arching rear hatch.

The Escape successor is slated to ride on the Blue Oval's global C1 platform - the same bones that make up the Focus, C-Max and Transit Connect, among other future products. There's word that Ford will banish the V6 in favor of an Ecoboost 2.0-liter engine at the top of the line. At this point, it's unclear whether that four-pot will be a 1.6-liter or a larger 2.0-liter mill. Lower rung trims will likely still pack a 2.5-liter four-cylinder lump.


Gallery: 2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots


[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapeescape spy shotsfordford escapeford escape spy shotsspy shotsvertrekThu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19867023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/19867023/article-detail.xml 19867023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299180714_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299180714.jpg <![CDATA[Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Ford F-150 at Kansas City Assembly Plant

Ford has announced plans to invest $400 million in its Kansas City Assembly plant in Missouri. The company is shifting production of the Escape from that facility to its Louisville, Kentucky plant, which will open up a line for an unnamed model. There's some indication that the FoMoCo crew is planning to build the Transit Connect alongside the F-150 at the Kansas City facility. Regardless of what model Ford plans to build there, the company's investment will go toward new tooling, a new body shop and other improvements, while managing to save 3,750 jobs in the process.

Ford will receive around $150 million in tax breaks over 10 years for keeping the Kansas City plant up and kicking as part of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. The legislation provides tax incentives for automakers who retain jobs through new investments.

The Blue Oval is now in the process of retooling a total of four plants for upcoming products. The company just recently announced that it is investing $600 million in the Louisville, Kentucky plant to produced the next-generation Escape. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Sources: Ford, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car

Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapefordford escapeford transit connectkansas citykansas city assembly planttransit connectWed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19806789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/19806789/article-detail.xml 19806789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/kansas-city-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/kansas-city-630.jpg <![CDATA[Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Chrysler Town and Country minivan

With the calendar year changing from 2010 to 2011, insurance adjusters have recompiled their actuarial tables and that means a new list of the cheapest and most expensive vehicles to insure for the new year. In this case, Insure.com recently conducted a survey of the nations six top insurance carriers and complied a list of 40 vehicles that take top honors in each category.

The study goes past the specific model and narrows down vehicles by trim. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the least expensive vehicles are dominated by minivans, while the most expensive list is filled with high-powered German machines. We cut down the list of 40 to show you the top 10 from each side of the fence and included the average annual premium for each vehicle after the jump.

[Source: Insure.com]

Continue reading Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011

Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin DB9aston martin db9 volantebmw 750ibmw 750lichrysler town and countryford escapehonda odysseyinsuranceinsurance ratesjeep wranglermercedes-benz cl600mercedes-benz g55 amgmercedes-benz s65 amgmercedes-benz sl63 amgmercedes-benz sl65 amgnissan muranoporsche 911 carrera stoyota highlandertoyota siennaTue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19795286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/19795286/article-detail.xml 19795286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117.jpg <![CDATA[KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Honda Accord
KBB.com names its 20 Most-Researched vehicles for 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the most researched new vehicles for 2010, as well as brands that hold the greatest market share of interest. The Honda Accord, Civic and Toyota Camry claim the top three spots -- not a surprise if you've been reading this list the last few years. Since 2004, the same three vehicles have garnered the most attention at KBB.com.

While it's not a surprise to see those three, it's a nice change of pace for a few newcomers to the list. The Hyundai Sonata was 29th overall last year, but has risen 24 spots to claim the title of fifth most-researched vehicle for 2010. Not everyone rose this year, of course. Two notable vehicles, the Toyota Prius and Corolla, dropped a few spots compared to 2009.

It's not all bad news for Toyota, however, because KBB.com also takes a look at each brand's market share of interest among new car buyers. Toyota leads the way at 13.4 percent, with Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan rounding out the top five in that order.

Here's how the Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010 breaks down:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Hyundai Sonata
6. Nissan Altima
7. Honda Pilot
8. Ford Mustang
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Toyota RAV4
11. Toyota Sienna
12. Honda Odyssey
13. Chevrolet Equinox
14. Toyota Corolla
15. Ford Fusion
16. Ford Escape
17. Toyota Prius
18. BMW 3 Series
19. Chevrolet Camaro
20. Volkswagen Jetta

Be sure to click past the jump to read the full release from Kelley Blue Book.


Gallery: Kelley Blue Book's Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010



[Source: KBB.com]

Continue reading KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw 3 serieschevrolet camarochevrolet equinoxford escapeford fusionford mustanghonda accordhonda civichonda cr-vhonda odysseyhonda pilothyundai sonatakbbkbb.comkelley blue booknissan altimatoyota camrytoyota corollatoyota highlandertoyota priustoyota rav4toyota siennavolkswagen jettaSun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19773711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/19773711/article-detail.xml 19773711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/03accordcoupereview2010-1293037263_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/03accordcoupereview2010-1293037263.jpg <![CDATA[Prototype cart with feedback controls lets the blind drive [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/prototype-cart-with-feedback-controls-lets-the-blind-drive-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/prototype-cart-with-feedback-controls-lets-the-blind-drive-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/prototype-cart-with-feedback-controls-lets-the-blind-drive-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Virginia Tech takes on the Blind Driver Challenge - Click above to watch video after the jump

Researchers at Virginia Tech are teaming with the National Federation of the Blind to build two Ford Escape test vehicles designed specifically for visually-impaired drivers. After building a small buggy last year equipped with an audio steering wheel and various other "non-visual interfaces," the team decided to take a stab at going full-size. Drivers will use a vibrating vest and gloves, as well as a tablet-type device that shoots puffs of compressed air to represent the road course.

If you're skeptical about allowing the blind to drive, you're not alone. Researchers say the end goal of the project isn't to start a blind-driving movement, but to explore and further develop blind-interface technology. The work could lead to innovations that could in turn be applied to other aspects of visually-impaired life.

\Virginia Tech's Ford Escape test vehicles will head to the Daytona International Speedway next January, where they're scheduled to put on a full demonstration. Hit the jump to see a quick video on the Blind Driver Challenge.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Prototype cart with feedback controls lets the blind drive [w/video]

Prototype cart with feedback controls lets the blind drive [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blind Driver ChallengeBlindDriverChallengeDaytonaDaytona International SpeedwayDaytonaInternationalSpeedwayEscapeFordFord EscapeFordEscapeRoMeLaVirginia TechVirginiaTechVTSun, 11 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19542066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/11/prototype-cart-with-feedback-controls-lets-the-blind-drive-w-vi/19542066/article-detail.xml 19542066 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/blind-driver-challenge-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/blind-driver-challenge-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Ford to halt Missouri Escape production in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/report-ford-to-halt-missouri-escape-production-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/report-ford-to-halt-missouri-escape-production-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/report-ford-to-halt-missouri-escape-production-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford will be ending production of the current generation Escape crossover by the end of 2011 and move production of its replacement from Kansas City, Missouri to Lousiville, Kentucky. The Kansas City plant has built the Escape and its Mercury Mariner twin since they launched in 2000.

Production of the Mariner will end in the next few months as Ford winds down the Mercury brand and the new Escape will be built on the global C-segment platform. The new Escape is expected to be share a platform with Europe's next generation Kuga crossover. Space in Louisville was freed up by moving the new uni-body Explorer to the Chicago assembly plant alongside the Taurus and Lincoln MKS. Louisville may add additional C-segment products such as the C-Max MPV.

Officials in Missouri are considering new tax breaks to help convince Ford to put a new product in the Kansas City factory alongside the F-150 which will continue to be built there.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


[Source: Detroit News]

Report: Ford to halt Missouri Escape production in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordFord Escapeford escape productionford escape production ends 2011FordEscapeFordEscapeProductionFordEscapeProductionEnds2011Kansas Citykansas city assembly plantKansasCityKansasCityAssemblyPlantlouisvilleWed, 23 Jun 2010 18:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19528133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/23/report-ford-to-halt-missouri-escape-production-in-2011/19528133/article-detail.xml 19528133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10escapehybrid2010review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10escapehybrid2010review.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid makes being green easy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/2010-ford-escape-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/2010-ford-escape-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/11/2010-ford-escape-hybrid-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first mass-produced battery-assisted SUV on the market when it launched in 2004, and from day one it's delivered on Ford's promise of class-leading economy. It also offered similar performance and handling to its gas-powered counterparts with virtually no compromise. Sales have steadily risen each year and The Blue Oval even began eeking out some profit after trimming production costs by 30 percent. It's now seven years later and the Ford Escape Hybrid is a well established product that seems to have risen above the hoopla of being a hybrid. It's just a good CUV with great fuel economy. Even the president thinks so, having traded in his V8-powered Chrysler 300C for an Escape Hybrid during the run-up to the 2008 presidential election.

Ford gave the entire Escape line a visual makeover back in 2008. A year later it revamped each model's drivetrain, giving the gas-powered models new or updated engines and transmissions while also upgrading the Escape Hybrid's powertrain with a larger, more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and new nickel metal hydride battery pack that was 20-percent smaller and significantly lighter.

But for some reason, all of those changes haven't translated into increased sales. In fact, sales have dropped each year since the redesign. A certain global financial meltdown is probably to blame, but newer entries in the small CUV segment have also given potential Escape buyers something to think about. We spent a week with a fully loaded 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4WD model to find out if Ford's top-of-the-line hybrid CUV is still a serious contender.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


Photos by Chris Shunk/ Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid makes being green easy

Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid makes being green easy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford escape hybrid2010FordEscapeHybridescapeescape hybridEscapeHybridfeaturedfordford escapeford escape hybridFordEscapeFordEscapeHybridreviewreviewsTue, 11 May 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19471750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/11/2010-ford-escape-hybrid-review/19471750/article-detail.xml 19471750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead10escapehybrid2010review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead10escapehybrid2010review.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Ford dealers say Kuga should be named Escape in U.S. - Do you agree? [w/POLL]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/report-ford-dealers-say-kuga-should-be-named-escape-in-u-s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/report-ford-dealers-say-kuga-should-be-named-escape-in-u-s-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/report-ford-dealers-say-kuga-should-be-named-escape-in-u-s-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2008 Ford Kuga in front, possible 2011 Ford Kuga out back - click above for high-res image gallery

Here's the skinny: Ford's current Escape is heading the way of the dodo bird. In its place will be the Kuga, a much less dowdy looking compact CUV that should compete nicely with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The European designed 2011 Kuga will be built here in the United States at a Louisville, Kentucky plant. All this we already know and have known for some time now.

What we don't know is what Ford will call the Kuga when it goes on sale here in 2011. Kuga is obviously one option, but so, apparently, is Escape. According to Wards Auto, Ford's domestic dealers are pushing for Escape. "I believe the Escape is a great vehicle with a great reputation and that it would be a big mistake to kill the Escape name," says one San Diego based dealer.

Others point back to Ford's decision to drop the Taurus name in favor of Five Hundred - part of the brand's strange decision to make all cars start with the letter "F" (Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred - though the Mustang never became Fustang) and all SUVs and crossovers start with the letter "E" (Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion). Though, of course, reverting back to Five Hundred was supposed to drum up some long lost brand equity/nostalgia, which is the first thing CEO Alan Mulally did when he changed Five Hundred back to Taurus. Very complicated stuff, no?

So, Kuga or Escape? While there are many good arguments for Escape, here's one for Kuga - Ford's One World strategy. Simply put, rather than having one Focus for Europe and one for North America, Ford is working toward offering one global vehicle per a given segment - and that's it. And naming one car one thing for one market and one car another for another is essentially a monkey wrench in the plan. What should Ford do, and more importantly what will they do? Place your vote in our poll below and leave any further thoughts in Comments.


View Poll


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga


[Source: Wards Auto]

Report: Ford dealers say Kuga should be named Escape in U.S. - Do you agree? [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Ford Escape2011 Ford Kuga2011FordEscape2011FordKugablue ovalBlueOvalcar namescar namingCarNamesCarNamingEscapeFive HundredFiveHundredFordFord EscapeFord Five HundredFord KugaFord TaurusFordEscapeFordFiveHundredFordKugaFordTaurusKugaTaurusWed, 30 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19298376/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/30/report-ford-dealers-say-kuga-should-be-named-escape-in-u-s-d/19298376/article-detail.xml 19298376 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630kuga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630kuga.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford Kuga could come in Lincoln, Mercury flavors, replace Escape, be built in USA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-ford-kuga-could-come-in-lincoln-mercury-flavors-replac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-ford-kuga-could-come-in-lincoln-mercury-flavors-replac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-ford-kuga-could-come-in-lincoln-mercury-flavors-replac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Kuga - Click above for high-res image gallery

How's this for an odd twist - Ford essentially kicked off the SUV craze with its Explorer, an embiggened four-door Ranger. And man, did we go crazy. Before the cheap-gas bubble burst, slightly more than half of all passenger vehicles sold here in America were SUVs. Just below the Explorer was and is Ford's little truck (which is no longer little) the Escape. And almost ten years later, the Escape pretty much looks like a body-on-frame SUV, even though people stopped associating SUVs with mud during George W Bush's first term.

So what if the next Escape looked more like the CUV that it actually is, and less like the SUV it isn't? And what if Lincoln got a version? Mercury too, though they already have the Mariner, a rebadged Escape. Also, what if the next escape was built here, but then badged as a Kuga and sold in Europe? According to CEO Alan Mulally and some other, more chatty Ford folks, it's all more than possible.

The latter is really interesting, and shows you just how far the dollar has fallen against the Euro. And it also shows you Ford's One Ford strategy at work - wherein starting very soon, most Ford cars are going to be global in nature. Aside from essential legal parts (like standard stability control in U.S. vehicles) the cars can be sold wherever. Built wherever, too. For instance, the Ford Fiesta, which will be coming to our shores next year, is Ford's best selling car in Europe and will soon be built only in Mexico and shipped both across the border and across the Atlantic.

Back to the Kuga, the plan is to begin building the Kuga in Louisville, Kentucky in late 2011 for export to Europe. Sometime after that, the Kuga will replace the Escape and the Lincoln/Mercury editions. Moreover, this could be the start of a trend - Fords being built in the U.S. for export across the pond.


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga


[Source: Automotive News sub-req]

REPORT: Ford Kuga could come in Lincoln, Mercury flavors, replace Escape, be built in USA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan MulallyAlanMulallyEscapeFordFord EscapeFord KugaFordEscapeFordKugaKugaLincolnMercuryOne FordOneFordMon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19219291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/02/report-ford-kuga-could-come-in-lincoln-mercury-flavors-replac/19219291/article-detail.xml 19219291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/kugaleader_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/kugaleader.jpg -1 2