Ford continues into 2017 running on all cylinders, although its trucks and crossovers would seem to be running better than its car platforms. With that, there's plenty of excitement on most fronts, beginning with the Focus RS (shown above) and ending with Ford's all-new, now alloy-bodied Super Duty.
FORD FOCUS RS: It's all-new, and, as Ford puts it, a masterpiece of moving pieces. Many of those pieces are contained in the RS' four cylinder EcoBoost drivetrain, directing 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque through the RS performance-spec all-wheel drive. Its price point hovers in the mid-$30s, and as this is written in early 2017 you can expect both a wait and price bump from your friendly Ford retailer.
FIESTA: With a redesign on the horizon, few changes save for new colors, wheels and the availability of SYNC 3. The Fiesta ST receives new Orange Spice Metallic exterior and a painted wheel option while awaiting a redesign, perhaps coming in 2018.
FOCUS: Beyond the all-new Focus RS, the standard hatch or sedan are now available with a new SEL package, and a new color – White Gold – is introduced.
FUSION: Biggest (and baddest) news is the introduction of the Fusion Sport. And this isn't decals and interior-specific embroidery; instead, Ford has chosen to define 'Sport' with a 2.7-liter, 325-horsepower EcoBoost V6 driving all four wheels through a beefed-up 6-speed automatic. You could think of it as Ford's answer to the Audi S4, without, of course, the price and prestige of the Audi. The rest of the Fusion lineup is tweaked and tuned, but the Sport is as close as you'll get to a Focus RS without buying the Focus RS.
FORD GT: All-new, and not a whiff – other than the name – of Ford's Le Mans-winning GT40, or the resto-mod variant introduced in the mid-2000's.
MUSTANG: Beyond three new colors the '17 Mustang is largely carried over from 2016. A more aggressive refresh is coming for 2018. That Mustang will feature aggressive sheetmetal updates as well as a new powertrain mix.
TAURUS: Beyond a premium sound system from Sony, the SYNC 3 system now available and two new colors, there's little in changes to report for the '17 model year.
EDGE: An all-new redesign in 2015, changes to the well-received Edge are limited to new colors and, on the Titanium trim, a new 20-inch wheel. Available technology still drives the option and package selections, but there's little 'new' for the new model year.
ESCAPE: With a substantial refresh, the Ford crossover's new front fascia is more upright, supplying, according to Ford, a 'capable, rugged stance'. Inside, tech is given added emphasis with the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And a redesigned center console supplies more interior storage, along with easier access to a lighted USB port. The Escape continues with three powertrain options: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder, along with both a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost four.
EXPEDITION: A Limited Appearance Package adds an assortment of visual upgrades to Ford's ultimate people packer, while a continuously controlled damping suspension – available on the Platinum trim level – provides a ride/handling balance you can tailor to both road conditions and desired pace. Opt for the extended-length version and enjoy twelve more inches of wheelbase and a commensurate increase in interior volume. Or wait until this fall, when an all-new, alloy-bodied Expedition hits the showroom.
EXPLORER: Having been atop the SUV sales ranks for some 25 years, the Explorer enters the 2017 model year with an XLT Sport Appearance package, along with available SYNC 3 on the XLT – which is standard on the higher trim level.
F-150: 'Military-grade aluminum alloy' seems so yesterday, as that was what Ford hung its marketing hat on with the debut of the 2016 F-150. This year that lighter, stronger platform receives a significant bump in torque from its available 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 connected to an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Also, the STX appearance package makes its debut, along with SYNC Connect for XLT and higher trim levels, and a handful of new colors. Ford will launch its new Raptor in the spring.
FLEX: No changes to this spacious hipster, beyond SYNC 3 availability.
SUPER DUTY: Ford's 'heaviest duty' pickup is all-new, taking the F-150's menu of military-grade aluminum alloy cab and bed and setting them atop a massively reinforced frame and upgraded drivetrains. Enhanced technology makes driving and towing easier, more comfortable and more secure.
TRANSIT: Any company running a shuttle operation has either bought Ford's Transit or has the Transit on its radar; the commercial van has been extremely successful in superseding Ford's long-running Econoline. For 2017 the number of available configurations goes from 58 to 64, and a low profile center console has been added to better access the back of the van from the front seats. Finally, the Transit's base audio system is enhanced.
TRANSIT CONNECT: A favorite of your plumber or florist, the Transit Connect is available in both commercial and passenger wagon versions, riding on either a short or long wheelbase. In passenger guise the SWB can accommodate five, while the long-wheelbase version can seat five, six or seven. This year the Transit Connect receives a standard reverse sensing system, an upmarket Titanium trim on the short wheelbase, and SYNC 3 with navigation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 is standard on Titanium trims, optional on the XLT.
FORD FOCUS RS: It's all-new, and, as Ford puts it, a masterpiece of moving pieces. Many of those pieces are contained in the RS' four cylinder EcoBoost drivetrain, directing 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque through the RS performance-spec all-wheel drive. Its price point hovers in the mid-$30s, and as this is written in early 2017 you can expect both a wait and price bump from your friendly Ford retailer.
FIESTA: With a redesign on the horizon, few changes save for new colors, wheels and the availability of SYNC 3. The Fiesta ST receives new Orange Spice Metallic exterior and a painted wheel option while awaiting a redesign, perhaps coming in 2018.
FOCUS: Beyond the all-new Focus RS, the standard hatch or sedan are now available with a new SEL package, and a new color – White Gold – is introduced.
FUSION: Biggest (and baddest) news is the introduction of the Fusion Sport. And this isn't decals and interior-specific embroidery; instead, Ford has chosen to define 'Sport' with a 2.7-liter, 325-horsepower EcoBoost V6 driving all four wheels through a beefed-up 6-speed automatic. You could think of it as Ford's answer to the Audi S4, without, of course, the price and prestige of the Audi. The rest of the Fusion lineup is tweaked and tuned, but the Sport is as close as you'll get to a Focus RS without buying the Focus RS.
FORD GT: All-new, and not a whiff – other than the name – of Ford's Le Mans-winning GT40, or the resto-mod variant introduced in the mid-2000's.
MUSTANG: Beyond three new colors the '17 Mustang is largely carried over from 2016. A more aggressive refresh is coming for 2018. That Mustang will feature aggressive sheetmetal updates as well as a new powertrain mix.
TAURUS: Beyond a premium sound system from Sony, the SYNC 3 system now available and two new colors, there's little in changes to report for the '17 model year.
EDGE: An all-new redesign in 2015, changes to the well-received Edge are limited to new colors and, on the Titanium trim, a new 20-inch wheel. Available technology still drives the option and package selections, but there's little 'new' for the new model year.
ESCAPE: With a substantial refresh, the Ford crossover's new front fascia is more upright, supplying, according to Ford, a 'capable, rugged stance'. Inside, tech is given added emphasis with the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And a redesigned center console supplies more interior storage, along with easier access to a lighted USB port. The Escape continues with three powertrain options: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder, along with both a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost four.
EXPEDITION: A Limited Appearance Package adds an assortment of visual upgrades to Ford's ultimate people packer, while a continuously controlled damping suspension – available on the Platinum trim level – provides a ride/handling balance you can tailor to both road conditions and desired pace. Opt for the extended-length version and enjoy twelve more inches of wheelbase and a commensurate increase in interior volume. Or wait until this fall, when an all-new, alloy-bodied Expedition hits the showroom.
EXPLORER: Having been atop the SUV sales ranks for some 25 years, the Explorer enters the 2017 model year with an XLT Sport Appearance package, along with available SYNC 3 on the XLT – which is standard on the higher trim level.
F-150: 'Military-grade aluminum alloy' seems so yesterday, as that was what Ford hung its marketing hat on with the debut of the 2016 F-150. This year that lighter, stronger platform receives a significant bump in torque from its available 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 connected to an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Also, the STX appearance package makes its debut, along with SYNC Connect for XLT and higher trim levels, and a handful of new colors. Ford will launch its new Raptor in the spring.
FLEX: No changes to this spacious hipster, beyond SYNC 3 availability.
SUPER DUTY: Ford's 'heaviest duty' pickup is all-new, taking the F-150's menu of military-grade aluminum alloy cab and bed and setting them atop a massively reinforced frame and upgraded drivetrains. Enhanced technology makes driving and towing easier, more comfortable and more secure.
TRANSIT: Any company running a shuttle operation has either bought Ford's Transit or has the Transit on its radar; the commercial van has been extremely successful in superseding Ford's long-running Econoline. For 2017 the number of available configurations goes from 58 to 64, and a low profile center console has been added to better access the back of the van from the front seats. Finally, the Transit's base audio system is enhanced.
TRANSIT CONNECT: A favorite of your plumber or florist, the Transit Connect is available in both commercial and passenger wagon versions, riding on either a short or long wheelbase. In passenger guise the SWB can accommodate five, while the long-wheelbase version can seat five, six or seven. This year the Transit Connect receives a standard reverse sensing system, an upmarket Titanium trim on the short wheelbase, and SYNC 3 with navigation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 is standard on Titanium trims, optional on the XLT.
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