After serving for more than 30 years, the Ford Crown Victoria has established a sterling reputation as the police car of choice. Ford is ending production of the Crown Vic Police Interceptor at the company’s St. Thomas, Ontario, factory and despite stopping sales of Crown Vics to consumers in 2008, Ford continues to make them available to fleets.

Sales to law enforcement agencies have been increasing as Ford prepares to launch new police vehicles based on the Taurus and Explorer.  Through the first seven months of the year, Crown Vic sales are up 64 percent to 35,203 units. The Crown Vic enjoyed widespread success due to its two bench, six passenger seating layout and gearshift mounted on the steering column. The vehicle was introduced in 1983 and was the top choice of law enforcement in 1996-2010.  The Crown Vic’s death was further pushed by the federal government requiring automakers to boost their average fuel economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 and to 54 mpg by 2025. The Crown Vic’s 16 mpg city mileage is not very appealing, nor efficient.

Currently, the Crown Vic makes up about 70 percent of the police vehicle market, but Ford’s new offerings aren’t being warmly received by police departments. One officer told the Detroit Free Press that he was stocking up on Crown Vic’s, as the new Ford offerings were inadequate for their needs. The officer stated that the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Caprice were being looked at, something Ford does not want to happen.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

A Salt Lake City, Utah, rental car company had a bit of trouble recovering a 2009 Ford Explorer they’d loaned to 42 year old Jennifer Marshall Hansen of Sandy City, Utah, who failed to return the vehicle that was scheduled for September 1.

According to court papers, an Affordable Rent-A-Car employee used Facebook to “friend” Jennifer and then arranged a date to meet her. Jennifer agreed and drove to the meeting in the SUV she had loaned, effectively cooperating in her own capture.

Now, Jennifer Marshall Hansen faces a second-degree felony court of theft. If convicted, Hansen could get as much as 15 years behind bars. Quite a steep penalty for an overdue rental.

[Source: WashintonPost]

Our friends over at Tjin Edition gave us some teasers today on a pair of Ford vehicles that they’re currently building for the upcoming SEMA Show. This year, Tjin Edition has teamed up with Ford to build out a Mustang GT 5.0 and an Explorer, with the Mustang being a follow up to last year’s Ford Fiesta UTI Sweepstakes car. That means the 2012 Tjin Edition Ford Mustang will be built in collaboration with UTI and given away later next year.

The Tjin Edition 2012 Ford Explorer will feature a custom Dupont paint job by LR Auto Body, set off by a set of 24-inch iForged Concave wheels wrapped with Falken rubber. Eibach Suspension will give it a lower stance while bigger Baer brakes gives the Explorer improved braking performance and rotors that won’t look minuscule behind the massive 24-inch wheels. On the inside, Tjin Edition outfits the Explorer with black leather interior and a pair of Recaro child seats, while a Thule bike rack will sit up top.

The giveaway Mustang will also sport a bright orange Dupont paint job by LR Auto Body, 20-inch Forgestar wheels, Baer big brakes and a ton of extra performance thanks to a Paxton Supercharger. Needless to say the Mustang will also get a custom interior. More details on the Mustang’s giveaway will be released at SEMA.

Tjin Edition also teased to us that these aren’t the only two vehicles they’ll be working on for SEMA. Rumor has it there will be a couple of GM creations and a collaboration on a Honda project.

GALLERY: Tjin Edition Ford SEMA Vehicles

Ford brought four of its new Explorers to this year’s SEMA Show, each customized by some of the top builders in the nation. Galpin Auto Sports, Stitchcraft Interiors, Tjin Edition and DSO Eyewear put their spin on Ford’s “SUV” with each sharing the spotlight at Ford’s massive booth.

First up, Tjin Edition’s features 24-inch iForged wheels lowered on Eibach Springs while Baer Brakes gives the Explorer upgraded stopping power. Custom orange pinstripe accents the otherwise blue exterior while a Thule bike rack gives plenty of utility to the SUV.

Stitchcraft Interiors’ Business Edition Explorer sports a lowering kit from H&R set off by a custom set of 22-inch wheels. The two-tone exterior features charcoal with a contrasting orange while much of the focus was on the interior with UltraSuede and leather amenities. Extra horsepower is courtesy of a Nitrous Express system and a Magnaflow exhaust.

DSO Eyewear’s Explorer features an immaculate white exterior accented by 24-inch wheels from Niche. Inside, a Midnight Tuscany interior is set off by Raven Suede accents. Upgraded performance comes from a Gibson and K&N air filter.

Last but not least, Galpin Auto Sports flexed their Ford customization skills with a matte dark gray Explorer. Plenty of audio upgrades were done with JL Audio pumping out 2,000-watts of pure sound.

GALLERY: Tjin Edition Ford Explorer

GALLERY: Stitchcraft Interiors Ford Explorer

GALLERY: DSO Eyewear Ford Explorer

GALLERY: Galpin Auto Sports Ford Explorer

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show Coverage

In a country where everyone is a little bit lawsuit-happy, we take this story with a grain of salt. Margarita Salais claims that her 2006 Ford Explorer, purchased from Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, once housed a dead body and is now suing for $25,000 plus court fees.

When she purchased the SUV back in March, she had no gripes with it at all. But as the temperatures outside got warmer, the car got smellier. She took the Explorer back to the dealership complaining about a horrible odor and the dealership claimed it was caused by a dead animal. Subsequently, Salais filed with State Farm, her insurance company, and Elite Trauma Clean-Up was hired to search and clean the vehicle. Salais’ lawyer claims that the company determined the odor was human in nature while a representative from Elite Trauma Clean-Up said the odor was only found to be from rotten meat, and not necessarily human in nature.

So now what? Salais’ lawsuit still stands since the dealership refuses to buy back the Explorer. State Farm also discovered that the Explorer was an ex-rental car that had been stolen three times. Of course the dealership didn’t bother mentioning that… maybe Margarita should have asked for a CarFax?

[Source: Left Lane News]

For decades, we’ve known Ford crate engines to be huge V8 powerplants packing plenty of cubic inches and power. But Ford has been quietly offering a 2.0L inline-four from its old Focus for midget racers but very few even paid attention to that option.

Now Ford has added their new-generation 2.0L Focus engine and looks to add an EcoBoost variant in the future. Ford announced a pair of new V8 crate motors for 2012, adding a 347 pushrod motor based on the historic Boss 302 block. With 363-cubic inches, it packs 500-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The other new crate engine is a 427-cubic inch powerplant and is based on Ford’s Boss 351 engine block. With Ford Racing’s X-heads system, it makes 500-hp and 520 lb-ft of torque.

But the new addition of the 2.0L inline-four from the Focus is what’s making headlines, with its 160-hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated engine will be complemented by EcoBoost offerings which means turbocharged power for all. The 2.0L EcoBoost for example in the new Explorer makes 240-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque which suddenly becomes a very appealing engine for small race cars to mid-sized boats.

Unfortunately Ford hasn’t announced availability on the EcoBoost crate engines.

[Source: Automobile Mag]

Ford‘s Panther chassis, platform for the iconic P71 Police Interceptor, is anything but a slouch, but after more than 30 years of service both Ford and police recognize the need for a change.

Ford started building police variants of the LTD Crown Victoria in 1979, by 1992 the company’s cars evolved from modified civilian sedans to law enforcement machines.

Agencies are looking for something more fuel efficient options than the aging Crown Victoria’s and the 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway rating from its thirsty V8 as municipal budgets shrink with the rocky U.S. economy.

Ford says the the next generation Interceptors address that concern and offer significantly improved fuel efficiency. The Taurus-based Interceptor sedan gets 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, a 4.5 mpg average improvement over the previous Interceptor. During 10-hour shifts of Police duty, police cars idle for approximately 6.7 hours of the duration so Ford has made improvements on idle consumption as well. The latest Taurus Interceptor will also use 35 percent less fuel at idle thanks to its smaller displacement 3.5 liter V6 engine.

What’s more, the Explorer-based Interceptor SUV achieves an estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, a best-in-class figure for police spec utility vehicles.

Ford managed to keep performance intact, despite the improved efficiency. A 3.5-liter V6 is used for both vehicles, producing 288 hp. That translates to a 38-hp gain over the outgoing V8.

During 0-60 runs, results show that the V6 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility can reach 60 mph one full second faster than the competing V8 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV.

An Eco-Boost turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 producing 365-hp is available as an option as well. Combined with all-wheel-drive, the powerful Ford police vehicle out-accelerates competitors from Dodge and Chevrolet.

The Chicago police department ordered and will soon take delivery of approximately 500 Ford Police Interceptors this year, making the city the first to field test Ford’s ne enforcement vehicles.

GALLERY: Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer Interceptor

Part of the growing “performance SUV” niche, Ford’s EcoBoost-equipped Explorer Sport is now EPA certified with 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.

“[The] Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, four-wheel drive capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for the Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. “The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions.”

But the recently-created class is poorly defined enough to offer space for interpretation and “best-in-class” claims that don’t really make sense. It’s true that the Explorer Sport gets better mileage than, say, the Grand Cherokee SRT8, but it can’t come close to matching the Jeep’s 6.4-liter Hemi V8.

Similarly, BMW’s X5 M falls under the same category as both the Ford and Jeep, but would embarrass either on a track.

A more realistic comparison would be to something like the EcoBoost Flex, which has the same engine, offers the same seating capacity, but with different style and the same 365-hp rating. With the Explorer migrating away from its old body-on-frame architecture, both cars are technically crossovers, though Ford refers to the Explorer as an SUV, which is forgivable given how much taller and utilitarian the car is than the Flex.

“First thing I do when I get in my car is turn off the stability control and traction control”.

Many of us have heard someone, at some point, utter this. Or maybe we ourselves are the guilty party. When asked why it was turned it off, the typical response is along the lines of “’cause I’m a real driver,” or, “it gets in the way of driving”.

In the past, this was a valid argument. Early adaptations of traction control and stability were crude to say the least. Most systems would kick in loudly, far too early and far too frequently. Some, never activated at the right times, but were always willing and able to cut power/apply the brakes when they weren’t needed.

But technology has advanced greatly over the past several years and Ford brought us to northern Michigan to show-off their latest and greatest electronic safety systems. Since this would be a wintery test on snow covered courses, Ford also took this opportunity to demonstrate their intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, which, also leads to a common notion of “I don’t need all-wheel drive in the winter; two-wheel drive works just fine”. True, but we don’t need air conditioning, a radio or power windows, yet, they’re all still nice to have.

AWD – NO LONGER EXCLUSIVE TO THE NORTH

In fact, AWD is an option that is catching on. Sales of light passenger vehicles in America with AWD have risen from 1.37 million in 2009 to 2.09 million in 2012. An argument can be made that this is due to an increase in AWD vehicles available for sale, but even if you build it, that doesn’t mean the public will buy it; just ask Fisker.

Although AWD is a key purchasing decision for places like the Northeast and Midwest region, unlikely cities such as Miami have seen a 58% increase in AWD vehicle sales since 2009.

We headed to Smithers Winter Test Center outside of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to put a Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Escape AWD, front-wheel drive (FWD) Ford Fusion and AWD Ford Fusion to the test.  A series of tests greeted us upon arrival including an open road course, tight road course, emergency lane-change maneuver, large skidpad and tight skidpad. Of course, everything is covered in a deep, thick layer of snow.

NOT YOUR FATHER’S TRACTION CONTROL

First up is a test of Ford’s torque vectoring control which is the centerpiece to the automaker’s stability control and traction control systems. These systems reanalyse the situation every 10 milliseconds, and make adjustments as needed using the engine and brake to maintain the vehicles intended direction.

With torque vectoring control, power is limited side to side by using the braking system. It will initiate if one wheel is detected to be slipping, or when steering wheel input exceeds cornering abilities based on speed. When the latter occurs, soft braking is applied to the inside tire so that it spins more slowly than the outside tire. This will naturally pull the vehicle through the corner without scrubbing off much speed. In most Ford applications electronic torque vectoring is used for safety, though in a car like the Focus ST, it is used for performance.

This is all well and fine for the engineers of the world, but how does it work? Well, pretty seamlessly. As mentioned, technology has come a long way since the early traction control and stability control systems. These combined management systems produce seamless intervention; making even the most novice driver better.

Despite riding on the stock all-season tires, the FWD Fusions grip well even in snowy corners. It is a bit counter intuitive though to drive this car in the snow as the initial instinct when entering a snowy corner with a front-wheel drive vehicle is to back off the throttle. But, to engage the torque vectoring control, throttle is needed.

After convincing your common sense it is ok to power into the corners, it’s amazing to feel the torque vectoring hook the car around the corner.

A NEW KIND OF AWD

The technology that really shows its worth on the snow and ice though is Ford’s new Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. An on-demand AWD setup, Ford does not consider it ‘slip and grip’ – which so many AWD systems are. And they do have a bit of point. The system will transfer power fore and aft depending on which wheels are slipping, but always launches the vehicle with power to the front and rear tires simultaneously as it does not know what the traction conditions are like. Then once under way, if no slip is detected, it will limit the amount of power sent to the rear wheels.

This AWD system operates by analyzing factors like steering wheel angle, torque levels, estimated torque needed, accelerator pedal angle, brake pedal angle, cornering force and yaw rate, and then decides which tires to send power to and which ones to apply braking pressure to. It is designed to improve grip, handling and confidence for novice driver. Or, on the flip side, it can be full exploited by an experienced driver.

Each AWD Ford vehicle is setup a bit differently depending on its mission in life. The AWD Fusion feels incredibly composed on the snowy surfaces, and quickly became the favorite to take controlled slides around corners. The Escape is the most sure-footed and feels capable in all situations. And the Explorer? Well, with a selectable all-wheel drive system, spin it into ‘snow-mode’ and there is so much control that not even a Snowpocalypse can stop it. Or, turn off traction control, select sand mode, and the Explorer becomes a willing, yet heavyweight dance partner.

The Explorer’s system is so capable that having a conversation about classic cars, while piloting the big Ford sideways in a continuous drift around a 300-foot diameter snow skidpad becomes as casual as Golden Corral. And that is what these systems are all about; making driving easier and safer for all drivers in all conditions.

Over 1.5 million Ford SUVs have been cleared in a government probe that examined allegations they were at risk of rolling away.

The four-year probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looked into the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer, and the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator after 180 complaints were received by NHTSA. No recall will be issued after NHTSA found that the failure rate was 4.4 per 100,000 vehicles for a suspected defect involving the automatic transmission parking system, and 3.4 per 100,000 vehicles for a suspected defect involving the brake shift interlocking system.

Of those 180 complaints, 14 reports of crashes were reported with six injuries – all of which were minor. According to NHTSA, there was a drastically declining trend with very few incidents occurring in recent years.

The primary issue in the probe was whether the brake-shift interlock was working properly. In its closing report, NHTSA stated that it could be defeated if drivers shifted within 0.4 seconds of when the brakes were applied because of a production change in the 2002 model year. The condition would worsen if drivers continued to shift quickly and eventually they would not be able to shift into park at all.

Discuss this story at FordInsideNews.com

Ford has issued a recall for 2012 model year Taurus and Lincoln MKS models along with the 2013 model year Explorer for a fuel tank issue.

The recall affects vehicles manufactured between July 29, 2011 and March 15, 2012 and in those vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam on the side of the tank. This could potentially cause a leak in the tank, as well as not providing the expected strength in the case of an impact.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO Review

Ford will begin notifying customers and dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it free of charge if necessary. The recall is expected to begin on April 22, 2013. The total number of potential vehicles affected is 3,037.

Discuss this story at FordInsideNews.com

Since its founding in 1936, Consumer Reports has become the go-to source for shoppers. From new refrigerators to bottles of wine, Blue-ray players to homeowner’s insurance, if it’s on the market it’s likely the non-profit organization has scientifically tested it. Of course the consumer watchdog is probably most famous for its vehicle reliability ratings.

Conscientious shoppers in the market for a new ride turn to the magazine’s pages for advice. They search out cars and trucks with most the red dots, and shun ones that get black marks. The group’s survey methodology, while controversial, paints a broad and easily understood picture for buyers.

To earn a coveted “Recommended” rating, vehicles must perform well in the organization’s testing and have a reliability score of average or better. But what about cars and trucks that fail to make the grade? Here’s a list of the Top 10 Least Reliable Vehicles according to Consumer Reports. If you’re familiar with their ratings you’ll know products from the Detroit Three typically don’t score as well as their Japanese competitors. Needless to say there’s trouble brewing in Dearborn. Team America… oh no.

God blessed Texas with His own hand

Brought down angles from the Promised Land

Gave ‘em a place where they could dance

If you want to see heaven, brother, here’s your chance…

While there’s little scientific evidence to support the above statements, country-music group “Little Texas” may have been on to something with this toe-tappin’ hit from the early ‘90s. The Lone Star State is a land of wide-open spaces and seemingly endless opportunity.

Texas was the union’s largest state until the impertinent territory of Alaska decided to sully old glory with another star back in 1959; the audacity of that arctic wasteland! Still, the capital T’s place in American culture is as secure as Fort Bliss thanks to icons like cowboys and the Alamo, prairies and oil fields, George W. Bush and SXSW. Additionally, size matters; the saying “everything’s bigger in Texas” is the state’s unofficial motto. Where else can you order a steak bigger than a motorcycle seat? Where else can you polish off a giant slab of meat like that and get it for FREE?  Texas, that’s where, and if you’re up to the challenge you can even put the money saved toward your first angioplasty.

When it comes to cars Texans love their trucks. Thanks to sprawling ranches and cattle drives it’s the biggest pickup market in the United States. And for the Detroit Three that’s reason enough to shoot their guns in the air, but bigger isn’t always better.

This week Amy dispatched an electronic-mail message to Ask AutoGuide urgently requesting assistance in a new-vehicle purchase. She and her husband currently own a loaded 2008 Toyota Sequoia, which is a very large SUV with a Texas-sized appetite for fuel. Unfortunately if you empty the tank in one sitting you don’t get a free refill.

They’re looking for a utility vehicle that’s fuel efficient, comfortable and comes with oodles of features. Amy and company want leather seats, a sun roof, navigation and other high-tech offerings, “fun stuff” as she called it. Three rows of seats and available all-wheel drive would also be nice. Of course reliability and safety are important, too. To keep things simple they have around $40,000 to spend. Here’s what we think could fit the bill.

Suggestion #1 – 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

The Nissan Pathfinder is a trustworthy offering in the three-row crossover segment, but it wasn’t always this way. The previous generation featured body-on-frame construction just like a pickup truck. That kind of rugged layout has its benefits, but it’s rife with disadvantages as well; fuel economy being a major drawback. This is why Nissan engineers moved the Pathfinder to a more efficient, front-wheel-drive passenger-car architecture for the 2013 model year.

But that’s enough nuts-and-bolts nonsense, Amy is after deluxe features and the high-end Platinum 4WD model delivers a carnucopia of them. Leather seats are standard fare, as is remote start and three-row seating.

For the audio-aficionado a 13-speaker Bose sound system is a treat for the ears, while a standard navigation system with an 8-inch display means Amy will never have to get lost, unless of course she really wants to go on a rambling road-trip through the vastness of Texas.

Checking another one of her boxes is a gigantic panoramic sun roof that’s bigger than the glazed ceiling of an industrial greenhouse. Fog lights and heated exterior mirrors are also included, as is a backup camera and a power-operated liftgate. The Platinum edition Pathfinder is pretty much loaded, but best of all it fits her budget. This reasonably stylish and surprisingly comfortable crossover stickers for $41,995, including destination and delivery charges.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4×4 Review

Only one powerplant is available in the, a 3.5-liter V6. It continues a long tradition of internal-combustion excellence from Nissan. It’s not the most muscular engine in its class, but it delivers more than enough giddy-up, with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth running and pretty easy on gasoline, delivering 19 miles per gallon in city driving and up to 25 on the highway. Part of the reason the Pathfinder is so efficient is that it features a continuously variable transmission, CVT for short. These gearless “gearboxes” minimize fuel consumption at the expense of driving enjoyment. They tend to make engines moan and groan under acceleration, which isn’t that pleasant. If you can live with the slipping sensation they’re great for efficiency.

Suggestion #2 – 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4

If looks could kill the Grand Cherokee would be the grim reaper. This trail-rated truck is simply beautiful, but don’t think it’s a marshmallow; it can crawl over wet rocks like a salamander.

If Amy were a true patriot she’d support the American auto industry, and it doesn’t get much more red, white and blue than this vehicle. It’s Imported from Detroit… literally, being built at Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant, a scant five miles from the D’s downtown.

The Grand Cherokee offers a premium exterior and an equally luscious cabin. It’s cleanly styled, beautifully built and features high-quality materials. It makes the Pathfinder’s interior look like something that belongs in a child’s Cozy Coupe.

When it comes to features this Jeep has one of just about everything on the automotive menu. As for the basics, leather is standard as are heated front and rear chairs. It also comes with a backup camera and reverse-sensing system so you don’t inadvertently run over your neighbor’s golden retriever.

Ratcheting things up is the “$4,000 Luxury Group II” package that really brings the thunder, but it inflates the base price tag to $42,790. At least it includes some high-end features, things like self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, a panoramic sunroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Automatic high beams and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror also included in this pricey package.

Naturally there are a couple other must-have features worth mentioning. One is Chrysler simple-to-operate Uconnect infotainment system, which features an 8.4-inch touch screen. The second one is ventilated front seats, a killer feature for someone that has to endure sweltering Texas summers.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Review

Under this luxurious Jeep’s hood is a muscular and smooth running engine, Chrysler’s impressive 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6. It delivers 290 horsepower – 30 more than the Pathfinder – and 260 lb-ft of twist. It’s matched to a cutting-edge eight-speed automatic transmission that maximizes output while minimizing consumption. The Grand Cherokee is rated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, resulting in a combined score of 19 MPG. It’s not as efficient as the Nissan but it’s a lot more enjoyable to drive.

One potential downside to the Grand Cherokee is seating; it only has room for five passengers. Amy would like something with three rows for extra person-capacity. But guess what? Most back-benches are so small only kids can fit in them, which pretty much negates their usefulness.

Suggestion #3 – Ford Explorer Limited 4WD

Like the Nissan Pathfinder Ford’s Explorer kicked its truck habit. The current model rides atop the company’s versatile and safe “D” architecture; it’s essentially the same platform that underpins the Taurus, Lincoln MKT and many other vehicles in the Blue-Oval family of fine cars.

For about 40 grand Amy can drive off the lot in a shiny new Explorer Limited that’s loaded like royalty and built with pride in Chicago, Illinois. The vehicle comes standard with leather seats and dual-zone climate control, plus niceties like a 12-speaker Sony sound system and the company’s notoriously cantankerous MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Of course if she wants to spend a bit more there’s always the pricey 302A equipment group, which inflates the window sticker by a wince-inducing $4,565. That nets her a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, inflatable rear seatbelts and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It also adds some really nifty technologies including Active Park Assist, which can parallel-park the behemoth Explorer all on its own.

Three different engines are available in this crossover: a highly efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a high-volume 3.5-liter V6 and a high-power EcoBoost six. The best option for Amy is probably the naturally aspirated 3.5, which is the only powerplant offered in the Limited model with all-wheel drive.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport Review

It delivers a class-competitive 290 horsepower with 255 lb-ft of torque, almost identical numbers to the Grand Cherokee’s six-shooter. Unfortunately it also delivers some unwanted vibration. Ford’s Duratec V6 is a good engine but it’s not the smoothest powerplant in its class. It feels a little coarser than either Chrysler’s Pentastar or the Nissan VQ V6.

Whether it’s got a base four-cylinder or the range-topping twin-turbo a six-speed automatic transmission is standard fare in every Explorer and it helps deliver respectable fuel economy of 17 MPG city, 23 highway and 19 combined.

DISHONORABLE MENTION

The Infiniti JX35 is essentially a platinum version of the workaday Nissan Pathfinder. It shares basically all of the same mechanical parts with minor tweaks. Of course the body work and interior are suitably differentiated and more luxurious so the extra dollars spent are not totally wasted. With all-wheel drive and no options the JX stickers for about $44,000, but when you add a few extras it get ‘spensive, fast. The question you need to ask is “Do I want a loaded up mass-market vehicle or an entry-level luxury model?” It usually doesn’t make sense to pay more for fancy badges on the front and back.

Another premium offering is the Buick Enclave. If interior space is a top priority this crossover is a winner, as are GM’s other Lambda models including the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. On paper the Enclave makes a compelling argument, exactly like Michael Jackson’s lawyers when they got him acquitted of certain “charges” about eight years ago. In the real world this Buick falls far short of what it aspires to be. For all of the bawdy details read AutoGuide Editor-in-Chief Colum Wood’s recent review of the vehicle.

THE VERDICT

There are so many good choices in today’s large-crossover segment it’s almost impossible to buy a bad one. The models highlighted in this week’s installment of Ask AutoGuide each have their strengths and a few corresponding weaknesses, but there’s only room for one winner on our podium. Silver and bronze are simply the first two losers; gold is all that matters.

Aside from a buzz-killing CVT there’s little to complain about with the Nissan Pathfinder. It’s spacious, comfortable and the most fuel efficient of this trio. If there’s one noteworthy downside it has to do with features; the vehicle seems to offer fewer gadgets than either the Jeep or the Ford, and that’s too bad; whiz-bang is what Amy wants. For her there are better choices.

In a lot of ways the Ford is a great match to the Nissan.  Where the Pathfinder spacious and comfortable the Explorer is roomy and relaxed. They’re both powered by 3.5-liter V6 engines and they both offer selectable four-wheel drive. Where the Ford comes ahead is interior design and technology. The Explorer’s cockpit is quite nice, with soft materials and small chrome accents on various controls and switches. It looks premium, while the Pathfinder’s interior is far more working-class. The Ford is also offered with all kinds of high-end features; it can parallel park itself for crying out loud! But one area it falls short is quality. According to Consumer Reports it’s the most unreliable new vehicle on the road, but to be fair that’s mostly because of troublesome electronics, which company representatives claim to have fixed. Still, there’s probably a better choice for Amy.

And that vehicle is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s easily the best looking utility of this group, with tasteful styling and a luxurious interior. It’s loaded with features, offers a cutting-edge powertrain that sips fuel and it can go off-roading like an M1 Abrams tank. It may not offer three rows of seats but this Jeep’s other plusses far outweigh that minor trade off, which is why it earns our recommendation this week. Amy, make sure you test drive a Grand Cherokee in the near future.

As always, good luck Amy in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

Two’s company but three’s a crowd. More may be merrier in certain situations but undoubtedly not in every circumstance. Sure, having more flavors of ice cream to choose from or more paid vacation time is like hitting the jackpot at your local Native American tribal casino. Bingo was indeed his name-o.

However, additional feral cats living in you winterized motor-home or an added helping of LDL cholesterol may not be welcome extras, especially if you’re allergic to the stench of ammonia or have heart trouble.

Sidestepping cardiovascular issues and stinky urine, Chris dispatched an electronic-mail message to AutoGuide this week asking for some car-buying advice. Happily, we’re here to help demystify the confounding world of motor vehicles.

A family man, he needs a new vehicle to accommodate his growing brood. While not quite Duggar-rivaling, his one child is about to be simultaneously augmented by a pair of siblings. Yes, twins are on the way and we wonder if his wife conceived on Black Friday because that’s one hell of a deal, although three children younger than 3 years of age is the stuff nightmares are made of. Hopefully they’re born with gift receipts so they can at least be returned for store credit if things get really out of hand.

Chris currently parks a 2011 Ford Edge in his driveway and they’re looking for something that can more easily handle a trio of car seats. They have between $30,000 and about $50,000 to spend on a new ride; there are no brands they refuse to own although minivans are forbidden like apples in the Garden of Eden.

On the features front, a navigation system and backup camera are must-haves, though a moonroof would be a nice addition. Ruggedness is another plus; Chris wants a vehicle that can withstand the destructive tendencies of small children. What could possibly fit the bill? We’ll get to that shortly.

A WORD ABOUT SAFETY

Before diving into this week’s vehicle selection a word about child safety, or more accurately 127 of them. Traveling with youngsters is always challenging. They require mountains of stuff from strollers and diaper bags to toys and games. When it’s time to pack the car plan on hiring a Sherpa to lug all that junk.

Safely packaging kiddies so they arrived undamaged is also challenging. Helping facilitate this, all new vehicles are equipped with something known as LATCH, an acronym that means Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. In simple terms these are hard points for mounting car seats. They’re designed to make the task as easy as possible.

Of course you can always attach a child seat via conventional seatbelts and they should provide equal protection in a crash but LATCH makes the task easier, and just about foolproof, which is a major plus.

Suggestion #1 – 2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package

With upwards of 50 grand to spend on a new vehicle luxury is not out of reach for Chris and his family. The suave and sophisticated Acura MDX crossover might be a good choice for them. Scratch that, it may be an EXCELLENT option because this vehicle drove home with AutoGuide’s 2014 Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

SEE ALSO: AutoGuide 2014 Utility Vehicle of the Year

An up-level all-wheel drive version equipped with the brand’s available technology package squeaks in at $49,460, including $895 in destination and delivery fees.

At that princely price, the MDX comes equipped with all kinds of nice features, as it should. Drivers are treated to things like a blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, ELS surround sound and much more. It’s even got a coveted navigation system so Chris has no excuse for getting lost on family road trips.

The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine that writes a check for 290 HP with 267 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. This combination is expected to return 18 miles per gallon around town and 27 on the highway.

But the star of Acura’s drivetrain show is the company’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD for SHort). This advanced technology can do a number of things but its neatest trick is torque vectoring. It can divvy up power from side to side at the rear axle, something that helps the MDX handle better than it should.

As for safety, this Acura has plenty of laurels to rest on. The vehicle’s earned Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); that’s the organization’s highest rating. Adding a feather to its cap all three second-row seats are equipped with LATCH anchors for strapping down Chris’ kiddies, PLUS the third-row offers tether anchors for even more child-carrying capacity! For this reason alone the MDX is a compelling choice.

Suggestion #2 – 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4×4

Acura’s offering may have three rows of seats but the Jeep Grand Cherokee has… only two. Ok, it may come up short in overall bench-count but it should still be able to accommodate three little ones in the back, plus it’s rugged and built for the long haul, with heritage that can trace it way back to the beaches of Normandy and beyond.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee is as attractive as it is active. It’s got go-anywhere capability the other vehicles in this comparison can’t match. But don’t think this is some brutish, old-school SUV; it’s like a leather-lined, jewel-encrusted sledgehammer.

The upscale Overland 4×4 version comes standard with power-folding side-view mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Nappa leather and bi-xenon headlamps to name but a handful of its amenities. It’s also equipped with Chrysler’s intuitive Uconnect 8.4 navigation/infotainment system, 20-inch wheels and chrome tow hooks. Yes, shiny tie-downs for helping drag lesser vehicles out of the ditch!

And it can be all you yours for a mere $47,190, including $995 in delivery fees. The Grand Cherokee Overland 4×4 fits Chris’ budget like a baggy pair of sweat pants on Thanksgiving; there’s plenty of breathing room… before dessert, or in this case excessive options.

Immediately aft of its iconic seven-slot grill rests a beautiful thing: choice. Drivers have three different engine options in non-SRT Grand Cherokees, a lineup that includes a base V6, a 3.0-liter diesel and a Hemi V8. They’re all matched to an efficiency-optimizing eight-speed automatic transmission.

The powerplant we’d recommend for Chris is the entry-level Pentastar V6 engine. It delivers more than acceptable performance with fuel economy that’s not too shabby. This unit cranks out 290 ponies, just like the Acura’s engine, along with 260 lb-ft of peak torque. That’s plenty to get the job done.

As for fuel consumption, this high-end Jeep stickers at 17 miles per gallon around town and 24 on the interstate. Its combined score is 19 MPG.

Reinforcing its rugged image, the Grand Cherokee pulled down a Top Safety Pick rating from the crash-test mongers at the IIHS. Yeah, it’s pretty solid.

Suggestion #3 – 2014 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD

Chris & Co. are already happy with their current Ford product, why not recommend another one? The Edge crossover they’ve got right now probably isn’t large enough for their future needs but stepping up the Blue Oval’s utility ladder reveals an option that just might work. The Explorer offers three rows of seats, impressive safety and a number of desirable features, all in a spacious, efficient package.

Like the aforementioned Jeep this Ford gives customers three engine options. The base powerplant, and predictably the one we’re going to recommend, is a 3.5-liter V6. It puts out 290 HP and 255 LB-FT of twist. If you skip the optional four-wheel-drive system you can even get a petite 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger. It puts out a respectable 240 ponies with a big, fat wad of torque, 270 LB-FT in total. Lastly, the range-topping powerplant is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. It pumps out a massive 365 HP, though unfortunately this engine is only available in Sport versions of the Explorer; it’s not offered in the Limited model.

All three engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Want more ratios or a CVT? Too bad! Paraphrasing Henry Ford, you can have any gearbox as long as it’s a six-speed.

When it comes to economy the standard, V6-powered four-wheel-drive Explorer stickers at 17 miles per gallon city and 23 highway. Its combined score is 19 MPG.

The luxury-themed Limited version of the Explorer comes with plenty of standard features but spending a little extra coin nets you some nice benefits. Checking the box for Ford’s optional “302 A” package, which costs $5,425, gets you Active Park Assist, lane departure warning, HID headlamps with auto high beams plus heated and cooled front seats. Of course the company’s MyFord Touch navigation/infotainment system is thrown into the mix as is a power liftgate.

Naturally there’s a bushel basket’s worth of safety equipment included as well. This vehicle received “Good” scores across the board from IIHS meaning it’s a solid product that can protect occupants in the event of the unexpected.

So, what does all this Blue Oval goodness cost? Well, out the door the Explorer Limited with the oddly-named “302 A” option stickers for $45,560, including $895 in shipping-and-handling fees.

Need more data on these three cars? Check our our Car Comparison tool or just click here to compare the Acura MDX vs Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer.

As always, good luck in your quest for a new family vehicle, Chris, and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

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In the market for a three-row SUV but want to know what will get you the best fuel economy? AutoGuide has compiled the top 10 most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs available today based on their combined MPG rating.

The post Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Three-Row SUVs appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

Until the mid-1980s, those with large families usually bought station wagons with a who-cares-about-safety rearward facing third row of seats. But then the minivan was introduced and everything changed. For the next fifteen years, troops of kids were transported here and there in these pragmatic boxes on wheels. As is often the case though, consumer taste’s changed.

Today the three-row station wagons rival the mountain gorilla on the critically endangered species list while the minivan has become more passé than bridge clubs. Now there is a new king of big family transport – the three-row crossover utility vehicle (CUV).

And the Crossover Takes Over

After a brief foray with three-row body-on-frame SUVs in the early 2000s, the vast majority of auto manufacturers have settled on unibody crossovers to handle passenger duties of six or more. Last year, more than 1.7 million of these CUVs were sold in the U.S. compared to less than 525,000 minivans.

With nearly two million annual sales up for grabs, manufacturers are constantly tweaking their products to entice customers. Over the last year alone, all-new versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander hit the market while the Kia Sorento and Dodge Durango received significant updates. To see which CUV is the best value for the money, we gathered these five crossovers along with three older models; the large Chevrolet Traverse, the best-selling Ford Explorer and the eight-passenger Honda Pilot. Which one emerged as the victor in this stacked field? Read on to find out.

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The Ford F-150 might not be the only vehicle in the American automaker’s lineup to make generous use of aluminum.

The company is so pleased with the weight savings as a result of aluminum usage on its pickup that the next-generation Explorer and Expedition are both under consideration for the same treatment. The SUVs are both important models to Ford’s lineup, and saving weight on both of them in order to improve fuel economy is pivotal to their success in the future.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Ford Expedition Goes All EcoBoost All the Time

As a result, both models are candidates for aluminum use, which helped cut the F-150′s weight by 700 lbs compared to the 2014 model. Aluminum is more expensive than traditional steel, but Ford believes its benefits are worth the extra amount, though it remains to be seen how the automaker’s first mass-production aluminum vehicle will be received with the general public. Regardless, Ford is hoping to improve fuel economy on both the Explorer and Expedition. Once the 2015 F-150 goes on sale, it will serve as a measuring stick for Ford in deciding whether or not to make the move. That decision isn’t likely to bring such a product until after another five or six years.

GALLERY: 2015 Ford Expedition

[Source: Edmunds]

Discuss this story at our Ford forum

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Like ‘em or not, nicknames are a way of life. Perhaps you were called four eyes as a child because of your glasses. If your teeth were bedazzled with braces train tracks may have been a more appropriate term of endearment.

Of course various companies have earned themselves disparaging nicknames as well. The Home Despot, CrApple, Taco Hell and Skinemax are but a handful of less-than-flattering titles. Oh, and you can’t forget about Coca-Colonic.

Of course cars are by no means immune to this good-natured ribaldry. In fact since automobiles are such personal objects they seem especially susceptible to earning such titles. Here’s a list of the top 10 worst vehicle nicknames. Have you ever owned one of these gems?

The post Top 10 Worst Vehicle Nicknames appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

In an effort to draw attention to its aging three-row crossover, Ford is updating the Explorer with cosmetic enhancements for 2015.

The company announced today that it plans to offer a new appearance package on XLT models starting this month that adds a “sportier look.” The package adds 20-inch ally wheels with black painted accents, black body cladding and roof rails and specially painted mirror caps. The grille gets the same color treatment.

Ford is also adding suede inserts to the leather seats and contrast stitching as well as special floor mats and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The package also adds an eight-inch touch screen with MyFord Touch and two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster.

Aside from that, the company is also updating the Explorer for 2015 by adding new 18-inch aluminum wheels to the standard equipment list for base models, a class III trailer package as standard for the Explorer Sport and new paint colors.

Discuss this story at our Ford forum

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Ford has recalled 195,527 Explorers for a possible power steering glitch.

The recall will close a two-year NHTSA investigation into the power steering glitch that spurred 15 where owners described the power steering failing on various Explorer SUVs. Ford chose to proactively recall the Explorer before NHTSA concluded its investigation, likely to avoid the same scrutiny GM is experiencing as a result of the massive ignition switch recall.

SEE ALSO: Ford Recalling 282K Sedans Over Corrosion, Floor Mats

In the beginning of the investigation, Ford insisted the problem was rare and that it was not a legal violation, stating that the Explorer could still be driven without power steering. According to the recall, an intermittent electrical connection in the power steering module could lead to a loss of the motor position sensor signal. The American automaker is aware of 15 accidents believed to be related to the issue and all of them occurred at lower speeds.

Discuss this story at our Ford forum

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