You may have heard of Ford’s slogan: Go Further. And with contemporary Ford products, owners really can go the distance as the crop of vehicles made in the last few years really holds its own against the competition, packing the latest technology and performing better than ever. In this post, we pick the best examples from the lineup — such as the made-for-adventure Ford Escape or the sporty and economical Focus — and tell you why.
Escape
When initially launched during the early ‘noughts, the Ford Escape helped define the small SUV segment providing a practical form factor, car-like driving experience, above-average fuel economy, and plenty of convenience features. Now in its third generation, all the things that made the original great are still present, plus a few new tricks to boot. For instance, there are two available turbocharged and efficient EcoBoost engines, loads of storage space (34.3 cubic feet behind the second row), intelligent four-wheel drive, and for those snagging a 2016 model or newer, the latest SYNC 3 infotainment software with full smartphone integration.
Mustang
Little needs to be said to introduce the Mustang, the company’s most iconic sports car. The vehicle underwent a complete overhaul in 2015 and gained a whole new selection of motors including the reintroduction of a four-cylinder, albeit in turbo rather than naturally aspirated form. While pony cars of old were said to only excel in a straight line, the modern version uses an independent rear suspension boasting aluminum components to reduce weight and increase agility around corners.
Fusion
While the Fusion may appear to be just another automobile in the mid-size category competing with heavy hitters like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it’s actually one of the most versatile in the lineup. In addition to being a comfortable and capable sedan offering a ton of legroom, customers can choose between various gasoline options, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid for pure electric jaunts around town. In fact, following a redesign in 2013, the Fusion’s environmentally friendly pretensions garnered a Green Car of the Year award from the Green Car Journal.
Ranger
It’s been a few years since Ford made an entry into the dwindling compact pickup market (although there’s been an announcement of a return in 2019), but the Ranger represented a reliable workhouse for people not interested in a half-ton or frequent trips to the pump. Both two or four-door SuperCab trims can be had, as well as a choice between four or six cylinders, two or four-wheel drive and five speed manual or automatic transmissions. The smaller footprint doesn’t mean the truck can’t get down and dirty, either, as the maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.
Focus
A vehicle that has once been recognized as the best selling in the world, i.e. the Focus, is probably a good one. Sold in both sedan and hatchback form, the model has always been affordable, cheap to maintain, and fun to drive. Like other Fords, the Focus is sold in countless powertrain configurations ranging from a 1.0-litre EcoBoost mill, to the 350-horsepower force-fed four-cylinder found in the fire-breathing RS.
