Ford

Ford Overview:

Ford follows up a busy 2012 with an equally busy 2013, introducing the C-Max Hybrid and redesigning two of its most popular models, the midsize Fusion and the compact Escape crossover.

(The Escape Hybrid has been discontinued.)

Ford offers four passenger cars in its lineup: the sub-compact Fiesta, the Focus compact, the aforementioned Fusion, and the full-size Taurus.

The Fiesta still offers class leading technology and styling, along with 40 mpg on the highway for a fuel efficient commuter that comes in both sedan and five-door hatchback form.

Offered as both a sedan and a five-door hatchback, the compact Focus follows up last year's remake with the introduction of the new performance oriented Focus ST, which features a 252-hp turbocharged engine and various performance upgrades. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Eco versions of the Focus get up to 40 mpg on the highway. The Focus also offers plenty of technology, like a self-parking system, that sets it apart from the competition.

Ford's most exciting development for 2013 is the redesigned Fusion and Fusion Hybrid which get brand new styling inside and out that transforms the Fusion from a fairly anonymous midsize sedan to one of the most striking cars in any segment. It also has the fuel efficiency and engines to match: the Fusion tops out at 25/37 mpg city/highway while the Fusion Hybrid gets 47 mpg in both city/highway driving which leads the segment. A plug-in version called the Fusion Energi is also in the works.

The Taurus, not one to be left behind, gets a few minor updates including reworked front styling, suspension and brake improvements, and a new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

If old-fashioned muscle is more up your alley, the Mustang is back to do battle in the muscle car arena for Ford with updated front and rear styling, a slight gain in hp for GT models (now 420-hp), and of course, a live rear axle.

Competing directly with the Toyota Prius V is the new C-Max Hybrid, which seats five and has plenty of cargo room. It gets 47 combined mpg (5 more than the Prius V) and has a lower base price than its Japanese counterpart.

The Flex was redesigned for 2012, but hasn't rested on its laurels for 2013 with added power to the base engine, a sleeker front, and handling upgrades. The boxy wagon/CUV still offers plenty of room for up to seven passengers.

Also getting a complete makeover for 2013 is the Escape compact crossover, which offers improved fuel economy and a class exclusive power rear liftgate that can be opened by waving a foot under the rear bumper when carrying the key fob. Look Ma, no hands!

Rounding out Ford’s five-passenger SUV offerings is the Edge crossover which still offers some of the most advanced technology that can be found in any car.

If you need to fit more passengers or cargo, the Explorer expands utility with seating for up to seven passengers. The Explorer, which shares a platform with the Taurus, adds a new Explorer Sport trim for 2013 that puts a premium on performance and gets a more powerful 350-hp, twin-turbo V-6.

The Expedition and the even bigger Expedition XL offer supreme cargo/passenger carrying ability.

Ford’s truck offerings begin with the F150 full-size pickup (the Ranger will no longer be sold in the US). This perennial best-seller gets an upgraded four-wheel drive system and looks to remain on top. Rounding out the truck offerings are the F250 and F350, which are available with dual-rear-wheels and offer even more cargo/towing capacity.

Finishing up the lineup are a quartet of work vans. The Transit Connect is a Euro-style workvan, while for those who need more space for deliveries or a mobile workstation there are also the E150, E250, and E350 Super Duty.