Category Archives: Ford News

Learn About Your Vehicles Features Through Videos Virginia!

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Photo Credit: www.honestcardealer.com

Have you ever wondered about all the features your vehicle has to offer Virginia?  Do you feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what everything does?  Is your owner’s manual seem like a novel and intimidate you when you want to find something out?  Well, Ford has a solution for you.  A Vehicle Orientation program, that will help you learn about your vehicle’s features.

Dealerships across the nation will now be featuring a Vehicle Orientation program for consumers, which, has been introduced by Ford.  This Vehicle Orientation program will offer a complete library of short videos or “video snacks” as Ford is calling it, that will teach consumers all about features of their Ford vehicles such as Remote Start, MyKey and Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors.  The Vehicle Orientation program will now be part of the sales process and will be offered during the sales transaction of a new Ford vehicle.  While purchasing a new vehicle, the salesperson will help the customer pick and choose which features of the vehicle the consumer would like to learn more about.  A list of these chosen features is then emailed to the customer with a link to the specific “video snack” for each one.  You have the ability to watch these short videos at anytime, whether in the privacy of your home or at the dealership.  Your salesperson will also keep a copy of your list on hand for reference.

Andrew Ashman, Consumer Experience Manager for Ford and Lincoln stated,  “Now more than ever before our vehicles are equipped with a variety of advanced technologies designed to make life better for drivers, but we know that just because a cool feature is available doesn’t necessarily mean it is being recognized or used by the consumer….” So if you are wondering what all the bells and whistles on your new Ford are for, you can find out in a specific “video snack.”  For more information on Ford’s Vehicle Orientation program, go to www.media.ford.com.  And visit your local new and used Virginia Ford dealer, Richmond Ford, when you purchase your next new Ford, and you will be able to tell your friends and family exactly what every feature does!

Ford Earns AAA Ratings For Commuter Vehicles Virginia!

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Photo Credit: reuters.com

It’s something many of us do every morning and afternoon, commute or drive to and from work and home.  Seeing as you can spend a good chunk of your time going back and forth during your commute, you want a vehicle that will make this time as comfortable as possible and have you spending the least amount at the pump.

Eighty-six percent of Americans who rely on a vehicle to get them to and from their place of business will spend about 25 minutes one way on their commute.  Not to mention the price at the pump isn’t expected to go down anytime soon, so aside from comfort and reliability, fuel economy is at the top of the list of must-haves for your commuting vehicle.  The AAA (Automobile Association of America) has two Ford vehicles at the top of their list for commuter vehicles. The association’s auto-buying experts, who thoroughly test and evaluate the vehicles, choose the vehicles that make the list.  This year, both the 2013 Ford Fusion and the 2013 Ford Flex made the list for best commuter vehicles.

The 2013 Ford Fusion made the sedan category and comes with your choice of three engines; a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, a turbo-charged 1.6-liter and a turbo-charged 2.0-liter engine.  Four-wheel drive comes standard with the Ford Fusion and the newest model features an upgraded interior and streamlined exterior.  The average price paid for the 2013 Ford Fusion is $20,038. The 2013 Ford Flex of the crossover category offers a roomy ride for your daily commute.  The Flex comes with a V-6 engine with other options including EcoBoost, which will give you an edge on fuel economy.  The average price paid for the Ford Flex is $26,803.

For more information on the AAA’s list of best commuter vehicles, visit www.newsroom.aaa.com.  And to check out the 2013 Ford Fusion and Ford Flex for your daily commute, visit your local new and used Virginia Ford dealer, Richmond Ford!

The Best Ford For Your College Graduate Virginia!

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College graduations are right around the corner Virginia, and a gift that many a college graduate would appreciate is a new car.  It would probably be a very appreciated gift, as college graduates typically do not have a lot of money and will need some form of transportation to get them to and from all those job interviews they will hopefully be going on.  Once such vehicle that made the list of Motor Trend’s Top 10 College Cars Under $10,000 is the Ford Fusion.

Obviously, Motor Trend is not talking about 2013 versions for under $10,000; however, the make and models they listed were chosen for being solid, reliable vehicles with a good economical value.  Motor Trend cited the first generation Ford Fusion as a “very solid car” with “responsive handling and good steering.”  Motor Trend also particularly liked the SE trim level of the Ford Fusion for those recent college graduates.  The first generation Ford Fusion came out in 2006 as a high-quality mid-size sedan.  The base model S Sedan comes with a 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission.  This will get you 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city.  This Ford Fusion all comes with power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, remote trunk release, power steering and CD player.  Safety features include child seat anchors, rear-door child safety locks, and emergency interior trunk release and engine immobilizer and optional side/curtain airbags.  The Ford Fusion can seat up to 5 passengers and comes in an assortment of exterior colors.  The SE trim level comes equipped with a 3.0-liter, V6 engine and automatic transmission.  You receive the same mileage plus some additional options and upgrades.

For more information on the first-generation Ford Fusion as a graduation gift for you college student, visit www.motortrend.com.  And stop by your local new and used Virginia Ford dealer, Richmond Ford, for the best selection of Ford Fusion’s and other vehicle’s for your college graduate.

The Ford Mustang Celebrates 50 Years Virginia!

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50 years, half a century!  That is how long the Ford Mustang has been in production.  And there aren’t a lot of automobiles out there that can brag about these rights.  Ford plans on celebrating this milestone with a special logo and some new gear that any Ford Mustang driver and fan can appreciate.

Although the Ford Mustang’s actual 50-year birthday is April 17, the celebration will begin at the New York Auto Show, March 27-28, 2013 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.  And of course such a milestone deserves an extra special celebration, so the festivities will continue for the remainder of the 2013-year.  Ford designer, Michael Thomson, has come up with a custom logo marking the occasion.  The logo features the ever-recognizable Mustang pony logo, with the words “50 Years” inscribed below.  The Ford Motor Company will be using this logo for specially designed and licensed products, of which only 50 companies will have the rights to.  Some of the products that will be produced and sold include watches, t-shirts, model cars, video games and apparel.

Production of the Ford Mustang began on March 9, 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan.  This piece of iconic America was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair.  There have been five generations of the Ford Mustang all starting with the Ford Mustang I, bringing us to today’s Mustangs of which Ford offers 10 models starting at $22,200.  Todays’ models include the V6, V6 Premium, V6 Convertible, GT, V6 Premium Convertible, GT Premium, GT Convertible, GT Premium Convertible, Shelby GT500 and the Shelby GT500 Convertible.

For more information on the 50-Year celebration of the Ford Mustang’s production and the specially licensed products, visit ford.com.  And to see a piece of American automobile history for yourself, visit your local new and used Virginia Ford dealer, Richmond Ford!

The Best Ford Family Cars Virginia!

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Photo Credit: forbes.com

If you are looking for a good family car Virginia, U.S. News & World Report has recently identified two Ford models and one Lincoln model that made their list of the Best Cars For Families.  There are several criteria that you may use to judge a vehicle for your family, and U.S. News has several criteria as well.

U.S. News & World Report recently revealed their 2013 Best Cars for Families awards for cars, vans and SUV’s (Sport Utility Vehicle).  U.S. News chose the vehicles that they determined to have the best combination of quality, space and family-friendly features.  These three criteria are combined into one composite score and the highest scoring vehicle is awarded the Best Car for Families.  There are 19 categories that U.S. News & World Report scores.  Ford and Lincoln won in the following categories with three models.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid ranks number one out of 18 in the Hybrid Cars category.  Some of the reasons that the Ford Fusion Hybrid beat out the rest include its fuel economy, performance, reliability, safety scores, roomy interior and exterior.  The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 47 miles per gallon on the highway and the city and starts at an MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) of $27,200.

The 2013 Ford Fusion came in at number two out of 18 in the Affordable Midsize Cars category.  A sleek exterior, sporty handling and roomy interior brought the Ford Fusion to the top of the list.  The Ford Fusion will get you 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway all starting at $21,900.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT ranks number 10 out of 19 in the Luxury 3-Row Midsize SUV category.  The features that garnered the Lincoln MKT top honors include quality, family friendly features, size and solid performance.  The 2013 Lincoln MKT offers 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.  You can have your family riding in the MKT starting at $45,285.

For more information on these and other vehicles that made the list of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cars for Families, visit www.usnews.com.  And stop by your local Virginia Ford and Lincoln dealer, Richmond Ford to check out these automobiles for your family!

Help Your Teen Become A Better Driver And Avoid A Fatal Accident Virginia! Part 1 of 2

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Photo Credit: motortrend.com

If you are the parent of a teenage driver or soon to be teenage driver, you probably have some reservations about letting them out on the road.  After all, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fatal traffic accidents are the leading cause of teen death in America.  In 2010, there were more than 3,000 teen deaths from automobile accidents.  You and Ford Motor Company however, can do something to help.

Ford Motor Company helps to teach teenagers how to become better drivers through their Ford Driving Skills For Life program.  For the 2013 year, Ford hopes to reach 40,000 teens through 40 different high schools in Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and even right here in Virginia!  Teens will learn and improve their driving behavior and knowledge through hands on driving clinics.  The five main areas the program will focus on are speed management, driver distraction, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition.  In addition to the driving clinics, the driving program offers safe driving material and web-based learning.

As a parent of a teenage driver, you can also do a lot to help your teen become a better driver.  According to research performed by Ford’s Driving Skills For Life program, teens look to their parents for guidance when learning how to drive.  Ford’s research found that more than three quarters of teens surveyed stated that they really focus on their parent’s advice when learning how to drive.

“By setting a good example behind the wheel, parents can increase the chances their children will adopt safe driving practices,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “While state laws and educational programs are critical, ultimately, parents are the most critical component to keep their teen drivers safe.”

For more information on teen driving and Ford’s Driving Skills For Life program, visit www.ford.com.  And as a parent, if you practice what you preach when it comes to driving, you can help your teen driver stay safe on the roads.  Don’t forget to stop by your local new and used Virginia auto dealer, Richmond Ford.

1967 Ford Shelby GT-500 Graces Postal Stamp Virginia!

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Photo Credit: themustangnews.com

Most of the time when we receive mail, it’s the usual stamp we have seen hundreds of times.  When you get a piece of mail that has a unique stamp, one that is limited or seasonal, it may make you stop and take a second glance.  Well, another new stamp may come across your path soon.  The United States Postal Service is honoring American muscle cars with a new series, “Muscle Cars (Forever).”

This new series, available now at your Virginia post office, features five iconic muscle cars of American auto history: the 1966 Pontiac GTO, 1967 Ford Shelby GT-500, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda and the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.  The muscle car stamp series is sold in sheets of 20 self-adhesive stamps.  These stamps are also Forever stamps and will always be equal in value to the present first-class 1-ounce mail rate; however, you may find the series too neat to actually use on your mail.  The artist behind the series is Tom Fritz and they are based on his oil paintings.  The “Muscle Car” stamp series is the third installation of the “America on the Move” series, which also includes “50’s Sporty Cars” released in 2005 and “50’s Fins and Chrome” released in 2008.

According to Car and Driver from a February 1967 issue, the 1967 Ford Shelby GT-500 came with a 3-speed automatic transmission, V-8 cast-iron block and head engine, with 355 horsepower and 420 pounds per feet of torque.  The fuel efficiency on the 1967 Shelby was 9-12 miles per gallon on premium fuel.  And the manufacturer’s suggested retail was $5,043.60.  Although the Ford Shelby GT-500 has come a long way since 1967, we can still admire it in the United States postal service “Muscle Car” stamp series.  For more information on these stamps, visit cars.com.  And to check out the latest Ford Shelby Mustang GT-500, visit your local Virginia new and used Ford dealer, Richmond Ford.

There’s A New Package For The 2013 Ford Focus Virginia!

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One of Ford’s top-selling models, the sporty hatchback 2013 Ford Focus ST, has a new package to offer consumers, but it’s not from Ford.  Hennessey Performance, an aftermarket company that offers high-performance packages and modifications to various auto models, now offers a package for the 2013 Ford Focus ST; the Ford Focus ST HPE300 Performance Upgrade.

Hennessey Performance, located in the Lonestar Motorsports Park 45 minutes west of Houston, Texas, is offering the Focus ST HPE300 package for $1,495.00.  This package includes the following upgrades for the 2013 Ford Focus ST.

  • HPE Air Induction System
  • HPE Engine Management Calibration
  • Hennessey Exterior Badging
  • Serial-Numbered Dash and Engine Plaques

The HPE Air Induction System will bring the output of your Focus ST from 252 horsepower to 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque to 305 pound-feet of torque.  The serial-numbered plaques will also proudly display which number of the only 300 HPE300 packages offered for your Ford Focus ST Virginia.  There is also an optional upgrade offered with this package, a stainless-steel cat-back exhaust.  Other separate upgrades for the 2013 Ford Focus ST offered by Hennessey Performance, include a Hennessey Tuned Handheld Programmer, a Hennessey Focus ST Air Induction System and a Magnaflow Performance Cat-Back Exhaust.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST at your local Ford dealer, starts with a turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a six speed manual transmission, 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.  Sports suspension with enhanced traction and handling and high-performance front and rear disc brakes add to the sporty performance of the Ford Focus ST. To get your hands on the wheel of this sporty hatchback, visit your local new and used Virginia Ford dealer, Richmond Ford.  Here you can find the 2013 Ford Focus ST starting at $23,700.  And for more information about the Focus ST HPE300 package from Hennessey Performance, visit topspeed.com.  What are you waiting for Virginia?

Ford Offers Some Of The Best-Used Cars Virginia!

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Although many of us would probably prefer to purchase a new car, sometimes it is just not in the budget.  You can find used cars that are just like new however, and in certain circumstances you may prefer to purchase a used vehicle.  According to CNW Marketing Research, more than 40 million used vehicles were purchased in 2012, which was the highest since 2007.  They also found that for every new car sold, almost three used cars are exchanged.  Of the list from www.cars.com of the top 10 vehicles for $10,000, 40% or 4 of the 10 models are Fords!

Cars.com reviewed vehicles from the 2006 model year or later to determine their top picks.  The Ford vehicles that made the list include the following:

  1. 2006 Ford Escape – This was the first generation of this model crossover and it was chosen for it’s handling and ride.  With almost 70 cubic feet of cargo room and on-demand all wheel drive, the Ford Escape has a lot more to offer.
  2. 2008 Ford Focus – This 2008 Focus model has some great technology features that many vehicles did not offer until later years.  This model offers Bluetooth and an USB/iPod stereo ports.  Safety is another great feature of the 2008 Focus with side curtain airbags.  The 2008 Ford Focus is available in three trim levels and two body styles.
  3. 2007 Ford Freestyle – If you are looking for a family car, the Freestyle offers second and third rows with seating for up to 6 or 7 depending, all in an oversized wagon package.  With seats folded down, you can get up to 90 cubic feet of cargo room, in addition to all-wheel drive and side impact and curtain airbags.
  4. 2007 Ford Fusion – This midsize family car was added to the list due to its optional V-6 engine and handling.  Other features include a very roomy trunk, optional all-wheel drive and side impact and curtain airbags.

If you are looking for a good used vehicle for a great price, stop by your local Virginia used Ford dealer, Richmond Ford, and check out these Ford models today.  And for more information about these vehicles and why they are a great choice, visit www.cars.com.