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2008 Ford Mustang exterior.
2008 Ford Mustang - enlargeFord Motor Company is an American multi-national automobile company that has been in business for more than 100 years, and is one of the Big-Three American auto manufacturers. Ford was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford. Ford the man, and the company, are credited for revolutionizing manufacturing with its "Fordisms," which included "methods for large-scale manufacturing of cars and large-scale management of an industrial workforce, especially elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences typified by moving assembly lines."1
The Ford Motor Company now encompasses many global brands, including Lincoln and Mercury of the U.S., and Volvo of Sweden. Ford also owns a one-third, controlling interest in Mazda.2 Ford also still owns Jaguar and Land Rover, though the sale of those companies are pending as the company is negotiating their sale to Tata of India.
Ford manufactures passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, pickup trucks, sporty cars, vans and commercial vehicles.
Beginning with the Ford cars, one of their best sellers is the 2008 Ford Focus compact car. The Ford Focus is available in coupe (MSRP $14,075 - $16,075, Invoice $13,289 - $14,968) and sedan (MSRP $14,375 - $16,375, Invoice $13,565 - $15,241) versions. With its 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine, this model competes with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Journey, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla. The Ford Focus comes with a front-wheel drive and choice of standard five speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
Next in Ford's car lineup is the 2008 Ford Fusion mid-size sedan (MSRP $18,010 - $24,625, Invoice $16,829 - $22,603). Buyers may choose from a 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter, I4 engine or a 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter, V6 engine; a standard five-speed manual transmission, a five-speed automatic transmission, or a six-speed automatic transmission; and a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system. The Ford Fusion competes with the Audi A3, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry, and Volvo S40.
Up next is the 2008 Ford Mustang mid-size coupe (MSRP $19,490 - $27,260, Invoice $18,111 - $25,104) and convertible (MSRP $24,315 - $32,085, Invoice $22,453 - $29,447) versions. This model has a rear-wheel drive system. Buyers may choose from a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter, V6 engine or a 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine; and a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Mustang competes with the Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Challenger, Mini Cooper S, Nissan Altima Coupe, and Nissan 350Z.
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 is a mid-size, high-performance sports car. This vehicle is available in coupe (MSRP $41,930, Invoice $37,898) and convertible (MSRP $46,755, Invoice $42,192) versions and competes with the Audi A4S, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, and Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG. The Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a 500-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine, a rear-wheel drive system, rear limited slip differential, and 6-speed manual transmission.
Next is the 2008 Ford Taurus full-size sedan. This model is available in four trim levels: SEL Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) (MSRP $23,485, Invoice $21,667), SEL All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (MSRP $25,335, Invoice $23,331), Limited FWD (MSRP $27,470, Invoice $25,253), and Limited AWD (MSRP $29,320, Invoice $26,918). It is equipped with a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
The final product in the Ford car lineup is the 2008 Ford Taurus X full-size wagon, which comes in six trim levels: SEL FWD (MSRP $26,615, Invoice $24,583), SEL AWD (MSRP $28,465, Invoice $26,249), Eddie Bauer FWD (MSRP $29,355, Invoice $27,050), Eddie Bauer AWD (MSRP $31,205, Invoice $28,714), Limited FWD (MSRP $30,335, Invoice $27,931), and Limited AWD (MSRP $32,185, Invoice $29,597). The Ford Taurus X equipped with a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V6 engine, front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel (AWD) drive system, and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Next up are the Ford crossover vehicles, starting with the 2008 Ford Edge mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). This vehicle is available in six trim levels: SE FWD (MSRP $25,565, Invoice $24,135), SE AWD (MSRP $27,315, Invoice $25,744), SEL FWD (MSRP $27,560, Invoice $25,970), SEL AWD (MSRP $29,310, Invoice $27,580), Limited FWD (MSRP $30,555, Invoice $28,726), and Limited AWD (MSRP $32,305, Invoice $30,335). The Ford Edge competes with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Honda CR-V, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-7, Toyota RAV 4, and Nissan Murano. It is equipped with a 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V6 engine, a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Ford product line continues with their SUVs, starting with the 2008 Ford Escape compact SUV (MSRP $18,770 - $25,520, Invoice $17,778 - $17,778). This model competes with the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Acadia, Honda CRV, Jeep Liberty, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-7, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Toyota RAV 4, Nissan Murano. Engine choices are a 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter, I4 engine and a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter, V6 engine. Buyers may choose from five-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission; and a front-wheel drive (FWD) system or rear-wheel drive (RWD) system.
Next on the list is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (SUV). This model is available in Base FWD (MSRP $26,265, Invoice $24,674) and Base AWD (MSRP $28,015, Invoice $26,283) trim levels. The Ford Escape Hybrid competes with the Lexus 400h, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Saturn Vue Hybrid, and Toyota Highland Hybrid. It is equipped with a 94-horsepower, 2.3-liter, I4 hybrid engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), a nickel-metal hydride electric motor battery, a permanent magnet motor system, and a regenerative braking system. The Ford Escape Hybrid is available either with a front wheel or an all-wheel drive system.
The 2008 Ford Explorer full-size SUV (MSRP $26,010 - $36,090, Invoice $24,589 - $33,863) is next. It is available in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels. This model is equipped with a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter, V6 engine. A 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine is also optional. The Ford Explorer competes with the Buick Enclave, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Nissan XTerra, Toyota 4-Runner, and Volvo XC90.
Up next is the 2008 Ford Expedition full-size SUV (MSRP $30,620 - $42,865, Invoice $28,343 - $38,935). This model is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine and comes in eight trim levels. Buyers may choose from a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive system. The Ford Expedition comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. It competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia.
Last in Ford's SUV lineup is the 2008 Ford Expedition EL (Extended Length), the Expedition's extended-wheelbase twin. The Expedition EL is available in XLT RWD (MSRP $35,545, Invoice $32,900), XLT 4WD (MSRP $38,445, Invoice $35,310), Eddie Bauer RWD (MSRP $39,915, Invoice $36,638), Eddie Bauer 4WD (MSRP $42,815, Invoice $39,233), Limited RWD (MSRP $42,075, Invoice $38,366), Limited 4WD (MSRP $44,975, Invoice $40,947), King Ranch RWD (MSRP $44,015, Invoice $40,092), and King Ranch 4WD (MSRP $46,915, Invoice $42,673) trim levels. It is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission (capable of manual-style shifting), and a rear-wheel drive system or a 4-wheel drive system. The Expedition EL competes with the Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, GMC Yukon XL, Lincoln Navigator L, and Toyota Sequoia.
There are also the Ford trucks, which start out with the 2008 Ford Ranger. This pickup truck comes in Regular Cab Pickup Truck with three trim levels; the XL (MSRP $14,880 - $19,830, Invoice $14,285 - $18,888), the XLT (MSRP $16,605 - $21,320, Invoice $15,729 - $20,067), and the Sport (MSRP $17,140 - $20,640, Invoice $16,221 - $19,441). Ford also offers a Ranger Extended Cab Pickup Truck (AKA SuperCab) with four trim levels; the XL (MSRP $16,355 - $21,085, Invoice $15,657 - $19,971), XLT (MSRP $18,005 - $22,450, Invoice $17,017 - $21,107), Sport (MSRP $18,795 - $23,075, Invoice $17,744 - $21,700), and FX4 Off-Road (MSRP $23,370 - $24,625, Invoice $21,953 - $23,108). The Ford Rangers compete with the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, GMC Canyon, Mazda B-Series, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. Available engines are a 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter, I4 engine, a 148-horsepower, 3.0-liter, V6 engine, and a 207-horsepower, 4.0-liter, V6 engine. This model can pull a maximum of 6,000 pounds when equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 engine. Buyers may choose from a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission; a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system or a four-wheel drive (4WD) system.
Next is the 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck. This model is available in Regular Cab Pickup Truck (MSRP $17,520 - $30,970, Invoice $16,475 - $28,030), Extended Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCab (MSRP $23,615 - $33,520, Invoice $21,990 - $30,286), and Crew Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCrew (MSRP $26,955 - $39,830, Invoice $25,013 - $35,868) versions. Buyers may choose from a 202-horsepower, 4.2-liter, V6 engine, a 248-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine, or a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine. A supercharged 450-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine is optional on the Harley-Davidson trim level. This model can tow up to 11,000 pounds. It competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
Up next is the 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck. This model is available in Regular Cab Pickup Truck (MSRP $22,650 - $29,365, Invoice $21,246 - $27,289), Super Duty Extended Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCab (MSRP $24,775 - $35,215, Invoice $23,157 - $32,553), and Super Duty Crew Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCrew (MSRP $26,135 - $37,770, Invoice $24,381 - $34,853) versions. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems are both available. Buyers may choose from a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine, a 362-horsepower, 6.8-liter, V10 engine, or a 350-horsepower, 6.4-liter, PowerStroke turbo-diesel, V8 engine. The Ford F-250 can tow up to 12,500 pounds. When equipped with an optional 4.10 rear axle, this model can handle a 23,500-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). It competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, GMC Sierra 2500, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
Next is the 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup truck. This model is available in Super Duty Regular Cab Pickup Truck (MSRP $23,370 - $31,250, Invoice $21,893 - $28,986), Super Duty Extended Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCab (MSRP $26,010 - $36,925, Invoice $24,098 - $34,093), and Super Duty Crew Cab Pickup Truck or SuperCrew (MSRP $27,055 - $39,360, Invoice $25,210 - $36,284) versions. Buyers may choose from a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine, and the optional 362-horsepower, 6.8-liter, V10 and 350-horsepower, 6.4-liter, PowerStroke turbo-diesel, V8 engines. Available transmission choices are a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. The F-350 can tow up to 15,000 pounds. When equipped with an optional 4.10 rear axle, this model can handle a 23,500-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). It competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
The largest product in the Ford pickup truck line is the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab Pickup Truck MSRP $39,205 - $50,355, Invoice $36,169 - $46,205). This model is available in XL 98.0" dual rear wheels, XLT 98.0" dual rear wheels, and Lariat 98.0" dual rear wheels trim levels and is equipped with a 350-horsepower, 6.4-liter, PowerStroke turbo-diesel, V8 engine. Buyers may choose from rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems; a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. The Ford F-450 competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
Last in the truck lineup is the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (MSRP $24,950 - $30,805, Invoice $23,545 - $28,930), which is an SUV with a pickup truck bed. Buyers may choose from a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter, V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission or an optional 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Acadia, Honda Ridgeline, and the Lincoln Mark LT.
Up next in the Ford vehicle lineup are the Ford vans – they no longer sell a traditional family minivan -- starting with the 2008 Ford Econoline Cargo van (MSRP $23,725 - $28,775, Invoice $21,206 - $25,599) which is available in E-150, E-250, and E-350 SD (Super Duty) trim levels. This model is part of the E-Series, which is related to the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. Buyers may choose from a 225-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine, a 255-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine, or upgrade to a 305-horsepower, 6.8-liter, V8 engine or a 235-horsepower, 6.0-liter, Power Stroke turbo-diesel, V8 engine. The Ford Econoline Cargo can carry up to 11,500 pounds on the E-150 trim levels and up to 20,000 pounds on the E-350 SD trim levels. It competes with the Chevrolet Express Cargo, Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Sprinter Cargo, and the GMC Savana Cargo.
Next is the 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon, (MSRP $25,920 - $33,600, Invoice $23,116 - $29,797) which is also a cargo van, and it is available in E-150 XL, E-150 XLT, E-350 Super Duty (SD) XL, E-350 SD XL, E-350 SD XLT, and E-350 SD XLT trim levels and can seat 8 to 11 passengers. Buyers may choose from 225-horsepower, 4.6-liter, V8 engine, a 255-horsepower, 5.4-liter, V8 engine, and a 235-horsepower, 6.0-liter, Power Stroke turbo-diesel, V8 engine. The 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon can carry up to 7,500 pounds for the E-150 and up to 10,000 pounds for the E-350 Super Duty with the turbo-diesel V8 engine. It competes with the Chevrolet Express, Dodge Sprinter, and GMC Savana.
A look at Ford's reliability ratings (ConsumerReports.org) showed that the 2008 Ford Ranger 4WD pickup truck received Excellent ratings for engine, climate system, suspension, and audio system; Very Good ratings for transmission, electrical system, squeaks and rattles, and power equipment; Good ratings for paint and trim and body hardware trouble spots; a Fair rating for fuel system; and Poor ratings for drive system and brakes trouble spots. In the passenger vehicle line, the 2008 Ford Escape V6 SUV received Excellent ratings for engine, transmission, drive system, fuel system, suspension, and exhaust; Very Good ratings for electrical system, climate system, paint and trim, and squeaks and rattles trouble spots; and Good ratings for brakes, body hardware, power equipment, and audio system.
Ford vehicles are also equipped with security features and have been tested and proven safe. A safety report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that the 2007 and 2008 Ford Edge models received Good ratings both for frontal offset tests and side impact tests. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflect that the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests; and three stars out of five (2-wheel drive) and four stars out of five (4-wheel drive) in rollover tests.
A 2008 Ford Mustang coupe's MSRP (MSRP of $19,490) is priced below that of 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible (MSRP $25,840), and way below that of competing model 2008 Chevrolet Corvette coupe (MSRP $46,100). Depreciation-wise, the Mustang does well when compared with the Chrysler Sebring, but poorly when compared with a Chevrolet Corvette. Case in point, a used 2006 Ford Mustang (MSRP $19,115), at present, still has a resale value falling within the $16,050-range, while a used 2006 Chrysler Sebring (MSRP $20,055) can now be purchased within the $12,175-range. But a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette that originally sold for MSRP $25,840 now has a resale value falling within the $40,325-range.
A wide selection of options are available on all Ford products for those that want to customize their rides. Upcoming Ford vehicles to watch for include a Ford F-150 redesign for 2009, the 2009 Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan, the all-new 2009 Ford Flex seven-passenger crossover, a 2010 redesign of the Ford Mustang, and 2011 redesigns of the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer.
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