Fiesta Movement? Not for this suburban New Yorker

I'm guessing the New York Auto Show was as close as I'll get to the new Ford Fiesta, until they reach dealers next year. I honestly didn't bother applying for the Fiesta Movement program. I'm not some perky 20something who's all over Facebook and Twitter and MySpace. I don't make stupid videos demanding the world's attention and believe me the world is a happier place for that. But, I did check the Fiesta Movement site (and registered for updates) to see about the tour they're promissing of 100 cities across the country. But when I go to the "Northeast" there's no New York? Maybe later in the year?

I know that marketing people think it's only young hip folks that buy cars like this, but they are wrong. I know Toyota counted on the younger generation to buy Scions, but you know who I see driving the boxy little hip-mobiles? Mostly women over 40.

I'd love to be able to take a little spin in a Fiesta and then tell you all what a great little car it is, but I'm not willing to jump through hoops to entertain the world.

A "Real" truck? You bet your ass!

Just feeling nostalgic about my Ranger. It just celebrated it's 10th birthday and only has about 57,000 miles on the odometer. I remember when I first got it, some people I know asked why I didn't get a "real" truck, meaning a full size truck. And my rather crude response was that I didn't need a big truck, because I had something else big. Childish, I know, but I laughed.
But the Ranger is a real truck. I've been able to do almost everything that my associates with bigger trucks have with theirs. I don't own anything that I tow, so no need for massive towing capacity needed. Most of the people I know don't tow anything either. I've filled my Ranger with over 1.000 pounds of various payloads with no problem at all. I've driven through a couple of blizzards on unplowed roads and not got stuck. Hell, one time I used it to pull a tree out of the way when it fell at work. So, it's a "real" truck.

And it's been very very reliable too. I was thinking of all the repairs it's needed over the last decade. And that has been limited to a brake job every two years and I replaced the tires a couple of years ago. Oil changes every 5,000 miles and a new air filter when I bought the new tires. That's it!

We here at the MyFordDreams ranch are a multi vehicle household and the love of my life has a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, with triple the mileage, so a direct comparison one not be fair. But I will mention that last year when the Rodeo was up on the lift for yet more work, the mechanic pointed out the extensive rust on the frame and major suspension components. So, I decided to crawl under the Ranger and compare. The difference was like night and day. Both trucks have been in the same area all of their lives and neither garaged regularily. But the Ranger has just minor frame rust, and no suspension rust.

Did I mention that in 10 years it's still on the original shocks, clutch etc..
A few dings and scratches, as befits a "real" truck.

I'm going to try and keep it PG here, but I'll say this, you don't need a big truck to get the job done.

I may have to read this book...

I received an e-mail today, offering to send me a free copy of PJ O'Rourke's latest does of insanity. And so because I've never read any of O'Rourke's books, I did a Google search.
And based on the following, I may have to read this.

"....You have to get a car that handles really well. This is extremely important, and there's a lot of debate on this subject – about what kind of car handles best. Some say a front-engined car; some say a rear-engined car. I say a rented car. Nothing handles better than a rented car. You can go faster, turn corners sharper, and put the transmission into reverse while going forward at a higher rate of speed in a rented car than in any other kind. You can also park without looking, and can use the trunk as an ice chest. Another thing about a rented car is that it's an all-terrain vehicle. Mud, snow, water, woods – you can take a rented car anywhere. True, you can't always get it back – but that's not your problem, is it? ..."

Driving Like Crazy (link in title to Barnes & Noble, if you'd like to buy it) is O'Rourke's latest satire. Sort of the Hunter S Thompson of the auto journalism? Very funny stuf so far. Can't wait to see if I'll get it.

Questions/comments about safety vs mpg?

When I was a kid, my dad had a 1968 Mercury Montego MX like this drawing above.
It was a great car, fast and cool looking, really the only one of my father's cars over the years that you could say that about. And I was a kid during the oil crisis of the 70's but I remember the lines for gas, the odd or even days based on your plate number. I even remember my dad saying that for such a big V-8 powered car ( 302 cid with a 2bl carb ) his Mercury got 20 mpg on the highway! That seemed like a lot to me at the time. That was around the time the Japanese cars started to really pop up on the streets of New York. And I've been thiking, if a big old "gas guzzler" like that got 20 mpg in the 70's why can't we do much better today? My 2006 Mazda 3 with a 2.3 I-4 gets about 30 mpg on the highway. So I got nostalgic about my cars and decided to post about the safety vs mpg issue.

In 1998 I bought a used 1992 Ford Crown Victoria, with the 4.6 V-8 and this is often called a "gas guzzler" as well. But I remember it fondly for many reasons, not the least was the fact people would move out of my way on the turnpike, thinking I was a state trooper. I took this car on my own personal pilgrimage in 1998 to Dearborn and Ford's World Headquarters. And thanks to the trip computer, I can tell you that on that long 2 day drive I averaged 25 mpg on the highway! Not bad for a "gas guzzler" huh? I'd say these two cars are very comparable, in size and power (despite the 2 extra doors on the Crown Vic) but the Crown obviously cheated the wind better.

My very first brand new car, was my 1988 Ford Festiva that I got in September of 1987.

And this was a 1.3 I-4 that got 40 mpg. But it only weighed about 1900 lbs! I loved this car, it was fun and frugal, but it was gutless and felt like a tin can. Safety wasn't a major factor in it's design. So, why does my Mazda 3 only get 30 mpg on the highway in 2009? I mean we've had such drastic improvements in engine management and aerodynamics since the 70's. Why can't our new cars get 30-40 mpg? Hell, why aren't we flying our cars to work? It's the future isn't it?

I'll tell you why we can't meet the fuel economy standards we dreamed of 20 years ago.

SAFETY! While we've been complacent, somewhat, about fuel economy, we've been screaming safety. Or more precisely the insurance companies, lawyers and big government have.

Let's think about this, my 1992 Ford Crown Victoria weighed about 3,800 lbs. My 2006 Mazda 3 weights about 2,800 lbs. The Festiva as I've said weighed about 1.900 lbs (maybe even less?)

We want power (got it, my Mazda has 158 hp, my 78 Thunderbird with 302 only had 150 hp) we wanted safety (got it, my Mazda has 6 airbags ABS EBD and a very crash resistant body cage, as does every new car) we wanted room ( a Mazda 3 while being a "compact car" is damn big inside and out, as is every other car over the last decade. Look at the Honda Accord over it's life) and we all want this at a reasonable price. And the government wants us to be safe. So, if we wonder why we're not all getting 100 mpg in our Suburbans and Explorers, it's not because the oil companies and auto industry bought patents to hide that mythical 100 mpg carb, it's because today's cares are little fortresses on wheels.

And it's only going to get tougher? That's right, read up on how the government is going to double, almost tripple roof crush standards. I believe right now most vehicles must withstand 1.5 times their own weight ( which of course is so heavy because of all the safety goodies ) but the regulations are going to 3-4 times their own weight! And every vehicle must have the complete aray of air bags. Remember that's why the Ford Ranger was going to be left to die.

And yet the government screams at the same time that the auto industry has failed us, by not supplying 40 mpg cars. It's not a conspiracy folks, the government isn't evil, as far as I know, and the auto industry isn't as a whole incompitent. It's just simple math, you can't demand fuel economy and increased safety overnight. It takes time and requires economies of scale.

And what of the future of convertibles? Will these safety improvements kill them off?
Does anyone remember the late 70's? The "last of the American Convertibles" Cadilac Eldorado?

The last Ford Convertible from the 70's I can remember was the 1973 Mustang. And it took a decade for Ford to bring it back. I'm not a ragtop man myself, never owned one, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. I know they're a niche vehicle. But will our safety require the end of the drop top? Are we, or the government, asking for too much too fast?

Maybe the Ranger isn't going to die in the US?

Now that I've gotten bak into the MyFordDreams saddle, I'm getting up to speed with some of the news. I know that Igor, a frequent commentor and fanatic Blue Oval fan, had mentioned rumors of a Ranger Replacement, but Pickup Trucks . com has a piece (linked in title) about a possible replacement that would be truly "Global" unlike the current Ranger line up.
We all know that the North American Ranger is the same basic unit for over a decade. And I posted recently explaining that even if Ford wanted to they won't be able to sell it in the United States, because of safety and emissions standards in our near future.

I had complained that we weren't getting the new Thai built Ranger ( Mazda BT-50) that was available globally outside North America ( United States & Canada, although available in Mexico). But Pickup Trucks . Com says that much like the Fiesta, a new Global Ranger could be on the way for 2012! Just about time too. My 1999 unit may want to retire by then. Not that it's showing any signs of problems, but who keeps a truck 13 years?

Now, one major point I found interesting, was the mention of an EcoBoost powertrain for the US.

A 1.6 liter unit? But making 175 hp and 180 lb ft of torque sounds right for a base powerplant.

I know the concept Explorer America was supposed to be an EcoBoost 4 cyl, but I thought I read it was 2.0 liter and putting out 200 hp? Maybe that will be an uplevel motor in a new Ranger?
Maybe a V-6? But no mention of the 2 available Diesels that the rest of the world gets.

Jump over to Pickup Trucks . Com and see the article and spy photos. It's wearing Mazda BT-50 body panels, but it's suposed to be a new Global Ranger, to replace the current Thai unit and BT-50 I assume.

Flashback to Bio Fuel and Alternative fuel talk at MyFordDreams

3 years ago I posted about Bio Fuels and the post was good enough to be mentioned by esteemed blogger Mark Tapscott, who is also a professional journalist and at the time was the man behind Carnival of Cars. And today, I took the time to do a quick Google search for MyFordDreams. ( I bought a T-shirt last year that says " When I'm alone, I Google myself ")
And so I was inspired to revisit this subject and I've linked to the original 2006 post in the title.

Bio Fuels, it's been the buzz for several years now. We've seen Television and Internet pieces about the idea, local newspaper pieces on "Grease Cars" and Bio Fuel Stills run by regular folks getting the used veggie oil from local fast food joints. But that's only a small part of the story.

I had even been so inspired by the subject that I started another blog, that died quickly, Alternative Fuel Universe But even though I haven't blogged about it I haven't given up on the idea. It's an obvious solution to several important problems, from our Environment, Economy to National Security. Energy Independance is more than a handy catch phrase, it should be a very serious goal. Hybrids are the current magic pill and part of our future to be sure, but many people know that Bio Fuels are a better answer. Not that it's an overnight solution, it will take years to get it implimented.

I'd like to recant one question I raised in the original 2006 post. I don't see Corn or Soy Beans as viable sources for Bio Fuel. Since the original post I've learned about developments in the field by companies like Solazyme using algae. Like I said in 2006 it could take decades to get this fully implemented, but I no longer think it will take 90 years.

Read the original post, do a Google search and blog search on Bio Fuel, it's food for thougt.
Oh wow, that was a horrible pun, food for thought. At least I didn't say it's food for fuel. Doh!

MyFordDreams to bail out FoMoCo?

Linked in the title is an article at Bloomberg.com anouncing that Ford is taking advantage of the uptick on their stock price and the generally posative prospects by issuing another 300 million shares of stock. They'll use this influx of cash to avoid government assitance and to help fund the VEBA employee benefit obligation. As you can see here in this chart Ford's stock has been on a roller coaster over the last year, trading from a 52 week low of $1.01 per share to a high of $8.37, and is now trading around $6.08. Ford started taking steps before the economy tanked, raising money by mortgaging everything, including the iconic Blue Oval logo itself. And while that was risky, it's paid off. And even Ford's anouncement of $.14 billion losses seemed like a breat of fresh air to Wall Street, in light of GM's $6.6 billion and Toyota's $7 billion losses.

I've never invested in stocks directly, but If I can, I'm going to scrape a few bucks together and buy a token few shares of FoMoCo stock. If for no other reason than to put my money where my mouth is. In all honesty I feel it's going to turn into a smart choice. I can't afford to buy much and have never bought stock in the past, but I'm going to seriously look into this.

Finally a Hybrid that works for everyone! 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

I snagged this video of a New York state Ford dealer doing a video walk around of the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. But the more I learn about it, I realize that this is a Hybrid that blows my previous objections to Hybrids away! I for a long time had been saying that Hybrids really only make sense for folks that do an Urban driving loop, but the Fusion's 41 mpg city is really only half the story. Highway rated at 36 mpg is great, but what really tops the list is the Fusion's ability to run on Electric only up to 47 mph! I was thinking about that in relation to my daily drive and realized that I could drive a Fusion Hybrid on mostly electric power without hypermilling and probably only have to refuel once a month.

I live and work in the suburbs doing only short stints on highways and usually doing 45 mph or lower. And the Fusion Hybrid seats real adults in comfort and has a usable trunk. The Escape Hybrid was impressive enough, but it switched to the internal combustion engine at speeds over 20 mph. Now, I know that the Prius gets better fuel economy, but the Fusion is a more paletable Hybrid for everyday people.

The only thing that hurts really is the $27k pricetag. I wonder when Ford will have a Hybrid Focus? I'm sure it will meet or exceed the Fusion's economy and hopefully be under $25k.

Another video of Mazda BT-50 (Ford Ranger) last one I promise

English language video of Mazda BT-50 (Ford Ranger)

I was able to find a video in English but only for the Mazda version (BT-50) of the new Ranger.

Video walk around of new Ranger in UK

Ranger video from Russia?

Here's what a Ranger should be!

What is the future of the Ranger?

Today there was a comment on one of my archived posts that brought back one of my favorite gripes. The Ranger, how Ford has let it lapse and what I hope they will do. Ok, let's get some history here, the Ranger name started as a trim level on the full size Ford F-Series trucks, just like the Eplorer badge. Starting in the late 60's and early 70's Japanese makes started to bring compact pickups to the US, Nissan and Toyota leading the way, but Isuszu and Mazda also. So, when the Domestic makes saw an emerging market segment, they initially imported partner trucks rebadged as their own, in the case of Ford that was the Courier. But eventually they recognized that a true Domestic compact pickup would make more sense and the Ranger was born . And from 1987 to 2004 it was segment leader. In many ways it was far superior to the Courier it replaced and Ford improved it with each generation. But the evolution stopped in 2000 or so and it was just mild refresh after that, until this day. I believe it was a combination of relatively cheap fuel here in the states and our tendancy to super size everything. While competitors grew in size, the Ranger remained compact. It remains a profitable unit for the company, especially since they've done no real development over the last decade. What a shame really. But with new safety and emissions standards coming into effect soon, the current Ranger is coming to a point where Ford can't sell it, even if customers were lined up out the door, which really they aren't. One major fault is that the current Ranger can't be fitted with airbags in the A pillar. Another minor fault is that it's not available in a true 4 door cab here, while it has been all over the world, including Mexico.

But as with Ford's need for small fuel efficient car, they have the answer in their global garage.
Ford developed a new Ranger (Mazda BT-50 also ) for markets outside of the United States.
And I've posted about it before, because it's a class leader and would be a huge hit here.
I'm not sure if it has air bags in the A pillar, but I'd guess it does since it's sold in Europe.
It's also got 2 great Diesel powertrain options and one of the nicest interiors I've ever seen in a compact truck. So, should Ford rush to get this cleared to come here? Would they import it from Asia or build it here? Yes they should rush to bring it market! If the Diesels aren't going to meet emisions, they can stick the 2.5 petrol I-4 and 3.5 V-6 in there. Over the last few years I've read criticism of the Ranger on the web and speculation that Ford should introduce a new Mid Size pickup using the F-100 nameplate. I disagree, but if they did it right, I'd be willing to take a look.

Now, this is a photoshop done quite a while ago by "FUD" (?) that I had seen on several message boards suggesting that the new Ranger be based on an Explorer chassis. But at this point is that prudent? Haven't we had that already? Isn't that the crap known as the Sport Trac?
What say you? I say, bring us the Global Ranger, with the Diesel option for those pulling boat trailers.

Top Gear's Clarkson drives Fiesta Blue's Brothers style !

I love Top Gear and this video of Clarkson reviewing the new Fiesta is an example of why. Responding to complaints that they no longer do practicle testing for reviews Clarkson does his best to answer the standard questions, but then goes completely overboard.

With scenes reminiscent of The Blues Brothers or maybe even the original Italian Job and then an epic beach landing with the Royal Marines, it's got to be one of the most memorable Top Gear reviews in ages.

Ford should use part of this in their advertising when the Fiesta comes to the states next year!

American Muscle's video on how they mount and balance your order of Wheels and Tires

You may notice some new links on the sidebar, American Muscle and American Trucks. So, I was checking out their sites and found a video showing how they mount and balance the wheels and tires you order for free and explaining a little about their customer service.

Kicking Tires' Dave Thomas checks out the new Mazda 3 with Video

It's no secret that I hold the Mazda 3 in high esteem, high enough that I bought one brand new 3 years ago this month. And I was surfing around and found a short but sweet piece by Dave Thomas of Kicking Tires blog, with video, reviewing the 2010 3.

While I love my 3, I'm the first to say it's got a face only a mother could love. I bought it not on looks, although I've seen much much worse, but value and performance. To be 100% honest I bought it partly because it was the closest thing I could get to a European Ford Focus here in the US. The new 3 also has love/hate styling, but it's still got that Zoom Zoom factor that can't be denied.

When I was shopping for a new car 3 years ago, I went in with an open mind, no bias even though I love Ford. I test drove the Chevy Cobalt ( which was very good ) Dodge Caliber ( which had very interesting packaging and pricing ) and several others from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. I had specific criteria, most important was value and funcionality. It came down to the Caliber and 3 in a direct showdown. My brother had recommended a dealer than sold both brands and we arranged a direct comparison test drive. It's obvious which won, the Mazda had more power, better handling and higher quality perception.

My 3 gets 30 mpg on the highway, over 20 mpg on a suburban loop and is just tons of fun on twisty roads. The only major options I didn't get were the slushbox and navigation.
So, click on over and watch Dave give you the rundown on the latest 3.

Ford's loss statement not so bad and Bone to pick with NYC

We all read about Ford and GM's loss statements this quarter, Ford lost $1.4Billion and GM lost $6Billion. But when I read about Toyota's $7Billion loss my jaw dropped. And I read at AutoBlog recently that Ford has had a lower percentage drop in sales than many of it's competitors.
Part of that is the fact that Ford has recently introduced some great product and refreshes.
Some say it's also a benefit of Ford not taking any "bailout" loans from Uncle Sam.
I'm just greatful that Ford looks like they'll weather this economic storm.
It doesn't hurt that Ford is moving quickly to reorganize their production mix and build the new Focus and Fiesta in the United States and Mexico.
This should have been a seperate post, but I'm lazy. I have a major bone to pick with New York City. Recently they bought a small fleet of Nissan Altima Hybrids to test as patrol cars.
I'm all in favor of some hybrids being purchase for government fleets as well as taxis.
But in this economy and just as good policy, shouldn't they have bought domestic hybrids?
Doesn't the Ford Fusion Hybrid get better milage in the city loop than any of it's competitors?
Shame on New York! Whoever made the decision to go with the Nissan needs to brought into a back room and beating with a phone book.



I have to say the Fusion Hybrid just makes so much more sense.
And as I was reading The Auto Prophet's latest post, Hybrids ( especially domestics ) not only give you that warm fuzzy Eco Cred, but they help improve our fuel independance and national security! Not that Hybrids are the only solution, Ford's Eco Boost equipped vehicles will also go a long way to be greenish.

UK Fords that I'd love to own....

Ford has offered some fantastic cars here in the states over the years, but there have always been some forbiden fruit on the other side of the pond. Like the Ford RS 200. This insanely powerful street legal rally car. I saw online recently that one of these appears in the new Fast & Furious movie?

And while this was available in the US for a few years, I'd still love to be able to buy one of the rarer RS3000 or Tickford versions.

The Mk5 Fiesta, especially the ST version was another one that I've always envied. Even when the Fiesta does arrive here in the states, it's unlikely that we'll see an ST version. But with 150 hp this little car must be a blast!

And what about the Ford Puma ! Now this is a cool little car.

And for those Top Gear fans, this was their Car Of The Year in 2000 and there's a video on YouTube showing Tiff Needel tossing one around and shaking up Clarkson.

And another video, that I've posted in the past of Tiff giving stunt driving tips in one.

Maybe some day? One can dream, can't one.

Ebay auction of cap signed by Carroll Shelby!

The man the legend Carroll Shelby. And for a meager sum you can have a momento of the legend and help your intrepid blogger.

On e-bay, I have an item I'm auctioning that many true blue Ford and Shelby lovers may want to add to their collection.

No, I don't have the car to auction, be real I have a Ranger and a Mazda3, if I could afford a Shelby I wouldn't be blogging, I'd be out tearing up the streets!

But, I have a limited edition signed baeball cap for auction.

Never worn, adjustable size, in great condition, signed by the legend himself.

In order to celebrate the release of the 2006 Shelby GTH Hertz special, the man himself signed caps for employees of Hertz and one of these gems found it's way into my true blue paws.

But, alas circumstances force me to sell.

So head on over to ebay and look it up!
Item # 270386585014

MyFordDreams is open for business

MyFordDreams is now open for business again. I'd taken a bit of a break from blogging and am getting back in the saddle. And now I'm going to accept proposals for ads. I've got 2 new advertisers lined up already Car Insurance from Direct Line and also Churchill Car Insurance
Both are UK based companies, but that's fine with me, since I have written so much about the great Fords that they have over the pond as opposed to here in the states. Not that I don't love what we have, but you know I'm looking forward to the Fiesta and new Focus.

Unlike the lucky guy over at Jalopnik, I didn't get a new Fiesta to drive.

I'll have to wait until they hit my local dealerships.