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2008
FORD NEW SUV and WAGON MODEL GUIDE
 Ford
produces an assortment of people-hauling
wagons conformed as truck-based sport
utility vehicles (SUV) and car-based crossover
utility vehicles (CUV). For 2008, Ford
emphasizes CUVs, such as the mid-size
Edge and new Taurus X.
 Edge
Ford's mid-size CUV presents a powerful
road presence with a muscular pose. It
carries car-like mechanical components
for easy-driving traits. The Edge's power
stems from a thrifty dual-cam, 3.5-liter
V6 rated at 265 horsepower with a six-speed
automatic transaxle and front-wheel-drive
(FWD) or optional all-wheel-drive (AWD)
traction. Edge's flexible cabin plan makes
room for up to five, and stocks Ford's
Safety Canopy curtain-style air bags and
the AdvanceTrac anti-skid device with
Roll Stability Control (RSC). There are
three trims — the SE, SEL and new
Limited. The latest option is Ford Sync,
bringing voice-activated control over
phones, media players and USB storage
devices.
 Escape
This CUV employs a monocoque platform
that unites chassis and body in a cohesive
unit that's rigid in motion. More equipment
comes to the 2008 Escape, including electric
power assist steering (EPAS) and upscale
cabin appointments like Ice Blue lighting
washing instruments, console, steering
wheel and door switches. The body design
is also new, forging a bolder, tougher
look. A 2.3-liter, four-cylinder base
engine pushes 153 horsepower, or an optional
3.0-liter V6 can hit 200 horsepower. FWD
traction is standard on the Escape, but
AWD is also available. Ford's Safety Canopy
and AdvanceTrac with RSC is standard on
every model.
 Escape
Hybrid
Ford's hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) off
the Escape CUV has a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder
engine running on gasoline and a battery-powered
electric motor. The electric motor can
propel the wagon or work with the gas
engine to deliver a power boost with the
kick of a V6. An electronic control module
manages energy produced by the plants
and applies it to front wheels, or all
four wheels for the optional AWD version,
with the help of a continuously variable
transmission (CVT). New styling inside
and out looks keen with more infotainment
choices in the revamped cabin.
 Taurus
X
In 2008, Ford's five-door CUV acquires
a new nameplate and many new features
including a more powerful engine. The
Taurus X offers FWD or AWD grip, and the
cabin has multiple configurations for
seats and cargo. There's room for up to
seven on three tiers of seats with buckets
up front and a back bench folding flat
into the floor. Trims run from the SEL,
to the new Eddie Bauer and luxurious Limited.
For power, a new 3.5-liter V6 develops
263 horsepower with a six-speed automatic
transaxle. The Eddie Bauer series has
two-tone paint, 18-inch aluminum wheels
and wiper-activated headlamps.
 Expedition
X
A new King Ranch model and optional Rearview
Camera System were added to Ford's full-size
SUV for 2008. There are two versions —
the standard-length Expedition and the
stretched EL (extended length) with a
1-foot-long wheelbase extension and more
room in the vast cabin. The Expedition
X's body styling is bold, derived from
the Ford's F-150 truck, with a prominent
three-bar grille and raised powerdome
hood. There's muscle aboard from Ford's
5.4-liter Triton V8 working 300 horsepower
through a six-speed automatic transmission,
plus huge torque to elevate tow capacity
to 9,200 pounds. A power liftgate and
Powerfold third-row seat are available.
 Explorer
Ford's best sellilng, mid-size SUV is
available in XLT, Eddie Bauer and luxurious
Limited trims with rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
and four wheel-drive (4WD) versions. The
Explorer's cabin configures three ways,
with seating for five, six or seven. The
optional PowerFold seat in the third row
drops seat backs into the floor. The powertrains
include a 4.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower
or a 4.6-liter V8 netting 292 horsepower
through a six-speed automatic. Safety
equipment includes ABS (anti-lock brake
system) with RSC and Ford's Safety Canopy,
which are now standard. Ford Sync, the
voice-activated controller for in-car
communications and entertainment system,
is also on the list of options.
 Explorer
Sport Trac
For 2008, more standard gear goes into
this sport utility truck (SUT) including
foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel
and Ford's Safety Canopy curtain-style
air bags. The Sport Trac uses Explorer's
chassis and carries Explorer's four-door,
five-seat cabin, but with the abbreviated
bed of a pickup truck. There two engine
choices, the standard 4.0-liter V6 making
210 horsepower, or the optional 4.6-liter
V6 punching out 292 horsepower with a
five-speed automatic. The Sport Trac comes
in 2WD and 4WD versions with trims of
XLT and Limited. The towing capacity reaches
6,800 pounds for the 2WD version.
For
more information on Ford
SUVs and wagons.
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