Welcome to the Planet Ford 59 Blog

Must Have Safety Feature: Air Bags

2010-10-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Last we talked about the many things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Today we will talk about other factors that impact your car safety.

By law, every new passenger vehicle comes equipped with dual front air bags. But the sophistication of the systems can vary. It's worth checking what type of air-bag systems a vehicle has.

Most upscale vehicles and many others now have some version of a "smart" air-bag system. It uses electronic sensors to gauge several variables, which, depending on the model, include crash severity, safety-belt use, the position of the driver's seat, and the weight and/or position of an occupant in the front-passenger seat. This information is used to tailor the deployment of the vehicle's front and side air bags.

Dual-threshold and multistage front bags can deploy with varying force, depending on crash severity. In a less-severe collision the bags inflate with less force. In a more severe crash, the bags inflate with more force and more quickly. Many systems withhold deployment on the passenger side if the seat is unoccupied (to save money on replacement) or if the seat is occupied by a person below a certain weight (to prevent possible injury from the bag). The government mandated "advanced" front air bags to be phased in all cars between the 2004 and 2007 model years. They deploy less aggressively or not at all, depending on a front passenger's size or position.

Side air bags are now common for front occupants. The basic side air bag deploys from the seatback or door, and is designed to protect a person's torso. Separate side bags that protect the head are becoming increasingly available, as well. The most common design is a side-curtain bag that drops down from the headliner and covers both the front and rear windows. Consumer Reports highly recommends head-protection side air bags where they're available.

If you need more additional questions regarding air bag safety stop by Planet Ford 59 and let one of our product specialist inform you about the safety features in many of our Ford vehicles.

Must Have Safety Feature

2010-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we talked about one of the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Today we will talk about other factors that impact your car safety.

A vehicle's ability to help you avoid an accident is just as important as its crashworthiness. Key factors to consider are braking and emergency handling, although acceleration, visibility, driving position, and even seat comfort (which affects driver fatigue) also play a role.

Consumer Reports evaluates these factors on every vehicle it tests.

If you need questions regarding car safety stop by Planet Ford 59 and let one of our product specialist inform you about the safety features in many of our Ford vehicles.

Must Have Safety Feature 4: Antilock brake system (ABS)

2010-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we talked about one of the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. Here is today's must have feature.

CR's auto experts highly recommend getting an antilock brake system (ABS), which is available as standard or optional equipment on most vehicles. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during a hard stop, something that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. ABS almost always provides shorter stops, but, even more importantly, the system helps keep the vehicle straight and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop.

Visit of call Planet Ford 59 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Must Have Safety Feature #3: Rollover resistance

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we talked about the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety.

The range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features.

For the next couple of days we will be listing the rest of the top 10 safety checks that are worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision. Here is number 3

Taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, are more likely to roll over than passenger cars. According to the IIHS, SUVs have a rollover rate that is two to three times that of passenger cars. In 2006, 59 percent of all SUV fatalities and 48 percent of pickup-truck fatalities involved a rollover. In contrast, only 25 percent of passenger-car fatalities involved a rollover.

A taller vehicle has a higher center of gravity, which makes it more top-heavy than one that sits lower to the ground. In a situation where a vehicle is subjected to strong sideways forces, such as in a sudden cornering maneuver, it's easier for a taller vehicle to roll over.

To give consumers a way of telling which vehicles have a higher rollover propensity than others, NHTSA has developed a five-star rating system called the Rollover Resistance Rating (RRR). Until recently, the RRR was based solely on a vehicle's "static stability factor (SSF)," which is determined from measurements of its track width and center of gravity. Because the SSF is based on measurements of a stationary vehicle rather than on a dynamic road test, the rating doesn't account for vehicles' different suspension designs, tires, or the presence of a stability-control system--any of which can make a significant difference. Beginning with the ratings for 2004 models, NHTSA has combined the SSF with a dynamic rollover test performed with moving vehicles.

The RRR is accessible online at www.safercar.gov, but you need to dig deeper than the star ratings to tell how a vehicle performed in the dynamic test. Click on the model name. Scroll down to "Rollover." That section gives the predicted chance of a rollover in a single-vehicle crash, stated as a percentage of probability. The site tells you whether or not a vehicle tipped up in the test, but not at what speed. The top of the test-results page specifies if the vehicle had side air bags or stability control when it was tested.

We believe that vehicles that tip up in NHTSA's test have a potential stability problem and CR will not recommend them, regardless of their star rating. In order for an SUV or pickup to be recommended, it must either have been included in NHTSA's test and have not tipped up or, if it has not been tested, it must offer electronic stability control.

Visit of call Planet Ford 59 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Number 2 Safety Check

2010-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last week we talked about the things you need to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety.

The range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features.

For the next couple of days we will be listing the rest of the top 10 safety checks that are worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision. Here is number 2

Electronic stability control (ESC)
CR's auto experts highly recommend electronic stability control, particularly on SUVs. ESC is designed to help keep the vehicle under control and on its intended path during cornering, and prevent it from sliding or skidding. If a vehicle begins to go out of control, the system selectively applies brakes to one or more wheels and cuts engine power to keep the vehicle on course. On SUVs, stability control can help prevent the vehicle from getting into a situation that could lead to a rollover. While electronic stability control has improved the emergency handling on the vehicles we have tested, it's not a cure-all for inherently poor-handling vehicles. Its effectiveness depends on how it is programmed and how it is integrated with the vehicle. It also cannot overcome the laws of physics.

Automakers often refer to their stability-control systems by different names (see our guide to safety features), so if it's not clear be sure to ask if a vehicle has electronic stability control. To make it less confusing for the consumer, the Society of Automotive Engineers has asked that all manufacturers use electronic stability control, or ESC, as common terminology when referring to their stability-control systems. Consumer Reports supports this move because it will help consumers know what they are buying.

A number of studies of ESC have been completed and all point to a substantial reduction in accidents and deaths. The IIHS has estimated that if all cars had ESC, it would save 10,000 lives per year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced plans to require ESC as standard on all vehicles by the 2012 model year

Visit of call Planet Ford 59 if you need further assistance understanding the safety features in our Ford Lineup.

Safety Feature Must Have #1

2010-10-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

You need to consider several factors when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. They range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features. For the next couple of days we will be listing the top 10 safety checks that worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision.

1. Insurance-industry crash-test ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a safety-research group that conducts its own series of crash tests. In its frontal-offset crash, the IIHS runs a vehicle at 40 mph into a deformable barrier. Instead of engaging the whole width of the car's front end, the barrier covers just the 40 percent of the car in front of the driver.

Using a deformable barrier simulates a car-to-car, driver's-side-to-driver's-side collision, which is a common form of fatal crash. By focusing the crash on only a portion of the car's front, this test severely stresses the car's structural integrity and its ability to protect the area around the driver without collapsing.

The IIHS scores its frontal-crash results as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. You can find ratings for all tested vehicles on the IIHS Web site, at www.hwysafety.org.

Since 2002, the IIHS also has conducted its own side-impact tests, which simulate a vehicle being struck in the side at 31 mph by a vehicle the height and weight of a typical SUV or pickup. The test is more severe than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's side-crash test (described below), which simulates a vehicle being hit in the side by a vehicle the height and weight of a typical family sedan.

For more information on crash testing and ratings click here.

Test Driving the EcoBoost

2010-10-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

Planet Ford employees from both our 45 and 59 stores went to the 2011 Ford F150 Round Up event at Sam Houston Race Park to try out the new 2011 Ford F150. Our employees we're looking forward to test driving the new 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, the 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 and the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, but it was the top of-the-line EcoBoost V6 that had our employees were very excited for.

According to Ford the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine is tough enough to take whatever F-150 buyers can throw at it. So how is it possible to know if that's true? Well our employees test drove the EcoBoost to the extreme to see if Ford could put their money where their mouth is (see pictures). Well we can honestly say that compare to the competition the EcoBoost is the best in class compare to its competition. Test driving the EcoBoost is nothing any of us have experience in a truck. Which we all agree that was a good thing since we see that Ford is moving forward in becoming the leader.

Don't believe us? Stop by Planet Ford 59 when the EcoBoost arrives and test drive that baby.

What should I do?

2010-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

My "Check Engine" light is on.

It means your vehicle's onboard computer system has self-diagnosed some kind of problem. The "Check Engine" light, which is also called a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" (MIL) or "Service Engine Soon" (SES) lamp, is there to signal you when a problem occurs that may require attention. This can include anything from a momentary hiccup that has has little or no noticeable affect on engine performance or driving safety to a failure of a major electronic component. There's no way to know what the light means without running a diagnostic scan on the system to determine the nature of the fault.

We recommend you visiting Planet Ford 59 and running a full diagnostic scan to see what the problem is. We want you to protect your investment and highly recommend you seeing what the problem is.

2012 Ford Focus ST

2010-09-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz about the Paris Motor Show for many auto manufacturers, and Ford is no exception. The biggest announcement is the first official viewing of the new high-performance Ford Focus ST, and it will be the first time that production-ready Focus body styles will be featured together. This will be the first peek before models go on sale in Europe and North America in early 2011, and I pulled some more information for you from The Ford Story site:

The new range-topping Focus — which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine — will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.

The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.

Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain.

The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.

Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

Ford Fiesta gets App.

2010-09-28T08:25:00.001-07:00

Ford is the latest to jump on the Apple bandwagon, with a new iPad app for the 2011 Fiesta.

The Fiesta iPad app is essentially an interactive sales brochure, providing users with tech information, features, photos, videos and lots of extras.

One screen lists the available graphic treatments, including "tattoos." Another details Fiesta's safety features, while a third lists the various connectivity options.

The Fiesta app can be downloaded for free from Apple's iTunes store.

Need help downloading the app. Visit us at Planet Ford 59 and let us show you how to downloaded to your iPhone.

Original Article

Can I recharge my A/C system myself?

2010-09-24T09:49:00.001-07:00

A person came to the shop yesterday at one of our sister stores and ask a very important question to one of our mechanics. the question was how he can recharge his A/C system himself?

Well to summarize the answer here is pretty much what we told him.

You have all the right to recharge your A/C system however you must first get your hands on the correct type of refrigerant required for your vehicle.

The major problem with that is that federal law prohibits the sale of R12 and R134 automotive refrigerants to "non certified" individuals (to become certified, you must pass a written test approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- something which all professional A/C technicians must do before they can legally work on your vehicle).

Our Service Advisor informed that to our customer and suggested that he let the certified professionals recharge his A/C system. The customer walked out a happy camper and a more knowledgeable person.

If you need your A/C recharge stop by Planet Ford 59 and let the professionals take care of it.

How Do You Know When Your Car Needs a Brake Job?

2010-09-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

You need a "brake job" when your brake linings are worn down to the minimum acceptable thickness specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the applicable state agency in areas that set their own requirements. The only way to determine if new linings are required, therefore, is to inspect the brakes.

You may also need a brake job if you're having brake problems such as grabbing, pulling, low or soft pedal, pedal vibration, noise, etc., or if some component in your brake system has failed. But if the problem is isolated to only one component, there's no need to replace other parts that are still in perfectly good working order.

There is no specific mileage interval at which the brakes need to be relined because brake wear varies depending on how the vehicle is driven, the braking habits of the driver, the weight of the vehicle, the design of the brake system and a dozen other variables. A set of brake linings that last 70,000 miles or more on a car driven mostly on the highway may last only 30,000 or 40,000 miles on the same vehicle that is driven mostly in stop-and-go city traffic.

As a rule, the front brakes wear out before the ones on the rear because the front brakes handle a higher percentage of the braking load -- especially in front-wheel drive cars and minivans.

So stop by Planet Ford 59 today and see how you can improve your braking system on your investment.

Original Article

Car Problems: Battery Help

2010-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

How can I tell if my battery is low and needs to be recharged?

The first and most likely indication of a low battery would be a hard starting problem caused by slow cranking. If the battery seems weak or fails to crank your engine normally, it may be low. To find out, you need to check the battery's "state of charge."

A battery is nothing more than a chemical storage device for holding electrons until they're needed to crank the engine or run the lights or other electrical accessories on your vehicle. Checking the battery's state of charge will tell you how much juice the battery has available for such purposes.

If your battery is low, it needs to be recharged, not only to restore full power, but also to prevent possible damage to the battery. Ordinary automotive lead-acid storage batteries must be kept at or near full charge to keep the cell plates from becoming "sulfated" (a condition that occurs if the battery is run down and left in a discharged condition for more than a few days). As sulfate builds up, it reduces the battery's ability to hold a charge and supply voltage. Eventually the battery becomes useless and must be replaced.

Recharging The Battery

CAUTION: Do not attempt to recharge a battery with low (or frozen) electrolyte! Doing so risks blowing up the battery if the hydrogen gas inside is ignited by a spark.

Your charging system should be capable of recharging the battery if it is not fully discharged. Thirty minutes or so of normal driving should be enough.

If your battery is completely dead or extremely low, it should be recharged with a fast or slow charger. This will reduce the risk of overtaxing and damaging your vehicle's charging system. One or both battery cables should be disconnected from the battery prior to charging it with a charger. This will eliminate any risk of damage to your vehicle's electrical system or its onboard electronics.

If you have any question feel free to contact or visit Planet Ford 59's service department and ask for further assistance.

Remember be safe when working on electrical components.

Original Article Here

Genuine Ford Parts

2010-09-09T07:58:00.001-07:00

Whether you own an F150 truck, a Crown Victoria, or a sporty new Mustang, it’s inevitable that you’ll need Ford parts at some point in your vehicle’s life. Maybe you’re a weekend mechanic, or perhaps you simply want to give your new Ford a personal touch. Either way, thanks to the Internet, you can rely on your local dealer to supply you with Ford genuine parts. Click Here to see how.

Here are some tips to help you find a reputable and dependable online parts distributor in case you decide to opt out of our website and .

Stick with Genuine Ford Parts. Don’t mess around with car and truck parts that aren’t made specifically by Ford for Fords. It’s simply not worth the risk to your vehicle. Buying only Ford OEM parts will help ensure that your car or truck stays in top condition, and helps protect the integrity of any warranties on your vehicle.

Quick Turnaround. Watch out for back-order parts. Some online part stores have huge traffic that some of your more popular parts may be on back-order. The best online and offline sources for Ford parts have a huge inventory and ship within 24 hours of the time you place your order.

If your car or truck needs a part, you don’t want to wait forever to have it shipped. Remember that most of the time your local dealer has the part you need.

So if you are looking for Genuine Ford Parts stop by Planet Ford 59 and order that part or accessory you have always wanted.

Cool New Car for Back to School

2010-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Kelley Blue Book singled out 10 cars recently as the best for back to school. And wouldn't you know it that the Ford Fiesta is one of them.

2011 Ford Fiesta

Ford’s marketing tag for the all-new 2011 Fiesta (above) is “It’s a pretty big deal.” It’s easy to see why. At a starting MSRP of $13,320 (for the S sedan), the five-passenger small car is a virtual steal on price alone – but its snazzy good looks and kid-cool features really make Fiesta a winner. Reviewers are also high on Fiesta’s virtues, calling it a new benchmark in the small car class and KBB lists Fiesta as #1 on its list of best back-to-school cars. Fiesta is a fun-to-drive four-door sedan or five-door hatchback with an upscale quality interior for the price, available SYNC system, airbag for the driver’s knees, and many other features not commonly found in the small/subcompact car class. Best of all, Fiesta achieves near-hybrid fuel economy estimated at 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway for some models, and it’s a 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

So stop by Planet Ford 59 today and see the new Ford Fiesta!

What do you recommend for protecting aluminum wheels?

2010-09-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

We at Planet Ford 59 always get asked what is the best way to protecting aluminum wheels. So we put our heads together and and did some research and this is what we found out.

According to Yahoo! Autos the most original equipment aluminum wheels are clear coated for corrosion resistance. You can generally use any type of wax or sealer specially formulated for alloy wheels, or any product that is designed for a base coat, clear coat finish.

CAUTION: Do not use any wax or polish that contains abrasives on a clear coated wheel (chrome polish, rubbing compound, ordinary wax designed for ordinary painted finishes or that "restores faded paint." The abrasives in such products will scratch and dull the clear coat on the wheels.

If your wheels are not clear coated, or the original coating is worn away or damaged, you can clean the wheels with "mag wheel polish" or fine steel wool to remove surface oxide and dirt (and what's left of the old finish) -- then repaint the wheels with a durable clear coat epoxy or paint designed for this purpose.

Unprotected aluminum wheels quickly corrode and pit when exposed to road salt and excessive moisture. If the corrosion continues unchecked for too long, the cosmetic damage may be too great to reverse. So if you don't want to drive around with ugly, pitted alloy wheels, use some type of coating (wax, sealer and/or paint) to protect them from the elements.

You can also stop by Planet Ford 59 and get your car fully wash by one of our service representatives that specialize in car looks and maintance.

Original Article

Car Wipers.

2010-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do a lousy job of wiping when put to the test.

Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential -- especially during wet weather when vision may be obscured by water, road splash, sleet or snow on the windshield. But good visibility requires wipers that are in good condition. If the wipers are chattering, streaking or otherwise failing to wipe cleanly and consistently, you need new blades -- NOW!

Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That's because wiper blades don't last forever. Natural rubber deteriorates over time. Halogen-hardened rubber as well as synthetic rubber provides longer life. But eventually all blade materials fall victim to environmental factors. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren't used much.

So stop by Planet Ford 59 and check into our service & parts departments and see our selection of car wipers.

Ford Fiesta Video

2010-08-31T08:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone is talking about the new Ford Fiesta and we at Planet Ford 59 want to break down the features everyone is talking about. So click the play button and see what we have to say about the Ford Fiesta special features.

Blind Spots Important Info

2010-08-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Every year, children are injured and killed because drivers (in some cases, parents) don't see them while backing up. According to KIDS AND CARS (www.kidsandcars.org), a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars, at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children die. There were 474 fatal backover accidents between 2001 and 2006, which represents almost half of all non-traffic fatalities that involved children.

A contributing factor is that larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups, and minivans), which have become increasingly popular, have larger blind zones than passenger cars. A blind zone is the area behind a vehicle that a person can't see from the driver's seat.

To help consumers understand how large some blind zones are, Consumer Reports has measured the blind zones of a number of popular models. The results for both an average-height driver (5 feet 8 inches and a shorter driver (5 feet 1 inch) are listed in the accompanying charts.

Bottom line: Your best defense against backover accidents is to get out of your vehicle and check behind it just before you back up. If kids are nearby, make sure you can see them while backing up.

We at Planet Ford 59 recommend people in the market for new vehicles to heavily invest their money with vehicles that have backup sensors and cameras (Such as the Ford Fusion). Or buy the after market convex mirror sold in our part department. But as the article above states your best defense against backover accidents is to get out of your vehicle and check behind it just before you back up

For complete Ratings, reliability information, test results, reviews, and other in-depth information on specific models of cars & trucks, subscribe today to access all of ConsumerReports.org.

Original Article

Anti-Aging Car

2010-08-25T08:18:00.001-07:00

Yahoo! Autos has named the Ford Mustang as one of the cars that are guaranteed to grow old gracefully.

Blame the economy, or better engineering. The fact is, more and more people are looking to save money by holding onto their vehicles for a longer period of time.

Some cars are simply graced with timeless good looks. Put one in your garage, and you might start getting calls from Hollywood celebs seeking the latest anti-aging advice. Sound engineering and clever styling are not mutually exclusive, no matter your budget.

In 1964 the Ford Mustang inspired the term “pony car,” an entire breed of high-performance sports coupes with a budget price and good performance. With the exception of a few fallow years in the 1970s, the Mustang has remained at the cutting edge of the pony car market in both looks and performance.

Completely revamped for the 2005 model year, and freshened for 2010, the latest Mustang is arguably the best-looking pony car ever. For approximately $30,000, the 2010 Mustang GT offers a growling V-8 engine and enough attitude to make Russell Crowe think twice before picking a fight. For 2011, the Mustang is available with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine capable of 31 mpg on the highway (when equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission).

So if you are looking for the cure for car aging, stop by Planet Ford 59 and invest your money on Ford Mustang. It is truly a timeless piece of engineering.

Original Yahoo! Article here

Top 3 common car-buying mistakes

2010-08-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Buying a new car can be exciting. But it's also a complex process through which you can end up overpaying by hundreds or thousands of dollars or with a vehicle that you won't be happy with down the road. Below are the top 3 common mistakes that beginner car buyers often make.

1. Falling in love with a model.
When spending tens of thousands of dollars on a car, emotion shouldn't rule the day. Becoming infatuated with a single model can blind you to alternative vehicles that may be better for your needs or make you skimp on thoroughly researching a vehicle's ratings, reviews, reliability, or safety and pricing information. To determine which vehicle is best for you, you should set emotion aside and focus on doing your homework, comparing different models, and assessing your real wants and needs. There will be plenty of time for emotion after you've bought the vehicle.

2. Skipping the test drive.
The test drive is one of the most important parts of the car-buying process. A lot of vehicles look good on paper--especially in glossy brochure photos--but the test drive is your best chance to see how a vehicle measures up to expectations and how well it "fits" you and your family. You don't want any surprises after you've bought it. That's why it's surprising that many people give vehicles only a token test or, worse, none at all. That is a mistake and a sure recipe for buyer remorse. It's critical that you take ample time--at least 30 minutes--to conduct a complete test drive and perform a thorough walk-around of any vehicle you're considering.

3. Underestimating the value of modern safety features.
Today's vehicles offer an array of advanced safety features. But many buyers don't know which are most important or what to look for when comparing vehicles. Antilock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and head-protecting side air bags, for instance, are effective and well worth the money. Studies have shown that ESC can significantly reduce accidents and fatalities. The feature is especially important for SUVs, because it can help prevent rollovers. Side-crash tests show that head-protecting side air bags are critical in preventing fatalities in side impacts. Unfortunately, you can't always depend on a dealership's salespeople to give you accurate information or reliable guidance about these features. That's why you should thoroughly research the benefit of all available safety features and look for vehicles that have the ones that will best protect you and your family.

You can also avoid all the confusion of buying a car when you visit Planet Ford 59 where we treat everyone fair and we look out for your investment.

Second Public Appearance

2010-08-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

* 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will make its second public appearance August 20-21 during Michigan's Woodward Dream Cruise.
* The special edition will be part of a larger display of more than 500 Mustangs.
* Mustang Boss 302 debuted last week at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will be part of a larger display of more than 500 Mustangs at the annual event, including 10 historic Boss Mustangs owned by Ford employees. The company is planning to bring four prototypes of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 to the Dream Cruise.

Ford is also taking a rather conservative approach to showcasing the Mustang Boss 302 via social media. Kozleski said the new model probably will not get its own Facebook page. Instead, it will be part of a larger Mustang site on Facebook. The Mustang also has dedicated pages on YouTube, Twitter and Flickr.

Ford unveiled the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on August 13. The Mustang Boss 302 produces 440 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque from an upgraded version of the Mustang GT 5.0's V8.

Come to Planet Ford 59 and see our great selection of Ford Mustangs!

Read the full article here.

Fiesta Still Best Buy for New Car

2010-08-12T08:16:00.001-07:00

It is no surprise to us at Planet Ford 59 that the Ford Fiesta still continues to turned heads with its incredible price. It is becoming more common for us to read more and more articles of how the Ford Fiesta is the best car for its price. Case in point would be the latest article by the Ride Lust blog which names the Ford Fiesta and one of the Ten Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Today.

In their blog they state that, "If (they) were handing out the award for best value on the list, it would go the the new Ford Fiesta S".

Remember folks that Ford has packed a lot of content into the Fiesta, including power mirrors, capless fuel filler, aux in / USB jacks and A/C, yet has managed to keep the price reasonable for the entry level model.

Visit Planet Ford 59 to see the Ford Fiesta today!

See the full list here

Mustang named a Head Turning Car Under 25K

2010-08-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

According to Yahoo! Autos the Ford Mustang is named as one of the Head-Turning Cars Under 25k. The list is compiled by a simple criteria; they came up with a list of cars that play to a baser automotive instinct than the search for good fuel economy, spacious rear seats, or cupholders that accommodate juice boxes and Big Gulps. These are the cars that turn heads and get thumbs-up everywhere you go.

According to Yahoo! Autos this is what they had to say about the Ford Mustang.

What is it?

The 2011 Mustang proves a good thing can keep getting better. While the basic shape dates back to 2005—not to mention the 1960s’ original that inspired the retro look—the ’Stang still looks great.

For the 2011 model year, the base Mustang comes equipped with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission and electronic stability control, all for around $22,100. Add the optional 6-speed automatic and a set of 18-in. alloy wheels, and you’re still within our $25,000 budget cap.

Why is it hot?

A long hood and short rear deck make the Mustang look like it’s in motion even when standing still. There are tons of ways to mix and match colors and trim levels, which is why so many Mustangs have a fantastic custom-built appearance.

There also happens to be a horsepower war going on at the lower end of the muscle car spectrum, with Chevy and Ford pumping up the power in their base V-6 engines. This means you can have the economy of a V-6, with nearly the firepower of a V-8, and with cash left to load up your Mustang with side scoops, chrome billet grille, racing stripes, hood scoop and window louvers.

Visit Planet Ford 59 and see why the Ford Mustang is a head turner. The best news is you don’t have to risk your credit rating when putting one of these beauties in your driveway. Driving a car that looks like a million bucks doesn’t mean you have to hand over a seven-figure sum to own one.

For the complete list click here.

Ford Fusion Named as One of the Top Fuel Efficient Cars

2010-08-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

A recent list compiled by Crave Online suggest that the Ford Fusion is one of the top 5 fuel efficient cars.

At $27,000, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid midsize cars in America. Fuel economy is great with 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. If $27,000 and 41 mpg doesn´t suit you, the federal tax credit worth $850 (awarded before April 1 of this year) would have. Comfort is another strong suit; there is more leg room and 2 inches more hip room in the rear seats than in the Toyota Prius.

Visit Planet Ford 59 to see our full hybrid inventory today.

For the complete list click here.

Study: One-third of drivers don't know this dashboard light

2010-08-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Do you know what that this little dashboard light means? No? Don't worry.

According to a Schrader report 44 percent were unaware what the symbol was supposed to represent.

The dashboard light which represents the TPMS sensor is a sensor that constantly measure the pressure in all four tires, and when one or more tires is more than 25 percent below the recommended amount, a light illuminates on the gauge cluster.

Most of us know the light (on the left ) and if you do, you're among the 54 percent of drivers who know what it means. But more importantly, less than half of the population doesn't.

TPMS sensor maker Schrader recently surveyed drivers to see if there were knowledgeable about all things TPMS, and the results had to be a bit disappointing for them. First, the good news: 96 percent of all drivers surveyed felt that under-inflated tires were a serious safety problem. Now the bad news: Only 44 percent of drivers polled regularly check their tire pressure. Furthermore, one third of drivers surveyed didn't know what TPMS was or what it was used for, while still another 14 percent thought the symbol identified a problem of the non-tire variety.

Remember that at Planet Ford 59 we care about tire safety and will inspect your tires for you. So the next time this dashboard light shows up don't risk your life by ignoring it and stop by and let our professional service department check it out.

Source USA TODAY

Ford Super Duty

2010-08-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

The Ford F-Series line is going to be getting a boost this week and set a history benchmark in the process. The most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup will soon be powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Take a look at the official word from ford.com:

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel is now rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, an increase of 65 lb.-ft. of torque and 10 horsepower. Current 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel owners can get the increased performance through a free dealer-installed software upgrade to the truck’s powertrain control module
Super Duty reclaims F-350 towing and payload leadership vs. Chevrolet Silverado 3500. When it comes to capability, Super Duty offers uncompromised choice – whether it’s F-250, F-350, F-450 or F-550
The 6.7-liter Super Duty diesel now has 20 percent better fuel economy compared with the outgoing engine based on Ford drive-cycle tests of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010 Ford models

Ford Motor Company will begin production this week of the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup, Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering, announced today at an international auto industry conference.

Introduced in April 2010, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty will be upgraded to best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, Samardzich said at the Center for Automotive Research’s annual Management Briefing Seminars.

“These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter,” Samardzich said. “These numbers matter because our customers say they do. The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel.”

In an industry-first customer loyalty program, Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. Customers will receive letters explaining the procedure, a 30-minute software adjustment to the truck’s powertrain control module, and inviting them to visit their dealerships for the upgrade.

The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory will receive the upgrade as well.

A rigorous testing protocol that included computer, laboratory and on-road validation ensured 250,000-mile durability in the new Power Stroke’s components and systems. This strict testing opened the door for the 2011 Super Duty’s increased capability.

“We know that durability and reliability is uppermost in the minds of our Super Duty customers, along with torque and horsepower, so we took a conservative approach that ensured that the new Power Stroke would be absolutely bulletproof while delivering significantly improved power,” said Chris Brewer, chief engineer of the 2011 Super Duty.

Visit Planet Ford 59 to see our large Super Duty inventory.

Sunroof Problems

2010-08-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

I know that sometimes things suddenly happen to your car. It can be frustrating. Your sunroof is no exception so how do you fix it when it goes wrong? It can be a hassle trying to figure out how to fix the problem. Well thanks to Online Auto Repair we found tips and hints on how to take care of a broken down sun roof. Sure you can visit Planet Ford 59 for help but some of you are do it "your-selfers" and there is nothing wrong with that at all!

Many malfunctions in the sunroof system fall into 2 categories that can often be related to each-other. Water leak issues and electrical problems. Sometimes wiring or switch corrosion can be caused by the water leaks.

A power sunroof can slide the roof panel open or closed. You can also tilt the roof panel up in the back to allow fresh air into the passenger compartment. When driving down the road this can also pull a vacuum and remove stale air from the interior cabin.

In most cases power sunroofs are not that much different than electrically operated power window systems found in most automobiles. Many common parts are shared such as system relays, a master control switch and the motor assembly to perform the movement.

Note that most power sunroof systems are protected by a circuit breaker instead of a fuse. This is in case the sunroof begins to bind. It protects the motor by opening the circuit breaker. Often when people have power sunroof problems they will begin to look for the fuse when there is actually none. A circuit breaker will reset automatically when it cools down.

Power sunroof common problems

Often power sunroofs are a popular option that does not get used very often. When this system sits for months or years without being used often components can develop corrosion that may hinder operation when it is finally desired.

Since a sunroof is part of the exterior surface of the vehicle a complete watertight seal is necessary. If this seal fails or the automatic drain becomes clogged with debris and water sits around the components the corrosion mentioned above will be accelerated. For this reason a very common sunroof problem is water sealing and drainage.

Diagnosing power sunroof problems is pretty straightforward. The first thing to check would be the circuit breaker. Next you would want to verify power at the motor connector. In that case you would be working from the load back towards the battery. If there is no power at the motor you can break out a wiring diagram and do some pinpoint checks at the relay and switch.

To read the full article you can see OnlineAutoRepair.com

80 MPG Concept Car Heading To Auction

2010-07-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ever hear of the of a hybrid vehicle capable of delivering about 80mpg? Neither have we. The vehicle was actually developed under a program by the Clinton Administration in 1993. The program involved the three major U.S. automakers and eight Federal Agencies to produce several high-mileage concept cars to be put into production by 2003. Each of the automakers delivered; GM came up with the Precept, Chrysler the ESX II, and Ford developed the Prodigy. Each was a hybrid vehicle capable of delivering about 80 mpg.

The car of course never made it into production and was hardly seen by the general public. Today the car is up for auction online and it is likely that the Prodigy will never be seen again.

Planet Ford 59 wants to know if you would have bought this car if it was ever developed? Remember that at Planet Ford 59 is giving away a Ford Fusion Hybrid! Sign up here.

See the actual car listing here.

Explorer to get big MPG gains

2010-07-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers' expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with significantly improved fuel economy:

• Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
• Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
• Six-speed automatic transmissions
• Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce parasitic power loss
• Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
• Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
• Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler

Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer's available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer's standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Explorer's variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

Loaded with features, convenience and connectivity
The all-new Explorer is available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. Each offering presents a robust array of standard features, with a class-leading selection of additional convenience and connectivity options so a buyer can tailor a new Explorer to his or her individual needs and desires.

Standard convenience features include:
• MyFord driver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
• MyKey™ owner control feature
• Air filtration system
• Media hub
• Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler system
• Cruise control
• Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
• Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
• Tilt/telescoping steering column
• Four 12-volt power points
• Cargo hooks

Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:
• Automatic headlamps
• Six-speed SelectShift Automatic™
• Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
• SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
• Reverse sensing system
• Perimeter alarm

Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:
• PowerFold® sideview mirrors with driver's side memory
• Ambient lighting
• Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
• Cargo net
• Dual-zone electronic temperature control
• 10-way power driver's seat, with power recline and lumbar
• Electrochromic interior mirror
• Rear view camera
• Remote start system
• 110-volt outlet
• MyFord Touch driver connect technology
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Universal garage door opener

The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford's Chicago manufacturing facility. Production begins late this year, and Explorer will be available in dealerships this winter.

Stay tuned to see when Planet Ford 59 will have the Ford Explorer in stock!

2011 Explorer News

2010-07-26T12:16:00.001-07:00

Ford debuted the stunning new 2011 Ford Explorer today via the popular networking site Facebook. The 2011 Ford Explorer pictures reveal a body style that hints Land Rover and emerges more car like, less upright box-like SUV. In fact, the frame of the new 2011 Ford Explorer draws major inspiration from the new Land Rover Evoque 2011. The new 2011 Ford Explorer is lighter and more fuel efficient.

Stay tune for more Ford Explorer news.

Visit Planet Ford 59 and ask when the 2011 will be coming to our showroom!

Fiesta Named as One of The Top Ten Small Cars for under $20K

2010-07-23T10:16:00.001-07:00

The Ford Fiesta was named as one the top ten small cars for under $20k. The full list from Top Speed blog also included the Ford Focus.

The Ford Fiesta is a fun car to drive because it’s so small and can zip in and out of parking lots, corners, and even your driveway. The motor is connected to a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Let’s not forget that this little car should be able to get around 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. Prices start at $13,320, so this little Fiesta is a great buy.

$1800 plus Commission No Experience Needed at Planet Ford Humble (Planet Ford Spring)

2010-07-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Planet Ford Spring and Humble. Please wait until the below listed interview dates to stop by. Regardless of what the media says about the automobile industry, we're doing great and I'm hiring 10 new salespeople to meet the demands. Having no prior experience in our industry is not a problem.

You will receive training, an $1800 monthly minimum, commission, medical, dental, 401-K and a 5 day work week. Like you, most of our top producers come from fields not related to auto sales and with the proper training have a chance to earn a 6 figure income. Interviews for both locations will be held at the Planet Ford store in Spring Only .

Monday July 26th, between the hours of 10am and 4pm, and Tuesday July 27th, Between the hours of 10am and 1pm. Please wait until the above interview dates to come by and fill out a brief, one page application for a guaranteed interview and get some details about the auto sales business.

Or, if you have any questions, call Jeff Johnson 713-515-9221, or e-mail him at faststarttraining@sbcglobal.net

Interview Location,
20403 - I-45 N.( Louetta Exit )
Spring , Texas 77388

DUB Magazine's Ford Mustang

2010-07-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

Ford Motor Company is teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The V6 Mustang and will be available in the fall of 2010 and will offer:

20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli performance tires
Roush front fascia and splitter
Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner
Roush lowering springs
Coupe, convertible or Glass Roof body style
Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
DUB logo embroidered in front headrest and DUB stripe package
Black interior
Choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Race Red or Ingot Silver

Ask your Planet Ford 45 sales team about availability of this one of a kind Mustang.

Click here for full article.

Ford Named as Top Ten Used Cars to buy under $10K

2010-07-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos have named the 2006 Ford Fusion and the 2005 Ford Five Hundred as two of the best used autos to buy under $10k. Yahoo! Autos mention that the Ford Five Hundred came standard with antilock brakes, a V-6 engine and an automatic transmission. And the Ford Fusion is a well-equipped sedan that should run around $10,000.

Visit Planet Ford 59 Pre Owned and ask why these cars are the best in the used car market!

Click on the link to see full story

Sims get Ford Fiesta for free

2010-07-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ford and E.A. have once again teamed up to give Sim's users a new virtual car. The Ford Fiesta will be given to users who have bought the Sims 3 2009 edition. EA's Sim's franchise is a highly popular strategic life-simulation computer game.

This is not the first time that Ford has teamed up with EA. A few years back when Ford released their classic Mustang GT it provided users of the game a free download of its car. It proved to be a very popular addition to the game and The Sims 2 fans rushed to get this official, authentic looking car with over one million downloads to date from the official Sims 2 site.

Ford followed this up later in the same year with the release of the Ford Focus in August and the Fusion in November. Both cars were released online in the colors available when buying them from a 'real life' dealership, which only added to the fun and excitement of player's Sims - as the game characters are known - owning one in the game.

This zippy and fun urban Ford Fiesta comes in Lime Squeeze, Blue Flame, Yellow Blaze or Red Candy Metallic. But why just settle for the one online? Visit Planet Ford 59 and buy the real one for yourself!

Original Article

2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited 6.2

2010-07-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

PickupTrucks.com recently released photos of what they think is the 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat. (Full Article)

What’s unique about the Lariat Limited shown here? Highlights include a body-colored front air dam that’s shared with the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150, a six-slat grille borrowed from the XLT F-150 that’s painted to match the rest of the truck and wheels painted with body-colored accents.

Other features include body-colored skullcaps on the mirrors, body-colored door handle bezels with chrome pulls and automatic retractable running boards. The word “Limited” is embossed on the sides of the cargo box.

Ford Tries to Improve Texting for Drivers

2010-07-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Of all of the bad driving habits we’ve seen over the years such as applying make-up, reading the newspaper or eating, the most dangerous of them all seems to be texting while driving.

Indeed, the practice has become so prevalent–and deadly–that many people and groups have been advocating the banning of the practice.

However Ford will try to make texting safe for drivers.

The Ford Motor Company is updating its SYNC technology to enable text messaging and give drivers more control over how messages are received and sent. For example Ford is giving drivers a “Do Not Disturb” button so they can choose the level of connectivity and communications they want while driving. In addition, Ford is taking the initiative to “lock-out” capabilities that are not relevant to the task of driving while the vehicle is in motion.

Planet Ford 59 wants hard-core text message senders to please do everyone a favor by quitting your texting while driving or go out and buy a properly equipped texting Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.

Article

The World's Most Spectacular Roads

2010-07-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

1. Milford Road, New Zealand
Not to be confused with the famous Milford Track trekking route, the Milford Road State Highway 94 passes through the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island.
Photo: macronix

2. Stelvio Pass, Italy
48 hairpin turns up to a 2757m (9045ft) pass in the Italian Alps, and Top Gear’s pick for “greatest driving road in the world.”
Photo: Damian Morys Foto

3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
This coastal road in Victoria runs for 241km, between Torquay and Warrnambool. The car-less might consider the Great Ocean Walk as an alternative.
Photo: Stas Kulesh

4. Chalus Road, Iran
Tehran is connected to the northern city of Chalus via this road through the Alborz Mountains. Check this site for more images.
Photo: ninara

5. Cabot Trail, Canada
Wrapping around northern Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is mountainous and windy with near-constant ocean views. I recommend biking it.
Photo: kennymatic

6. I-70 at Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
The Colorado River, of Grand Canyon fame, carved this canyon billions of years ago. The U.S. government built the 12-mile, $490 million interstate route through it, which was only completed in 1992.
Photo: Payton Chung

7. Millau Bridge, France
Southern France’s Millau Bridge is the tallest in the world — taller, actually, than the Eiffel Tower.
Photo: tibchris

8. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
The “highest paved international road in the world” connects Pakistan with Xinjiang, China. It is currently closed at the Hunza Valley due to a massive landslide.
Photo: Umair Mohsin

9. Mountain road, Snowdonia, Wales
Mountainous northern Wales is traversed by many of these ancient, narrow, stone-walled roads. I’ve experienced the challenge of navigating them at night. With oncoming traffic. Car renters beware.
Photo: Richard0

10. Ice Highway, Canada
Winter means greater accessibility in northern Canada. This frozen road runs up the Northwest Territories.
Photo: madmack66

11. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Another great coastal road, this one just 15 miles south of Cape Town.
Photo: Raveesh Vyas

12. Mountain road, central Peru
Most mountain pass roads in Peru qualify as “spectacular.” This one runs north from the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo and is part of the car route to Machu Picchu.
Photo: ThiagoJ

13. Liwa, UAE
Roads through the desert oasis of Liwa, Abu Dhabi, stretch long.
Photo: Luca Assen

14. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
The only route through Glacier National Park was featured in the opening scenes of “The Shining.”
Photo: Colin Gregory Palmer

15. Mývatn, Iceland
Mývatn is a volcanically active region in northern Iceland. This road will take you there.
Photo: Francesco_G

16. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
U.S. Highway 1 runs for miles over the water, connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland. It includes this long span of bridge.
Photo: milan.boers

17. Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
Traveling north from Italy into Switzerland, you’ll come to Gotthard Pass, which you can cross on either the new, straightforward road, or the old roller coaster above. My money’s on the latter.
Photo: Mikael Miettinen

18. Tichka Pass, Morocco
I recently drove over the 2260m Tichka Pass on my way to Zagora to ride a camel. The pass was cooler. No offense, camel.
Photo: cliffwilliams

19. Pacific Coast Highway, California
This is the only road getting reprised from the original post. It seems to deserve it.
Photo: tibchris

20. Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
The roads of western Ireland are narrow, flanked by green, and sometimes charmed.
Photo: ktylerconk

Original Article

PIMP that car out!

2010-07-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

Ford Motor Company is giving Fiesta customers even more reasons to love their new car with an assortment of personalized options such as custom accessories, body kits, a Fiesta tattoo and graphics.

Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on their Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. If an owner is looking to light up the interior, for example, there are several choices. An illuminated gear indicator shift knob comes with a digital gear display, while illuminated door sill plates add special effects with an LED Fiesta logo.

Visit Planet Ford 59 and speak to one of our accessory sales representatives about the new Fiesta accessories.

Pandora Radio will be in new Ford Vehicles.

2010-07-07T09:03:00.001-07:00

According to TPI News, many of the 2010 Ford Cars will carry the Pandora service by the end of the year. The service was announced by Tim Westergren earlier on this week. The service will be offer in many of the new Ford vehicles.

Pandora which is an automated music recommendation service allows users to enter a song or artist that they enjoy and the service responds by playing selections that are musically similar.

With Pandora Radio, drivers and passengers will be able to enjoy a personalized radio station that puts music according to the user tastes.

For more information visit Ford.com or click here for the original article .

Visit Planet Ford 59 and ask any of our sales reps. about the new feature

Great for Kids

2010-07-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle are two of best cars for kids in car seat according to Yahoo Autos!

Weather you’re about to welcome your first child into the world or your family became five; the question always comes up when purchasing a new auto of what is the best car to protect my family in the case of an unmentionable accident.

Yahoo! Autos took everything into consideration to determine on its list what the best autos are for your children.

The criteria to determine which car was the best not only included the latest airbags technology but also;

-how deep, flap seat bottom cushion is,

-the placement of the seatbelts,

-LATCH points,

-the angle of the seat back cushion,

-ease of access,

-and availability of automatics locking retractor (ALR) seatbelts.

See these cars at Planet Ford 59 today.

Original Article

Yahoo! Autos gives Ford a nod

2010-07-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos named various Ford Vehicles as the highest quality cars of 2010.

The Ford Mustang along with the Taurus sedan and Focus compact car made the list of what Yahoo! Autos considers as the highest quality cars.

J.D. Power compiled its 2010 Initial Quality Study by surveying 82,000 buyers and lessees of new, 2010 model-year vehicles, asking them what problems they've had with their cars. The study was conducted from February to May of this year, and cars were scored based on how many problems were reported per 100 vehicles. The industry average score this year is 109, up slightly from 108 last year.

See all these vehicles at your local Planet Ford 59 store.

For complete article click here.

4th of July Celebrations in Houston

2010-07-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Eleanor Tinsley Park

500 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77002

Houston’s official July 4th celebration hosted by Mayor Annise Parker is an all day festival capped off with a performance by Pat Green. Admission is free if you bring a canned good or $8 otherwise but keep in mind that the party draws a huge crowd--arrive early for a good view of the fireworks.

Miller Outdoor Theater

100 Concert Dr, Houston, TX 77030

In keeping with tradition, the Houston Symphony will have their annual performance of the 1812 Overture--complete with booming cannons—and The Texas Tenors will join in singing patriotic tunes. Admission is free but tickets must be obtained at the box office the day of the event for covered seating.

Houston Museum of Fine Arts

1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005

It being the first Sunday of the month, the MFAH will not only be open on July 4th but admission is free thanks to Target Free First Sundays. Crafts and performances will occur between 1pm-5pm and a screening of the film “1776” starts at 2:30pm.

Discovery Green Park

1500 McKinney Dr, Houston, TX 77002

Yes, it's true. There is a competition in which dogs leap high into the air off a dock and into the water. It's called Dock Dogs and you can observe this canine sport for yourself on July 4.

Ford Reduces Debt

2010-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

A resent article found in The Associated Press stated that Ford Motor Co., the only Detroit automaker to avoid bankruptcy protection, said Wednesday it will reduce its huge debt by another $4 billion as it continues to show signs of financial strength.

The article also said that, "the payments are another sign of confidence that the company's restructuring plan is working."
Ford sales have been up more than 30 percent through May, almost double the 17 percent increase in total U.S. car sales.

Stop by Hillcrest Ford and see why people are buying Ford.

Full Article

Ford Motor Co. Expanding Soy Foam & Biobased Materials Use

2010-06-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ford will continue expanding their “green” effort according to a recent article found in USAgNet. The article stated that…

the new 2011 Ford Explorer will now feature soy foam in seat cushions and seatbacks, further expanding the company's use of biobased products. Ford is expanding its use of bio-based soy foam through its vehicle lineup this year as part of an ongoing effort to use more renewable and recyclable materials.

See the Ford Explorer at Planet Ford 59 today.

2010-06-24T13:04:00.001-07:00

For a Ford Team that originally plan to see if the Ford Mustang could get 1,000 laps they were surprise to see what would happen next.

The 2011 Ford Mustang surpass the 1,000 laps and went on to complete 1,457 laps. The trip totaled 776.5 miles on a 16-gallon tank. Oh course the drivers were cruising around the Bristol Motor Speedway at a pace of 43.9 mph and the trip took over 17 hours.

Many car enthusiast are aware that the 2011 Ford Mustang is the first car with more than 300 horsepower to get over 30 mpg on the highway and a Ford team recently proved it can do even better.

Stop by Planet Ford and see the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Source (Drive On)

2010-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Ford F-150 topped Kelley Blue Book’s ranking of new pickups this year.

The Kelley Blue Book, which analyzes vehicle pricing and values, called the F-150 “strong and refined in every aspect,” from its exterior styling to its towing.
Kelley Blue Book's top five pickups for the 2010 model year

1. Ford F-150

2. 2010 Ram 1500

3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

4. Toyota Tundra

5. Nissan Titan

See full article here.

2010s Best Convertibles

2010-06-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

A article in MSN Autos named the Ford Mustang as one of the best convertibles in the 2010 market. MSN Autos stated that,

...the Chevy Camaro versus Ford Mustang argument is a lively one, with both vehicles providing staggering horsepower at bargain prices.

Both V6 and V8 versions of the cars are within a couple of horsepower of each other, and the respective model lines are priced comparably.

But when it comes to convertibles, there's no comparison — at least not yet.

That's because there isn't a convertible Camaro, and there won't be until next year. There are, however, a couple of convertible Mustangs: a 306-horse 3.7-liter V6, which provides some much-needed muscle at the price point and a 5.0-liter V8 that can make 412 horsepower.

Remember that Planet Ford 59 has the new 2010 Ford Mustang! See whyt it is named one of the best convertibles in the market.

Missouri City: Big gator found in backyard pool of Planet Ford Employee

2010-06-16T07:55:00.001-07:00

A huge alligator was found in the pool of one of out Planet Ford employee.

Jodie Morris our Marketing Director went into her backyard to let her dogs out when she noticed something strange in her pool.

She took a closer look and spotted the huge alligator resting at the bottom of her pool.

The local Sienna Plantation game warden arrived at the home and captured the alligator with a catch pole.

Jodie and her family made sure to get various pictures to prove to friends and relatives that might not believe their story.

After it’s captured the alligator was later taken to El Campo and released.

Full story seen on ABC 13

2010-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Father’s day is just around the corner and if your dad is a Ford fan we have compiled a list of items that we feel he will like for his special day. (Items can be found on http://www.fordcollection.com/)

Decorate His Den: Set of heavy duty glass handle mugs. A perfect gift for any true Ford fanatic! Hand wash only!. Prices start at $22.99 for 4.

Make Him Look Good: This one of a kind neck tie will allow you to show your Ford pride in style. Color matched to officially be Ford blue!

Keep Him Warm: Men's leather and wool jacket with stand collar. 60% wool / 20% polyester / 20% viscose. Genuine leather sleeves and trim. Full taffeta lined quilted insulation.

Make Him Feel Like a Kid Again: Get him a 1:14 SCALE RAPTOR RC! A off road full function r/c with big oversized rubber tires, chrome wheels, four wheel suspension, steering alignment adjustment. Over sized brush guard and impact resistant body for rugged terrain. Unit uses (1) 6V NiCd battery, controller uses (1) 9V bat

Fix His Drive: Wilson(R) Harmonized Putter features a soft polymer insert is same hardness as golf ball cover and is double milled to be flat. True Temper(TM) steel shafts.

The Ford Collection includes more than 750 unique Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded items.
For more info regarding availability visit http://www.fordcollection.com/ or call Planet Ford 59.

New Feature for Ford Sync

2010-06-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

An article in AutoBlog.com stated that Ford will add the ability to sync Google maps directions to your Ford Sync. Great news for those people who use Google Maps to figure their way out from Point A to Point B.

The article also stated that "drivers of late-model Ford vehicles equipped with Sync Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) will soon be able to plot out their routes using Google Maps on their home computer and then download turn-by-turn directions directly to the car".

To use the latest feature Ford and Lincoln owners must used the "Send to Sync" feature and register on syncmyride.com for the free TDI services. The ability to send Google directions to Sync TDI will be launched later this month.

Fiesta a Great Buy for Under $25k.

2010-06-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Autos recent article, 8 Greatest Cars and SUV’s for Under $25K named the Ford Fiesta as one of the must have cars to buy. With an MSRP of $13,320-$17120 and fuel economy of 30/40 mpg it is not surprise the Fiesta made Yahoo’s list. To see the full list click here or to see when the Ford Fiesta is arriving near you visit Planet Ford 59 and talk to any Planet Ford Rep.

Plane Crashes Near Planet Ford 59

2010-06-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

A loud boom scared many employees at the Planet Ford 59 around 2pm. Employees and customers were curious to what that sound was. It was not until employees of the store inform that the sound was a small plane that crashed about a kilometer away from the store.

Take a look at the full story here .

The Pony is Back!!!

2010-06-03T12:27:00.001-07:00

The Pony is Back!

After vast improvements on the Ford Mustang, the Pony has made it the muscle car sales leader for the month of May. According to AutoBlog.com, Ford managed to sell 10,222 Mustangs, while Chevy only moved 8,931 Camaros.

AutoBlog.com also reported that while the Mustang tended to rank higher in comparisons against the Camaro even before the new engines hit the scene for 2011, American buyers responded to the big power numbers and menacing style of the General Motors muscle car. Now that the Ford is cranking out slightly more grunt and marginally better fuel economy, Chevrolet may find itself playing catch up for the rest of the year.

Stop by Planet Ford 59 and see what all the Mustang fuss is about.

Original Article (AutoBlog)

Ford Plans to Kill Storied Mercury

2010-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Original Story found The Wall Street Journal,

Ford Motor Co. is preparing to phase out its 71-year old Mercury brand, adding to the list of storied Detroit nameplates that reached the end of the road in recent years as the industry has become more competitive.

Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally and his top lieutenants have won the backing of key members of the Ford family and are expected to seek approval from the car maker's board to kill Mercury after years of dwindling sales, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday.

Mercury was created in 1939 by Edsel Ford, the son of legendary founder Henry Ford. It was prompted by General Motors Co.'s strategy of building a "ladder of brands" that included Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac. That allowed GM to appeal to a wide range of customers and move them up the brand and price ladder as their incomes rose, enabling GM to pass Ford as the world's largest auto maker.

Mercury would be the latest Detroit brand to die since 2000. As part of its bankruptcy restructuring last year, GM shut down its Pontiac and Saturn divisions, and Hummer appears to be headed for the same fate. Earlier this decade GM phased out Oldsmobile and Chrysler Group LLC killed off Plymouth.

Mercury's future has been in question ever since Mr. Mulally arrived as CEO in 2006 and mapped out a turnaround plan that called for phasing out niche brands and putting most of the company's resources into its Ford division. Since then, Ford has sold Jaguar, Land Rover and most recently Volvo.

A person familiar with the company's plans said Mr. Mulally and other senior executives recently persuaded the company's chairman, William C. Ford Jr., and a cousin of his who works at the company, Elena Ford, to phase out Mercury. Elena Ford had strongly opposed previous efforts to shut down the brand.

News of the plan was first reported by Bloomberg News.
Mercury was supposed to give Ford a midpriced car that fit between the inexpensive Ford models and its more luxurious Lincolns.

For several decades that strategy seemed to work, with Mercurys such as the Cougar and Marquis selling well. But by the 1980s Mercury had little identity of its own—a problem that would become endemic for most of Detroit. Most Mercury models were simply Fords fitted with different grilles and tail lights. GM did the same, fielding nearly identical cars as Buicks, Chevrolets, Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles.

In the 1990s, Ford imported sporty cars made by its European arm and sold them under the Mercury nameplate, but the effort did little to raise the brand's profile.

In recent years, Ford tried to market Mercury to women drivers, but sales continued to dwindle. In 2009, Ford sold 92,299 Mercury vehicles, down from 359,143 in 2000.

"Mercury is a brand that has lost its meaning in the American automotive marketplace and it isn't worth trying to change that," Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl said in a statement.
Under Mr. Mulally, Mercury received few new models. The Sable sedan—a knockoff of the Ford Taurus—was phased out in 2009 and production of the Mountaineer sport-utility vehicle and Grand Marquis large sedan will end this year.

That leaves Mercury with only two models: the Milan, a midsized car, and the Mariner, a small SUV. Ford planned to launch a Mercury version of its Ford Focus compact, but Mr. Mulally was faced with deciding whether it would be worth investing more in the marque.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby declined to confirm any discussions about the end of Mercury.
Stephen Munroe, general manager of Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury in Van Wert, Ohio, said he was untroubled by the news. He said it would simplify his inventory since many of the Mercury cars have "sister" vehicles in the Ford brand.

The challenge, Mr. Munroe said, would be to eliminate Mercury without hurting the current good consumer buzz about Ford.

But the hundreds of dealers that sell only Lincolns and Mercurys may find it difficult to continue without the volume from Mercury. A person familiar with the matter at Ford said the company hopes to merge many of those dealers with existing Ford dealerships or shut them.
Mercury had 1,780 U.S. dealers at the end of 2009, according to a Ford filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ford officials also are engaged in an intense review of the future of Lincoln, which has struggled as well despite its fairly new line-up. A separate person familiar with the company's thinking said all options are under consideration for Lincoln, which hasn't measured up to becoming a luxury brand able to compete with Mercedes, BMW, Lexus or the revitalized Cadillac.

Article written by MATTHEW DOLAN

Planet Ford Helps Foster Elementary

2010-05-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last year ruthless vandals decided to destroy the playground that many children use at Foster Elementary School. This of course left all the children from Foster Elementary without a playground. However this malicious act did not dampen the spirits of the students from Foster Elementary who decided to take it into their own hands to raise funds to rebuild their lost playground.

I was not long after the students raised a portion of the money that Randall Reed Planet Ford of Humble stepped in to donate a $25,000 check to the building effort. In addition, the extra help of the Be An Angel Foundation helped the kids from Foster Elementary receive a new playground.
The new playground is the second of its kind in the Humble area because it caters to children with physical disabilities. Before the ribbon cutting ceremony, Randall Reed spent time with many of the children and even enjoyed riding down the various slides.

To see the more complete story click here .

Visit Planet Ford in Humble and see why we are truly one of a kind philanthropist!

Ford Leads Resale-Value Bloomberg Businessweek Reports

2010-05-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

A recent online article in the Bloomberg Business reported that Ford now leads the industry in resale value in its cars. Ford Motor Co. car resale values have raised an average of $2,420, the most of any automaker, research firm Automotive Lease Guide said.

“The perception is starting to catch up with reality,” Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief, told reporters on the call. “Resale value is the ultimate proof point.”

The article also states that Ford has gained sales and market share in its home market with many redesigned models such as the Ford Fusion which has seen its resale value go higher than that of Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry.

Visit Planet Ford 59 today and Swap your Ride and see for yourself why Ford leads the industry in resale value!

Win Taylor Swift Tickets!

2010-05-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

They are the hottest tickets in town, and they are free!

Im talking about Free TAYLOR SWIFT tickets!

Do you want them?

Then make your way to Planet Ford 59 on May 22nd between 4pm and 6pm for your chance to win FREE tickets to these 2 big SOLD-OUT Taylor Swift shows on May 25th and May 26th!
Houston's 100.3 KILT will be on our lot, live and ready to give out FREE tickets!

The New American Road: A Ford Documentary

2010-05-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ford’s SYNC AppLink Brings Android and BlackBerry Apps to Your Car

2010-04-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today Ford is releasing SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade for Ford SYNC systems that will allow hands-free voice control of popular applications for the BlackBerry and Android smartphones. The first car to get SYNC AppLink support will be the 2011 Fiesta, available later this summer.

Back in January, Ford announced the next evolution of the Ford SYNC system, MyFord Touch. When MyFord Touch was announced, Ford also said it would support third-party mobile applications for a seamless connected experience. This is exactly what the SYNC AppLink does.

Pandora (Pandora), Stitcher and OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile apps that will be available. Using AppLink, BlackBerry and Android (Android) users can access and control their applications using their voice and in-dash car controls, rather than having to connect a phone to an line-in jack and fumbling with the phone while keeping an eye on the road.

Furthermore, Ford is launching a new Mobile Application Developer Network so that Android and BlackBerry developers can build in SYNC support for their applications. The possibilities for this sort of integration are tremendous. Just imagine the potential of leveraging a geolocation app with an in-dash navigation system!

Check out this video that shows Ford SYNC AppLink in action with Pandora and Stitcher:While there are adapters that you can purchase to better integrate the Pandora and smartphone experience for third-party head units, this is one of the most seamless examples of app-to-phone integration that we’ve seen on the factory level.

Check out an extended demonstration of Pandora using SYNC AppLink:This technology will debut with the Ford Fiesta 2011 this summer in the U.S. AppLink will roll out to other models in the SYNC ecosystem next year. By fusing the connected car and the mobile phone, Ford is bringing a whole new level of synergy to the SYNC system.

What do you think of SYNC AppLink? Let us know!

How to get turn by turn directions with Ford SYNC

2010-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

If you have just purchased a new Ford Taurus, you may have noticed the new SYNC feature. SYNC is a GPS built right into your dashboard. If this is your first time using a global positioning system, you may need a few pointers. Check out this video and learn how to access step by step directions and get where you need to go.

You Will Need

* 2010 Ford Taurus with SYNC

Step 1: Get directions

Rely on SYNC for detailed directions. Simply say “Services” to dial into the voice-activated network, and then “Directions.” Then, just speak your destination. The system provides spoken, turn-by-turn directions over the audio system. It can also access a location you’ve already programmed.

Step 2: Find a place without an address
If you’re heading to a business but don’t know its exact address, just say the name, and SYNC will point you in the right direction. You can even search for a type of business near your current location, and SYNC will offer the closest options.

Step 3: Get the lay of the land

Bypass traffic, avoid road closures, and get the lowdown on detours with personalized updates. Just say “Services” and then “Traffic,” and you’ll receive a real-time report broadcast over your vehicle’s audio system. You can also set personalization features to text you traffic alerts for destinations that you program in beforehand. Knowing about potential hazards beforehand can save you time and aggravation.

Step 4: Stay connected

Stay connected with personalized weather conditions and forecasts, news updates, and sports reports — all using easy voice commands. You never know what might affect your route.

Step 5: Stay safe in an accident

Stay safe. In the event of an accident, SYNC automatically contacts 911 when the airbag is deployed so the vehicle’s occupants can communicate with the emergency operator.

Step 6: Drive with confidence

Wherever you’re headed, set out secure in the knowledge Ford can help you get there — quickly and safel

Ford F-150, Edge, Explorer To Get EcoBoost Engines

2010-04-13T08:06:00.001-07:00

Ford said Monday it will add its popular turbocharging system — EcoBoost — to three more engines by the end of 2010, with the F-150 also getting the blower for its V6.
Ford also said that by 2013, it expects to be producing approximately 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally, about 200,000 more than originally expected.
Plans call for an EcoBoost engine to be available in 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates and 90 per cent of North American nameplates. About half of the 1.5 million EcoBoost engines are expected to be sold in North America, while the rest are to be sold in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific regions.
The next three EcoBoost engines include:
1.6-litre four-cylinder that will be offered in the European C-Max people mover.
2.0-litre four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.
3.5-litre V-6 for the F-150. Ford engineers have upgraded the 3.5-litre V-6 for rear-wheel-drive applications. The EcoBoost F-150 is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy along with the power and towing capability of a V-8.
“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” said Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”
The three new engines will increase the number of global nameplates available with EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex and Taurus and Lincoln MKS and MKT.
EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cut vehicle weight, while giving drivers the performance of a bigger engine.

COMMUNITY: Planet Ford 59 Hosts a 'DRIVE ONE 4 UR SCHOOL' Program and Helps Raise $6,000 for Humble High School.

2010-04-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ford's "Drive One 4 UR School" program offers individuals an opportunity to test-drive a new Ford vehicle and help raise money for their local high school.
Recently Planet Ford 59 hosted a ‘Drive One 4 UR School’ program at their local Humble High School. 300 participants got to test-drive a Ford Flex, Focus or other new Ford vehicle and helped raise much-needed funding for the high school. For each test-drive taken at the one-day event, Ford and Planet Ford 59 donated $20 to fund special projects and activities at the school.
The Planet Ford 59 and Humble High School ‘Drive One 4 UR School’ event had 300 test drives and raised $6,000 for the school. Great job and thank you to all the participants!
Join Us for Our Next 'DRIVE ONE 4 UR SCHOOL’
Planet Ford 59 will be hosting another 'DRIVE ONE 4 UR SCHOOL’ this April 24, 2010 at the Fine arts Festival located at the Kingwood College
For registration or more information, email Kristi Williams at kwilliams@planetford59.com

COMMUNITY: The Students of Foster Elementary Will Have a Playground!

2010-04-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

It was a tragic event on July 4th, 2009 when vandals set fire to the playground equipment at Foster Elementary in Kingwood, Texas.
Unfortunately, HISD was not able to replace the playground equipment. Therefore, the task to raise money thru fundraisers and donations moved to the capable hands of the Foster PTA along with assistance from Foster Elementary School. Initial quotes from HISD were around $80,000 to replace the equipment. Thru the process of getting different bids from many playground companies, the current projection to put a new playground is between $40,000 and $45,000.
All Hands on Deck
Little hands were on deck to raise money for the new playground. The kids joined together to sell lemonade, wash cars and bring in pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters get the school closer to their goal. The school also received generous donations from friends, families and neighbors with each contribution getting them closer to the goal.
Local businesses like the Conservatory and D&D Collision stepped up to help the cause.
Then with one generous stroke, Planet Ford 59 in Humble donated the remaining $25,000. The neighborhood Ford dealership’s contribution will allow Foster Elementary school to replace the playground for the kids.
Chuck Kramer, General Manager and Managing Partner at Planet Ford 59 says “It’s all about the kids!”
There are currently no suspects in this crime. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and charging of a suspect. If you have any information about the fire, please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

COMMUNITY: PLANET FORD 59 SPONSORS D.A.R.E. FOR THEIR HOMETOWN HUMBLE KIDS

2010-04-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

This year millions of school children around the world will benefit from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), the highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.
D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. Humble ISD is proud to have a successful D.A.R.E. program that is 100% sponsored by Planet Ford 59.
The Humble D.A.R.E. program is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

COMMUNITY: $15,000 for Their Education

2010-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Planet Ford 59 is a dedicated supporter of the Humble ISD Livestock show and auction.
In 2009 Planet Ford won the Grand Champion Steer auction along with a few other animals. $15,000 went to the best young exhibitors who got their payoff for their whole year of hard work. These Texas 4-H and FFA members put countless hours of labor in raising, feeding and grooming their animals and preparing them for their big moment in the arena.
Planet Ford donated the meat to the Humble Family Time non-profit organization that provides free counseling, services and support groups for victims of abuse.

Ford brings back "Swap Your Ride" with 0% financing, $1,000

2010-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ford has some good news if you've been eying its products and happen to drive a vehicle from another manufacturer. The company's "Swap Your Ride" campaign is back in full swing, and will run wide open until the end of next month. All you have to do to qualify for zero-percent financing and a $1,000 trade-in bonus is simply hand over the keys to your old set of wheels.

Expect to see a new slew of ads featuring Mike Rowe on your television promoting the incentives soon. And come visit us here at Planet Ford 59 to Swap Your Ride!!

Ford teams up with Microsoft for electric vehicles

2010-04-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

Ford, America’s largest domestic hybrid seller, and Microsoft have decided to come together to use Microsoft Hohm Energy Management Application in order to make charging of electric vehicles easier.

The software would help the user to know the best possible time to recharge battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Microsoft’s Sync-in-car technology helps the user to control mobile phones and MP3 players through voice recognition. Nearly two million vehicles of Ford use Sync, based on Microsoft’s Window Embedded Auto Platform. Ford and its upcoming vehicle Focus Electric will be the first one to use Microsoft’s Hohm.

Ford and Microsoft both share a strong commitment to contributing to a better world. Today, we begin the next major step in our working together and leading the way for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability,” said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. “For Ford, this is a needed step in the development of the infrastructure that will make electric vehicles viable.” Why Microsoft Hohm?

Microsoft Hohm is a free web service that helps to make smarter decisions about saving energy and money. It provides energy saving tips and helps cut costs. “Ford and Microsoft both share a strong commitment to contributing to a better world. Today, we begin the next major step in our working together and leading the way for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.” -- Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO

Hohm completely takes charge of home energy use. This software would help the users to determine the best time for charging their vehicles at home. Besides this, as electric cars would increase the home energy consumption, use of Hohm was considered as the most appropriate choice.

According to Accenture Survey, 42 percent of consumers have preferred to buy hybrid or electric vehicles in the next two years. After teaming up with Microsoft Hohm, Ford has decided to bring five new electric vehicles on road in North America and Europe by 2013. North America launches include Transit Connect Electric car later this year, Focus Electric car in 2011, plug in hybrid electric vehicle and two next generation hybrids in 2012.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, said “Electric vehicles will play an important role in the global effort to improve energy efficiency and address the issues of climate change and sustainability. But as the market for electric vehicles expands, it will have a significant impact on home energy consumption and demand across the nation’s energy grid.

With Microsoft Hohm, Ford and Microsoft will deliver a solution that will make it easier for car owners to make smart decisions about the most affordable and efficient ways to recharge electric vehicles, while giving utilities better tools for managing the expected changes in energy demand. Working together, Ford and Microsoft will provide the systems solutions to help facilitate this exciting future.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Video Review – Kelley Blue Book

2010-03-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Ford CEO Alan Mulally called up to thank one of his new customers personally

2010-03-30T16:18:00.001-07:00

Is this the beginning of a new trend? Given how hard the industry is being hit right now, it’s probably a great idea for all of the executives at the car makers to get on the phone right now and start making calls.

The reason this story caught my attention is, of course, the customer in question was buying a Ford Fusion Hybrid. The reason the story got into the paper is two fold.

One, the customer decided to buy a Ford Fusion Hybrid over the Toyota Prius, even though the Fusion Hybrid isn’t available until this spring.

Which brings up an issue with hybrid car sales right now. Despite the quite reasonable assumption that hybrid car sales have dropped because 1) gas prices are still down, although they certainly seem to be creeping back up and 2) the overall industry is down, there is one other factor that has to be weighing in on buyers minds.

There are three very exciting hybrids on the way right now. The new Toyota Prius, which has upped the fuel economy ante to 50 mpg; the new Honda Insight, which not only will be a dedicated hybrid, but the cheapest to purchase (which will force everyone else to look closely at how much they’re willing to charge for their hybrids); and last but not least, the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids which, if you go out and get your name down on one now, will still qualify you for the full federal tax credit, something Honda and Toyota hybrid buyers can no longer state.

Source: Ford boss thanks man who picked Fusion over Prius | detnews.com | The Detroit News

First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game

2010-03-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

by Jonny Lieberman
Autoblog.com

The reborn 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the 2010 Ford Mustang GT's most obvious competitor (obviously). While the Camaro is certainly a head turner, it's just not that great of an all around performance car. However, despite the 2010 Mustang GT coming out on top in many comparisons against its crosstown rival, one fact is undeniable: When it comes to power, the Camaro SS kicked the Mustang GT's butt up and down the block. Across the drag strip, too. The 6.2-liter LS3-equipped SS (manual only, as automatic Camaros get the weaker L99 motor) produces a screaming 426 horsepower and 420 rumbling pound-feet of torque, enough mojo to embarrass the 2010 Mustang GT's relatively wimpy 4.6-liter V8 with its 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. True, the Mustang handled better, rode better, had a much better interior and cost less, but at the end of the day we're talking muscle cars. Gumption matters. Chevy was king. Ford had to act.

And act it did. Meet the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, or as everyone is already calling it, the 5.0. That's right, Ford is offering enthusiasts an honest to goodness 5.0-liter V8 (302 cubic inches, baby! Check out our Deep Dive for all the technical mumbo jumbo) in the 2011 Mustang GT. As we're sure you know by now, thanks to some fancy breathing, the all new small-block produces 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. That's less than the Camaro, sure, but remember that the Mustang is lighter than the Chevy by a good 300 pounds. Besides, it's looking like Ford has decided to underrate the 5.0's output by about 30 ponies for who knows what reason. Meaning that while Ford might be using invisible ink, the Mustang's got the Camaro beat on paper. But what about in the real world? Make the jump to find out.

While the new 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is a good car, the 5.0 is great. In a single model year, Ford has manged to address all of the 2010 Mustang GT's shortcomings. Besides the brand spanking new motor (which really is the big story), the Blue Oval boys made a number of other changes. It's going to take a well trained eye to spot any visual differences between the 2010 and 2011 models, but there are differences. First off, the aluminum pony in the grill has been lightened a shade. In addition, the front and rear fascias are slightly tweaked. There's a new lower spoiler and air dam up front and the rear wheels now have tire spats. All of the exterior changes plus an underbody aeroshield add up to a four-percent more aerodynamic car, and help this 412-hp brute achieve a very respectable 26 mpg on the highway. Also, let's not forget the big, shiny 5.0 badges. A1A Beach Front Avenue has been put on notice!

Changes you can't see include a whole host of NVH improvements, namely rear wheel liners, eight sound absorbers and hood liner insulation that all add up to a surprisingly quiet vehicle. Some might say too quiet as you can't hear the 5.0 burble, but we'll disagree. Overhead cam engines don't really burble the way cam-in-block mills do anyway. Put it this way, day-to-day livability has been greatly increased. Besides, once you open the V8's taps, the cabin is quickly filled with the sort of soundtrack that gearheads dream about. Ford has retained the 2010 Mustang GT's sound resonators, and the noise is even more blissful in 2011. In fact, above 3,500 rpm you're treated to a very finely balanced stereo mix of induction and exhaust noise. Trust us, you'll love it once you get on it.

Speaking of getting on it, the 7,000 rpm redline begs you to do just that. An all-new six-speed (finally!) manual further encourages you to bash the motor all you like. There's also a new six-speed automatic that's okay (though it does lack paddle shifters), but we spent exactly 17.5 seconds driving the auto version (that's two blasts down an eighth-mile drag strip), so you'll need to do your own research if you're not interested in rowing your own. If you are, the new six-speed manual is pretty good, though we'd prefer a short-throw kit. We also had occasional trouble coming down into second and/or fourth. We suspect this is mostly due to the shift lever's long throw, which again would be fixed by a short throw kit. That said, the new transmission doesn't seem to mind abuse.

The same can be said for the brakes. We drove both the stock brake GT and the Brembo-kitted version. As far as the regular brakes go, Ford saw fit to provide a bigger brake booster and for the first time in my car reviewing career, I have nothing negative whatsoever to say about Ford brakes. They're actually pretty good, and the Brembos are that much better. If you spend a lot of time hooning it up on windy canyon roads or at the track, go for the ain't-gonna-fade 14-inch Brembos. If you just like roasting fools at stop lights, the standard brakes are more than fine.

Time to put it all together. I found myself actually saying, "This engine's a pot of honey." Out loud, with another human being in the car. Why would anyone make such a ridiculous statement? Probably because the new motor really is a pot of honey, specifically when you're in fourth gear at 4,000 rpm and you bury the throttle. Turns out that 4,000 rpm is when peak torque (390 lb-ft) happens and the 5.0-liter V8 pulls like a jet airliner. Outside of the GT500 or a very breathed-upon Roush/Saleen, we've never experienced this kind of at-speed acceleration in a Mustang. Very impressive, and more than just impressive, a bit intoxicating. From a standstill, the 5.0 is every bit as superb. We won't be surprised if and when the 2011 Mustang GT breaks into the high 12s running the quarter-mile with a trap in the 112-mph range. Ford went all "no comment" when asked about performance figures, but again we'll speculate that 0-60 mph is probably mid-4s, which is quick by any method of accounting.
Our one serious gripe with the new V6 Mustang was the floaty front end, especially at high speeds. No such gripe with the GT. Not only is the front of the V8 much stiffer than its smaller, lighter sibling, but the entire car has been hardened by 15 percent compared to the 2010 model. Not only does this help handling, but triple-digit stability is impressive, words we thought we'd never type about a run-of-the-mill Mustang GT. But here we are.

Also improved for 2011 is the GT's handling. 2010 was something of a breakout year for the Mustang, as Ford finally committed itself to building a Mustang that goes left and right as well as it goes straight. Not only is the 2011 Mustang GT happy to turn into a corner, once you're flirting around with the apex you won't find yourself making loads of corrections. Put another way, the suspension is able to handle whatever you throw at it, and the steering feel is good enough that you only have to measure and cut once. As far as the never ending live rear end vs. independent suspension argument goes, we're saying the following: The 2011 Ford Mustang GT sports the very best solid rear axle in the world. We'd rather have the best solid axle than a mediocre multi-point rear. Hint, hint, Chevy. 'Nuff said.

The bottom line is this: Ford is done messing around. With the release of the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 there are no more "Yeah, but..." reasons to buy any other pony car. Only serious Mopar-philes would choose the drastically more expensive and substantially worse Dodge Challenger SRT-8 over the Mustang GT. Aside from looks, we can't think of a single area where the similarly priced but slightly more expensive Chevy Camaro SS beats the Mustang. Speed, handling, soundtrack, brakes, interior (the GT is actually creeping into Audi levels of interior sophistication – look at those seats!), fit and finish – you name it, the Mustang's the superior sports car.

Speaking of Audi, the 5.0 makes the 354-hp S5 look like an overpriced slowpoke. We've driven both cars in anger and the 2011 Mustang GT is not only faster, but is actually rear-wheel drive, not a FWD platform fitted with Quattro all-wheel drive. Want us to go even further? We'd prefer the Mustang GT to a BMW 650i. Sure, the BMW has dash leather and... iDrive. But (again), the GT makes more power (the 650i manages 360 hp), handles better and is quieter unless you're really belting the throttle. Also, Sync's a whole lot better than iDrive, even the much improved new iDrive. Not only that, but the GT's new 5.0-liter V8 engine is in another league than (previous) competitors like the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. Getting the point? In 2011, the Mustang GT is the car to beat. Welcome back, 5.0.

2010-03-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ford Starts Production Of PowerShift Dual Clutch Transmission, Debuts In New Fiesta

In the never-ending pursuit of efficiency, performance and smooth power delivery, the next step forward for many automakers is the adoption of the dual clutch transmission. Once the province of high-end performance cars, dual clutch transmissions have been finding their way into everyday vehicles from Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi and more for years. Ford has now announced that it has started production of its own dual clutch transmission and the first car in the Blue Oval’s fleet to receive the fuel saving device will be the humble 2011 Ford Fiesta.

The corporate technology behind the new transmission is dubbed PowerShift, and Volvo has already been using it for the past year. The particular unit being produced by Ford is a six-speed fully automatic dual clutch transmission that will eventually appear across most of the automaker’s product portfolio.

Offering better fuel economy than a conventional manual transmission, the new PowerShift unit’s characteristics are particularly well-suited to smaller car applications, making the transmission a perfect fit for Fiesta and the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus.

Ford PowerShift dual clutch transmission

Enlarge Photo

According to Ford, the PowerShift dual clutch transmission will help the 1.6-liter Fiesta deliver an expected best-in-class fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg on the highway.

Ford is building the PowerShift dual clutch transmission with its technology partner GETRAG at a plant in Irapuato, Mexico. The unit itself features a ‘dry’ dual clutch design that manages to eliminate the additional weight and complexity of a torque converter, planetary gears and the fluid pumps employed in conventional automatics. Its key characteristic is the seamless flow of torque and virtually instant shift times.

Sales of the 2011 Ford Fiesta with the six-speed PowerShift dual clutch transmission will start this summer.

2010-03-29T08:14:00.001-07:00

China's Geely to Buy Ford's Volvo in Record Deal (Update3)

Monday, March 29, 2010

March 29 (Bloomberg) -- Zhejiang Geely Holding Co. agreed to buy Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co. for $1.8 billion in the biggest overseas acquisition by a Chinese automaker, more than 18 months after the two companies first entered discussions.

The price includes a $200 million note and the remainder to be paid in cash, Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth said yesterday in Gothenburg, Sweden. Time spent on seeking regulatory approval in different jurisdictions means the companies now aim to complete the deal in the third quarter, Geely Chairman Li Shufu said.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., the automaker's listed unit, gained 1.5 percent to HK$4.16 in Hong Kong trading. Ford rose 12 cents to $13.98 at 8:04 a.m. before regular New York Stock Exchange composite trading, extending a surge of 39 percent this year through March 26.

Review of Ford's Versatile Transit Connect by Dan Scanlan

2010-03-27T08:36:00.001-07:00

Ford CEO Alan Mulally drops off keys to new Shanghai Focus owner

2010-03-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Harriet Luo, the recent buyer of a brand new Ford Focus was in for the shock of her life when she found out that Alan Mulally, Ford’s global president, Joe Hinrich, head of Ford Asia, and Robert Graziano, head of Ford China, were all on site to hand the keys over to her.

Harriet was completely shocked by the arrival of the car industries biggest men to hand over her new Ford Focus car keys, and was quoted as saying “This is totally beyond my expectations. Having Mr. Mulally, Ford’s global CEO, hand over the keys to my new Ford Focus was absolutely incredible,” exclaimed Luo.

Ms Luo had compared more than ten different cars before deciding on a Ford Focus, which she liked due to its price, quality, and recommendations from family and friends.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES BY ETHISPHERE

2010-03-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

DEARBORN, Mich., March 22, 2010 – Ford Motor Company has been recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading business ethics think tank.

Ford is among 100 global companies chosen for the designation from a field of thousands of companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. Ford is the only automaker to receive the honor in 2010. The results are based on an extensive review of companies’ social responsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices.

“Ford Motor Company is honored and pleased to receive this recognition,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “At Ford, we’re not only committed to making great products and building a strong business, we believe in contributing to a better world and doing business in an ethical way.”

This is the fourth year Ethisphere has published its list of the world’s most ethical companies. The firm is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

“Ford’s promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond goodwill and lip service and is intimately linked to performance and profitability,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a priority is critical in a tough and unprecedented economic environment.”

The criteria researchers and analysts followed included:

A review of each company’s codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories
An evaluation of investment in innovation and sustainable business practices
A look into activities designed to improve corporate citizenship
Input through nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

Information was provided to the Institute through formal questionnaires and through additional independent research.

“This honor underscores the efforts by the men and women at Ford Motor Company who diligently and consistently work every day to do the right thing on behalf of all of our stakeholders,” Bill Ford said.

The complete list of the 2010 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.

LET YOUR VOTE BE HEARD!!

2010-03-22T10:16:00.001-07:00

Planet Ford 59 invites you to let your vote be heard!. Cast your vote for the best-selling midsize sedan: Ford Fusion

Chuck Kramer as "Priciple of the Day" at

2010-03-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Chuck Kramer, Partner and General Manager of Planet Ford 59 recently spent some time as Principle of the Day at Foster Elementary School. "It's all about the kids!" says Chuck.

Alan Mulally interviewed by Joe Courrege at Randall Reed's Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury

2010-03-17T11:11:00.001-07:00

Alan Mulally, President & CEO of Ford, provides insight on the brand's growing success.

Ford Announces – Receive $1000 Extra for Your Import Trade-In

2010-01-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura car, truck or SUV who trade-in or have a lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2009 or 2010 model Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, truck or SUV. CALL us @ 1-866-844-5995 for complete details.

More Accolades For Ford

2010-01-18T07:55:00.001-08:00

Ford vehicles are chosen over all other makes by Americans every day and it's simple to see why. Below are some of Ford's most recent accolades:

- The Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, is the Motor Trend Car of the Year and named to Car and Driver magazine’s "10Best" cars for 2010 list

- The Transit Connect was named the Truck of the Year by the Detroit News

- The EcoBoost V-6 and Fusion Hybrid 2.5-liter I-4 engines were named to Ward’s 10-best engine list

- The Ford F-150 is closing in on its 33rd consecutive year as America’s best-selling vehicle

- Get your sneak preview of the Mustang Unleashed at www.youtube.com\fordmustang

CNBC's Winners & Losers of 2009

2009-11-27T08:14:00.001-08:00

Alan Mulally,CEO, Ford Motor

Mulally is in the winner's circle.

Read more at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/33278153/page/12/

Ford Fusion is top car; billionaire buys stock

2009-11-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

By BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Photos and video Ford Motor Co. scored a hat trick on Tuesday. Motor Trend magazine selected the Ford Fusion midsize sedan as its car of the year. Billionaire financier George Soros revealed his investment arm has purchased $52.9 million in Ford stock. And, the company's stock price hit a 2year high of $9 per share before closing at $8.98 for the day.

"It's really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan and the progress we are making," Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally said during a crowded celebration Tuesday, while sporting an arm sling because of recent shoulder surgery.

Mulally, who underwent surgery this month to fix a lingering tennis and golf injury, attended Motor Trend's award ceremony at Ford's world headquarters.

Mulally said the progress of his shoulder, like Ford, is ahead of schedule and said the Motor Trend Car of the Year award provides additional evidence of that progress.

About 500 employees attended the emotional ceremony, including hundreds who worked directly on the Fusion and proudly stood up to accept credit from Ford's leaders.

"It means so much to all the Ford employees," said Sonya Nematollahi, who was the engineering supervisor for the Fusion's instrument cluster and has worked for Ford for 19 years. "We had such a dedicated team that worked through Saturdays and Sundays and holidays."

Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor in chief, said the 2010 Ford Fusion beat a field of nearly two dozen contenders that were put through intensive driving tests.

First introduced in 2005, the Ford Fusion was refreshed this year with a new engine, transmission and better fuel efficiency as well as a redesigned front end and interior.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said better fuel efficiency was among the key improvements for the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Because of the improved fuel economy, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said the 2010 Fusion has "really done a lot for our image, and it's done a lot for our sales and market share."

Since the redesigned Fusion was introduced in March, it has become the top-selling car built by an American automaker.

Top 2010 safety picks
The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety named 27
vehicles as winners of its top
safety pick award for the 2010
model year. The award recognizes
vehicles that do the best
job of protecting motorists in
front, side, rear and rollover
crashes and have anti-rollover
technology called electronic
stability control, or ESC.

LARGE CARS
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS
AudiA3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after
Oct. 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with
optional ESC)
Dodge Avenger
Mercedes CClass
Su ba ru Legacy
Su ba ru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (4-door)
Volkswagen Passat (4-door)
Volvo C30

SMALL CARS
Honda Civic (4-door with optional
ESC, except Si)
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen Golf (4-door)

MIDSIZE SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

SMALL SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side
thorax air bags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

2010 MotorTrend Car of the Year: Ford Fusion

2009-11-21T08:46:00.001-08:00

The Comeback Kid: Do-it-All Sedan is Reborn for 2010 and is Better, Smarter, Nicer, Prettier, Comfier, Leaner, Meaner, and Greener in Every Way
November 17, 2009 / By Matt Stone / Photography by Wesley Allison

n 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance. In 1970, we gave the nod to the Ford Torino, which could be ordered in a wide variety of configurations. Forty years ago, buyers could choose from economical, six-cylinder-powered sedans to the dragstrip-ready 429 Super Cobra Jet fastback. These legendary winners had one thing in common: bandwidth. In the 1960s and '70s, this term wasn't yet part of popular lexicon. Today, the 2010 Ford Fusion's impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Want an economical midsize sedan that doesn't cost much, yet won't bore you to tears? Need to please your greener side with a high-tech hybrid? Fancy a near-sport sedan with AWD, 18-inch rolling stock, and the latest infotainment and electronics? Depending on which model you choose and how many option boxes you tick, the Fusion can be any of the above. Arthur St. Antoine calls the Fusion "a compelling sweep across one of the market's most hotly contested segments."

The original Ford Fusion came to market for the 2006 model year. The basics were there, but the car wasn't fully baked. For 2010, Ford's product teams gave the lineup a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it's as if the first-generation car never existed. Only the passenger-shell sheetmetal and other basic architectural elements escaped being redesigned, upgraded, or replaced. Although a four-door sedan is the only body style offered, powertrain choices expand from two to four, and each is new or substantially revised. There are several trim levels offered as well: base S, upmarket SE, luxurious SEL, a separate Sport model, and a Hybrid. Early in this year's COTY program, there were quiet whispers, while heads nodded, about how the Fusion looked, felt, and drove like an entirely new machine.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/112_1001_2010_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_ford_fusion/index.html#ixzz0XRoFQoMB

A Customer's Testimonial on Ford Safety Sent to Mr. Allan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company: FW: My New F-150

2009-10-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a 2009 For F-150 and I am writing you this email to praise the safety features of that vehicle that saved my life. I was recently at the Texas State Fair and was looking at the new Ford vehicles because we will soon be in the market for my wife a new SUV, and I told one of the representatives my story. They told me that I should send the pictures in to someone at Ford. I did a google search for contact info at Ford, and I am taking a guess at your email address from your name.

On May 9th, I was driving on south Interstate 45 from Dallas to Houston at 5 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and as I came over a small hill in the road, there were 6 cattle standing across the freeway. I was traveling 65-70 miles an hour and I did not have time to react and swerve away from the cows. I hit and killed 3 of the cows. I don't remember much of the wreck, but I do remember that I walked away from it. Once the police arrived on the scene, the were sure that anyone in the vehicle was surely dead. As every new officer and helping passer by came upon us, I was asked if I had checked on the people in the vehicle. They were surprised every time that I told them that I was the only one in the vehicle. They would ask how I was even standing after the wreck. I firmly believe that God put me in an F-150 exactly one week before the accident for a reason. The truck was totaled, and looking at the damage, I can see how anyone would not believe that I walked away from the accident. I had a twisted vertebrae, dislocated ribs, a concussion, and some burns from the airbag. All of that is fixable, and the one thing that I also have is my life. If I would have been in my previous vehicle, they said I would have been decapitated. On my F-150, the hood rolled back over the windshield and shielded anything from coming through it. The frame kept the cockpit in tact and overall, this truck truly performed the safety features to the max. No-one ever thinks of hitting 3 900 lb cows when they think of auto accidents, but your engineers and designers have put features into this truck that will save hundreds of lives, and I am sure glad they saved mine. My wife were married in March and this accident happened only 2 months after our wedding. Now we are expecting our first child, and I will only trust Ford vehicles with my wife and family in the future. I have attached a picture of the truck and I will say, the sales staff was fantastic in assisting me with getting a new 2009 F-150.

Thank You So Much,
J. Cross

The students of Foster Elementary HAVE A PLAYGROUND!!!

2009-10-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

The students of Foster Elementary HAVE A PLAYGROUND!!!

Kids selling lemonade, washing cars and bringing in pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters got us closer to our goal.

Generous donations from friends, families and neighbors got us closer to our goal.

Local businesses like the Conservatory and D&D Collision stepping up to help the cause got us closer to our goal.

Now, with a generous $25,000 donation from Planet Ford in Humble….

We have reached our goal!!

See the video here at: http://fosterelementary.webs.com/index.htm#v116249631

Thank you to everyone who made the playground a possibility. It is a wonderful testament to why we choose to live and raise our families in Kingwood!

On July 4th, 2009 vandals set fire to the playground equipment at Foster Elementary in Kingwood, Texas. HISD does not provide the playground equipment or replacement. It will have to be replaced by Foster PTA fundraisers and donations, along with assistance from Foster Elementary. Initial quotes from HISD were around $80,000 to replace the equipment. We are in the process of getting different bids from many playground companies - our current projection to put a new playground in is $40,000 - $45,000.

There are currently no suspects in this crime. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and charging of a suspect. If you have any information about the fire, please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

2009 Ford Focus has it all – safety, fuel economy and technology and now a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009-07-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ford's smallest North American car, the sporty two-door Focus, has a new award to add to its list of reasons to buy – a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features that helped the 2009 Focus earn the rating include six standard air bags, standard ABS and available stability control. With fuel economy up to 35 mpg, Focus also will be among the first vehicles to offer MyKey™, which encourages safer teen driving by allowing parents to program limits like top speed and radio volume when their teen is driving.

Do you qualify? "Cash for Clunkers" - CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System)

2009-07-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Commonly known as the Cash for Clunkers program, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is the government's new vehicle trade-in program and Randall Reed's Planet Ford 59 in Humble is your expert.

There are two cash vouchers that can be issued when a consumer purchases a new, not used, car. If the new car gets 4 miles per gallon more than their current car, you may qualify for a voucher of $3,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle. If the increase is 10 miles per gallon, you may qualify for a voucher of $4,500 voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

We will make it easy for you to receive your incentive, recycle your old vehicle and save on a new, high-quality Ford vehicle.

CLICK HERE to submit your trade information and desired new Ford vehicle information and let us help you figure out what rebate you may qualify for.

Or CLICK HERE to research your trade with Ford.

With many Ford vehicles eligible, we are confident you will find the model that fits your needs.

To be eligible for the program, you must trade-in a vehicle that meets the following criteria:

• Must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
• Must have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
• Must be in drivable condition and must have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in

Note: For some transactions, work trucks (very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) only qualify if they are 2001 model year or earlier.

In addition to the government incentive, you may also be eligible for additional Ford discounts. Contact us today to get your best deal at 866-844-5995.

Congratulations Ford... 106 Years as an American Icon

2009-06-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below to read the article.

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 59 Participates in the Ford Advantage Test-Drive Program Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

2009-05-04T10:23:00.001-07:00

Even in these difficult times, we believe it is important for our business to give back to the communities it serves. So thru June 1, 2009, Planet Ford 59 and Ford are providing the opportunity to help raise up to $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,® part of Planet Ford’s and Ford’s ongoing commitment to fight against breast cancer. As a 15-year National Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure,® Ford has dedicated more than $100 million in donations and in-kind gifts.

The Ford Advantage Test-Drive is a national program, available to all consumers in one of two ways.

1.) At Race for the Cure events, participants will receive a certificate redeemable for test-drives at Planet Ford 59.
2.) Certificates are also available for download at www.FordCares.com.

Consumers should bring the certificates to Planet Ford 59, take a test-drive and receive a special code (Dealer Sales Code e.g., 88A23). Once consumers have their special code, they then log into www.FordCares.com, type in the code, and Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure on their behalf – to the Komen affiliate in the city of their choice.

Please join us at Planet Ford for the Ford Advantage Test Drive for the Cure event.

Car shoppers turn increasingly to Ford. It's gaining notice by avoiding bailout help.

2009-04-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

BY BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • April 9, 2009

Evidence is mounting that the few customers who are shopping for new cars and trucks in this tough market are increasingly turning to Ford Motor Co. because it hasn't asked for federal aid and is perceived as healthiest of the Detroit Three.

Craig Lahti, 32, of Wixom grew up in a "GM family" but purchased a Ford Focus last month.

"It was largely due to the fact that they've managed their business affairs better, in my opinion," Lahti said. "Not only ... did they not take the loans, but just seems that they are heading down the right road."

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have accepted $17.4 billion in federal loans and are now struggling to meet the terms mandated by the federal government in order to receive additional funding. Ford, in contrast, decided in December not to ask for federal loans, even though it reported a record $14.6-billion loss for 2008.

Since then, Ford executives and dealers have been pushing the message that "Ford is different," which seems to be resonating with customers.

Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said his research shows that the percentage of people who list Ford as a top brand to shop increased 12 points during the first quarter of this year compared with last year.

"It indicates that Ford really dodged a bullet," Spinella said.

Spinella said Ford is mostly attracting buyers who previously preferred to buy GM and Chrysler vehicles, but are worried about the possibility of those companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last Friday, Tustin, Calif.-based AutoPacific said only 3% of Americans participating in a recent online survey were unaware that GM and Chrysler had received billions of dollars in federal loans. It also said 72% of respondents were more likely to buy a Ford vehicle.

Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said the number of visitors who shopped for Ford vehicles during the first three months of the year increased 12% compared with the same year-ago period. Meanwhile, the number shopping for GM and Chrysler vehicles declined 19% and 15%, respectively, during the same period.

Despite the positive research about Ford, the company continues to struggle. In March, Ford U.S. sales of new cars and trucks declined 40.8% compared with the same month a year ago. Industry-wide sales, by comparison, showed a decline of 36.8%.

NEWS: Special Tax Break Available for New Car Purchases This Year

2009-03-31T15:31:00.001-07:00

IR-2009-30, March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.
“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns.”

The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

IRS also alerted taxpayers that the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on their return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

For more information go to: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html

Ford Tops for Detroit 3 in Annual Consumer Reports List Magazine Praises Ford, Has Concerns With GM

2009-03-03T09:37:00.001-08:00

Detroit Free Press 02/27/2009
Author: Justin Hyde

(c) Copyright 2009, Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
WASHINGTON -- Foreign brands maintained their domination over Detroit models in the annual evaluations by Consumer Reports, which praised Ford Motor Co. for quality but offered sharp critiques of General Motors Corp. and warned that Chrysler LLC was trailing the industry.

While the rankings may seem less essential in the midst of the worst market for new vehicles in four decades, the results offer a snapshot of a hyper-competitive market offering no reprieve for Detroit's struggling automakers.

The closely watched analysis lauded Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Co. and Subaru Motor Co. vehicles as the best in the industry. Its "top picks" list changed little from last year, with the Toyota Highlander displacing the Hyundai Santa Fe as best midsize SUV and the Chevrolet Avalanche replacing the Chevrolet Silverado as best pickup. The Chevy was the only Detroit model among the 10 picks, five of which were Toyotas. Overall, Ford had the best ratings among Detroit companies, with the magazine granting "recommended" grades to 70% of Ford's lineup, compared with 17% of GM's models it tests.

David Champion, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said Ford's quality on many new models matched or exceed that of Honda and Toyota, while GM was building eye-catching new models. He cited Ford for boring design and GM for inconsistent quality. "I hate to say, but if you could merge the two, with the strength of both, you would have a good product line to really compete against the Japanese," Champion told the Washington Auto Press Association.

As for Chrysler, the news was bleak. The magazine does not recommend a single Chrysler vehicle in its annual automotive issue, and ranks it last among all automakers because of below-average reliability and poor scores on its driving tests. Champion said the new Dodge Ram pickup was the lone model that stacked up well versus the competition. "Chrysler has a long way to go," he said.

Automakers closely watch the magazine's annual auto issue, whose recommendations carry more sway than any other independent source, thanks to more than 7 million print and Internet subscribers. Chrysler used the magazine's quality rankings as a benchmark in its request to the Obama administration for a $5- billion survival loan.

To earn a top pick in a category, the vehicles have to do well in driving tests, have at least average reliability according to owner surveys and garner good crash-test scores. The magazine also requires top picks to offer electronic-stability control either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. Detroit auto executives have long complained that Consumer Reports' judgments lag the improvements in their vehicles, but the performance gap between Detroit and foreign makes has closed little in recent years.

Ford spokesman Bill Collins said the magazine's tests were a "critical benchmark." "The goal now is to distance ourselves from our top competitors and become the sole quality leader," he said. Doug Betts, Chrysler's vice president and chief customer officer, said the company was pleased by the magazine's acknowledgement of the Ram, and vowed that its vehicles would do better in the future. "It will take time to see the results of the changes that we are putting in place to address the reliability and quality concerns of our customers," he said in a statement. GM spokeswoman Janine Fruehan said the company "had its arms around" the problems cited by Consumer Reports. "Our internal data suggest that we're going to be much better, and far more reliable, and we expect that will be seen in the vehicles to come," she said.