Ford began developing the Ranger in 1976. Their focus was to build a truck that was as capable as the full-size F-Series, but in a smaller and more efficient package. The compact Ranger had styling similar to other Ford pickups, and was offered with four-wheel drive. The Ranger production began January 18, 1982 at the Louisville Assembly Plant, arriving in dealerships in March. Available engines were a 72 hp 2.0 L and 86 hp 2.3 L OHC four-cylinders, 59 hp 2.2 L Mazda/Perkins diesel, and a 115 hp 2.8 L Cologne V6. In 1985, a Mitsubishi 2.3 L turbodiesel with 86 hp replaced the Mazda diesel engine, and by 1986 the 2.8 L engine was replaced with a 140 hp 2.9 L Cologne V6. The SuperCab edition was introduced in 1986, providing an extra 17 inches of storage space behind the front seats.

During 1986 Ford released the Ranger GT. Available as a standard cab short bed, it had a 2.9 L Cologne V6 with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission, and also a Traction-Lok differential with a 3.73 gear ratio. Inside, the truck was equipped with bucket seats, full instrument cluster, and an optional center console. Front and rear sway bars were added, as well as 14-inch aluminum wheels. A long bed option was added in 1987, and a ground effects package was available in 1988.

Second Generation(1989-1992)

In 1989, the Ranger included many upgrades, such as composite headlamps, new front fenders, hood, and grille, upgrades to the frame, and a new dashboard and steering column. Rear-wheel antilock brakes were added, and a bigger 21 gallon fuel tank was available on long cab models.
The 2.0 L engine was discontinued, and the 2.3 L now had a distributorless ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, giving it 14 more horsepower. A new 160 hp 4.0 L Cologne V6 was added as an option in 1990. Additionaly, a 145 hp 3.0 L Vulcan V6 was introduced to replace the 2.9 L Cologne. The Ranger GT was discontinued.

Third Generation(1993-1997)

The 1993 model had some cosmetic improvements, including smoother lines, flush-mounted door glass, wider doors, fender flares, new seats and door panels. The 2.9 L engine was discontinued. A new “Splash” model was introduced, which featured a flare side bed, special aluminum wheels, a unique paint scheme, and a lowered suspension. A number of changes were made in 1995. The steering wheel and dashboard were redesigned and now look similar to the 1995 Explorer. The front brakes were upgraded to use 2-piston brake calipers from the second generation Explorer, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were added on all 4×4 and 4.0 L models.

Fourth Generation(1998+)

For 1998 was redesigned even further, giving it a longer wheelbase and a three-inch longer cab. The interior remains the same as previous the generation. The front suspension was replaced by a wishbone-style system and the front half of the frame was “boxed”, instead of the C-channel design. Rack and pinion steering was added. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to a 2.5 L SOHC I-4 giving it 120 hp and 149 lb·ft of torque. This engine was then replaced in 2001 by a new DOHC 2.3 L Duratec. In 2001 the 4.0 L V6 was also replaced, by the SOHC Explorer engine, including the Explorer manual transmission. ALso in 2001, a new grille, hood, and front bumper, headlights and taillights were added. The current Ranger comes with either a 143 hp 2.3 L I-4 or a 207 hp 4.0 L V6. The 3.0 Vulcan was discontinued as of the 2009 model. In December 2009, Ford announced that specialty-designed graphics will be added to the Ranger on the 2010 models. This offer is exclusive to Ford Dealers and will let customers choose which custom design that they want.

First Generation (1987-1991)

The Ford Probe, based on the Mazda GD platform, was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The first generation Probe was introduced in 1988 and was sold until 1992 in the United States. The first generation was available in several trim levels. In the United States, the Probe was available in GL, LX, and GT trim levels.

- The GL model was considered the base model. It had a 110 hp engine and few available options.
- The LX model hda power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as an optional moonroof. Starting in 1990, the LX was available with a 3.0L V6 engine.
- The GT model included all the equipment the LX had, but featured a more powerful 2.2L turbocharged engine that produced 145 hp and 190 lb·ft of torque. The GT also came with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a 3-way adjustable suspension with variable damping shocks, and a speed-sensitive variable power steering unit.

Second Generation (1993-1997)

The second generation Ford Probe first debuted in August 1992 as a 1993 model. The SE or base model started at just over $13,000 USD and came standard with a 2.0L engine, performance instrument cluster with tachometer, and electronic AM/FM stereo radio. The more sporty GT model started at $15,504 USD and came standard with a 2.5L V6 engine, low profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, unique front and rear bumpers, fog lights, aluminum wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, and driver seat power adjustment. By 1997, the GT with every option available would cost about $22,500 dollars. Both of these second generation engines featured double overhead cam designs (DOHC) with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1994 there was a “Feature Model” Probe which had Wild Orchid exterior paint, floor mats that had “PROBE” embroidered into them, and the black GT bucket seats had unique purple inserts. A new SE (Sports Edition) trim also came out in 1994 which included the GT body, and unique 15-inch aluminum wheels. A rear spoiler was made standard on the 1996 Probe GT model. In 1997. a GTS trim level was offered. It was basically a GT but with exterior differences, including racing stripes which were painted on the vehicle.

First Generation (2006-2009)

The Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was a 160 hp Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec, paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models had a 221 hp 3.0 L Duratec with a 6-speed automatic. The Ford Fusion won in comparison tests over the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord based on styling, handling, and “fun to drive” by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road and Track magazines.

In 2007, all-wheel drive became an available option on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio also become available as an option on SE and SEL models. Also, an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player were added as well as a DVD-based navigation system.

For the 2008 model, ABS became a standard feature, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. New optional features included a rear parking assist, Ford’s “SYNC” multimedia & communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands. Two packages were added to the list of options: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The Moon and Tune package included an Audiophile 8-speaker audio system.

For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance option with blue trim became available, and some revisions were made to the exterior.

Second Generation (2010+)

For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape, including a new 2.5L I-4 and 3.0L Duratec V6 engine paired to Ford’s new 6F35 six-speed transmission. The new 3.0L V6 has 240 hp and can use E85 fuel, while the 2.5L has 175 hp. Both engines engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel efficiency. Interior upgrades include an optional 8″ screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford’s new “Ice Blue” illumination for controls and gauges that is also equipped on the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.

Hybrid Version

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was launched in the U.S. market in March 2009. It is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Fusion sedan. The hybrid had an initial sale price of US$27,270. EPA fuel ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit drops to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit will be phased out by April 2010. This hybrid gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. However, the Toyota Prius still has the best fuel economy in mid-size vehicles, though it has less room and is shorter and narrower. In a publicity stunt, a Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 mpg on a 1,445.7-mile trip with 1 full tank of gas.

First Generation (2000-2007)

Production of the Focus in North America was shared between Wayne Stamping & Assembly in Wayne, Michigan and Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly in Hermosillo, Mexico before eventually consolidating all production at the Wayne plant in 2006. The Focus replaced the Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer and Ford Coutour/Mercury Mystique in North America. It won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000, as well as European Car of the Year in 1999. Focus models rank as the 40th bestselling automotive worldwide, with over 5 million sold. U.S. sales of the Focus peaked out in 2000, selling 286,000 vehicles, though the Wall Street Journal reported that the Ford Focus lost as much as $1 billion a year. Ford began marketing the Focus in October 1999 initially as 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon, and a 5-door hatchback debuting for the 2002 model. The Focus became one of the ten best selling cars in America after its introduction.

SVT

In 2001, Ford’s performance group, Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model. The exterior had revised front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fog lights, rear diffuser and 17″ alloy wheels wearing. The SVT engine featured a reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine. Developed in conjunction with Cosworth, the engine features enlarged intake ports, high compression pistons, forged connecting rods, piston oil squirters, variable camshaft timing on the intake cam, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These modifications gave the engine a compression ratio of 10.2:1, and increased horsepower from 130 to 170. A six-speed manual transmission provided from Getrag was fitted to the engine.Other upgrades included an increased ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes, stiffened suspension and larger anti-roll bars. Interior features on the SVT included leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob, as well as the e-brake handle and boots. Optional items were a powered sunroof, 7 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8″ sub-woofer, heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, heated side mirrors and, for 2003/2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.

Second Generation (2008-2010)

Second generation Focus debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. It has been available as a two-door coupe and 4-door sedan. The hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued. The interior included new seats, a new dashboard design, ambient lighting, dashboard panels that simulate brushed aluminum, and Ford’s Sync system. The optional ambient lighting in the Focus uses LEDs placed in the front and rear footwells and the cup holders. A tire pressure monitoring system came equipped on all models. The chassis was lightened and stiffened and overall weight is decreased by 30 lbs. Power is increased in the 2.0 engine, from 136 hp to 140 hp. Highway mileage is rated at 35 mpg-US.

Third Generation (2011+)

Ford unveiled the 2011 Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, and it was awarded “most significant” of the show by AutoWeek magazine. The car was shown in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback forms, and feature a new 2.0 liter direct injection engine. The new Focus will launch in North America and Europe in late 2010.

Styling

The Ford Flex is suited for seven-passengers, and includes adjustable and removable footrests for second-row seats.
The second and third row seats fold flat into the floor. The vehicle has an optional refrigerator in the middle console between the second-row seats. The vehicle includes the Ford Sync, a voice activated entertainment/navigation system which integrates the functions of cell phones, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, CD, DVD player, navigation systems, and was developed with Microsoft. The interior is lit up with programmable “mood lighting”, available in seven colors.

The Flex has a chrome horizontal three-bar grille design, similar to the Edge, Taurus, and Fusion models. The roof is available in white, silver, or body-colored. The SEL and Limited Edition models offer LED tail lights and Xenon headlights, and a “capless” fueling system without a traditional fuel door and capm providing better sealing to reduce emissions from the fuel tank. 18-inch wheels come standard, with 19 and 20-inch available as an option.

Safety

An optional back-up camera, mounted above the rear bumper, allows the driver to see behind the vehicle, is displayed on the 8-inch navigation display screen. Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control system with roll stability control helps the driver maintain control in low traction conditions and during emergencies. All-wheel-drive is available option.

Power

The Flex uses a 3.5 L V6 engine producing 262 hp and 248 lb·ft, and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A twin-turbocharged EcoBoost version is available for the 2010 All-Wheel-Drive model. This turbo engine produces 355 hp and 350 lb·ft of torque. Towing capacity is 4,500 lb.

First Generation

The first generation Ford Escape was slotted below the larger Ford Explorer in Ford’s lineup, but larger than small SUV vehicles from Honda and Toyota. Ford had realized that most SUV owners did not take their vehicles off road, and decided to use a car-like Monocoque frame design with fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. Although not meant for off-roading, a full time all wheel drive system was optional and included a locking center differential activated by a switch on the dashboard. The all wheel drive system sends most of the power from the engine to the front wheels under normal driving conditions. If wheel-slipping is detected at the front, power will be sent to the rear wheels. The braking system was built by Continental Teves and included ABS.

Hybrid Model

In 2004, Ford released the Escape Hybrid. This hybrid-electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient according to Environmental Protection Agency tests. The Escape Hybrid offers a 110 volt AC (150 watt) plug-in outlet, for powering small accessories, as a factory option. The internal combustion engine supplied for the the hybrid model uses the Atkinson cycle for efficiency. In January 2006, Ford showed off a prototype Escape Hybrid that would allow E85 fuel to be used.

Second Generation

The 2008 Ford Escape made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Escape and Mercury Mariner were redesigned in order to stay competitive with other compact SUVs, althought it still uses the same platform. Ford also made an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape. This new Escape received some styling from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Some of the changes include a new grille, larger headlamps, cleaner side lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior was also completely redesigned, including the Ford family navigation system. The 2008 Escape and Mercury Mariner were the first vehicles to feature Ford’s pull-drift steering compensation system, an upgrade which used software to control the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

A concept version for the Asian market, named the Ford Escape Adventure Concept, was shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features revised front and rear fascia and restyled LED tail lamps.

The Edge made its debut in January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show. Production started in October 2006 with the first vehicles reaching dealerships as a 2007 model in December 2006. A Sport appearance package for the Ford Edge was created in 2008 and began to be sold as a 2009 model. It comes standard with all-body colored trim and 20-inch wheels. Optional 22-inch wheels are available from the factory.

The Edge is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 265 hp, 250 lb·ft 3.5L V6 engine, which is mated to a 6F 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 15mpg (AWD) to 16 (FWD) mpg in the City and 22mpg (AWD) to 24mpg (FWD) Highway.

Standard features on all models include air conditioning; cruise control; driver’s seat lumbar support; tilt and telescoping steering wheel; power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors; remote keyless entry; and alloy wheels.

The Edge is manufactured at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Ford is marketing the vehicle in numerous countries, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Panama, Israel, and Brazil.

Edge’s U.S. sales have been very good compared to other mid and large-sized crossover SUVs. In 2007 ,sales totaled over 130,000 units. The Edge is currently the best-selling mid-size crossover SUV in the United States.