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Road Test: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

High-Performance Turbo Manual Transmission Fun

In April 2018 Ford announced all its sedans and coupes would be going away by 2020, except for one–the iconic Mustang. High-powered Mustang GT, Mach1 and Shelby GT500 versions are well-known, with the latter model pumping-out 760 pin-you-back-in-your-seat horsepower. Big horsepower gets the headlines and is as sexy as all get out, but what about getting into a Mustang that provides driving exhilaration while also not scaring the heck out of you? Look no further than the 2021 Mustang Coupe with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium — **High-performance four-cylinder fun**

Respectable Power and Performance

Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the rear-wheel drive 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback, powered by a high-performance turbocharged 2.3-liter I4 mated to a six-speed manual transmission with launch control and five selectable drive modes. Producing a fun 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the Mustang high-performance package and the six-speed manual is civil enough for around town driving. And yes, you can spin the tires!

The EPA has rated the EcoBoost 2.3L high-performance at 20 mpg city/27 highway/22 combined. In 240 miles driving around Southern California we averaged 23 mpg, but in a 100-mile run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 31.2 mpg, exceeding the EPA figure. This fuel economy is encouraging, but it will take a wide open road with little traffic and lots of patience to equal it. If fuel economy is your primary focus and you can live without high performance, the standard turbocharged 2.3L puts out 310 horsepower and delivers 21/32/25 with its 10-speed automatic.

Being realistic, no one will be buying a high-performance Mustang for making bread and milk runs. This car begs to be driven with great elan, so real world driving will use more fuel. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

Shifting Fun

Clean Fleet Report took delivery of a 2021 Ford Mustang Coupe and knew the week ahead was about to be fun. There are not many manual transmission cars anymore, and getting one with rear-wheel drive and 330 horsepower was a treat. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivered confident road feel, aided by the Pirelli PZero Corsa4 ZR rated 265/40 summer tires on 19-inch, luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels. ZR is a speed rating, which in this case means the tire can handle speeds surpassing 150 mph.

The grip was excellent, thanks in a big part to the independent rear suspension that delivered a controlled driving experience. The optional MagneRide damping system, part of the $1,995 Handling Package, kept the rear tires planted. MagneRide responds to road conditions 1,000 times per second for each damper or shock absorber. First introduced in 2002, versions of this suspension system are found on Camaro, Corvette, Cadillac, Acura, Audi, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Lamborghini models.

Stopping was by the four-wheel power disc brakes, which have a four channel anti-lock braking system with rear sway bars and electronic stability control.

The leather-trimmed gear shifter is perfectly positioned for arm angle and grip size, whether for slow or hard shifting. The clutch has a good feel and smooth engagement, but the shifts can be notchy at certain rpms and if not perfectly rev matched. This is not the smoothest manual we have driven, but it is still a blast going through the gears.

First gear is for getting off the line, but 2nd, 3rd and 4th are where things get interesting. When it is go-time, the turbocharged 2.3L came to life with a throaty note that would grumble and pop from the active valve performance exhaust system. This adaptive system, which amplifies the sound, has exhaust settings such as sport and track, making for a pleasant reminder you are driving a high-performance car. There is even a quiet setting when sneaking out at 5 a.m. to go to a car show. For even a racier sound, check-out what comes from the Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 engine, which has 100 more horsepower.

Zero-to-60 mph times were right around 5.0 seconds, with linear acceleration and unnoticeable turbo lag. Pushback in the seat comes at 3,000 rpm, and stays consistent and stout through the 6,500-rpm red line. The optional 10-speed rev-matching automatic probably would pull even faster times (it also delivers slightly better fuel economy).

Old-Modern Interior

The 2021 Ford Mustang interior has a comfy, retro feel to it. Digital gauges are large and easy-to-read, with black backgrounds and white letters, and toggle switches are a throw-back to sports cars from the 1960s. Clean Fleet Report’s Mustang came with black leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats that were manually adjustable.

Accent stitching on the seats, console and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel combine with carbon fiber on the dash for added custom detail. The Recaro seats were supportive and tight fitting, while the rear seats are best for those of a smaller stature. The trunk is surprisingly large, but when folding the split rear seat the Mustang is its most versatile, as the cargo area is exceptionally large. Two on a weekend trip will have no problem fitting all their gear.

The 12-speaker, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, infotainment system includes navigation, Ford SYNC and SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. USB ports with iPod connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and hands-free phone capability complete the system. All this is viewed through a 12-inch, high-resolution LCD touch screen. The Ford PassConnect includes 4G LTE WiFi.

The Classic Mustang Look

A long hood with a short trunk lid sums-up the classic Pony Car design made famous in the 1960s by the Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger (and a few others who have disappeared from the scene). The 2021 Mustang coupe has the distinctive fastback design, and is done in a retro-modern style, harkening back to the 1965 Mustang. From the LED head and fog lights to the signature sequential turn-signal taillights, the 2021 Mustang is a good-looking car. The slight hood bulges have functional air intakes. For even more fun, our Mustang came in a very bright Grabber Yellow!

Convenience and Safety

The 2021 Ford Mustang has available convenience features such as illuminated sill plates and Mustang “pony” puddle lights, ambient interior lighting, autodim rear view mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a tilt and telescoping steering column, hill start assist, power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows with one-touch up and down, keyless start and entry, passive entry system and a theft deterrent system.

Safety systems include dual front, seat-mounted side, driver knee, and full side curtain air bags. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping and driver alert warning, lane keep assist, blind spot with cross traffic alert, rear view camera, rear parking distance warning, pre-collision assist with emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The 2021 Mustang has a 5-Star safety rating, the highest by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway safety, IIHS, has awarded the Mustang Good ratings for crash worthiness.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Ford Mustang comes in 10 models, with the listed prices excluding options, but including the $1,195 destination and handling fee.

EcoBoost Fastback $28,400

Convenience and Safety — **The Recaros matched the car’s performance well**

EcoBoost Fastback Premium $33,420

EcoBoost Convertible $33,900

EcoBoost Convertible Premium $38,920

GT Fastback $37,480

GT Premium Fastback $41,480

GT Convertible Premium $46,980

Mach 1 $54,595

Mach 1 Premium $56,495

Shelby GT500 $74,095

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium coupe had a base price of $32,175. With $13,150 in options and the $1,195 destination and delivery fee, the MSRP came to $46,520.

The 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance comes with these warranties:

Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles

Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium High Performance Coupe

The 2021 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance is a fine-driving, riding and handling car. The power is fun to play with, and when mated to a six-speed manual, a blast to drive. The high tech suspension system, adjustable exhaust, summer tires and multiple drive modes are what make this a driver’s car.

The performance from the turbocharged high-performance four-cylinder was more than adequate for a sporty drive, whether on mountain curves or cruising leisurely your favorite highway or road. The 2.3L High Performance offers 20 more horsepower than the base EcoBoost engine (Ford dropped the V6 as the base engine in 2021), while not making it necessary to go for the Mustang 5.0L V8 for extra performance.

When visiting your Ford dealer, tell the rep you want to drive the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance. Then, for comparison take a spin in the Mustang GT or Mach 1. This way you will know which of the iconic Mustangs could be right for you.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Lex Adams.

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Norwalk Toyota TODAY!

MPG Update! Flash Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick

They Could Have Called It “The Phoenix”

Ford Maverick MPG — **Ford Maverick real world MPG**

UPDATE: When this story originally posted on October 6, 2021, Ford had not received the final fuel economy rating from the EPA for the base 2022 Maverick with the hybrid powertrain. The numbers are out now, and they are stellar–42 mpg in the city (42 mpg city, 33 highway, 37 combined). In a 33.3 mile test run in the Maverick Hybrid, I achieved an overall rating of 45.4 mpg, which included 12.8 miles running solely on electricity. That is the key to why the Maverick Hybrid will be such a game changer for Ford. Consumers will see the economy, versatility and base price under $20,000 (excluding destination fee of $1,495) as a reason to consider the Maverick Hybrid compact pickup over a compact or midsize crossover, or a sedan. Ford has a goal of selling the Maverick to people that have never owned a truck. This news from the EPA must be making them smile!

Ford has a winner on their hands with the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup.

Maybe Ford went with Maverick because it can mean “pursuing rebellious, even potentially disruptive, policies or ideas.” This, without question, is what the Maverick will do. However, Ford also could have called it Phoenix, as in “to rise from its ashes in the freshness of youth and live through another cycle of time.” Ford has certainly done this by resurrecting the compact pickup genre that was once so popular in the 1960s-1980s.

So who does Ford think will buy the all-new 2022 Maverick? According to the Ford marketing team we spoke with at a recent media launch event, their target buyer will be young, female, Hispanic, and urban, including a full hybrid model that may get up to 40 mpg (it hasn’t been certified by the EPA at press time). This may be so, but after driving a few different configurations, they may be surprised this will not be who ends-up buying the Maverick. Regardless who’s driveway it ends up in, Ford has a winner.

Maverick Model Lineup

Like most pickups, the Maverick will come in a variety of trims with different equipment. Here’s a run-down of the lineup:

Base price with the $1,495 destination fee: $21,490

(Destination Fee is included with all following prices)

Front wheel Drive (FWD)

2.5 liter gas engine, 94 kilowatt electric motor

191 total system horsepower (hp)

155 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.)

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

FWD or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine

250 hp

277 lb.-ft.

Eight-speed automatic transmission

Fuel Economy (FWD): 23 mpg city; 30 highway; 26 combined

Fuel economy (AWD): 22 mpg city; 29 highway; 25 combined

XLT

Base price: $23,775

FWD

2.5 liter gas engine, 94 kilowatt electric motor

191 total system hp

155 lb.-ft.

CVT

XLT

AWD

2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine

250 hp

277 lb.-ft.

Eight-speed automatic transmission

Lariat

Base price: $26,985

FWD

2.5 liter gas engine, 94 kilowatt electric motor

191 total system hp

155 lb.-ft.

CVT

Lariat

AWD

2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine

250 hp

277 lb.-ft.

Eight-speed automatic transmission

Hitting the Road

In this Flash Drive review we will only scratch the surface on both the hybrid-electric and gasoline-powered Maverick, with a full Road Test review coming along in early 2022. The hybrids we drove were all front-wheel drive, while the gasoline-only Mavericks were all-wheel drive. The power plants in the Maverick are proven through their use on other Ford vehicles, which lends confidence when buying a first year model.

The 2022 Maverick hybrid is quiet in electric mode, with only minimal sound when the engine kicks-in under heavy acceleration. The hybrid has all the get-up-and go that electricity adds to a drivetrain, with the CVT handling all expected performance needs. The 2.0L turbocharged Maverick has more horsepower and torque, along with all-wheel drive.

The cargo payload of 1,500 pounds is the same on all Mavericks, regardless of the engine. The tow rating for the Maverick hybrid is 2,000 pounds, while the gasoline engine goes up to 4,000 pounds. I towed a trailer weighing 1,600 pounds with the front-wheel drive hybrid, and needed to keep looking in the mirror to make sure it was there. The drive was very smooth. With the hybrid power, pulling onto highway onramps and climbing grades was easy.

I then drove the Maverick with the all-wheel drive 2.0L turbo and 500 pounds of plywood in the bed. The 4’ X 8’ sheets extended past the dropped tailgate by less than a foot, which was just fine for short distances. Ford has cleverly designed some helpful features that make the short, four-foot bed very livable. The Maverick was not intended to be a heavy-duty work truck, but more for the weekend warrior home owner doing DIY projects, or used for active lifestyles such as biking and kayaking. For these purposes, it is a viable option to a larger truck or a compact crossover.

The Maverick, weighing-in between 3,674 and 3,731 pounds, felt stable on the road, with cornering producing little body lean unless really pushing it hard. The 17-inch or 18-inch tires performed well, and stopping with either the trailer or a loaded payload was predictable and controllable. The Maverick has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; the hybrid adds regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electricity when braking or coasting.

The electric-power steering was tuned well for road feel. There never was time or situation where we felt disconnected from the tires and the road, and that included the short off-road track we drove a few times. We did not get the chance to drive either Maverick in the rain, but our history with FWD cars is they track well in the wet, with all-wheel drive delivering even more traction.

Interior

The 2022 Maverick comes in three trim levels–XL, XLT and Lariat. The base Maverick XL has a MSRP of $19,995 and comes equipped with power windows, carpet, single zone manual air conditioning, two 12V and two USB ports with one each of Type A and C, an 8.0-inch screen with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto to utilize the AM/FM stereo and its six speakers. FordPass Connect offers convenience features such as remote door lock/unlock, remote keyless entry and remote engine start. The 4G LTE WI-Fi hotspot can accommodate up-to 10 devices over a range of 50 feet.

The seats are comfortable, but the rears are tight for taller passengers. There is rear under-seat storage, but make sure to check out the clever design they came up with on the front doors to accommodate a large drink bottle or cup.

Move up to the XLT, which Ford thinks will be the volume trim level or the Lariat, and the list of standard and available convenience and technology features and safety systems increase to where the Maverick, with a top price estimated at $38,000, will be as fully equipped and nicely appointed as any Ford truck.

Using the Flexible Unibody Architecture that utilizes unique modules, different vehicles can be built on the same manufacturing line with different wheelbases, ride heights and track widths. Sharing its platform with the Bronco Sport and Escape crossovers gave Ford interior designers the opportunity to make the Maverick cabin comfortable, and with excellent rear and side visibility. There are two child safety anchors in the outer rear seat positions, making the Maverick a serious consideration for a small family.

Exterior

Ford says the Maverick is “Built Ford Tough,” which of course has been the Ford credo for the F-Series and Ranger for many years. The tough part for a compact pickup could be hard to quantify, but after pulling a trailer, hauling a bed-full of lumber, and negotiating an off-road course, the Maverick has earned its tough stripes.

The first thing you will notice about the Maverick is its 68.7-inch height, which is just over five-foot seven inches. I stand five foot nine and it was odd being able to look over the cab of a pickup. But this lack of bigness is what will make the Maverick so appealing, as it will fit in a garage, six footers can easily sit in the front seats, and a big plus is being able to reach over the cargo box sides and touch the bed floor. If you have ever needed to off-load or tie-down anything on a midsize or full-size pickup, you will know what a great feature this is.

The box itself has some handy features, such as being able to position the tailgate flat or at an angle, tie-downs, slots to drop-in a 2×4 to raise the floor above the wheel wells, and lights. On the base XL there is no power in the bed, so stepping-up to the XLT and Lariat means there will be the opportunity to run generators, lights and other equipment.

Observations: 2022 Ford Maverick

Starting at $19,995, the Maverick XL is a bargain proposition . The hybrid engine powertrain (borrowed from Ford’s Escape) with great fuel economy will be popular with people needing a small pickup for around-town errands, for hauling up-to 2,000 pounds, and being able to toss a couple of bikes or a kayak in the bed, all while not worrying about damaging an expensive truck.

For more comfort and conveniences, go for the XLT and Lariat because even at an estimated $38,410 top-end price, the Maverick is a great all-around alternative to a crossover or even a larger truck.

So back to who Ford thinks will be buying the Maverick. Not saying they are wrong with their target, but the Maverick can easily slot into a role as a light-duty delivery vehicle, for ranchers or farmers needing an inexpensive runabout, for surfers and skiers loving the kick-about nature of the base XL, and for more sophisticated users looking to replace a sedan or SUV that has just outstayed its welcome and usefulness.

In an upcoming Road Test of the 2022 Maverick, Clean Fleet Report will dive deep into the technology, driver safety systems, as well as more details on the performance and drivability. We will also report on real-world fuel economy and of course how that stacks up against the official numbers when they’re released.

Until then, you can visit a Ford dealer and take a lengthy test-drive in the gasoline-powered Maverick. The Maverick hybrid will be coming along by the end of the year. You need to check-out this new truck which Ford is hoping will be as successful as the compact pickups from a few decades ago. Sort of a Back to The Future thing!

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Ford.

A video of off-roading in the Maverick

Ford Maverick off-road

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Muscle-Car Face-Off: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

Don’t look now, but the retro-styled pony cars from the Detroit Three have now been around long enough that it’s almost time to start getting nostalgic for the first examples of the breed. Ford kick-started this genre with the bold retro styling of the fifth-generation Mustang, which was unveiled way back in 2004 and went into production for the 2005 model year. Ford’s success with its new/old ‘Stang inspired Chevrolet and Dodge to relaunch their dormant pony cars along a similar throwback theme: A reborn Dodge Challenger (inspired by the original 1970 Challenger) debuted for 2008, and a revived Chevrolet Camaro (which put a new-age spin on 1969 Camaro cues) followed for 2010. The Challenger has been soldiering on with clever updates to that same basic platform ever since, while the Mustang and Camaro both received redesigns—for 2015 and 2016, respectively—that continued with heritage-inspired design.

All along the way, Ford has been keeping things fresh with several retro-themed special editions. Let’s take a look at two of the latest of these, and compare them head to head. The current iteration of the ferocious Shelby GT500 debuted as a 2020 model. As with the earlier versions of the modern GT 500, it represents the racetrack-ready, high-performance pinnacle of the Mustang lineup. The Mach 1 was re-launched for 2021 as an essential replacement for the outgoing Bullitt in the Mustang lineup—stronger, nimbler, and flashier than a GT, but not all the way up at Shelby GT500’s level. And with the recent departure of the Shelby GT350 model (it was discontinued after the 2020 model year), there is nothing in between these two muscle Mustangs.

Both vehicles are packed with Mustang heritage. The Mach 1 dusts off a well-loved Mustang nameplate that debuted for 1969, ran through 1978, and reappeared briefly for 2003-’04 on a nostalgia-themed model. The 2021 Mach 1 takes its visual inspiration from the original 1969 car, but with a notably modern spin. The Shelby GT500 pays homage to the original 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang, though you’ll have to pay at least $2000 extra if you want the signature Shelby-style dorsal racing stripes and rocker-panel stripes.

There are no major changes to the GT500 for 2021; a couple new paint colors join the palette, and a $10,000 Carbon Fiber Handling Package, which adds 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels, adjustable strut-top mounts, and aerodynamic body add-ons, joins the options list. Even without the big-ticket carbon-fiber package, a healthy load of options pushed the bottom line of our Shelby GT500 test vehicle to a cool $81,190… a $19,255 premium over our Mach 1 tester.

For that money, you’ll get a track-ready super-performance machine, with the expected compromises in everyday comfort. The low-slung front bodywork is prone to scraping on steep driveways and the like. The turning radius feels wider than other Mustangs’, no doubt because of the meatier tires. Those Pilot Sports are plenty noisy on the highway too, with copious amounts of road roar and patter. The overall ride is stiff and “nervous,” but it’s never punishing… the standard MagneRide shocks are doing their job here. The Mach 1’s driving character isn’t as extreme, at least in the basic form of our test vehicle. It’s mostly on par with the departed Bullitt special-edition Mustang we’ve previously tested.

For well-heeled fans of good ol’ American V8 muscle, both of these cars are worth their substantial price premium over a garden-variety Mustang GT and its 460-hp 5.0-liter V8… and both will likely be collectors’ items in the future.

More Mustang news and reviews

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

Test Drive: 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

Future Collectibles: 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

The $222 Mach 1 Appearance Package adds an exclusive Fighter Jet Gray paint color, Ebony/Orange interior, orange brake calipers, and unique hood and bodyside stripes. The Shelby GT500 offers a variety of body-stripe and other appearance options—the only one our test vehicle had was the $695 painted black roof, but the standard vented hood, rear spoiler and aggressively styled front and rear fasciae gave it a menacing look nonetheless.

Snake Eyes: A 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Gallery

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

The Mach 1 gets a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that makes 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque—this same basic powerplant was used in the special-edition Bullitt Mustang of 2019-’20.The Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that puts out 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. Both the Mach 1 and GT500 engines feel every bit as strong as their ratings suggest—to really use all of the GT500’s copious power, you’ll need a racetrack. A brawny V8 rumble is part of the deal with both cars too; the GT500’s exhaust note might wake your neighbors even when it is set to “Quiet” mode.

First Spin: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

The GT500’s interior is a step above even an optioned-up Mach 1. Among its exclusive features are a steering-wheel rim wrapped in grippy Alcantera synthetic suede (with a centering stripe at the top of the rim—useful as an orientation aid in track driving). On both the GT500 and Mach 1, elements of the core Mustang’s relatively basic interior materials are apparent despite the trim upgrades.

Test Drive: 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

The Mach 1 offers the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission (standard) or a 10-speed automatic (a $1595 option, which our test vehicle was equipped with) but the GT500’s only transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with a rotary-dial gear selector. The dial works well, but it doesn’t exactly scream “fire-breathing muscle car.” The consolation is that the 7-speed gearbox itself is wonderful—it delivers quick, responsive shifts in aggressive driving while remaining impressively smooth and refined in everyday cruising.

Pony-Car Madness! 10 Classic Mustang Ads

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

A pair of Recaro seats is a $1595 option for the Mach 1, but our test vehicle wasn’t so equipped. The GT500 can also be equipped with Recaro seats like our tester was—they’re a $1595 option as well, though they’re a different design than the Mach 1’s Recaros. The GT500’s Recaros offer excellent support in fast cornering. They’re quite snug—even for slender folks—but not uncomfortable. Both the Mach 1 and GT500 Recaros have pass-throughs in the seatbacks for aftermarket racing seat belts.

Photo Feature: 1963 Ford Mustang II Concept Car

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500

All Mach 1s come with 19-inch wheels. Our test vehicle wore these Magnetic (metallic gray)-painted aluminum wheels, a $450 option. Choosing the $3750 Handling Package nets wider wheels and tires, revised chassis tuning, larger rear spoiler, and a front “aero splitter” spoiler. The GT500 comes standard with 20-inch high-gloss-black flow-formed aluminum wheels on grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires; carbon-fiber wheels on even grippier Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires are optional.

Future Collectibles: 2015 Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Premium

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Premium in Fighter Jet Gray

Class: Sporty/Performance Car

Miles driven: 174

Fuel used: 11.7 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B
Power and Performance	A
Fit and Finish	B
Fuel Economy	D+
Value	C+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	B-
Tall Guy	B-

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	480-hp 5.0 liter
Engine Type	V8
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	Rear-wheel drive

Real-world fuel economy: 14.9 mpg

Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15/23/18 (city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas recommended

Base price: $55,300 (not including $1195 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: 10-speed automatic transmission ($1595), 19-inch Magnetic-painted aluminum wheels ($450), Mach 1 Elite Package ($1550), Mach 1 Appearance Package ($1250), voice-activated touchscreen navigation system ($595)

Price as tested: $61,935

Quick Hits

The great: Classic muscle-car power and attitude; crisp handling

The good: V8 burble; decent ride, front-seat room, and trunk space for a performance-oriented sporty coupe

The not so good: Fuel economy; significant price premium over a Mustang GT

More Mustang price and availability information

2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in Velocity Blue

Class: Sporty/Performance Car

Miles driven: 91

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B
Power and Performance	A
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	D
Value	C

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	B-
Tall Guy	B-

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	760-hp 5.2 liter
Engine Type	Supercharged V8
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive Wheels	Rear-wheel drive

Fuel used: 7.2 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 12.6 mpg

Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 12/18/14 (mpg city, highway, combined)

Fuel type:Premium gas required

Base price: $72,900 (not including $1195 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Recaro leather-trimmed seats ($1650), Technology Package ($3000), Handling Package ($1750), painted black roof ($695)

Price as tested: $81,190

Quick Hits

The great: Ferocious acceleration; track-ready brakes and suspension; slick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission

The good: Aggressive, heritage-inspired styling; lusty exhaust note; decent front-seat room and trunk space for a high-performance sports machine

The not so good: Fuel economy; taut ride; as pricey as a nicely equipped mid-engine Corvette

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2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500 Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images

Snake Eyes: A 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Gallery

Car Stuff Podcast

Written by: Damon Bell on September 22, 2021.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Toyota of Las Vegas TODAY!

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 98: Ford Production Woes, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.

Episode: 98

Broadcast date: September 12, 2021

Guest: Sam Fiorani

Ford Production Woes, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the new-for-2022 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV, and the redesigned 2022 Infiniti QX60 midsize SUV. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to give his insight on Ford’s current spate of production setbacks, including the Ford Bronco’s hardtop production woes and the product-allocation challenges for the soon-to-arrive Ford Maverick compact pickup. Tom has a zany quiz for Damon and Jill that links the new Ford Bronco and actor Jimmy Smits, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog–including a look back at the 2002 Mercury Marauder Convertible concept vehicle.

The Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast is broadcast every Sunday on Chicago’s WCPT AM 820 at 1:00 PM CST.

Discussed this week:

First Spin: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Jill’s Corolla Cross Review

First Spin: 2022 Infiniti QX60

AutoForecast Solutions

First Look: 2022 Ford Maverick

Real-World Walk-around: 2021 Ford Bronco

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on September 10, 2021.

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Hot Deals Madness! A Gallery of Classic Dealer Ads

Fun fact: Most car dealers pay a small amount into a regional advertising fund for each vehicle they sell. That money is spent on ads and promotions tailored to reach would-be car shoppers in a given area. In many cases, manufacturers contribute additional cash to the fund. And, depending on the franchise, some of that money may be spent by the dealer on store-specific ads.

Up until relatively recently, much of that funding was spent on newspaper ads. Those of us of a certain age well remember the Saturday automotive section in local newspapers. Here in Chicago, the auto sections of the Tribune and Sun-Times were often the thickest parts of the paper.

What made these sections so much fun to peruse was that the ads were entirely unlike the professional, high-quality brand campaigns being implemented at the national level. Instead, the local print ads (most of which consumed a quarter page, though bigger dealers often shelled out the money for full-page ads) were packed with oversize-typeface prices, gaudy graphics, and sensational promises.

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Back then, watching a national-market Ford television commercial and then seeing a local Ford dealer ad in the paper was not unlike leaving a church service and walking directly into a gentleman’s club–though not quite as subtle.

Here, we’ve collected a dozen vintage dealer print ads, all of which were found in local newspapers. If you recall any great dealer ads, tell us about it. The place to leave comments is down below.

More classic car ads

Classic Dealer Ads

1950

1950 Studebaker

Stop-and-Go Madness! A Gallery of Classic Car Ads Featuring Brakes

1958

1958 Edsel

Rand Road Revisited: A Used Car Dealer Gallery

1962

1962 Dodge

Classic (C)architecture: Chicago’s Historic Motor Row

1967

1967 Volkswagen (Canada)

You’re on Your Own: How Your New-Car Salesman Gets Paid

1970

1970 Ford

Model-Year Madness! 10 Luxury-Car Ads From 1979

1977

1977 Buick

Remembering My Old Chryslers: The Infallible Coronets and the ’70s Cars with the Crooked Parts

1977

1977 Mercury

Canadian Confusion: GM’s Short-Lived Passport Dealerships

1979

1979 Chevrolet

Favorite Car Ads: 1949 Ford

1983

1983 Datsun/Nissan

A Brief History of Car Radio

1988

1988 multi-dealer ad

Wreath and Crest Madness! A Gallery of Classic Cadillac Ads

1991

1991 Chevrolet

What is the Destination Charge?

1993

1993 Dodge

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Classic Dealer Ads Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Written by: Tom Appel on August 30, 2021.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Regal Nissan TODAY!

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Being Offered at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction

Presented by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – There’s something about a body-in-white high-performance car that radiates an exclusive prototype vibe that is much more about the car’s engine than any exterior color one might think of. The look of the Boss 429 under the hood of a Mustang was one of the most impressive sights during the rise of the entire muscle car phenomenon, and remains so to this day.

This particular 1969 Boss 429, which will be selling with No Reserve at the 2021 Las Vegas Auction as Lot #759, is an ideal example. The Wimbledon White paint almost hides its true potential to unsuspecting eyes, but the very shape of the Mustang is its own visual reward. Thanks to the design expertise and general hot-rod enthusiasm of the great Larry Shinoda, the Boss 429 presented itself as a leading-edge approach to perhaps the most exciting moment of that classic era.

During the car’s creation when Shinoda was asked by his compatriots about his new project he simply told them it was “the Boss’ car,” and the name stuck. That boss was Bunkie Knudsen, who headed up Ford’s stock car racing program. Besides, if they had called this hot new engine “the Bunkie 429,” it might not have caught on in the street-scene quite so readily.

The final construction of all Boss 429s was performed by Ford’s go-to specialty fabricator of Kar Kraft in Brighton, Michigan. Their resume included the development of the GT40 Mark II and Mark IV ‒ both Le Mans winners in 1966 and 1967. It took that kind of skill, talent and dedication to make the car of Knudson’s vision and Shinoda’s imagination possible, practical and ultimately so very collectible.

The interior of this specimen is all original and even offers a deluxe AM radio, which likely never had much use. Naturally, you’ll find the battery located in the trunk to keep some weight off the front end, although there wasn’t any spare room under the hood anyway.

To keep this engine combo in the good graces of government watchdogs of the day, the factory chose a smaller Holley 735 cfm carburetor to help ensure dyno-testing would reveal less potential than what was really there – and at the same time calm the engine’s output for street use by keeping the horsepower number down to a less aggressive, more socially acceptable level. Ironically, the same strategy did not apply to the Boss 302, since it used a larger 780 cfm version to boost and boast of the power even more on their soon-to-be-famous small-block.

It’s NASCAR-derived crescent-head 429ci powerhouse engine utilizes a 4-speed manual transmission to send good will back to a set of 3.91 Traction-Lok gears. And this one now rides on new springs and shocks. Power steering and brakes were standard for a dash of driver comfort.

This hand-assembled 1969 Boss 429 sports the Kar Kraft model number 1404. It had been treated to an older restoration that brought it up to its former glory. The car is fully documented and includes a Marti Report.

This 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 with be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Allen Gwynn Chevrolet TODAY!

Test Drive: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks in Rapid Red Metallic (a $395 option)

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks

Class: Compact Crossover SUV

Miles driven: 223

Fuel used: 7.4 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 30.1 mpg

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	C+
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	B+
Value	B+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	181-hp 1.5-liter
Engine Type	Turbo 3-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	4WD

Driving mix: 35% city, 65% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/28/26 (mpg city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $32,160 (not including $1495 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Rapid Red Metallic paint ($395), Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ ($795), Outer Banks Package ($1595)

Price as tested: $36,440

Quick Hits

The great: Broad model range and accessory options allow a high degree of personalization; lots of thoughtful, practical convenience features; everyday usability

The good: Fun, rugged styling inside and out; excellent off-road capabilities for a crossover SUV; respectable fuel economy for a 4-wheel-drive off-roader

The not so good: Rear-sear space shrinks quickly behind tall front-seat occupants; 3-cylinder engine can sound and feel a bit unrefined; pricing gets a bit steep on higher-line models

More Ford Bronco Sport price and availability information

John Biel

Perhaps Ford worries that in case the very name of its newest compact-crossover SUV—Bronco Sport—isn’t enough to draw positive connections to its 1966-77 mini sport-utility then “heritage-inspired” styling will have to finish the job. Even if they do the trick, though, there’s still a world of difference between them—and that’s not even considering the general automotive technological changes of the intervening 45 to 55 years.

The Bronco Sport is the smaller sibling of the long-awaited 2021 Ford Bronco, which is set to start hitting dealerships in earnest this summer. In terms of vehicle architecture and intent, the relationship between the Bronco Sport and the Bronco is similar to that of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Wrangler. The senior Bronco and the Wrangler are body-on-frame vehicles intended for serious off-roading; the Bronco Sport and Compass boast impressive off-road chops when properly equipped, but they use crossover-SUV underpinnings that are better suited to everyday on-road driving.

At 172.7 inches long overall, the debut 4-door Sport is 20.6 inches longer than the 2-door (or even no-door roadster) of 1966, and its 105.1-inch wheelbase is 13.1 inches greater. The beam-front and solid-rear axles with rear parallel leaf springs from the “good old days” have given way to a fully independent suspension, and body-on-frame construction is replaced by a unit-body platform. While it originally took six cylinders and 170 cid (2.8 liters) to generate 105 gross horsepower, a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder powerplant produces 181 net ponies in the twenty-first-century vehicle.

Test Drive: 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 SE

The Bronco Sport’s cabin ambiance is functional yet pleasant in Outer Banks trim. The gauge cluster uses a digital display screen (that boasts lots of “eye candy” animated graphics) nestled between an analog tachometer and speedometer. The rotary-dial gear selector knob is easy to use, as is the “G.O.A.T. Mode” drive-mode selector knob.

The first Bronco Sport that Consumer Guide had the chance to test was plucked from the absolute center of the 5-tier range, an Outer Banks model with a starting price (with delivery) of $33,655 but a full price of $36,440 including options. Base and Big Bend versions lie below it; Badlands and limited-production First Edition jobs are higher up on the pecking order. Starting prices span $28,155 to $39,655.

Quick Spin: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland Diesel

The front seatbacks have zippered storage pouches and integrated MOLLE straps for securing loose items. Rear legroom grows scarce as the front seats are adjusted rearward–the driver’s seat is all the way back in this photo.

All come with 4-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. General standard safety features in the Ford Co-Pilot360 bundle include pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A Bronco Sport that reaches the Outer Banks level also has 18-inch machined-face Ebony Black-painted alloy wheels; Shadow Black paint for the safari-style roof; black grille; body-color door handles; full LED exterior lighting; heated power mirrors; rain-sensing windshield wipers; leather-trimmed seats with mini perforation; heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver and 6-way power for the passenger; heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; dual USB ports inside the center console; ambient lighting; dual-zone climate control; SYNC3 infotainment system; satellite radio; Wi-Fi hotspot; remote starting; and reverse sensing.

Review Flashback! 2006 Subaru Baja

The Bronco Sport’s “safari-style” roofline kicks up to provide a shade more rear cargo space (and headroom for rear-seat passengers). The rear glass can be opened separately from the liftgate–a very handy feature.

The test truck was rounded out with a pair of option packages. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ contributed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, touchscreen navigation, and Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link services. The Outer Banks Package inserted a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, HD radio, power moonroof, and wireless charging. Rapid Red Metallic paint was its only other extra-cost feature.

Test Drive: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road

The Bronco Sport’s cargo volume is quite good considering its tidy exterior dimensions–in the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models, there’s 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and 65.2 cu. ft. with the seat backs folded. A rubberized, washable cargo floor is standard, as are integrated carabiner-style retainer hooks in the cargo area’s side walls, and a bottle opener (!) built into the liftgate jamb above the passenger-side taillight.

No hot performer with the turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (consider the 245-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four in the Badlands and First Edition if you need more of that), the Bronco Sport has a better chance of impressing with its utility, room, and driving dynamics. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost powerplant generates 190 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, just enough to get the new little Ford around quite adequately, but it is noisy with a jittery idle. EPA fuel-economy projections are 25 mpg for city driving, 28 mpg on the highway, and 26 combined. This tester’s experience pretty much fell in line with that—he recorded 26.2 mpg after going 60.7 miles with 45 percent of it under city conditions. Other CG testers did even better–our aggregate mileage just topped 30 mpg in a majority of highway driving.

Test Drive: 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models are powered by an EcoBoost turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Outer Banks models come standard with 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels.

Ford likes its amusing acronyms for the terrain-management system (G.O.A.T.=Goes Over Any Terrain) and suspension (H.O.S.S.=High-performance Off-road Stability Suspension). The bottom three models have a 5-setting G.O.A.T. system with “Sand,” “Slippery,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Normal” modes. Confined to dry streets and expressways, this driver divided his time between Normal and Sport, and found the former preferable for most driving. Sport’s concession to performance was to delay transmission upshifts, which sometimes left the engine loudly revving in limbo at the high end of a gear range during surface-street driving. H.O.S.S. tuning targets off-road comfort and capability with soft springing and antiroll bars to improve articulation over obstacles. Perhaps surprisingly, it makes for a decent on-road ride and easy, well-controlled handling as well.

First Look: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

All Bronco Sports have a pair of bright, adjustable LED lights built into the rear liftgate–very handy for camping or tailgating, or just loading/unloading groceries or what-have-you in or out of the cargo area after dark.

At a glance, the suspicion is passenger room could be tight, but this 5-foot-10.5-inch-tall reviewer was able to sit comfortably behind a driver’s seat set up for his dimensions. Headroom for four adults is excellent in both rows, even beneath the moonroof. However, narrow rear door openings complicated extracting feet for vehicle exits. Materials are nice at the Outer Banks level, with a good amount of soft-touch stuff where passengers are likely to notice. Driver vision is fairly unobstructed.

Bronco Sports like the one CG tested raise their adventure-vehicle profile through a number of handy touches. Pouches on the backs of the front seats are more or less stationary backpacks. They close with a zipper and are covered outside in MOLLE straps good for securing loose items. The cargo floor base is a sturdy, textured rubberized surface that continues up the back of the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Cargo tie-downs are built into the sidewalls and dual LED floodlights handy for illuminating after-dark loading operations in the middle of nowhere are installed on the inside of the liftgate.

The rear 60/40-split seats fold at a slight upward angle but it matches the slope of the load floor to form an unbroken surface capable of holding up to 65.2 cubic feet of cargo—as much as 5.1 more than in 4-cylinder models, by the way. The rear window can be opened independently of the liftgate, and there is a little organized small-item space under the cargo floor. A big glove box, modest console cubby, and door pockets hold incidentals. Cup holders reside in the console, door pockets, and pull-down rear armrest.

Those who want optimal driveline and off-roading features can get the Badlands for just $500 more than the Outer Banks. At any price, though, the Sport has the spirit of the Bronco of so long ago even if so many other things have changed.

Real-World Walk-around: 2021 Ford Bronco

The new-for-2021 Ford Bronco Sport is positively brimming with personality, and its off-road/adventure-focused features help make it a more-practical vehicle for everyday use as well. Acceleration with the base engine is middling, and rear-seat space can be stingy despite the upright body dimensions, but the Bronco Sport nonetheless succeeds in delivering the style and rugged attitude of its Bronco sibling in a tidier, more affordable package.

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2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Bronco Sport Outer Banks

Baby Bronco: What’s in a name?

Bronco Sport Outer Banks

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on May 14, 2021.

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Recent-History Madness! A Gallery of Car Ads from 2002

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

I joined the Consumer Guide team the summer of 2002. That means that, in just a few months, I will have been writing about cars full-time for 20 years. I mention this because I have only recently begun to consider just how much the automotive landscape has changed in the past two decades.

Most obviously, crossovers and SUVs have replaced traditional passenger cars as the general public’s preferred mode of personal transportation. High-technology “driver assistance” features that were barely even considered in 2002 are now commonplace, and often standard equipment. Recall that backup cameras–now a federally mandated safety feature–weren’t even available on new cars back in ’02.

Pickup trucks have changed, too. In some of their high-end trim levels, Ram pickups now rival top luxury-brand vehicles in terms of cabin refinement, and the regular-cab body style is now near extinction.

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It saddens me a little that I am among the few people to recall—let alone care about—a failed attempt to resurrect the Studebaker brand that took place about 15 years ago. I also need to point out that the Kia Sedona minivan now starts around $31,000–considerably more than the $19,000 teased in the ad below.

Collected here are 12 car and truck ads–all but one of them from 2002. (We fudged a bit by including a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid ad, but since the Civic Hybrid debuted in the spring of 2002 as an early 2003 model, it’s not much of a stretch.) I don’t know how nostalgic you feel yet about the cars of this century, but a close look at the ads below will demonstrate just how much things have changed. Of the dozen cars, seven are no longer in production, and two of the brands seen here are also now defunct. What big changes have you noted over the past 20 years? The place to leave comments is down below.

More classic car ads

A Gallery of Car Ads from 2002

Chevrolet Trailblazer

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ad

Test Drive: 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT

Chrysler PT Cruiser

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Ad

Review Flashback! 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Ford Escape

2002 Ford Escape Ad

Test Drive: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

Honda Civic Hybrid

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid Ad

Honda Civic Growth Curve: 1986 Versus 2016

Jeep Liberty

2002 Jeep Liberty Ad

Jeep Liberty: A Lesson in “Old Skool”

Kia Sedona

2002 Kia Sedona Ad

Forgotten People-Movers: More than 30 Minivans You Don’t Remember

Lexus RX 300

2002 Lexus RX 300 Ad

The 4 Most Important Vehicles of the Past 30 Years

Mercury Mountaineer

2002 Mercury Mountaineer Ad

5 Discontinued Trucks You’ve Totally Forgotten About

Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Ad

Cheap Wheels: 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Daytona 500 Pace Car Replica

Subaru Outback

2002 Subaru Outback Ad

Review Flashback! 2006 Subaru Baja

Toyota Celica

2002 Toyota Celica Ad

5 Cheap Coupes You’ve Completely Forgotten

Volvo Cross Country

2002 Volvo Cross Country Ad

Click below for enlarged images

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Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2002-Model-Year Ads Gallery

Car Ads from 2002

Written by: Tom Appel on January 4, 2021.

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Holley Intergalactic Ford Fest 2020: Welcome To The Blue Oval’s Burndown!

Oct 04, 2020Bryan McTaggart1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Gallery, Apex Event Coverage, Apex Gallery, Autocross / Pro Touring, BangShift 1320, BangShift APEX, BangShift Galleries, CAR SHOWS, Car Shows, DRAG RACES, Drag Races, Event Coverage, FORD, Gallery

LS Fest came and went. MoParty had it’s first showing. That means that it’s time for Mustangs, for Cobras, for Broncos, and every other thing that wears the legacy of Henry Ford on it’s sleeve. Holley’s Ford Fest is on and going strong in Kentucky, and we’re on hand to take care of things. Chad is doing what Chad does best, which is to entertain crowds in the circle pit with his infectious delivery, and I’m running around shooting photos in-between trips to the swap meet to look for parts for two Mustangs that keep pestering me for attention. And it’s a good thing that the swap meet was there, because parts are comin’ home with me! But enough about that, you’re probably just here to see what was going on at the show. Well, I don’t blame you one bit. Only in it’s second year, the Intergalactic Ford Fest is proving once again to be wildly popular. You don’t suppose that it’s because Bigfoot V, the behemoth with the 10-foot-tall tires on it, was around and about, do you?

We’ve got plenty of photos coming, so just stay tuned…there’s lots of good stuff to come!

Be sure to click on a photo below to check out the first gallery from the 2020 Ford Fest!

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Small Block Chevy Power Combos: 400-1000 Horsepower, We Got You Covered Right Here With 7 Different Combos.

Classic YouTube: This 1970 Mercury Cougar Is Providing Services To The Community!

Sep 29, 2020Bryan McTaggartFORD, HISTORIC, Videos

You might not believe us, but the owner of this 1970 Mercury Cougar is providing many different public services with his actions in this video. Oh, sure, on the surface it appears that all that “Purgin’”Spurgeon Adkins is doing is raising a little bit of hell while reducing his rear tires’ life expectancy to nil. But the truth is that there is so much more going on. What, you may be asking, could he possibly be doing that would be considered a “public service?” Doing burnouts on a country lane doesn’t qualify, does it?

Yes, it does. First and foremost, he’s scaring off deer and other animals from the road surface. Now, that might sound bad, but the truth is that the noise that the Cougar makes is making wildlife avoid this section of roadway. He’s keeping little fluffy creatures from becoming roadkill, and in the process saving his neighbors the problems associated with animal/vehicle incidents. He’s fogging for mosquitoes…you know that everybody around these parts won’t be bothered by no skeeters for quite some time, they don’t like the smoke. And he’s even going to the trouble of repaving some of the country road he’s having a ball on.

And don’t forget the rubber that is being laid down as the 351 Cleveland overwhelms the rear tires…any attention that this road receives is good attention, and it looks like it hasn’t seen much in years. So spare your cries of “hoon!” and thank your neighborhood delinquent when they cut loose with the car…they are thinking about their community!

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