ford http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for ford Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:21:56 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/ford The Story Of The Ford Mustang http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-story-of-the-ford-mustang http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-story-of-the-ford-mustang#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2006 22:27:10 +0000 ford mustangmustang fansmuscle carsbetas a matter of facthttptime capsule http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-story-of-the-ford-mustang Ford Mustang is one of the best known and easily recognized vehicles on the road today. Who doesn't recognize the sporty chrome pony emblazoned on the shiny paint of a Ford Mustang?

But I many of you don't know the history of the Mustang. Well jump in your and join me for a ride back to the year 1964. To be more specific, March 9, 1964.

That was the day that the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line -- it was a white convertible with a red interior. It created a sensation all across the nation. , within 18 months, Ford sold over 1 million Mustangs!

Just months after its introduction, Ford began introducing changes for the '65 Mustang, including a bigger engine, reverse lights, and an AC alternator.

In the first two years of its existence, the Mustang broke sales records, wowed the public, and left competitors in the dust.

The next job for the Mustang was to take down the Chevrolet Corvette in the world of racing. That job was tackled by Carroll Shelby, the famous race car driver and designer. The result was the famous GT / Cobra series of cars.

In 1967, Ford introduced a newly redesigned Mustang, with a 335 HP engine, and other improvements, allowing it to continue it's massive popularity.

Ford continued to make improvements and adjustments to the Mustang, and it remained highly popular, even when rising gas prices, rising insurance costs, emissions standards, etc caused some hard times in the early 70's. Several of the Mustangs competitors, such as the Barracuda, went out of production, but the Ford Mustang continued to sell.

The Ford Mustang almost died in the late 80's, though, due to slumping sales. But started writing Ford letters, and Ford decided to give the Mustang a redesign and another try. Sales went back up, and the Mustang continues to be a popular car to this day. Visit http://www.moddedmustangs.com for more great Ford Mustang information. ]]> Finding Ford Car Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-ford-car-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-ford-car-insurance#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:01:46 +0000 ford escort mk3top 10 most stolen carscar insurance claimsford fiestassteering wheel lockford orion10 most stolen cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-ford-car-insurance Ford Escort Mk3, , and the Mks 1,2 and 3 are on the in the UK. Ford car insurance is a necessity if you already own or have recently purchased a Ford vehicle.

Insurance companies do regular reports and investigations to find out the top 10 cars stolen in the UK. From this research, they charge higher premiums to those interested in getting insured, who own a car which is on this list. Insurance companies will charge you higher premiums if they think there's a higher risk that your car will be stolen. Getting cheap insurance for your Ford vehicle is not impossible but will require you to find out what's in the market and to do a little bit of research. Cheap Ford car insurance will be easier to find if you have not made any for the past couple of years. If insurers have records depicting that you make claims often, you are not going to get a good deal.

Proving you care for your Ford vehicle as much as they do will help you get a discount. If you have your Ford vehicle enhanced with up to date security measures they will be able to have faith that your car will not be possible to steal. Security features that are highly recommended include built in burglary alarms, an engine immobiliser, a , and other anti-theft technology. Park your vehicle in a locked garage overnight if possible or at least on your driveway. If you have neither, attempt to park your vehicle in a well lit area so it can easily be seen.

Having a clean driving record will also help you obtain low premiums on your Ford car insurance. If you can show any certificates for advanced driving courses you have gone through, that will be an added bonus. A clean history of no parking tickets, no speeding tickets, or accidents depict to insurers that you are a responsible mature driver. The excess is the amount you will pay if you make a claim on your car insurance. If you set your Ford car insurance policy so that you pay more excess along with compulsory excess, insurers will give you a lower premium. If you already have your home or another vehicle insured with a particular company. If you approach the same insurance company for Ford car insurance they should give you a loyalty discount under a group insurance policy plan.

Obtain quotes from a number of different insurance companies to find out which policy is best for your insurance needs. It is easy and quick to obtain insurance quotes by applying through online insurance company websites. Insurance companies give you a bigger discount if you apply online and you can avoid the hassle of dealing with agents that pressure you into buying insurance. Once you have narrowed down to a few quotes that fit your budget, make an appointment to visit the insurance companies to get an in depth idea of the insurance policies available.Castle Cover is an insurance company providing Ford car insurance along with a variety of other insurance plans.]]> Fashion Legend Tom Ford Emerges In Eyewear http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-legend-tom-ford-emerges-in-eyewear http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-legend-tom-ford-emerges-in-eyewear#comments Sat, 14 Oct 2006 18:27:08 +0000 tom fordyves saint laurentguccisfashion iconfashion trendsguccifords http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-legend-tom-ford-emerges-in-eyewear Tom Ford ... Tom Ford ... Tom Ford! To understand the reason Ford is such a and the impact this plays in the eyewear and entire fashion industry, it is useful to first look at Tom Ford's path to being credited as being one of the most influential designers of the last decade.

Ford's path to fashion legend began when he moved to the New York as a teenager, and enrolled at the NYU in Art History. In 1986 Ford started his career with famous American designer Cathy Hardwick as a part of her creative staff; two years later, he became the Design Director for Perry Ellis. Ford did not stay at Perry Ellis very long before joining in 1990 as the Women's Wear Designer and in an unprecedented amount of time Tom Ford climbed the ladder at Gucci and was appointed Gucci's Creative Director in 1994.

This is where Tom Ford's true genius showed. Before he began as Creative Director, the company was seeing stagnant sales and was losing market share. In Ford's first year at the Gucci helm he was credited with putting the glamour back into fashion because of the pioneering he introduced, such as the Halston-style velvet hipster's. By 1999, the house, which had been almost bankrupt when Ford joined, was valued at about $4.3 billion. Gucci bought an interest in during Ford's time there, and he was appointed their Creative Director as well. However, in an unexpected turn of events Tom Ford left Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in 2004 after a disagreement over his contract. Since then Tom Ford has fallen off of the fashion industry's radar...until now.

Tom Ford now emerges, as he launches a much anticipated sunglasses line. So why did Tom Ford choose sunglasses for his first solo project? When asked he responded "Well as far as accessories go, they're a personal favorite..." If Tom Ford was going to do sunglasses we new they must be something truly remarkable and boy were we right. The sunglass line is a throw back to decades past, in particular most possess that sexy seventies styling that Tom has so successfully made his own. The frames have an oversized and retro feel and can't help but remind you of an old Hollywood glamour. The sunglass colors are even reminiscent of the time with unique frame and lens colors such as various shades "Havana" and "Horn". Even the style names are as evocative of the era as the designs themselves, Farrah and Ryan for example. But there are also frames named after Tom's loyal assistant Whitney and his long-term partner Richard Buckley of Vogue Homme, that demonstrate the personal level on which this project has been carried out. Tom Ford has also created a number of Aviator sunglasses for Men such as Tom Ford Falconer or Tom Ford Hawking, which are completely distinct from your standard aviators. For example, Tom Ford Falconer is an over-sized aviator whose frame folds into its palm size case.

With Ford's extensive celebrity following, his sunglasses have been showing up on the red carpet all over Hollywood. Many stores already have a huge backordered waiting list for many of the Tom Ford sunglass models. It appears that Tom Ford is back in the fashion industry, and in a big way, with his new line of sunglasses. http://www.Eyegoodies.com carries the full line of Tom Ford sunglasses with free shipping. Shop Tom Ford Sunglasses: http://www.eyegoodies.com/Tom-Ford-c-278.html Learn more by reading http://eyegoodies.com Tom Ford sunglasses Review: http://www.eyegoodies.com/Tom-Ford-Sunglasses-p-13.html ]]> History of Ford http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-ford http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-ford#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:29:25 +0000 mercury grand marquislincoln town carford escape hybridford f 150ford motor companyford lincolndearborn michigan http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-ford Ford Motor Company has been manufacturing cars since the early 1900s after its founder, Henry Ford, incorporated the company on June 16, 1903. Ford is the fourth largest vehicle maker in the world based on worldwide sales. They trail Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagon. The company is located in Dearborn, Michigan just outside of Detroit. Aside from their brands of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, Ford also has international models in Sweden called Volvo and Mazda of Japan. They were once a part owner of Aston Martin in England. They sold their part ownerships of Jaguar and Land Rover to TaTa in India in March of 2008.

Ford is the third largest manufacturer in the United States in terms of sales behind GM and Toyota. It was the first time in 56 consecutive years that Ford had fallen from the number two largest manufacturer in the country. Henry Ford revolutionized the manufacturing world with his large-scale assembly line designs and how he treated his industrial workforce. His model for success became known globally as Fordism. The company has stayed within the Ford family for over 100 years.

Over the past few years the Ford Motor Company has struggled to make a profit and needed a new plan to revitalize the company. Company chairman Bill Ford requested a plan from Mark Fields, the president of the American Division. The plan was released to the public in 2006 and it was titled "The Way Forward." This plan did consist of major layoffs across the company and it resulted in the consolidation of production lines, the closing of 14 factories and cutting 30,000 jobs.

Ford has been one of the many motor vehicle manufacturing companies that has moved into producing hybrid cars and fuel flexible cars. Their fuel flexible cars are the Ford F-150, the Crown Victoria, the Focus, the Taurus, the Ranger, the Explorer, the , and the . Their hybrid vehicles have been produced every couple of years from 2004 to 2009. In 2004 the company released its . In 2006 the company released its Mercury Mariner Hybrid, in 2008 the company released its Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrid and in 2009 it released the 2009 Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX Hybrid.

Ford, aside from manufacturing vehicles for everyday use, is also a major player in three of NASCAR's races. They manufacture cars for the Sprint Cup Series, the Nationwide Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. Their Ford F-150 is used in the Craftsman Truck Series and the mid-size Fusion is used in the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series.

One of the most popular and recognizable Ford cars is their ultimate sports car; the Ford Mustang. The Mustang was first manufactured in 1964 and released that same year at the New York World's Fair. The vehicle is modeled after the Ford Falcon, one of the company's compact cars. There are five generations of the Mustang, the fifth one beginning in 2005 and continuing into the present. The Mustang, not only the company's most popular car, is the company's most successful model as well.Portland Auto TransportMissouri Auto Shipment]]> Comparing The Muscle Cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparing-the-muscle-cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparing-the-muscle-cars#comments Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:27:07 +0000 ford mustangprice tagmustang featuresmustang gtford gtpontiac g6fast cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/comparing-the-muscle-cars
The

One of the oldest and best known sporty / on the road, the Ford Mustang is still a major player. The 2006 a 4.0L V6 engine with 210 horsepower. If you go for the , you'll get a 4.6L V8 engine with 500 horsepower.

Price is not a huge obstacle with the Mustang -- MSRP is in the 19K to 32K range.

Fuel consumption is not too bad, with the mustang getting 19/28 and the GT getting 17/25 with manual transmission. Auto transmission gives you 19/25 on the Mustang, and 18/23 on the Mustang GT.

The Chevrolet Corvette

The famed Corvette is another old car that's still very popular. The 2006 model Corvette Coupe boats a 6.0L V8 that tops out at 400 horsepower. It does have a to go along with it, though, at a starting price of $44,490. But then, maybe that's why Corvettes are a status symbol.

You can also go for the convertible or Z06 models, which are more expensive. The Z06 offers a 7.0L V8 engine with 505 horsepower. But once again, it's price matches it's HP with a base price of $65,690.



Pontiac's new muscle car, the G6, ranks closer to the Mustang than the Corvette. With a 3.5L V6 engine, it has 201 HP of muscle under the hood. It's price tag is also in the same class as the Ford Mustang at $21,790 base price. The label for the G6 gives it a 21/29 MPG.

You can also upgrade the G6 to the GTP trim level for a 240 HP engine.

At a quick glance, it looks like the Ford Mustang and Pontiac G6 are pretty similar. The Corvette is head and shoulders above them in both power and price. Of course, there are many others to consider, including the , which sports a $131,000 price tag. For great resources and discussion on topics like motorsports, automotive, fast car, superbike, and car accessories, go to http://www.vdir.biz ]]> Top 10 Cars That Have Cheap Insurance Rates http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-cheap-insurance-rates http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-cheap-insurance-rates#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:15:22 +0000 ford econolineford fusiongmc sierrabuying a new cargas mileagechevrolet impalachrysler town http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-cheap-insurance-rates Buying a new car is one of the most expensive bills you will have to pay besides your house (most likely). To make sure you get the best deal on your car you have to key in the insurance rates as well. There are many vehicles on the market that are known for their affordable insurance rates. If you want the most for your money, you may want to consider one of the cheapest insurance rate vehicles. Not sure what they are? Keep reading and you may find out some of the best deals for your future cars.

Top 10 Vehicles that have the Cheapest Insurance Rate for 2008:

1. and Country -- The Town and Country is the cheapest vehicle to insure as of 2008. The average premium price for this vehicle is only $940 a year!

2. Ford Escape -- The Ford Escape has been a major hit for the year 2008. It has come a long way for its and now is the second cheapest vehicle to insure for 2008. To insure a Ford Escape for the whole year you will pay an average price of $1,022 per year.

3. Pickup - Are you a truck lover? If so, you don't have to panic or worry about high insurance rates. The Sierra has a great insurance rate of $1,026 per year.

4. -- The Impala is a great family sized vehicle with an awesome price of $1,091 per year to insure.
5. Club Wagon -- Do you need a great amount of space for a job or company vehicle? If so, that's not a problem. You can insure this vehicle for just $1,119 per year.

6. -- This vehicle is a great vehicle for college students and has been known to be a huge sell for the past year. You can insure the Ford Fusion for just $1,133.

7. Ford F-Series Pickup -- Like big trucks? Have a company that needs a truck to help get the work done? If so, no problem. You can insure the Ford F-Series for as little as $1,156 a year!

8. Honda Civic -- The Honda Civic is a very popular vehicle. To make things even better the Honda Civic can be insured for only $1,163 a year.

9. Toyota Camry -- The Toyota Camry has become a major hit this past year. It is a great family vehicle that gets an awesome gas mileage. To add to its excellence you can insure the Camry for just $1,165 a year.

10. Toyota RAV-4 - This beautiful SUV can be insured for just $1,165 a year!

As you can see there are many vehicles on the market that have amazing insurance rates. Looking for the best prices out there? Be sure to include the insurance costs when looking so you don't shock yourself in the end! Consider some of the vehicles listed and get the best deals out there!Find a gas card and more of Tom's work at FINDgascards.]]> Class Action Lawsuit Over Ford's Arbitrary Cutting of Warranty Reimbursement Charges at Ford Dealerships http://www.artwoo.com/article/class-action-lawsuit-over-fords-arbitrary-cutting-of-warranty-reimbursement-charges-at-ford-dealerships http://www.artwoo.com/article/class-action-lawsuit-over-fords-arbitrary-cutting-of-warranty-reimbursement-charges-at-ford-dealerships#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:15:24 +0000 warranty reimbursementclass action lawsuitford dealershipwarranty workford vehiclewarranty repairscustomers cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/class-action-lawsuit-over-fords-arbitrary-cutting-of-warranty-reimbursement-charges-at-ford-dealerships class action lawsuit filed by mechanics themselves against Ford Motor Corp. Evidently Ford Motor Corp. has arbitrarily cut the "SLTS" (service labor time standards) for various and services by up to 30%, according to the allegations made on the mechanics' website.

What does this mean and how does it affect you as a consumer and a customer of a Ford dealership? Quite a lot, actually. Let's say you have a problem with the check engine light of your and the Ford mechanics at your Ford dealership determine that it's a faulty emissions sensor, which is a pretty common defect.

Under former "SLTS" guidelines, the Ford mechanic would have a flat time charge of, say, 1 hour of mechanic's time to replace the defective emissions sensor. An experienced mechanic may be able to do it in less time if there are no complications in the procedure, but Ford Motor Corp. agrees to pay one hour for the task, whether it takes 20 minutes or 4 hours. Inevitably, there will be cars where it takes longer, because of the vehicle's condition or because of a mechanic inexperienced with the procedure. So, it more or less comes out in the wash, with Ford reimbursing dealers for 1 hour of labor time for this procedure even though, say, half of the procedures too, more than an hour and half of them took less. Since dealers make a lot of their money on reimbursements from manufacturers, a reasonable SLTS encouraged dealers to perform quality, not "brush-off" or "slip-shod" warranty work.

SLTS in the past have been based on observation of the time it actually took mechanics to perform certain tasks. While not entirely scientific, this better ensured that a dealer would be fully reimbursed for the work it did under warranty to customer's cars.

With Ford Motor Corp. now cutting labor standards by up to 30%, Ford may believe it's cutting costs (undoubtedly the motive), but in reality all it is doing is encouraging Ford's dealer mechanics to do quicky, slip-shod, "brush-off" warranty work on Ford customer's vehicles. What does this mean to consumers? It means that dealers will be putting a lot of pressure on dealer mechanics to finish warranty work quickly, to not do the extra steps to make sure that warranty work is correctly done and to do the barest minimum when doing warranty repairs.

How does this affect your lemon law rights? It's pretty obvious, but to put it plainly, if the manufacturers and the dealers are not taking the time and trouble to fix the vehicles, expect that it is a real possibility that defects will not be resolved when you bring in a vehicle for warranty repairs.

Sorry for the gloomy news, but this is another fallout from lower domestic auto sales, and is likely to occur with other manufacturers as well.

The solution? Keep everything in writing. For major repairs, you may want to consider hiring your own independent mechanic to review the repairs, or even oversee them, to make sure they're being done correctly. And if the dealer cannot fix the vehicle, of course you want to contact a lawyer about a lemon law claim.Robert F. Brennan, Esq. is a principal with Brennan, Wiener and Associates, an AV-rated law firm in La Crescenta, CA.  His firm specializes in consumer protection litigation, including lemon law, car dealer fraud and consumer class actions.  He can be reached through his website: http://socallemonlaw.com]]> Ford Motor Company: The Pride of Michigan http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-motor-company-the-pride-of-michigan http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-motor-company-the-pride-of-michigan#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:01:23 +0000 ford motor cofirst automobilesdodge brothersdearborn michigancylinder carford modelassembly processes http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-motor-company-the-pride-of-michigan Ford Motor Co. is a well-known international player in the automotive industry. It is noted for models such as the Lincoln and Mercury, as well as the Jaguar and Land Rover automobiles.

The company is based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company was first established in June 16, 1903 by Henry Ford. It has been controlled by Ford's descendants for over a century since its founding.

Early Years

Ford began his venture into the automotive industry with only US$28,000 as capital, which he gleaned from several investors. Interestingly, the founders of the Motor Vehicle Co. -- John and Horace Dodge --contributed to Ford's capital.

Ford gave his products a designation of letters, with the first one designed Model A in 1903. Ford's first six- was designated as Model K, which had a price of US$2800. The was the most expensive automobile at that time, as its rivals sold for prices significantly lower than that. For example, the Success automobile sold for a very low US$250.

Ford did not have his own factory when he produced his . He soon acquired his own factory in Piquette Avenue in Michigan, from which he produced about 18,000 units of Model T automobiles in 1909. High demand for the Model T prompted Ford to move his operations to a larger plant in Highland Park, from which over 69,000 units of the Model T were made and sold to buyers.

Ford also came up with a moving assembly line in 1913, the first of its kind in the whole world. Ford had his engineers build up on the basic techniques of assembly line and mass production in a bid to increase production and make improvements to . Because it now only took 2 hours and 40 minutes to assemble a chassis, the company was able to output more than 200,000 units of the Model T in 1913.

Workforce Problems and Rise to Fame

Ford's improvements to the assembly line caused high turnovers within his factory workforce, because it became strenuous to the employees who were used to the earlier processes to adjust to the faster-paced assembly line processes. However, Ford found a way by increasing the workers' pay to twice the original sum, and cutting down on work hours by an hour. He also limited work days up to Friday.

Ford's tactics worked. Employee turnover significantly dropped, and production increased significantly. Sales also increased, which meant Ford can now sell more units at lower prices. Ford also established the Ford brand name more by coming up with a system of dealers that franchised the Ford name.

The Ford Motor Co. officially expanded internationally when it established Ford of Canada in 1904. Seven years later, in 1911, Ford opened several plants in Europe and in Australia. By 1920, Henry Ford's firm controlled 50% of the market share with its Model T cars. Henry Ford himself contributed to the rising fame of his brand name by joining other pacifists in 1915 when they tried to stop the First World War in Europe.

Developments During and After World War I and World War II

Although he had earlier stated that he did not want to make profits from war, the Ford Motor Co. eventually handled production of the B-24 Liberator bomber for the war effort, prompting it to build the Willow Run plant in April 1941. Beginning August 1943, Ford's assembly lines worked 24 hours a day to roll off one complete and functional B-24 in just an hour, with pilots waiting for takeoff in costs while the bombers were rolled off the production line.

The stress of the situation would ultimately lead to the death of Edsel Ford, who was named as Henry Ford's successor in 1919, in the spring of 1943. Henry once again assumed control of the company during these trying times.

In 1956, Ford went public under the leadership of Henry Ford II, the son of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, who was appointed president in 1945 by Henry Ford himself. Despite being public, the Ford family acquired enough Special B preferred stocks to keep a controlling interest of 40% in the company.

Current Years

The Ford family still controls 40% of the company through the preferred stocks, and about 5% of the ordinary shares of the company.

The company is currently under restructuring. In fact, the company had announced the mortgaging of all of its assets in 2006 in order to earn about US$23.4 billion to refinance the rehabilitation until 2009.Attila Z Jancsina is a freelance copy writer. He occasionally writes for Michigan Real Estate FSBO. Website offers Free FSBO advertisement.]]> The Ford Edsel : An Auto Industry Disaster In Car Design And Automobile Marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-ford-edsel-an-auto-industry-disaster-in-car-design-and-automobile-marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-ford-edsel-an-auto-industry-disaster-in-car-design-and-automobile-marketing#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0000 american automobile industryford motor companyphysical logisticsford mercuryautomobile designford divisionedsels http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-ford-edsel-an-auto-industry-disaster-in-car-design-and-automobile-marketing Ford Motor Company of Dearborn =96 in the late 1950's. 157, 1958, 1959 to be exact. The debacle of the Edsel was both one of the most spectacular and worst failures to befall the vibrant of that day. To call a car or any product an "Edsel" is to provide the worst of insults.

Some authorities will state that the reason for the Edsel's failure was just poor market timing, not a poor product. Timing can be said to be most everything =96 vital for the success of failure of any product. In those days, before computerization allowed for rapid sharing an interchanges of design and the car design process =96 everything was done on paper. It took great amount of and delays for the paperwork and blueprints to be sent and coordinated among the various players in the process. On top of that it seemed that "everyone "seemed to despise and those further down the line. The designers disliked their bosses and the engineers. The engineers hated the parts people etc etc etc. On top of that the name "Ford "was on the door signifying the ultimate authority in the car designs and marketing process. The Edsel project was initiated during a time of big cars =96 from G.M. the market leader , yet introduced many years later when the concept of a second car , a compact car, for the wife to drive the family and kids around was beginning to be established in the automobile marketplace

Other authorities will state that the reason for the poor market showing and demise of the Edsel was that it was just a poor product =96 poorly designed and poorly built. To further corroborate this viewpoint it is now known that the actual workers building the were none too happy building this model. The Edsel was not built on its dedicated production line but rather the Edsel was built (or shared space) on Division production line. These Mercury Division employees considered themselves as the luxury end of the Ford Car company entities and indeed saw themselves as a cut above the run of the mill Ford employee and workers.

They both resented the intrusion into their turf as they say it and as well felt that a Ford product was muscling into their terrain =96 that of more prestige vehicles. In the end the marketing and sales failures of the Ford Edsel can be said to be a combination of both factors.

Interestingly enough the unspoken order from the Ford family was that the new product =96 the "1958 Edsel" was to be named anything but Edsel. The late Edsel Ford was the founder Henry Ford's only son and the grandfather of the then current patriarchs commanding and directing the Ford Empire. The senior Ford even stated that he did not want to see his late grandfather's name spinning around on hubcaps. The design development process had worked with the "E" or "Experimental" Car. Since it was such a major and revolutionary product of Ford many assumed that the designation "E" car had of course stood for Edsel. How better to honor such a major figure in the Ford family and empire. Imagine if the name had not stuck. Would it of made a difference in the ultimate success or failure of the sales and marketing of this automobile product. Terry Z. Voster Second Chance Finance Derrick Dodge Edmonton Alberta Eagle Ridge Pontiac GMC Vancouver British Columbia http://www.fortunawebs.com http://www.pagautoimport.com http://www.secondchancefinance.ca ]]> Looking For A Used Ford Then Go Online With A Specialist Used Car Website http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-used-ford-then-go-online-with-a-specialist-used-car-website http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-used-ford-then-go-online-with-a-specialist-used-car-website#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:30:00 +0000 car search enginehonest sellerscar websitesunscrupulous dealerscar websiteexact modelcar model http://www.artwoo.com/article/looking-for-a-used-ford-then-go-online-with-a-specialist-used-car-website car website can considerably cut down the time you spend on your search for the car. A specialist site will offer all the tools needed for you to find your ideal used car by giving you access to tools which you can tailor to your needs such as the used to ensure that you are only spending time on the model of Ford you are interested in.

To begin with you can use the extensive search tool which all specialist used will offer, this allows you to search not only for a used Ford but you can also search based on the area in which you wish to travel, the price of the car, model of car and any extras you wish to have and even down to the colour if needed. This is without a doubt the quickest and easiest ways of narrowing down you search so that you only have to look through the you have in mind rather than wade through pages of cars you are not interested in. Some of the bigger used car websites will have thousands of used cars and even a huge range of used Fords so using a search engine to narrow down your choices is essential.

Once you have narrowed down what is on offer using the search engine you could still be left with a huge choice of cars. You can either narrow down your search even more or start to compare the choices of used Ford you have found. To help you there should be good clear photographs of the car from the front, back, sides and if you are lucky the interior of the car and this can give you a good indication of the bodywork of the car. There should also be a detailed listing with all the necessary information regarding the car such as the shape it is in, how many miles it has done, the price and of course if the seller is honest any problems the car has.

You do have to be aware of any used Ford that seems too good to be true. While there are many just looking to pass on their car there are also some who will try to make a profit from an old banger, often posing as a private seller. If you don't know anything about used cars and in particular a used Ford then it is essential that you get advice before going to actually view the car and hand over your money. Again a specialist used car website can come in very handy, they should offer articles, hints, tips and advice on what to look for when it comes to going and viewing the car. Taking their advice can save you a lot of problems in the future and you should follow it if you want to avoid being ripped off by an unscrupulous dealer trading as a private seller. Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars (http://www.netcars.co.uk), one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the UK's no.1 site for used car searches and motoring information. NetCars also provide car finance, loans and insurance. ]]> Used Ford -- You Can't Go Wrong http://www.artwoo.com/article/used-ford-you-cant-go-wrong http://www.artwoo.com/article/used-ford-you-cant-go-wrong#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:57:27 +0000 ford transit vanford starter motorsweather seasonsmorning chorusbritish wintercold morningsexcellent sales http://www.artwoo.com/article/used-ford-you-cant-go-wrong excellent sales figures their cars have sometimes had a reputation for having irritating faults and niggles. The problem which people seemed to experience the most was poor starting.

I remember years ago my Stepfather had a that simply refused to start on . He used to do building work whilst he was studying to be a teacher and I recall many a winter morning being summoned outside to spray vast quantities of cold start spray into the air intake as he would endeavour to start it. In fact this didn't seem to make a blind bit of difference and I can still recall that sickly sweet alcohol smell and picture my Stepdad's face as he grew ever more infuriated with the van. It was a bit like the famous scene from Fawlty Towers when John Cleese got so mad with his car not starting he jumped out and threatened to give it "A damn good thrashing!"

Indeed on cold mornings up and down our great nation the air would be filled with the sound of refusing to do what they were supposed to as they whined in protest at the Great . Of course what would usually happen would be either the battery would go flat as they were pathetically small in those days, bearing in mind the only electrical equipment you had was an AM/FM radio. Alternatively your next door neighbour who had a wised up and bought a Japanese car that always started first time would come out and say smugly "Oh dear your Mum's flooded the engine again." For some reason car engines only seemed to flood if a woman was driving it and to this day I still don't know what that expression actually means.

Due to the fact that we no longer appear to have recognisable in the UK anymore and it now just rains all year round the of engines coughing and spluttering into life has become a thing of the past. The other major factor is that Ford really got their act together and now produces cars that are infinitely more reliable than they used to be. Service intervals on modern Fords have almost doubled and although labour costs are quite high in garages these days Ford offer a number of service packages and Ford parts are priced very competitively.

We have a 2001 Ford Mondeo and it has simply never given us any trouble (I've probably jinxed it now). It never uses any oil and the only thing I have had to replace on it was the reversing light switch which cost me £8.00. Sure it's not the most exciting vehicle in the world but it does what we need it to and when you have kid's practical functions tend to take over from style, unless you are one of these sad individuals who customise their family car as if they've covered it with glue and then driven through an auto accessory shop.

Recently we have been looking to buy a larger vehicle to cater for our rapidly expanding family and the Ford Galaxy seems to fit the bill quite well. Although it is quite a large vehicle it doesn't feel cumbersome to drive and there is a huge choice available on the used market with a variety of diesel engines to choose from. If the Galaxy is a bit large for your needs Ford also offers the C-Max and the excellent S-Max which is a great choice if you need a slightly smaller MPV. Ford has come along way in recent years and there are many good used Ford examples around, the only sound you'll hear in the mornings now are children complaining about having to go to school and sadly for them the excuse of "The car wouldn't start" is a thing of the past.Jon Barlow discusses that Ford have shaken off their reputation for popular but sometimes unreliable cars,luckily this has changed and a Used Ford is a wise choice]]> Ford Focus Is 'Comfortable And Versatile' http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-focus-is-comfortable-and-versatile http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-focus-is-comfortable-and-versatile#comments Wed, 09 Aug 2006 12:27:16 +0000 ford focusperformance fordeuro ncapcar insurance claimsrange modelslx modelsdrivers http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-focus-is-comfortable-and-versatile Ford Focus, is a comfortable and versatile mode of transport, according to the manufacturers, who claim the latest model is longer and wider than before.

With a variety of body shapes available in several trim levels, the Ford Focus costs from £11,395 on-the-road for the three-door 1.4 Studio model, to £19,200 for the 1.6 16-valve TDCi Titanium estate with Durashift CVT transmission.

The most basic Studio model standard equipment including electrically operated front windows and central locking, while its low car insurance rating in group 4E will have been aided by the array of safety features in and around the vehicle.

These include features such as Ford's Intelligent Protection System, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and front seatbelt pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, while standard anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution will help to avoid accidents happening in the first place due to locking up.

Additionally, the ISOFIX seat mounts allow drivers with young families to secure child seats much more easily in the back of the car.

Indeed, Ford manufacturers describe the car as the safest in its class, citing its five star rating -- factors that are crucial in deciding a particular vehicle's motor insurance grouping.

Drivers looking for Ford car insurance may also find the standard security features of interest, such as immobilsers and central locking, which can be operated remotely in the and above.

The Ghia model, which includes various luxury features, is fitted with a Thatcham category one volume sensing alarm, to ward off burglars and keep to an absolute minimum.

Except for the range of high- ST models, the maximum motor insurance grouping for any car in the Ford Focus range is 10E, which is generally for the Ghia and Titanium . http://www.kwik-fitinsurance.com provides instant insurance for your car,van, motorbike, life, travel, home or pet at competative rates. ]]> Examining Ford's Hybrid http://www.artwoo.com/article/examining-fords-hybrid http://www.artwoo.com/article/examining-fords-hybrid#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:23:19 +0000 flexible fuel vehiclehybrid modelssuv modelsperformance fordsmall carstiny carhybrid cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/examining-fords-hybrid flexible fuel vehicle in their line up and they are also leading the way with their hybrids. Green vehicle consumers are finding that Ford's and SUVs are far better than first assumed.

Ford has put a lot of hard work into the hybrids they are launching this season. The ugly hybrid that was first presented to the world is long gone. From an adequate little family car to a sporty SUV, the hybrid now wears many faces. The interior has been completely redesigned to allow for more room and movement. The have an all new console space that provides enough room for a laptop. The console can also be removed and hung in the back for storage.

The determined team at Ford wanted to make as many improvements as possible for their latest hybrids. They have made necessary changes to the roof of their hybrid vehicles to allow for better air flow. It is an improvement that may seem small but can make a great difference overall.

Many of the first were lacking in power and performance. Ford has gone to great lengths to eliminate that type of hassle. All new hybrid models from Ford have an increased amount of horsepower so that they are no less powerful than other cars or SUVs on the road.

Most of the first hybrids ever produced were very . It took time and dedication to make the changes that consumers were demanding in a hybrid. There is now much more storage space as well as interior space for those that do not enjoy a . The extra space is more than substantial, eliminating all need for complaints.

The average mileage that one can receive in one of Ford's hybrids is 36 miles per gallon. This is about the same as many vehicles the same size that are not hybrids. That makes it an especially strong competitor among gas only vehicles. Mileage tends to be one of the first questions asked about an automobile by potential purchasers.

The newer hybrids of today do not need to be plugged in for the battery to stay charged. It is constantly being recharged as you drive. This is probably the best advancement for hybrids. Early models often had to be plugged in at home. That need is now eliminated which makes it as convenient as any other car.

Perhaps it goes without saying but the Ford hybrid gives off far less harmful, toxic emissions than a non-hybrid vehicle. Since it does not rely on gasoline alone, it makes an environmental impact immediately. Many other automotive companies do offer hybrids as well. To find the one that is best suited for you, it's best to shop around and ask all of the right questions.Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips, information about cheap auto insurance quotes , and other helpful car insurance advice.]]> Ford Windstar Recalls - A Complete Auto Review. http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-windstar-recalls-a-complete-auto-review http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-windstar-recalls-a-complete-auto-review#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2006 12:27:17 +0000 ford windstarwindstar recallsford winstartargetwindshield wiperdigresswasher motor http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-windstar-recalls-a-complete-auto-review Ford Windstar recalls might be what Levine Breaking News reported March 14, 2006: an anti-gay/conservative Christian group are seeking retribution by boycotting Ford Motors...because Ford advertises in gay publications.

Tell me when did we give up the right to spend our hard-earned money on costly advertising, top-class merchandise, and any ^%$# publication we wish to read, write for, subscribe to, publicize in, or be a demographic for? Okay. Hold on. Before I get all involved in who has what - ahem - RIGHTS, I should calm down, , and recoup to the more significant concern or issue: recalls. There are several of them, that vary from safety and other recall issues (and usually getting increasingly lessened by year), but a mention here will suffice, as other investigations thoroughly cover by describing and explaining.

FORD , 2003

-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2002

-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2001

- Mid- and rear-seat assembly - / - Electrical system: air conditioner - Air bags frontal sensor control module - Accelerator pedal - Seat belt assembly - Trailer hitch

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2000

- Structure: body/hood - Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal - Glass: side- and rear-view mirrors - Electrical wiring under dash - Electrical system wiring; windshield wiper/washer motor - Seat belts - Trailer hitch

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1999

- Structure: body/hood - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Master cylinder - Electrical: air conditioning system; interior/under dash wiring - Windshield wiper/washer motor

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1998

- Structure: body/hood - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Automatic trans/power train - Exterior lighting - Steering: gear box/shaft - Child seat

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1997

- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Automatic trans/power train - Exterior lighting



FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1996

- Structure: body/hood - Automatic trans/power train/gear position indication - Exterior lighting - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1995

- Structure: body/hood - Electrical system wiring - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Alternator/generator - Gasoline storage tank assembly

With all of or despite all the recalls, I am still a huge Ford fan--having brought up around, in, and looking at and listening to hot rods and trucks made by Ford Motor Corp.. What's more, I would still fight for the right to sell, buy, advertise, drive, think about or talk about any damned material item I please. Go Ford! Ernest R. Peterson provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for http://www.cars-resource-guide.com, http://www.cars-directory-guide.com as well as other related information. ]]> The History of Automobiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-automobiles http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-automobiles#comments Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:01:35 +0000 ford assembly lineassembly line workerransom oldsamerican automobilesford productionline developmentsproduction efficiency http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-automobiles Ransom Olds, the owner of the Oldsmobile factory, which was debuted in 1902. The line was the predecessor to all other large-scale production lines that shell out different products such as airplanes, ships, trains and all types of electronics.

The was so successful that it produced vehicles at a record pace; one car came off of the line every 15 minutes. This is in 1914, when developments in technology were still being discovered and tested across not only the United States but also the world. The only thing that was holding Ford back in production was waiting for the variety of colors to dry. So, he noticed that the black paint they were using dried quicker than the variety of other colors. Ford made an executive decision to use only black paint from that moment forward, hence the reason why all of the vehicles in the country at the onset of vehicular travel were black in color.

Ford's first car was the Model T and it cost an only four months of pay to purchase the vehicle in 1914. Ford also instituted groundbreaking safety features and groundbreaking management strategies. Ford assigned each assembly line worker to a specific position so there would be less wandering throughout the line which would result in fewer injuries to his workers. If he had as many healthy workers as possible then the production work would be completed faster and faster.

The other groundbreaking idea that Ford had was how to effectively manage a work force. He paid higher wages, which resulted in higher . This is known today as "Fordism." Ford's assembly and management developments were only baby steps in the progression of automobiles in the lives of Americans.

Another name in the history of is Alfred P. Sloan. Sloan came up with the idea that each individual company that manufactures cars should also offer different models to sell to their customers. Ford sold only the Model T at first but then added other models to his assembly line. This allowed the American people to purchase more luxurious cars as they moved up the class ladder of society.

Taking a jump a couple of decades to 2002, the last time a vehicle survey was conducted, there were an estimated 590 million vehicles on the roads worldwide. The world has become more and more populated since Ford's 1914 assembly line advancements, with worldwide population hitting the 6 billion mark during the last census in 2000. This of course means more vehicles on the roads for more licensed drivers. Cars have become ingrained in American society in this technology-driven world. They help people get from home to work, work to ballgames and anywhere in between. Cars have also caused damage in the ozone of the Earth and high amounts of pollution in the air from their exhaust fumes. Despite all of this cars are still Americans' main mode of transportation.Renting a Car in Wilmington Car Rental New Fleet]]> What the World Owes the Flivver http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-the-world-owes-the-flivver http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-the-world-owes-the-flivver#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:22:22 +0000 model t fordford motor companytin lizzievaladiumford companyautomobile designconsuming passion http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-the-world-owes-the-flivver Tin Lizzie were nicknames for the developed by Henry Ford. For many years it has been known as "The car that changed the world" and "The car that put America on wheels."

The Model T was the result of the tremendous creative energy of Henry Ford and his all- to "create a car for the multitudes." Its production brought about innovations in , manufacturing procedures and methods of conducting business that did definitely change the world. In the process however, Henry became so obsessed with his metal Pygmalion that he almost plunged Ford into bankruptcy rather than move on when the Model T went into decline.

In Henry's boyhood, cars were status symbols of the wealthy and luxury trumped function. Each car was a hand crafted, custom made product. The wealthy car owners usually employed chauffeurs to drive and maintain their "toys." Henry dreamed of "building a car for the great multitude." This car should be well built, economical in price, simple to drive and simple to repair.

He began his dream working nights and weekends in a storage shed behind his house. Here he successfully produced a car, which he first drove in June 1986.

In 1903, he started the on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. Between 1903 and 1906, the built and sold the Ford Model A and Model N. Although highly profitable, these cars were expensive and did not fulfill Henry's dream. So in 1906, in secret, Henry organized a team and started work on developing the Model T.

They researched, planned and experimented to find the best methods and materials to produce the car Henry dreamed of. They decided to use English steel, new to America but three times stronger and easier to make than the steel in use in American cars at that time.

Then serendipity entered the picture. One of Ford's men, William C. Klann happed to visit a slaughterhouse and observe animals being cut apart as they moved along a conveyor. The idea struck Klann that if something could be disassembled so quickly and efficiently, you could do the opposite with an automobile. The car would move on the conveyor and each worker would install a part. Speed and efficiency would be gained as each worker performed the same task repeatedly. Klann sold the idea to Ford's team, which put it into action. This launched another Ford innovation, the automated assembly line. In 1914 a Model T was coming off this line every 93 minutes.

The phenomenal increase in production resulted in fantastic profits prompting Ford to make another innovation, this time in business practice. He reduced the price of the Model T. The idea of price reduction to increase volume was totally unheard of at that time.

Another equally shocking business practice followed in 1914. Ford doubled his employees' wages and reduced their workday from nine to eight hours. His rationale was they could now afford to buy his cars.

In spite of his innovative thinking in developing the Model T, when sales declined in 1927 as his competition caught up, Ford almost plunged the company into bankruptcy by his reluctance to move on beyond the Model T.Dependable Car Shipping Reliable Auto Transport]]> Candidate Ford Proposes New School Site For Chicago Schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/candidate-ford-proposes-new-school-site-for-chicago-schools http://www.artwoo.com/article/candidate-ford-proposes-new-school-site-for-chicago-schools#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:27:11 +0000 chicago schoolscity chicagofordambitious plansambitious planbrachbrachs http://www.artwoo.com/article/candidate-ford-proposes-new-school-site-for-chicago-schools Brach's plant is located at 401 N. Cicero, just north of Lake Street, in a community that has seen many of its closed and others placed on academic probation. The 30-plus-acre property has been vacant for three years.

LaShawn is the owner of Ford Desired Real Estate and candidate for state representative of the 8th district. The democrat has an to use the Brach property for a new school.

In June of 2006, Ford convinced Chicago schools' officials to join him in a walkthrough of his plan at the site. Though he had prior permission for the walkthrough with the Chicago schools' officials, there was no one present to give them access through the 30-foot fence that surrounds the property. As with most politicians, Ford improvised by driving through a hole in the fencing to gain access.

Chicago schools' officials found that the property was close to Chicago's Green Line, and it had some great parking space. Ford emphasized that a school located there could cater to many students from many areas of the city -- Chicago schools' buses could transport students in from different districts. The Chicago schools' officials saw that the location and amount of property could attract a multitude of students with diverse economical, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Ford further pointed out that the Chicago schools had recently invested $30 million into Austin High School for Renaissance 2010 upgrades. He noted that had they foregone those renovations, they could had invested in a new school at the Brach location that would provide much more to the Chicago schools' students over the long term.

The biggest problem facing Ford's for the Chicago schools is zoning. The old Brach plant sits in the city's Protected Manufacturing District. That means that sites within the district can be used only for industrial development. When presented with other plans in the past, the city has been reluctant to rezone the area for commercial or residential development.

The second problem is financing. The property currently is listed at the Paine/Wetzel INCOR International web site for $10 million. The Chicago schools' officials have suggested that the best scenario would be for a donor to purchase the Brach property and give it to the Chicago schools for further development. Even this, of course, is contingent on whether or not the Chicago schools have enough surplus funds to build the school. The estimated cost of building is from $20 to $40 million. Of course, the perfect solution would be for donors to cover the cost of building, as well.

As it currently stands, Ford's proposal is being considered by the Chicago schools. The Chicago schools' officials stated that further study on the project would be needed before any decisions could be made. Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Patricia has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more information on Chicago schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/illinois/chicago/index.html ]]> Roush 600re http://www.artwoo.com/article/roush-600re http://www.artwoo.com/article/roush-600re#comments Fri, 04 May 2007 19:34:58 +0000 ford gtroushtubi exhaustpowder coated wheelsblack wheelscarspulley system http://www.artwoo.com/article/roush-600re Roush have developed this strictly llimited edition of the to mark the end of production for the American supercar.

The vehicle was designed and is built at the Roush Technical Centre based in Brentwood, Essex.

The 600RE is based on a standard Ford GT, but features engine and styling modifications, these include:

* Upgraded supercharger * Unique vehicle numbering and identity plaques * Unique keyed light pack * system * Tinted windows * Transmission oil breather system * Colour coded hoses * Black * (Optional) 4-point harness pack

Power and price figures have not yet been released, but the 600RE hints at a figure of 600bhp. Only 10 Roush 600RE's will be built, so you'd better get that order in quick!

In my eyes the Ford GT is the ultimate Ford and Roush have done the job of making what was already a pretty special car into something seriously unique not to mention fast!

Roush's attention to detail on all their is a real credit to the company and this particular model is no exception. Many after market car manufactures just fettle the engine to get it to produce lot's more horse power than the original but Roush take it much further than that, they always provide the complete package with modifications to pretty much every part in the drive train.

This version of the GT looks awesome with it's black paint and , making the car look rather stealthy that is until you open up the throttle!

It will be interesting to see the proper power and price figures when they are released, not sure I will be able to afford one but I can dream.

I think it's a shame Roush only plan to make 10 of these cars, they clearly want to keep it seriously exclusive but I think the demand for these cars is going to be huge just as it is for the standard Ford GT.

You can check out a picture of this awesome car at http://www.fastcarsinfo/news Mathew Norris is a self confessed petrol head and runs the news page on http://www.fastcarsinfo.com the best place to check out all the latest automotive news. ]]> Top 10 Cars That Have Expensive Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-expensive-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-expensive-insurance#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:08:25 +0000 chevy silveradochevrolet cobaltnissan altimatoyota priusdodge caravanhonda cr vtoyota corolla http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-cars-that-have-expensive-insurance
10 vehicles that are expensive to insure for 2008:

1.) Dodge Ram Pickup - $1,336 insurance payment.
2.) -C/K pickup - $1,280 insurance payment.
3.) - $1,210 insurance payment
4.) Honda Accord - $1,203 insurance payment.
5.) - $1,198 insurance payment.
6.) - $1,190 insurance payment.
7.) Ford Focus - $1,185 insurance payment.
8.) - $1,179 insurance payment.
9.) Honda CR-V - $1,178 insurance payment.
10.) - $1,165 insurance payment.

To clear things up: You may own a vehicle that is listed in the top 10 most expensive to insure for 2008 and have a different insurance rate. This may be because of your personal rating factors, driving records and/or town credit history.

Above are the top 10 most expensive vehicles to insure for 2008. To the right is the price they run per year. If you want to avoid paying a lot for car insurance you may want to keep these vehicles in mind and try to avoid purchasing one of them. There are many vehicles that are affordable to insure, you just have to do your research and find out an insurance payment that you're happy with.

Want to know of some vehicles that are cheaper/more affordable to insure for 2008? Check out some of the more affordable vehicles to insure below:

1. Chrysler Town and Country --
2. Ford Escape - $1,022
3. GMC Sierra Pickup - $1,026
4. Chevrolet Impala - $1,091
5. Ford Econoline Club Wagon - $1,119
6. Ford Fusion - $1,133
7. Ford F-Series Pickup - $1,156
8. Honda Civic - $1,163
9. Toyota Camry - $1,165
10. Toyota RAV-4 - $1,165

Consider some of the vehicles listed above and be one of the few with an affordable insurance bill! Even if you can afford the insurance, make sure that you do your shopping before you actually buy it. You'll be amazed at how much insurance rates can differ just by the companies that you call.Get cash back on your automotive purchases with rewards credit cards and find more of Tom's work at FINDcashbackcards.]]> Ford ST http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-st http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-st#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:50:33 +0000 sierra cosworthlotus cortinaescort rs2000ford focus stclub badgescharming groupfellow human beings http://www.artwoo.com/article/ford-st Ford Focus ST- Has The Last Laugh

I've been doing a bit of soul searching recently and decided that for many years now I've been a tad intolerant towards some of my . In the past I have tended to direct some of my greatest sarcasm towards the sort of individuals who loved their cars so much that they felt it necessary to join an Owner's club.

I suppose I was poking fun at the person who cleans their car at 8-00am on a Sunday morning using a toothbrush as well as every other conceivable automotive cleaning product you could imagine.

I've seen Owner's in the windows of some spotless vehicles and an image of the individual has appeared in my mind. You know probably still living at home with their parents, certainly a bloke and almost definitely without a girlfriend.

Well it seems that my opinions could be somewhat out of date. I decided to confront my prejudices head-on and took a look at the Ford ST Owner's Club official site.

They seem to be a positively of people from all walks of like nothing like the stereotypical picture I have painted previously.

I think the changing demographics combined with the internet of course have played a part in this refreshing new group of enthusiasts who all share a passion but above all else it's the cars.

Fast Fords have been around for a long time now. Those old enough will remember the of the sixties and who could forget the and Mexico from the 70's. The 80's and 90's followed up with the likes of the the car criminal's favourite and culminated with the outrageous Escort Cosworth.

Not to be left out in the noughties (doesn't sound right however you put it!) Ford gave us the Focus ST a Golf GTI beater for the masses. Usually seen in bright orange the Focus ST managed to impress everyone who drove it even the likes of Jeremy Clarkson who is not known to favour cars that come in a price bracket normal people can afford.

So what's it like then. Well the latest face-lifted version still looks good despite appearing to have morphed into a Mondeo at the front seemingly in order to maintain Ford's preference for new model continuity. Still a great looking car and the performance is as good if not better than any other hot- hatch around.

Now available as ST 1 2 or 3 the differences are only on equipment level but all come with Ford's preferred 5 cylinder 2.5 litre turbocharged engine producing 225 PS. This equates to a top speed of 150mph with 0-62mph coming in 6.8 seconds. There is a six-speed close ratio gearbox and The ST sits on 18" Alloy wheels. In case you get into difficulty the ST comes with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The ST body kit remains with an additional 'single wing' design rear spoiler. Twin chrome exhausts finish off the look. The ST 2 has in addition Xenon front lights and rear LED's. The ST 3 has full leather Recaro seats and a 6 disc CD Auto-changer.

The ST has family car origins so remains practical to drive and has a power range through all the gears something you could try after dropping the kids off safely. When driven hard the ST shows its track potential and has excellent handling and cornering ability. Ford has also smartly priced the ST so competition watch out!

Having considered my disparaging comments about the likes of Owner's Club members in the past I feel that maybe the ST will have the last laugh on me!Jon Barlow reviews the Ford Focus ST at his Used Ford Dealer]]>