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2011 Ford Fiesta

Let The Party Begin

Several years ago one of my sons owned a Fiesta and we called it, well never mind what we called it but one thing we didn’t call it was cool. Enter the much talked about 2011 Fiesta burdened with the difficult task of living up to the hype. Not to worry. This is one very nifty little car.

For over a year now Europeans have been driving the Fiesta and apparently loving every minute of it. According to the Fiesta Movement participants we met, Europeans love it with good reason and it appears the U.S. market will love it just as much.  With EPA numbers at 40mpg on the highway the Fiesta makes a great case for econoboxes but after spending a week in my test car, the Fiesta brings a lot more to the party then just economy.

Let’s start with the styling. Fiesta’s edgy aerodynamic design helps minimize air flow resistance which of course contributes to better fuel economy.  Even the side view mirrors are designed to allow better air flow over them allowing Ford to squeeze every mile possible out of a gallon of gas possible. There’s an optional Super Fuel Economy Package that offers even more resistance cutting options including underbody shields and splitters on the lower part of the grille.

The test car was the SEL and came with the comfort package that includes heated front seats and keyless entry and starting. My test car was the Green Orchid with a crème interior and it’s a great combination albeit for a younger demographic than mine perhaps. While the interior isn’t plush, you will find a plethora of amenities including Fords renowned SYNC® in-car connectivity system, ambient interior and exterior lighting, Intelligent Access with Push-Button start, a centrally located LCD Message Center, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches.

The standard 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec® I4 Engine is far from a powerhouse but it isn't exactly anemic either. Mated to the available class-exclusive* PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that provides torque to the wheels 100 percent of the time, it’s plenty potent for merging onto freeways and passing at highway speeds.

The transmission is equipped with leak-free dry clutch technology and a neutral idle mode that helps eliminate drag and contributes to fuel efficiency. It’s also maintenance-free with a fill-for-life transmission fluid that requires no dipstick and is designed to last up to 150,000 miles.

The Fiesta features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), and class-exclusive* available Hill Start Assist, which contributes to Fiesta's overall driving experience. EPAS uses speed-sensitive steering and active nibble control technology, and interesting name for a system that selects a suspension damping factor based on changes in vehicle speed. The system helps provide feedback and confidence at highway speeds.

Long and the short of it is, the All-New Fiesta is much more than just a quirky modern face, it’s a whole new movement and one that’s picking up steam. Starting at just over $13,000 the Fiesta offers a lot for the money and based on the feedback I got during my week in the Fiesta, you’ll be seeing and awful lot of them on the road very soon. 

2011 Mustang Convertible

Drop Top Fun In The Sun

It was a long time coming but Ford finally jumped smack dab in the middle of the horsepower wars and I have to say, once again they’ve done it right. The 2011 Mustang convertible is sleek and muscular and a bit edgier than its predecessor and now powered by a V6 with V8 horsepower under the hood. The original pony car once again will keep up with or out perform just about anything comparable on the road, and yes I am talking about the Dodge Challenger SE and the Camaro V6. Oh by the way, it does it while getting up to 31mpg on the highway

From any angle there’s no mistaking the 2011 Mustang for anything but a more sophisticated iteration of the original pony car. It sports the iconic grille and hockey stick side lines and muscular haunches at the rear quarter panels which gives the car a “ready to rumble” stance reminiscent of the iconic ’69 429 Boss. The car looks great from any angle but it’s especially aggressive looking if you see it approaching in your rear view mirror.

The big 3 may not dominate the car market in the U.S. any longer but the pony car wars live on, and when two of the three entries generate over 300 horsepower while getting 29 and 31 miles to the gallon, it’s nice to be able to say that. Ford accomplishes this task with their new 3.7 Liter 24 valve Ti-VCT V6, and the alphabet soup denotes Twin-independent Variable Valve Timing. That’s as technical as I plan to get but suffice it to say, you get performance without sacrificing mileage.

Inside you’ll find a seamless one-piece soft-touch Olefin Skin instrument panel and Ford’s classic conical gauge cluster with a center stack and lockable storage console on the floor.  The Mustang also has the seven color ambient interior lighting which is actually pretty nifty. The seats are supportive yet comfortable and make driving the Mustang a pleasure.

The test car came with SYNC which accommodates most popular MP3 players and Bluetooth phones by using voice commands. SYNC provides roadside assistance and a vehicle health report. SYNC also allows for 911 Assist^{TM which} that connects you to a 911 operator through your paired mobile phone in an accident that deploys the airbags as long as the electrical system hasn’t been damaged and become inoperative.

But what the 2011 Mustang V6 is all about is driving and driving this car is nothing but fun. I happen to be a big fan of convertibles so I was thrilled that my first ride in the new Stang was the convertible. I’ve had the pleasure a driving a lot of cars that cause folks to pull out the camera phone and the Mustang convertible is one of them, much to the chagrin of my wife.

The pricing on our test car based at $30,845 and with the Rapid Spec Mustang Club of America package, 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3.31 Axle ratio, security package and HID headlights the estimated total price was $35,000. Not back for a drop top Mustang with over 300 horsepower and 31 highway mpg.

Bottom line, the all-new 2011 Mustang V6 is one potent pony car that once again can claim to be the top dog of V6 muscle. It’s fun, fast and a blast to drive while being miserly when it comes to fuel consumption. There will always be pushback from people that think you ave to drive econoboxes to get mpg but clearly that’s no longer the case. If you’ve been waiting for Ford to kick the Mustang up a notch, your wait is over.

2010 Outback limited

Great Function and Nice Form

All-new for 2010, the Outback is Subaru’s all-wheel-drive wagon with SUV styling based on the same platform as the Legacy sedan replacing the Legacy Wagon in the lineup. The 2010 features updated styling and an all-new chassis and a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

The Outback comes in three trim levels with two engine choices starting with the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium which designates the 2.5 liter engine. The 3.6 liter engines sport the R designation as a 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited. While the 2.5 is sufficient, I much prefer the 3.6R which adds about a grand to the $27,900 base price.

The 3.6R is the big-engine version with a new-for-2010 3.6-liter boxer six that replaces the '09 version's 3.0-liter six. The new powerplant increases horsepower by 11 to 256 horsepower but more importantly it boosts torque to 247 up 32 lb-ft of. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the 3.6R lineup.

The 2010 is larger on the outside, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This allows for more cargo space to haul soccer gear or make trips to the hardware store. With the rear seats down, the outback has 71.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, which enhances the Outback’s ability to serve many functions.

If the commercials are true, a lot of Subaru Outback owners love to take their Outback off-road, not rugged hill climbing but back roads that conventional cars can’t take and the little bit we did of that, the Subaru was flawless. With it’s 8 plus inches of ground clearance and heralded all-wheel-drive, it handled road imperfections with ease, taking ruts with no problems and in relative comfort.

I've always considered the Subaru Outback a vehicle that appealed to the “quirky” owner but there’s no doubt that it’s becoming more mainstream. It’s bigger, better looking and actually much more refined and more fuel efficient, the 3.6 is rated at 18/25 mpg, making it a very good choice for those that don’t want an SUV or Crossover but something that offers the best of both. So if you’ve never considered the Subaru Outback, maybe now is the time.

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2010 Jeep Liberty

By Bill Zervakos

The Liberty is Jeep’s compact sport utility, fitting into the Jeep lineup between the traditional Jeep Wrangler and the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Liberty was introduced in the spring of 2001 as a replacement for the Cherokee. The Liberty received its first major redesign in 2008 with new exterior styling that integrates a more rugged, classic Jeep look along with better ride and handling.

The 2010 Jeep Liberty adds iDFSO, interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off which stops fuel flow during deceleration to improve fuel economy. A fuel-saver display indicates when the vehicle is being driven in a fuel-efficient manner. Other new standard features include front-row Active Head Restraints, premium seat trim with stain-repel fabric, an air filtration system and larger floor mats.

The Liberty is far from refined but handling overall is relatively secure. The 3.7-liter V6 feels a little lethargic and is just a bit noisy and as with most Jeeps, don’t expect very good mileage. The cockpit is rather narrow and access for me was a little awkward. The Liberty is Trail Rated and suitable for off-road duty but it does have a ride that is steadier than its predecessor, and electronic stability control is standard.

Some extras that I like that are now available on Liberty include remote start, a very nice feature for those of us that live in the desert, rain sensing wipers, and memory seats are nice touches. The Liberty has a canvass roof that will open completely that really fills the bill for those wanting that “outdoor” feeling.

One feature not usually found on a Jeep is the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, which is a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. It lets occupants use touch screen or voice commands to control features and includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive, where up to 1,500 songs and photos can be stored. It also includes a voice-memo recorder feature and supports real-time traffic information via SIRIUS satellite radio.


With Prices starting at just over $23,000 for the Liberty, you get pretty good bang for your buck. So, if you're looking for a fun, rugged yet comfortable vehicle, Jeep's Liberty may be just what you're looking for. Drive one to see for yourself.

TWO FOR THE ROAD USA ATTENDS PRESS CONFERENCE WITH VICE PRESIDENT OF TOYOTA

By: Bill Zervakos
Phoenix March 2010

We were invited to attend a briefing where Bob Carter talked to members of the press and Toyota Dealers about how Toyota is handling the recalls. Mr. Carter was emphatic about the fact that Toyota is doing everything they can to abate concerns about the quality and safety of Toyota vehicles and that there is absolutely no danger from electronic controls taking over any Toyota vehicle. He expressed his confidence by telling us that his family has three Toyotas including a Corolla and a Prius his wife and daughter drive and if there was even a hit of unresolved issues, his family certainly wouldn’t be driving the cars.

He talked about the fact that there are two issues the company is addressing, one regarding floor mats and the other dealing with the accelerator problem that in rare instances cause the gas pedal to be slow to return. The floor mats, when properly hooked were and are no problem but if people used thicker mats or doubled up mats as some do in inclement weather situations, it could cause the gas pedal to hang up. Because of the potential problem, Toyota issued the recall and made adjustments to alleviate the problem.

The other issue has to do with the gas pedal being slow to return on some vehicles. They found thirteen vehicles out of some 2 million cars that had a “sticky” accelerator and because the company didn’t stock replacement pedals, Toyota shut production down for a week until they were able to get the new pedals. Of the 2 million cars recalled, dealers have made repairs on over 1 million since February averaging over 50,000 fixes a day.

As far as electronic problems causing sudden acceleration go, Mr. Carter pointed out that there are some 40 million Toyota vehicles worldwide and to date, not one electronic problem has ever been found in a Toyota vehicle. The tests showing that a car could be “tricked” into going into wide open throttle mode only proved that any car could be made to do that and every test run on Toyota vehicles has shown that the redundancies and safety systems have worked exactly as designed. That aside, Toyota is working to address any complaints about sudden acceleration because their concern has been and always will be taking care of their customers first.

All companies need to have their feet held to the fire and while it’s important for the public to be aware of problems from any manufacturer, it’s also important to look at the big picture. In the case of Toyota, they have a 50 year track record of building safe vehicles and taking care of their customers. It’s no different now as they continue to investigate potential problems and concerns about the quality of their vehicles.