Ford Parking Only

2012-01-11T10:05:00.002-05:00

Right after the last of the Holiday decorations have been packed away, and the din of New Year’s celebrations and Bowl Games fades into the past, it is, to the uninitiated, a quiet time of year. The lull between football and The Daytona 500 or Spring Training can seem deceptively quiet and uneventful. But those with motor oil in their veins… gears spinning in their noggins… and thoughts of rubber meeting road know better. This. Is. Car Show Season. An as usual, Ford is the star!

Running through January 22nd, The 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which we’ll just call the NAIAS from now on (to reduce the risk of a finger sprain with all those extra letters), runs the gamut from really boring to outrageous concepts that nobody would ever really build in a million years. But what that really means is something can be found for everyone at the show.

Before jumping to the extremes, how about some news from Detroit that you will actually use in your life? And of course, it’s from Ford.

The Ford Sync and My Ford touch are now superstar options in the industry, with other manufacturers trying to come up with matching technologies that always seem to look like weak copy attempts, or fall completely flat on their faces. So that probably explains why the early hit at the 2012 NAIAS is the Ford Fusion for 2013. As a matter of fact, it took less than a half hour for Consumer Reports to declare that with the Fusion, "Ford stole the show!”

Of course the new Fusion has SYNC and My Ford Touch, along with a new lane assist feature which helps you keep it between the lines, auto parking for parallel parking, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control, and c/net has an overview of the advancements. And autoblog has a good rundown as well.

Add to its style, all the technological advancements already mentioned to a Hybrid system update, or the ability to get an Ecoboost engine to save on fuel costs, and a plug in version, and it becomes obvious why Ford’s Fusion is already in the passing lane, and is set to accelerate past Camry in a big way.

Oh, and it looks great too!

Is it the end, the beginning, or simply SOP at Ricart Ford?

2011-12-14T11:25:00.001-05:00

   So you probably wonder just what the title of this post means. The answer is, it means it all. It's Ricart Ford's Year End Celebration with special Holiday specials and a really cool Holiday video, it's the start of a new year at Ricart Ford, and Motor Trend just announced the 2012 F150 as the Motor Trend Truck of the Year Winner, which is pretty much standard operating procedure for a truck that won the award in 1997, 2004, and 2009 as well!

   Upon receiving the 2012 Truck award, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields said, "The 2012 F150 is a no compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer's needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this truly the best choice for America's
truck owners. We are proud to receive this award, and even more pleased that our F150 customers have additional validation of their top choice". In non-corporate speak, that means Ford thinks its great that you love the F150 and the critics do too.
   The 2012 Ford Focus redesign has been a huge hit at Ricart Ford since they arrived this summer, and the technology you can find in Focus, and across the entire Ford line, meant plenty of Edison Awards for Ford earlier this year, awards that prove Ford's integration of your vehicle into your life is spot on with technologies that enhance the vehicle experience like no other manufacturer, and do it with economy in mind.

   At Ricart Ford, we've sold a whole bunch of Ford cars, trucks, CUV's, and SUV's this year, and will help even more folks get that new Ford they want before the clock finishes striking twelve on December 31st. After that, we'll get started on 2012, winning more awards, making more friends, and doing what we love to do best... making you happy with your new Ford.

My Ford Touch is the most recent drive forward for vehicle entertainment at Ricart Ford

2011-09-29T13:24:00.001-05:00

Motorola 5T71 circa 1930

In 1908, if you drove one of the first Ford Model T's home, you had to be satisfied with the thrill of the wind through your hair, and the open, err, road ahead, and singing or whistling to yourself because (get ready to be shocked) the first radio for use in a car were still more than two decades away!

Yep, it wasn't until 1930 when Paul and Joe Galvin sold one of the first radios to be installed in a car, under the brand name Motorola. You see, early sound equipment ended with "ola", like Victrola, so the Galvins combined "Motor" (for the car part) and "ola" (for the radio part), and soon everyone was listening to tunes from The Beatles to Lady Gaga... Actually, it wasn't quite that easy. As a matter of fact, the first seek button on a car radio was introduced by Ford in the 50's, and everyone thought that was neater than sliced bread.

Ford Radio with Seek button circa 1956

         So from the first vehicle radios to the advent of the Seek button we went musically from Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, and the Big Band and Jazz greats like Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, and Glen Miller, through the Age of The Crooner, to Doo Wop and the birth of Rock and Roll.

By the early 1960's, less than 10 years after the Seek button was put in those first Fords, technology for car radios switched from tubes to transistors, and shortly after the rise of The British Invasion of the Beatles, Stones, Kinks and all the rest, the first Eight-Track tape player for the car was introduced, freeing the car owner from listening to only radio, and whistling and singing to themselves. Then in 1969, just in time for Woodstock, the first stereo radio was introduced. Finally, you could play your favorite Jimi Hendrix album all the way through, in your car, in two channel stereo!

   About a year after stereo appeared in the dashboard, the Cassette tape player began showing up, smaller than the Eight-Track, and having the ability to be recorded upon, which led to one of the greatest innovations of the 20th Century... THE MIX TAPE! Who thought your automotive life could get any better? There you were, tooling around listening to Arena Rock bands like Grand Funk Railroad, Starz, Meatloaf, Thin Lizzy, and Boston, or maybe Singer/Songwriters Like James Taylor, Carole King, and Carly Simon, or the SoCal Country Rock of The Eagles, Pure Prairie League, and Poco... or even... Disco songs from The Bee Gees, or KC and The Sunshine Band.

   It seemed at the end of the 70's and into the early 80's that our car audio experience just couldn't get any better. At least until 1984 and the first in-car CD player. Finally, and answer to your favorite cassette tapes being eaten by the darned player again! (And that tape was given to you by your high school or college sweetheart, "whats-their-face"!) And when home recording of discs became feasible soon after, the Mix Disc replaced the Mix Tape with clearer sound, and it was pretty much impossible to get the player to eat your disc, no matter how hard you tried.

   And that's the way things stayed for a few years, until DVD players brought video and gaming to the back seats of vehicles, ending the age-old game of "Are We There Yet" forever. Bigger, more powerful amps and speakers ushered in the era of thump, thump, thump from massive sub-woofers and systems with enough power to shake the ground around your car, if you were so inclined. Next came Satellite Radio, then Ford and Microsoft teamed up to introduce SYNC so you can use voice commands to your MP3 player to play your favorite Grateful Dead, or Lady Gaga tunes through your car... and use your Cell Phone to make and receive hands-free calls through your vehicle... and get a vehicle health update from your car... and get directions to the best Chinese food through your car...

   And now it's My Ford Touch, which ties all the above together and more into a neat, concise package on your dashboard. You can see it today on the Ford vehicle of your choice at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall.

My Ford Touch Screen

So we have come from the original Folk Movement of the 1930's, and the height of American Jazz thru the rise of Rock and Roll,
Disco, Punk, New Wave, Grunge, Euro Beat, Techno and beyond, and the technology in your Ford vehicle has always helped lead the way to today's multi speaker, multi-media systems that keep you connected to your music, family and friends, and the road, easily and more safely.

You have to admit, its a whole lot cooler than just singing to yourself... which we all still do when our favorite tunes come on, don't we?

Ford Truck Month at Ricart Ford: It really is an impressive thing!

2011-09-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

   It's Ford Truck Month 2011 at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall, and this year, we celebrate 34 years of the F-series trucks being the best selling trucks on the planet. That's right, F-series is the best seller... again!

   Think about that for a second. 34 years as top dog, the Big Kahuna, Grand Pubah. And people thought the Jordan era Bulls was a dynasty, and the Yankees are an amazing franchise because they win the World Series about every fourth year, or The Steelers are amazing for all those Super Bowl rings they have. But when you compare all those feats, as amazing as they are, to 34 years of Ford F-series truck dominance, it kind of puts it all in a different perspective, doesn't it?

   The reasons for F-series domination are many, and varied. Technological advancements, quality of materials and craftsmanship, and a basic understanding of what a truck is, and what it should and needs to be able to do all come in to play along with lots of other aspects. And it's true from the largest F-Super Duty all the way down the line. Heck, we have a Ranger in the Ricart Ford showroom with over 700,000 miles on it, and it's still going strong! That's Built Ford Tough!

   In honor of Truck Month, Ricart Ford has plenty of F-series to pick your new truck from, and Ford is offering Rebates, Bonus Cash, and rates as low as 0% for as long as 60 months, and bunches of combinations for the three.

Knowing all that, and realizing that Ford Truck Month doesn't last forever, now is a good time to visit Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megmall and get your new F-series.

2011 Ford Explorer is North American Truck of The Year!

2011-01-12T10:54:00.007-05:00

Ford passes North American Truck Of The Year mantle... actually; the award is staying in the Ford Family, again!

The 2011 Ford Explorer was named the 2011 North American Truck Of The Year at the Detroit Auto Show January 10th, 2011, making it the third year in a row Ford has won Truck Of The Year. Last year the Ford Transit Connect got the award, and in 2009 it was the Ford F150.

One look at the new, 2011 Explorer lets you know that this is a very different Explorer than you have seen in the past, and according to critics and early owners, it's the best Ford Explorer ever!

From the new, strong, and light weight structure featuring high-tech materials, to the Terrain Management System and Intelligent 4 Wheel Drive; to the 2,000 pound towing capacity, MyFord Touch, SYNC, available EcoBoost engine and much more, the new 2011 Explorer is really... new!

A test drive of the 2011 Explorer on Ricart Ford's 6 acre test track should be all it takes to get you to add to the praises being heaped on the new Explorer, and the great part is, you can drive one today at Ricart Ford and see for yourself the value, innovation, quality, and comfort the 2011 Explrer delivers in spades. To set up your test drive, give Ricart Ford a buzz at 866-471-3777.

Haven't you scoped the Ford Fiesta yet?

2010-09-29T10:05:00.003-05:00

Sure it's kinda goofy, but Ricart Ford has been bringing the new 2011 Ford Fiesta to the people, if the people can not make it to the Fiesta!

Unless you have been hiding on a deserted island all summer long, you know the new Ford Fiesta is a hit, and are hard to find in various regions of the country... but not in Ohio, 'cause at Ricart Ford, we have a bunch of the new "rock star of cars", not by magic, but because we made sure to get enough from Ford to meet the demand. We knew the Fiesta was a big deal!

Ricart Ford has been hitting the street with the new Ford Fiesta, visiting parks, sporting events, fundraisers, offices... heck, we'll show up for your barbecue Saturday afternoon if you want! (Actually, we don't really have enough people to work at the store, and be at your house on Saturday, but you get the idea).

You've read about the new 2011 Fiesta and all the standard safety features, the equipment Ford put into the Fiesta that other makers wouldn't even dream of, the 40 plus miles per gallon, and all the rest, but to really get the Fiesta, you gotta drive one. So, if you don't see us pulling up in front of your office, or your kids soccer game, or that haunted hayride down the road, get to Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall and take the new Fiesta for a spin. That's when you'll get it too!

2011 Ford Mustang. Wow! Just, wow! See why at Ricart Ford.

2010-06-24T09:30:00.005-05:00

Just in case you haven't heard yet, the 2011 regular Ford Mustang, you know, the V6 Mustang coupe, now has 305 horsepower. The GT now has 412 horsepower. Oh. and the v6 starts under $23,000 and both have $500 bonus cash... like you'd need convincing if you were asked on a date by a supermodel! And with rates as low as 2.9%, that supermodel is picking up the check at dinner too!

The new, 2011 Ford Mustangs have added their mark to an already amazing vehicle history right out of the gate, with rave reviews for its performance, economy, and reaffirmation of its iconic styling. And speaking of iconic, July 4th weekend will mark the Ford Mustang's entry onto the track in a NASCAR event, at Daytona International Speedway.

You certainly don't have to take our word for it on the new, 2011 Ford Mustangs, with Motor Trend giving you a technical overview, MuscularMustangs.com posting all kinds of 2011 Mustang information, and Ford's own Mustang pages offering you all kinds of neat Mustangy things to play around with. Go and check what they have to offer up on the matter, and then get to Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall so you can take one of the 80 or so Mustangs we have available for a drive on our exclusive 6 acre test track, because if there was ever a need to have an exclusive 6 acre test track, the 2011 Mustang is it!

Ricart Ford really does stuff for you after the sale. Really!

2010-05-25T09:50:00.005-05:00

You certainly can tell summer is here, even if June 21st hasn’t shown up on the calendar yet. The smell of grilling drifts through the neighborhoods, school kids are getting antsy for that last day, Ricart Automotive Family activities are in full swing… oh, and the 2011 Mustangs are out, more the 2011 Super Duty trucks arrive almost daily, and the Fiesta is just around the corner. That’s a lot of stuff going on at The Ricart Megamall!

This past weekend, The Ricart Megamall played host to a Teen Driving Rally, two days of towing training, and Ford/ Microsoft SYNC clinic, all free to the public! Yeah, it does seem strange that a car dealer really does do things to enhance your automotive life AFTER YOU BUY, and even stranger to offer these programs to everyone, whether they are a Ricart customer or not! But that’s exactly what The Ricart Automotive Family does, regularly.

The Teen Driving Rally was a wildly successful and fun afternoon which combined driving safety with music, games, exhibitions, and prizes, all made possible by the collaboration of Columbus Division of Fire, MADD, Costco Wholesale, Columbus Public Health, Bloom School of Driving Dynamics, AAA, Sprint, Safe Communities, Sunny 95, The City of Columbus, American Family Insurance, and Ricart Automotive.

The towing training held both Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Ricart Ford with a hand from Paul’s Marine and Columbus Sail and Power Squadron allowed anyone who tows a trailer to learn the safest and most efficient ways to tow , and to gauge exactly what equipment best suits their needs. And as if we didn’t have a full enough weekend at Ricart, or SYNC Clinic helped even the most novice, low tech folks among us, easily learn how to use the Ford SYNC System, bringing them all happily into the twenty-first century.

You’ve got to admit, events like these enhance your vehicle ownership a bit more than an occasional call from a salesperson to see if you want another new car yet (if you even get that!). And at Ricart, we do this kind of stuff for you regularly. As a matter of fact, if you are into classic and custom cars and bikes, free live music, fun in the sun, all for a great cause, then join us at The Ricart Megamall Saturday (Mat 29th) from noon to six for the 2010 Earth Angel Car and Bike Super Cruise in, and “Be a Dream Maker”.

So I guess what we are saying is pretty simple. It’s one thing for a car dealer to say they value you after the sale, and completely another to actually offer you and your family experiences and activities that make your automotive life the best it can possibly be. That’s exactly what we do at Ricart Automotive.

If we don’t see you this weekend at The Ricart Megamall, we hope your family has a good Memorial Day weekend. Drive safely.

2010-03-31T09:43:00.012-05:00

Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall hosted the area premiere of the new Ford 2011 Super Duty Trucks, and it was easy to see Ford has another hit on its hands… and in a few days, it can be in your driveway and at your work site!

Rather than hit you with a bunch more stats and hardcore specs, we’ll offer up some simple, but telling observations about the 2011 Super Duty. The one we were all over was a Lariat Crew Cab with the new 6.7L Power Stroke.

Quiet. No, really… it is quiet. And to be honest, it was even quieter until Ford began to test the new engine and folks said it was too quiet, so Ford actually tweaked it to make a little of the noise diesel owners and operators find so soothing.

Clean. Just stick your nose near the tailpipe of the new Ford Power Stroke and smell. You’ll see. It’s actually cleaner than the emissions from any other combustion engine vehicle on the lot.

Economical. Like in 18% fuel economy increase for the new Power Stroke, although there is a rumor that on a test track in Cali, somebody unofficially managed to squeeze 32 mpg out of Ford’s new diesel in an F250 4X2.

Versatile. The new 2011 Ford Super Duty has best in class maximum towing and Gross Combined Weight Rating, Best in class maximum payload and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and the Ford only 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package, to name a few features which make the new 2011 Super Duty, the best truck ever.

Technology. Umm, most of this stuff is pretty heady, so see it all at this Ford site. The first of the 2011 Super Duty trucks for sale will be arriving at Ricart Ford any day, so you can call 877-244-0656 to set up a test drive so you can be one of the first owners of the All-New 2011 Ford Super Duty!

2010-03-20T12:14:00.003-05:00

The new 2011 Ford F-Super Duty will be at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall on Monday March 29th, and if you can get to The Megamall on Hamilton Road that Monday, you can join us and be among the first to scope out the toughest, cleanest, most economical Ford F-Super Duty yet. Oh, and there are a lot of technological advances too, which make the 2011 Super Duty the smartest truck ever.

From the new 6.7 liter Ford Built Diesel engine, giving best in class torque and horsepower, AND fuel economy, to the amazing driver information system that tops all other full-size trucks, to the standard side curtain and seat mounted airbags that come standard on all models, and everything else you’ll find on the new 2011 F-Super Duty, Ford had gotten it right… again! Make that even better than right, and you’ll see whyat Ricart Ford in the Ricart Megamall Monday March 29th, with appetizers and beveragesprovided by WHOK 95.5 The Hawk, and the chance to win $10,000 in genuine FordAccessories! RSVP at 877-244-0656

2010-02-04T15:05:00.005-05:00

Not to sound any alarms or anything, but do you find yourself kind of questioning the safety of that Toyota you see on the road behind you… next to you… in front of you… the one you drive? You are not alone as you think it. Quality just isn’t synonymous with Toyota anymore, and so it seems safety may be lacking as well.

So with the long standing mantra that Toyota is a fabulous manufacturer sadly rusting away like an old Yugo, folks are turning away from Toyota in rising numbers, and turning to a vehicle company that offers quality and safety in cars, trucks, and other vehicles people actually love to own. Ford.

No matter how long someone has owned import cars, there is a certain comfort and familiarity when they climb into a new Ford. And when they drive that Ford, they suddenly “get it”. That’s why more than one former Toyota owner has asked themselves why they waited so long to get a Ford. We’ll leave the soul searching to them.

With the U.S. Transportation Secretary initially calling for Toyota owners to park their cars if they can’t get them fixed immediately, the software problems, the refusal of some lenders to give loans to buy new Toyotas, and all the rest of the problems, now is the right time to pick out the Ford you like, and drive one!

More Awards for Ford

2010-01-15T14:26:00.003-05:00

... not bad. Not bad at all!!

Motor Trend Car of the Year Ford Fusion, and Ricart's economic grassroots movement

2009-11-18T12:13:00.007-05:00

So here's how we are going to give a leg up to the American economy, but we need your help to do it. That's where the real "we" part comes in.

Nope, no hand outs, bail outs, or time outs. Nothing like that at all. What we are going to do is continue to sell Fords, the best quality vehicles available anywhere, and you are going to tell as many people as you can about Fords. Piece of cake.

Since we have been a Ford store since 1953, our part as Ricart Ford is pretty easy. We just keep offering folks the Ricart Experience. You know, the $1,000 low price guarantee, the best trained personnel in sales and service, selection, six acre test track, etc...

Your part in this big economic boost we have planned is easy too! Just tell your friends and family, even complete strangers little tid bits about Ford, like the 2010 Ford Fusion winning Motor Trend's Car of the Year Award. How about F150 being Motor Trend's Truck of the Year last year. Tell them about the Ford and Microsoft SYNC System that only Ford offers, or the fact the F-series has been the best selling vehicle line for over thirty years! Oh, and don't forget to mention Ford didn't take a dime of government money, and has posted a profit with American vehicles like the Taurus, Edge, Focus, Escape, Fusion, Explorer, Expedition, F-series, E-series, Mustang, and Flex.

By combing the quality of vehicles built by Ford, the quality of your buying and ownership experience provided by Ricart Ford, and you getting the word out to as many people as possible, we can create one of those 'grass roots movements" that's all over the news lately, and stage our own economic recover right here right now.

2009-10-14T10:06:00.002-05:00

Ricart Ford in The Ricart Automotive Megamall is working with 101 Mobility to offer affordable technologies that make driving and enjoying a motor vehicle accessible to people with physical challenges, or who have family members who require special transportation considerations.

On Saturday, October 24 from 9a-12n, Ricart Ford will host informative and enlightening presentations by 101 Mobility in the Ford Showroom at 4255 South Hamilton Rd. which will showcase the tools now available to assist in making vehicle ownership and operation easier or even possible for many. From lifts, to ramps, to sources of funding assistance and more, 101 Mobility, a leader in local mobility and access equipment, and Ricart Ford will provide valuable information beneficial to anybody with mobility and vehicle questions. The Ricart Ford Mobility Team will also discuss the various manufacturer programs available to assist in the purchase of mobility devices and conversions for passenger vehicles.

Along with the displays and demonstrations, including a fully functional demo auto lift, refreshments will be served during the event, and 101 Mobility is offering free installation of all new mobility products sold at Ricart Ford that day. Guests can also register to win a 101 Mobility scooter.

Anyone with questions can call 866-392-3394. More information about 101 Mobility can be found at http://www.101mobility.com/, and about Ricart Automotive at www.ricart.com.

What'd we learn from Cash for Clunkers?

2009-08-25T12:40:00.005-05:00

The “Cash for Clunkers” program reaffirmed something for us at Ricart Automotive that we have always known… Americans really love their cars. We could tell by looking at the woman who tearfully sat in her late 80’s Buick one last minute before driving off in her new 2010 Fusion with a smile as wide as a four lane highway. We could tell when a family asked us to take pictures of their old van and email the pictures to their house, where they would keep them as a reminder of all those miles they shared before it became a clunker. They also had us take pictures of their new Escape. The really amazing thing is, these were not rare occurrences during the “Clunkers” program.

A lot of people were sad to be trading away their old, rust and primer spotted, have seen much better days (some even with duct tape repair jobs), cars and trucks. Of course, all those very same people will soon be just as madly in love with their new Escape and Focus, Fusion and Flex, Ranger and Edge as they were with their clunker… probably an even deeper love because the economy, safety features, and quality of their new Ford is far superior to what they just got rid of. Oops, better make that traded in instead of “got rid of “. It seems like a much more fitting end to a beloved family member. And that’s the point driven home to us during “Cash for Clunkers”. No matter how much we deny it, and try to research it away, buying a new car is an emotional experience. The promise of an exciting new relationship with your latest ride, and the fond memories of your former wheels racing through your mind are a lot like feelings we usually save for our family and closest friends, probably because we see our vehicles as both.

The Ricart Automotive Family thanks and congratulates all those folks who made a new Ricart vehicle part of their family, and became part of ours during the “Cash for Clunkers” program

Ford F150 Raptor Arrives at Ricart Ford

2009-08-08T10:53:00.014-05:00

Its existence has been rumored for a long time now. Its heritage is undeniable. Its name says it all. The 2010 Ford SVT F150 Raptor is now prowling the lot at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megmall, and is ready for you to climb in and rip it up at your favorite off-road site… and even some places you could never dream of before the rise of The Raptor! Chances are, if the thought of being airborne in a truck at seventy miles an hour scares the living daylights out of you, then you should step away from this article and go read about the other F150’s available for you. But if you have the brass, and are willing to eat tacks, point that right big toe toward the floor, and let’s go !

The first thing you probably noticed about the Raptor is the look. This is an off-road truck, not a race car in truck’s clothing like the Lightning was. Raptor has been designed and built with the singular thought of taking your four wheel drive experience to an all new level, unless of course you are a professional Baja Racer. That’s why the Raptor’s development included painstaking tests which recorded the stresses and strains placed on all components so the SVT Team could clearly identify and rectify any issues that caused a part to perform at less than peak or even fail due to the demands placed upon it.

When you stop by Ricart Ford to scope the Raptor, take a look underneath the beast. That long traverse suspension that used to require aftermarket parts and work, and a pretty good sized pile of money was developed by the Ford SVT Team and Fox Racing, including Raptor only shocks. The front shocks have 2.7 more inches of travel than a regular F150, allowing for control of the massive forces placed on them during off-road impacts (like when your Raptor catches some brutal air). The rear bypass shocks, with extra oil to keep them cool, use an internal bypass system which, in a nutshell means you will not have to adjust the shocks while on course, maintenance is never an issue, and the chance of damage due to course debris is non-existent. No muss, no fuss!

The Ford F150 Raptor also incorporates a special SVT created powertrain function named Off-Road Mode which is push-button activated and leaves the butterfly valve wide open during acceleration, giving you a linear throttle response instead of losing power as you acceleration reaches its end like on a regular truck. If you read that last bit and are scratching your head, don’t worry… just click here for a full tour of the Raptor on Ford’s website. Oh, and the Raptor has been so well conceived and designed, the U.S. Border Patrol may be using them soon.

From the tires, to the metal used to manufacturer its components, to Fox Racing’s involvement, to the tests used during its development, to pretty much everything about the new 2010 Ford F150 Raptor, it all ads up to a true off-road truck that will take your breath away while with its looks and innovations… and leave your stomach behind you when you let it do what it was designed to do on an off-road course. Stop by Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall and see "it" for yourself!

Cash for Clunkers on now at Ricart Ford

2009-07-24T10:56:00.006-05:00

This old Caddy was the first fuel swilling car taken off the road at Ricart Ford just minutes after the official start of the Federal Government's Cash for Clunkers program. While the Caddy had served them well over the years, the couple who traded it in will see dramatic savings in gas in their new 2010 Fusion, with the best mileage of any mid-size sedan. Add that to the quality, craftsmanship, and styling of the new 2010 Ford Fusion, and you get a vehicle they will be thrilled with for years to come, and by the looks of how clean their caddy was, WE MEAN YEARS!

Young folks are getting in on the Cash for Clunkers Program at Ricart Ford as well, and we have seen a really good mix of all kinds of people taking advantage of the best slection in the region of Focus, Fusions, Escapes, trucks... the whole gammut of all the new Ford vehicles that meet the CARS criteria, so if you have been sitting on the sidelines so far, it's probably a good time to stop by Ricart Ford for a visit to see exactly what the program can mean to you. If you are interested, give us a ring at 888-355-6934.

Gotta go, there's this nice lady who wants to drive an Escape on the test track...

Ford Transit Connect really is a commercial system, not just a van!

2009-07-23T14:58:00.006-05:00

We had the Ford Transit Connect in store, and everyone who came to see this pre-release, sneak peek all had positive feedback... even the guy who worked at one of Ohio's state prisons, who thought the Transit Wagon set up would be great for transporting their "wards of the state" in. We'll take his word on that one, but all the other available features, systems, technologies, and possibilities make Transit Connect the correct choice for businesses of all kinds.

Some of the cooler features include the "Tool Link" system by Dewalt that lets you know if you have left any tools outside of your Transit Connect BEFORE you leave the job site. And speaking of sites, the in-dash Windows CE computer will keep your office on wheels connected by hands free telephone, to the Internet, and it will even let you print to the available wireless printer! Add the Garmin nav system, and you are good to go out and take your business almost anywhere... literally! If you want more information on Transit Connect, check it out here, or give The Ricart Ford Commercial Vehicle Team a call at 800-332-5872.

CARS math equals, Hurry Up!

2009-07-07T11:14:00.006-05:00

At Ricart Ford we sat down with a calculator and did a little simple math involving the numbers you have heard thrown around whenever you hear about the "Cash For Clunkers" program.
The first number is one-billion, the amount of money the program has been given. That looks like this...
$1,000,000,000. In case you haven't counted yourself, that's with nine zeroes!
The next number is $4,000, and that's the average amount to be given by the program when you trade an uneconomical vehicle.
So, if you divide $1,000,000,000 by $4,000, you get 250,000 that will get the cash.
In today's automotive environment, that is 8 days worth of new car sales across the United States. Eight days!
The CARS program will certainly help many people to get a more economical ride, but the resources are limited, and will be honored on a first come, first served basis, so the early bird will indeed catch the worm. That's why at Ricart Ford, we invite our customers to visit our store in The Ricart Megmall now to lock in the new Ford they want, and make certain everything is in place to help make sure they do not miss out! There's even a special number they can call to set up their visit, 888-355-6934.
That sure is a bunch of numbers, so even if you aren't very good at math, the result is clear... if you are planning on going with the CARS program, best to come see us sooner than later!

Ford President's Award given to Ricart Ford

2009-03-17T12:39:00.004-05:00

Over the years, Ricart Ford in the Ricart Megmall has received all kinds of awards. Awards from J.D. Power and Associates for being the largest volume Ford store in the country. Awards like the Consumer’s Choice award, which we have been given eight years in a row. Awards like Ford’s Blue Oval Certification for consistently meeting our customer’s expectations in sales and service. Well, we now can add The Ford Motor Company President’s Award for achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction in sales and service… in other words, it’s an award for surpassing the expectations of our customers, and it is an award that very rarely is presented to a volume Ford store like Ricart Ford.

The Ford President’s award is based on the satisfaction surveys our customers receive, fill out, and return to Ford after they purchase or have their vehicle serviced here at Ricart Ford, and it really means more to us than any of the other awards we have gotten. It says we provide you an automotive experience you can’t get anywhere else. It shows we mean it when we say you are the most important part of our Ricart Ford Family.

If you are already part of the Ricart Ford Family, thanks! If you have yet to join the fold, we look forward to meeting you soon and showing you exactly why Ford and our customers have bestowed the honor of The President’s Award on Ricart Ford.

Ricart has Carroll Shelby autographed Mustang GT500 KR

2009-02-17T14:36:00.024-05:00

Dick Dastardly's Mean Machine.

Marty McFly and Doc Brown’s Delorean.
Speed Racer's Mach 5.

Sure, all three of the cars above are truly one of a kind. So is the Carroll Shelby autographed 2009 Shelby Mustang GT 500 KR at Ricart Ford… the only difference is you can actual own the KR!

We’ve written before about the KR, so chances are you know it is a very limited production model. As a matter of fact, the autographed KR is number 512 for the 2009 model year, and is the last Shelby GT500 we will have for retail sale.

Of course, this probably isn’t the kind of car a kid would buy to tool around town in. The KR is for a serious car lover, one with a passion not only for the iconic Ford Mustang but who also appreciates the customizing these cars go through at the Shelby shop, tweaking them to the highest possible performance levels and creating a truly special driving experience. If you are such a driver, then the Shelby GT500 KR is the Mustang you have long dreamed of, and at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall, you can make that dream come true in one of the four Mustang KR cars. You even have the choice of Black, Silver, or Red! At Ricart Ford, we have other very special Mustangs available, like the Mustang Bullitt package, and the Shelby GT500 (without the KR customization). See them all here.

Basically, it boils down to this… Ricart Ford has your dream Mustang waiting on you. As for the Mach 5, Delorean Time Machine, or The Mean Machine, you are on your own.

Ricart Ford view of winter storm.

2009-01-31T10:27:00.002-05:00

If you live in one of the many places from the Midwest to the Northeast which has the recipient of ice and snow this past week, then you or someone you know has had or still has a car with ice patches covering some, most, or all of it… except the little peep hole you gouged out on the windshield so you could at least move the thing so you could shovel your driveway or parking space. (Of course you would never ever drive around the streets with just a peep hole, right?)

Well, seeing that Ricart Ford is located in Columbus, Ohio, we did get the ice and snow. We also thought a few tips on dealing with it are in order.

So when your vehicle is covered in ice, what do you do? If you are unable to hop the next flight to Miami or someplace even warmer, then Plan “A” of waiting on a white sandy beach until June and the natural melting of the ice before you return just isn’t an option for you.

Since you should never pour water on the vehicle to melt the ice, as this can cause “spider webbing” in the paint, you’ll probably want to go with Plan “B”. If you are able to open a door to the vehicle, just start it up, turn the car heater to defrost, adjust the heat setting as high as it goes, and turn the blower on low. Because heat rises, the top of the car is where the ice will begin to melt first. As water builds up between the car and the melting ice, you can lift the ice off in manageable pieces, but try to avoid sliding the ice off as much as possible to avoid any dirt in the ice or water scratching along the painted surface. If you can not open the door, then a long (out door) extension cord and a hair dryer can be used to melt enough ice around one of the doors to allow you to get in and move on with Plan “B”.

If windshield icing is the problem, you can also spray a mixture of ½ water and ½ vinegar on the glass to help melt the ice faster.

Obviously mentioning driving around with just a peep hole through the ice on your windshield was just a joke, because if you do drive around with ice and snow on your car, it’s gonna start breaking off as you drive and it melts, and when it does, you place all the vehicles around you in danger of being hit by the frozen debris as it flies off your car. Oh, and if you check with Law Enforcement Officials in your area, you will probably find it is illegal to drive around like that in your community, but enough of this standing on a soap box… you’ll do the right thing.

We hope this helps you with any future iced car problems, and if you ever need any other vehicle advice or assistance, just contact your Ricart Ford Family. Drive safely!

Consumer Reports recommends lots of Fords, and Ricart has them all.

2009-01-08T13:12:00.013-05:00

It’s the start of a new year, and the accolades for Ford just keep on coming, all hot on the heels of Motor Trend’s choice of the new 2009 F150 as “The Truck of he Year”.
This time it’s Consumer Reports singing the praises of The Blue Oval by placing six Fords on its list of eight recommended vehicles from the Big Three American Manufacturers. Chevy managed to land two cars on the list, and Chrysler had none.

Consumer Reports is planning on releasing the list in their February issue, a couple months earlier than the norm, and on it will be the Ford Fusion, Taurus, and Taurus X along with the Mercury Milan, Sable, and MKZ. According to CR, this early release is a shortened list, with the complete version due in a couple of months when testing of all models and brands are complete. Looks like they just couldn’t wait to get the word out!

As part of its praise for Ford, the nation’s leading consumer periodical said that almost all Ford vehicles rank average or better for their reliability. As a matter of fact, David Champion, CR’s chief car tester said, “Ford has been doing a lot right on reliability for the past five years. It’s not immediately apparent that the Ford Fusion would be more reliable than the Toyota Camry, but it is…”

Hmmm… Fusion more reliable than Camry according to Consumer Reports, and when you buy a Fusion, the cash doesn’t hop a boat to Japan. Kind of makes you wonder why people here in The States are still buying the Toyo doesn’t it? Are you on your way to Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall for that new Ford yet?

Enjoy Your Holidays!

2008-12-23T10:07:00.006-05:00

Experience the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year at Ricart Ford

2008-12-17T10:28:00.010-05:00

This truly is a festive time of year at Ricart Ford. There are decorations everywhere. The smell of fresh baked cookies wafts from the break room. Motor Trend announced the new Ford F150 as its 2009 Truck of the Year. People seem a bit happier. Did I mention the new Ford F150 has been announced as Motor Trend’s 2009 Truck of the Year? It bears repeating you know, especially since the new 2009 F150 not only beat out the revamped Dodge Ram, but the critics at Motor Tend have heralded the new 2009 F150 as the best F150 ever, and that’s saying a whole lot!

Sure, I could tell you about the 12% fuel economy increase for the 2009 F150, or the benefits of the best in class rigidity, pay-load capacity, and tow ratings, but will instead let you read it from Motor Trend here. It always seems to mean a bit more when you hear it from unbiased vehicle experts doesn’t it? Now that you have heard Motor Trend’s opinion, it’s time for you to stop by Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall and see about the new 2009 Ford F150 for yourself. While you are scoping out he best F150 ever, keep all these points from Ford in mind:

"Unrivaled Capability: Best-in-class towing (11,300 lbs.), hauling capacity of 3,030 lbs. and more standard safety equipment than any other half-ton pickup on the market, at a real value.
Unsurpassed Fuel Economy: The 2009 F-150 has a fleet-wide fuel economy improvement of 8 percent versus the 2008 model; fuel economy improves by as much as 12 percent for trucks equipped with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine. A new superior fuel economy package SFE, available on our highest-volume F-150 XL and XLT models delivers an unmatched combination: unsurpassed 15 mpg in the city/21 mpg on the highway while still offering 7,500 lbs. of towing capacity."

"More Choice: With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 meets the widest range of customer needs and wants. It s powered by one of three V-8 engines, mated to either a four-speed or a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission."

"Smart Features: F-150 s industry-exclusive smart features and class-leading technology help make truck owners more productive and driving, towing and hauling easier and safer. Cutting-edge connectivity technologies include Ford SYNC, SIRIUS Travel Link, voice-activated navigation and Sony audio. Through Ford Work Solutions, customers will have the connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business from their Ford truck even on the job site. We've also made the F-150 s pickup box easier to use, more flexible and accessible."

"Quality and Durability Legacy: There are more F-Series trucks with 250,000 miles or more on the road today than any other trucks. No company has a more durable pickup than F-150 at three years in service."

May we now suggest an addition to your family’s traditions this year? Then plan to visit us at Ricart Ford over the Holidays for a look at the 2009 F150, and a test drive too. Come see why it really is a festive time of year. Did we mention the Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award yet?

Ford Employee Pricing Plus brings "more" Ricart Ford

2008-11-20T11:10:00.002-05:00

When you hear the word “plus”, you know something else is coming, something more. That can be a good thing, like when you bid on and win The Price is Right Showcase and the prizes include an HD television, plus a vacation on the beach, plus season tickets to your favorite sports team, plus a new Ford with Sync, plus… you get the idea.

Plus means something more, over and above what you expect, and is exactly what you are getting with Ford’s Employee Pricing Plu$ program right now at Ricart Ford in the Megamall, the value and experience you know you always get from Ricart Ford, and then some! It’s the easiest way ever to get a new Ford car, truck, SUV, or CUV, and the years of trouble free, cost effective driving that go with it. Think about it… that new car smell and the buzz you get from just sitting in your new ride, and the knowledge that you won’t have any unexpected vehicle repair costs for a few years is pretty cool too! That’s a big plus!

The Employee Pricing Plus Program at Ricart Ford is easy to take advantage of. Simply visit Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall, find the new Ford you want, look at the special Employee Pricing Plus Program Price Sticker on the window to see your savings, take it for a test drive, then drive your new Ford home with the secure feeling of The Ricart Advantage riding with you wherever you go. Told you it was easy.

Ford has vehicle quality handled quite nicely, and Ricart Ford will ensure you have the best possible experience the whole time you own your Ford, and Employee Pricing Plus gives you the best pricing of the year. The vehicle stars have aligned, you only have to reach for them by January 5th.

Ricart Ford to make big announcement November 19th...

2008-11-13T09:48:00.008-05:00

It’s like in a western movie, when the heroes feel the rumble of hooves rising up from the ground, letting them know that many riders are approaching long before they can be seen. It’s the feeling that builds before you open the door to see what your blind date looks like. It’s like choosing between the box, or the curtain behind Carol Merrill? It’s what Carly Simon sang about in the ketchup commercial. It’s anticipation, and it’s killing me!

Something is coming from Ford, and it sounds, and looks like it is going to be really big. It’s not a new vehicle because the new, better than ever, redesigned 2009 F150 has already arrived at Ricart Ford in The Megamall. It’s not the Ford/Microsoft Sync system being available in even more Ford vehicles this year, because everybody knows that already. It’s not the new that Ford’s quality now rivals, and often surpasses Honda and Toyota because it has been doing that for a while now, and it isn’t really “news” anymore. Nope… it’s not any of these.

So what’s Ford planning that is so huge, so landscape altering, so useful to you right now that you can even now begin to sense its approaching arrival? I don’t know man, but if you go to http://www.ricartfordauto.com/ at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, November 19th you will find out, and it’ll be big!

See you then!

Ricart Ford has financing available right now!

2008-11-07T11:26:00.012-05:00

I am confused. More than just a little bit, I am confused. What I don’t understand is why I keep hearing how hard it is for us all to finance a new car because there are no lenders willing to lend money right now. That’s odd, because I have been seeing 0% interest rate offers from Ford at Ricart Ford in The Megamall on various new Ford vehicles for weeks. I know what you are thinking, “Yeah, but you gotta be approved for that kinda rate… with good credit.”

That is true, you need good credit to get 0%. But you can still get a great rate with average credit, and find financing even with some bruises on your credit past. Believe it or not, people are buying Ford cars, trucks, SUV’s and CUV’s right now, (unless you are reading this in the middle of the night, in which case they will be by in the morning to get their new Ford).

You know, if you think about it, there are plenty of good reasons to buy a new Ford now. One is the quality of your new Ford, which critics say rivals and often surpasses the quality level of Toyota and Honda. Another good reason is what is called the “gas and go” stage of your vehicle ownership experience. That’s when your new Ford is covered under the factory warranty and has full road-side assistance so you basically put the gas in it, change the oil when scheduled, and drive along with no worries like unexpected repair bills and the like. This reason moves from good to great fast if you are currently making payments on an older vehicle.

Finally, the best reason to get a new Ford now is simple. We have been feeling down for a while now, and nothing, and I mean nothing will pull you out of a slump and plaster a smile all over your face like tooling around in a brand spankin’, fresh off the lot smellin’, no worryin’, all heads turnin’ to see, your new Ford!

Seriously… the incentives at Ricart Ford are really good, your experience will always be second to none, our staff really makes you realize you are the most important part of the Ricart Ford Family, and you really, really can get financing right now at Ricart Ford in The Megamall, and getting a new Ford now actually can make a lot of sense for a lot of us.

Reliable Ford value resides at Ricart Ford (Wow, alliteration)

2008-10-29T09:49:00.018-05:00

Reliability means many things to us. It means your loyal dog at your feet on a chilly night, or your best friend watching your back in a tough spot, or even Old Faithful doing what geysers do at predictable times to thrill vacationers at Yellowstone Park.

Reliability also means the vehicles you’ll find at Ricart Ford according to the 2008 Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey, which says, “Almost all Ford models are now average or better… Ford's reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers.”

The article goes on to rave that the Fusion is among “the most reliable family cars” and has the Focus landing an above average rating. Check for yourself here.

Obviously this is great news for Ford and Ricart, since Ford is our flagship brand, and also for those folks who have said to themselves in the past that they wanted to buy an American car, but they just aren’t as reliable as Japanese cars. Well… actually a Ford is as reliable, costs less, and tends to have more innovations than Pacific Rim cars… and most of all, it’s a Ford!

Reliability does mean many things, and at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall, it means even more value in your new Ford car, truck, SUV, or CUV. So, when you spend your hard earned money on a new Ford at Ricart, it’s worth every penny and so much more… you can rely on that!

Fall Classics, The World Series and Ricart Ford Truck Season

2008-10-21T10:37:00.003-05:00

For my money, October is the best time of year for sports. Football is in full gear, hockey and hoops are getting under way, and my favorite, Major League Baseball is preparing to crown their champs. During the baseball playoffs you get to see salted veterans and still wet behind the ears youngsters perform on one of the world’s largest stages, so whether you love the excitement, energy, and promise of the new, or prefer the tried, tested, and true performance of the well known, it’s a great time to be into baseball.

If you’re a truck person, or just need to have a truck, it’s a great time to stop by Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall because we have two great performers together on one stage for you too, just like Major League Baseball… the legendary 2008 Ford F150 and the new, redesigned 2009 Ford F150… the solid veteran and the five tool rookie!

For the cagey old vet, the 2008 F150’s you’ll see thousands in rebates and discounts, or rates as low as 0% for 60 months, automatic regular cabs as low as $11,995 with the Ford Credit and Factory Lease term rebates… or $8500 to $11,000 off MSRP on 4X4 Supercabs… or $10,000 to $12,500 off F150 crews… come see us for all the possibilities and full details.

As far as the new 2009 F150’s go, it’s the truck with the heart and heritage of generations of F-series, and the innovations and enhancements which will maintain Ford’s truck leadership for years to come! Use this link to discover why the new 2009 F150 brings value, reliability, style, and much more to your workplace or driveway, ably taking the ball from its predecessor, and carrying the tradition forward. To set up your test drive at Ricart Ford, just give us a call at 866-494-7397.

0% on F-series and Taurus at Ricart Ford

2008-10-14T10:51:00.005-05:00

“Nothin’ from nothin’ means nothin’… you gotta have nothin’, if you wanna be with me!”

According to Billy Preston (the true fifth Beatle) in his 1974 song, and more importantly, according to Ricart Ford and Ford Credit recently, nothin’ really means something because there’s a lot of nothin’ happening right now for qualified buyers of new 2008 F-series trucks, Taurus’, or Taurus X’s… no interest for 60 months with financing through Ford Credit.

“Now wait a minute,” I know you are asking yourself, “what about the credit crunch?” If you want a new 2008 F150 through F550 truck, or a new 2008 Ford Taurus or Taurus X, there is no crunch, there’s 0% for 60 months when you qualify through Ford. That’s more like an anti-crunch! A none crunch! A complete lack of crunchiness! Hot oatmeal as opposed to dry corn flakes. You get the idea.

What it all boils down to is this. If you have been thinking about a new Ford F-series truck, or a new Taurus or Taurus X, you can save thousands in finance charges by getting to Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall as soon as you can for the best selection, and while you still have time, because this 0% offer ends November 3, 2008.

Oh, and if you are old enough to remember the Billy Preston song, I really am sorry it will be playing in your head for the rest of the day. At least it’s not Melanie’s “Brand New Key”! (“I got a brand new pair of roller skates…”)

Ford MyKey tech coming to Ricart Ford for 2010

2008-10-08T10:06:00.008-05:00

When you are a teenager, say sixteen or seventeen years old, there is no rush of freedom quite like when you get the keys to the family car and head out on the road… no Mom, no Dad, no hassles. The problem is, a teen is dramatically more likely to be involved in an accident because teens tend to speed more, fasten their seat belts less, blast their tunes louder, and in general lack the experience most adult drivers are able to acquire over time. Ford, that innovator of automotive technology has come up with a device which will help keep younger drivers safer, giving them the chance to build the skills that only come from being behind the wheel. It’s Ford’s new MyKey, and it will be available as standard equipment at Ricart Ford in the Ricart Megamall starting with the 2010 Ford Focus coupes.

MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage their kids to learn safer driving skills, as well as increase the fuel economy of their vehicles, and it does it by letting Mom or Dad, Grampa, Uncle Dave, or whoever limit the top speed of the vehicle, the volume of the radio/entertainment system, give earlier warning signals when the vehicle is low on fuel, encourage the use of safety belts, and give audible cues when the car attains specific speeds, like 55 miles per hour. All this should help your younger driver be more aware of how they are driving, enhance their focus while they are tooling around town, and prevent you from having to endure DMX at sonic shrapnel volumes if you are first to start up the car after your youngster has driven it.

MyKey is only one of the ways Ford has been working to help your family drive more safely. Another is Ford’s Driving Skills for Life Website (see it here) which is a gold mine of information and tips for teen drivers, and drivers of all ages. Ricart Ford takes the safety of younger drivers, and all drivers so seriously, we have teamed with The Bloom School of Driving Dynamics in offering one of a kind, hands-on training at The Ricart Megmall. Check out all the details, and sign up for the course on the Bloom Driving Dynamics site.

Ford’s MyKey and Driving Skills for Life, and Ricart Ford’s relationship with Bloom Driving Dynamics are a few more ways that Ricart and Ford continue to build a family experience of vehicle ownership for all of our customers. After all, everyone wants to keep their family members as safe as possible when they're on the road.

Shelby GT500 KR arrives at Ricart Ford (and you gotta check this beast out!)

2008-09-27T11:46:00.005-05:00

September 25th was a very special day at Ricart Ford in the Ricart Megmall, because the rebirth of a legend took place at about 4:30 in the afternoon. That’s when we welcomed a 3,700 pound bouncing, 540 or so horsepower, Shelby Mustang GT500 KR, King of the Road to our store!

All these photos were taken just after the KR was backed out of the covered transport, waiting to be hand washed using the mildest cleaning solutions, and wiped down with shammy clothes spun from the finest standards available… you get the idea. This is a car you just don’t put through the automatic car wash.

The list of features for the Shelby GT500 KR is truly impressive, almost mind boggling! From the carbon-composite hood mirroring the classic Shelby KR design, to the 40th anniversary Shelby badging, six speed short-throw shifter married to a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 that cranks 510 ft-lbs. of torque and an estimated 540 horsepower, to the Shelby embroidered headrests and dash nameplate, to the unique performance suspension and much more, the Shelby KR is one amazing piece of machinery.

You can see, smell, and (gently) touch the Shelby GT500 King of the Road on the showroom floor at Ricart Ford in the Ricart Megmall on South Hamilton Road in Columbus, Ohio. Oh, and if you are thinking that maybe the KR is a bit more than what you want in a Mustang, don’t worry, there are plenty of V6’s, GT’s, Bullitts, and even some more Shelbys to check out. Heck, if we had many more, we’d have to change our name to The Ricart Ranch!

Ford-Microsoft Sync goes to New York, in my Focus.

2008-09-20T09:17:00.011-05:00

So a few weeks ago I drove our 2008 Ford Focus SE to New York to visit my folks, the same ones we visited in Florida this past Easter. They spend summers on a small lake between the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s lovely there, but I really want to tell you about how cool the Ford-Microsoft Sync system is when you get the chance to put it through its paces. I’ll tell you about the ducks and geese on the lake, and the first tinges of autumn color on the hillsides some other time. Hopefully the picture will tide you over.

Anyway, we left The Ricart Automotive campus at about nine in the morning after stopping by to pick a couple of things. By the time we made the first turn onto Hamilton Road, the Sync had already indexed the additional songs I had put on the Zune MP3 player the night before, and everything was set to put that talking car to work!

I pushed the media button on the steering wheel… “Sync, please say a command” comes the pleasant female voice, not at all mechanical or clunky.
“U.S.B.”, I tell her because that’s the port under the radio and Sync console where I plug in my 80G Zune. (With over 10,000 songs ranging from stuff by AC/DC to Zwan and all points in between!)
“U.S.B. Please say a command.” she says, again politely, bringing me to the realization that my new Focus is a girl.
“Play playlist Road Tunes!”
“Playing playlist Road Tunes…” The quietness of the Focus’ cabin is then immediately shattered by the down-beat of Headin’ Out On The Highway by Judas Priest and we were on our way!

Of course Sync does not limit you to playing just playlists, its indexing system and the speech recognition programming lets you choose what you want played by album title, artist, genre, or playlist. Sync does just about everything for your musical entertainment in your car except teach you to play all the songs yourself! (Please do not attempt to play guitar, drums, keyboards, bag pipes, or any other musical instruments while driving. (Oh, and if you want a free lesson or two on guitar, Fred’s giving lessons at fredricart.com.)

When we were about an hour outside of Syracuse, I called my folk’s house to let them know what progress we were making, and all I head to do was push the phone button on the steering wheel, the music muted, and there she was again… that voice.
“Phone, please say a command”
“Call Mom at lake” I say and the phone starts to ring at their house.

Since the trip to New York was the first chance I have had to interact with my Focus and Sync, it wasn’t until we got back home to Columbus that I realized what a great safety, convenience, and entertainment device it actually is. Oh, and again this year, Sync is only available on Ford Company vehicles, so if you stop by Ricart Ford in the Megamall sometime, just ask to check out Sync. After you do, I’m sure you’ll want one too.

The New Truck- 2009 F0rd F150

2008-08-20T15:00:00.003-05:00

If you are into trucks, really into trucks, you are probably counting the days until the all-new 2009 Ford F150 hits the asphalt at Ricart Ford in The Ricart Megamall. That’s cool because we are counting down the days too… to September 9th when we (and you) will have the first chance to see, smell, touch, climb all over, and drive the latest version of the only half-ton that’s built Ford tough!

We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you should be left slack-jawed with what Ford has done with the F150. The best-in-class payload capacity has been enhanced with industry firsts like the box side step, and an available integrated tailgate step that makes it easier to get all you need to haul into one of the available box styles saving you time and trips!

If you need to tow, the 2009 F150 has taken the factory installed Integrated Brake Control, a familiar feature to F-Super Duty owners, and adapted it to the F150, another class first innovation. When combined with trailer sway control, you now get a towing experience that other owners only dream of.

If this short list of advancements in truck design makes you think that Ford has really, really nailed tough with the all-new F150, you’re right, but that doesn’t mean it’s unrefined… you’ll hear that when you drive or ride in one, and the difference is in what you don’t hear. This really is a truck tat will bust hump all day, and clean up really nice for the night. Oh, and with the no-cost option of the Flex Fuel engine, the F150 can do it all and still respect the environment.

I’ve already let quite a bit of the cat out of the bag, so you’ll just have to join the Ricart Ford Truck Team at the Ricart Megamall Tuesday, September 9th from 5 to 7 p.m. to see all this and more for yourself.

Ford Flex a comin'!

2008-05-14T10:41:00.012-05:00

It’s not like there is pacing up and down the polished floor of the showroom with groups of people looking a lot like expectant fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. No, there are no scenes like that, but the anticipation of the new 2009 Ford Flex arriving soon is actually growing pretty strong.

When the Flex hits the Ricart Ford showroom in a few weeks, families will see a vehicle designed with them in mind. As a matter of fact, anyone who needs to move five or six people comfortably will be finding that someone has finally designed and built a vehicle for them that isn’t a mini-van (ick) or have an armored personnel carrier as its kissing cousin!

To be sure, the new Flex is large enough to take the family to church in one trip, but you’ll be surprised that it doesn’t look, or maybe more importantly, feel like you are cruising on the Queen Mary… far from it! As a matter of fact, Edward Loh of Motor Trend said, “…the Flex manages to look long, wide, and low at the same time. It’s not fat or ungainly though.”

The 2009 Ford Flex boasts more third row seat space than the Mazda CX9, the 2008 winner for most rear seat roominess which should avoid fights over who is going to sit in the “way back”, a point which will become extremely obvious once you sit back there. Oh, and while you are there, check out the view. Yes, that is stadium seating in the Flex which allows you to see all around, including through the windshield for a great view of the road ahead. And speaking of views, you can get the Flex with moon roofs for the middle and rear seats which give it an expansive feel, open but still cozy.

Cozy is a great way to describe the way the amenities for the Ford Flex work together in a logical manner to afford comfort and convenience to all, from an available cooler chest in the combination console to the Sync navigation/audio system for hands free phone use, music, sports updates, directions and more. The Flex is cozy and cool.

If you have ever tried to describe love to somebody, then you know how hard it is to explain… and that’s a lot like trying to talk about a segment shattering vehicle like the 2009 Ford Flex before anyone has the chance to really get inside it and drive it around… but once you do get in and drive one it’s almost a certainty you’ll love it, and then it’s your turn to describe Flex to your friends.

Let's Refuel America... Gas Gimmick

2008-05-07T15:01:00.005-05:00

Chrysler has just announced what it calls the “Let’s Refuel America” program, which promises that you will pay $2.99 a gallon for gas for the next three years, no matter how high the actual cost may rise. Sounds easy huh? Sounds great too, huh? Well, I contacted a friend of mine who graduated from MIT to do the math the way it is laid out in the program. He was busy and promptly referred me to an MSNBC.com article that said someone buying a 2008 Dodge Durango would save just over $400 a year with an average three year gas price of $3.61 a gallon (the current average price in the Detroit area).

Hmmm… $400 a year for three years sounds a lot less than the $4000 rebates available on a 2008 Ford Explorer. I guess that means Ford wants you to have gas money, and a little something to spend on a drive away vacation, about $2800 worth of something!! Formula you ask? Why, yes, there is a formula involved where you factor in 12,000 miles per year, the vehicle’s government fuel economy rating and the cost of a gallon of gas. I don’t know about you, but any promotion that requires me to do more math than simply reducing my price by a pretty good chunk of coin makes me more than a little suspect… especially one that makes your savings a crap shoot. It also gives me a head ache.

To be honest, I have had it with fear mongering, and to be sure, this Chrysler promotion is nothing more than that. The formally American, then German, (then American again?) automaker is playing off the fear that more violence in the Middle East, or South America, or wherever will have an adverse affect on the oil supply and send gas prices ever higher, which is the only way you really come out ahead with this program. I don’t know, I’d rather drive around this summer and beyond in my new 2008 Ford Focus at nearly 40 miles per gallon, enjoying the car, my family, and the driving experience and not sit around rooting for more world unrest to inflate the price of gas… how about you?

Ford-Microsoft Sync... cooler than cool!

2008-05-01T11:00:00.008-05:00

So I bought my third Ford Focus the other day, long before I read an article about Kelly Blue Book rating the new 2008 Focus one of the ten coolest cars you can get for under $18,000, which it most certainly is. I used the rebate to pay off my Liquid Gray 2003 Focus SE and am giving it to my eldest daughter for her college car. Heck, it has well under 60,000 miles on it, and still looks and drives great. She is thrilled, and thinks it’s a cool car. Now, with all modesty aside, I really didn’t think that a car could add much to MY coolness factor. I worked in rock and roll radio in New York for nearly two decades, roadied for Van Halen for part of the second album tour, watched Deep Purple rehearse in a friend’s basement when I was a kid, actually saw the Ramones at CBGB’s… you get the idea. Anyway, all things considered, how could a Ford Focus possibly make me any cooler? One word… Sync.

Just In case you are still living in the twentieth century and have missed all the commercials and press about the Microsoft and Ford creation which is Sync, it is a system available only in Ford. Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, which seamlessly allows you to use voice commands to control your Bluetooth enabled phone, your MP3 player (I have the Microsoft 80g Zune), and has upgradeable software that will allow updates of the system, the first of which is due by early fall. All this means that you can tell Sync to call your home, and it will. You can also tell Sync you want to listen to the Ramones, and it will, or to play a certain genre of music, or album, or song, or songs that sound kind of the same… and it will!!! Now that’s cool.

Okay, so it may be hard sitting there reading this to picture in your mind’s ear just how Sync works and sounds, but a quick trip to see Sync demonstrated in person will calm those Hal from “2001 A Space Odyssey” fears, and let you see just how easy Sync is to use, and how easily it becomes a part of your driving life. Ford has Sync in the Focus, the Edge, and the Fusion now, and on the way for the Escape, F150, and Taurus making it a lifestyle feature that spans all economic levels, and can make anyone who owns it at least a little bit cooler… not that I needed it mind you.

Come see, hear, and experience Sync at Ricart Ford in the Megamall today, and you'll probably have a new Ford at your house tonight!

2008 Ford Taurus...Time to get Bullish on Ford

2007-06-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

The new 2008 Ford Taurus has just arrived at Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio...and we await the stampede of customers that won't be far behind.The reintroduction of one of the most iconic cars in history truly is an event for Ford, and Ricart Ford as well.

The new 2008 Taurus has earned the right to be called the safest full-sized car in America, and also has best in class passenger room and trunk space...and still gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway!!

Sure, I could tell you all kinds of details about the Taurus, and quote a few engineers and critics, but bag that! Just stop in and drive it, either on the Ricart test track, or the street...this really is a car that speaks for itself...no, make that screams for itself, once you get behind the wheel!

In case you haven't noticed yet (and many have not) the idea that Pacific manufacturers build better cars than Ford is a load, and hasn't been true for a while. Climb into the new Ford Taurus, close the door behind you and you'll see...the Taurus will stand toe to toe against any other full-sized car on the planet and never flinch.

It's time to be bullish about Ford again, in the new 2008 Taurus!

Memorial Day

2007-05-24T12:01:00.001-05:00

2007-05-18T12:46:00.001-05:00

Unless you are a regular on a few of the Mustang boards out here in the wild, wild, web, you probably missed Ford’s impersonation of Karl Rove when they leaked information on the forthcoming late 07 and 08 Mustangs.

Okay, it really was more like a flood of information than a leak, so let’s get right into it!
The 2008 model year will see the return of the Bullitt version of the Mustang GT with a projected 312 horsepower, retuned suspension, red brake calipers, unique sill plate and grille design (without fog lamps), 18” Bullitt wheels, upgraded steering system, X pipe exhaust, rear (faux) gas cap with Bullitt logo, metal interior trim and Bullitt shifter along with Bullitt seats, and more! The only thing missing is the ghost of Steve McQueen!
No pricing yet on the Bullitt, but with only 7,000 to be built for the U.S. and 700 for Canada, the Bullitt will be a keeper at any price!

If the 500 horsepower of the Shelby GT500 is a bit daunting for you, the late release 2007 and 2008 Super Snake Shelby’s will scare the livin’ daylights out of you! 725 horsepower!! 725 HORSEPOWER!!
When the Shelby Super Snake hits the showroom floor, it will have two HP choices…a tire smoking 600 horsepower, and a mind-blowing 725 horsepower, both generated by the use of a Ford Racing supercharger upgrade kit which will help the Supers crank 590 ft/lbs of torque. This will not be a car given to anyone for their 16th birthday!
The Super Snake will see a host of alterations and additions which truly put it in a class all it’s own, like the Ford Racing exhaust system, handling package and short –throw shifter, 20” Alcoa wheels designed by Shelby, Baer six piston brakes with calipers cast by Shelby and larger rotors, front brake cooling ducts, Shelby design composite hood with Shelby lettering (also on the rear deck lid), Shelby CSM dash plate, Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats, and Super Snake badging.
No word yet on the numbers to be produced each year, but the Mustangs that end up with the Shelby Super Snake brand on them will probably never be more than a very limited number. These are cars you’ll see selling for serious cash at Barrett-Jackson sooner than later!

If you want to be the first on your block (or in your state) to have one of the new Mustangs in your driveway, you can call Ricart Ford at 888-250-2573 and we’ll contact you as soon as they start shipping. Oh, and you can check back here periodically for any new information on the Bullitt and Super Snake.

2008 Ford Taurus...Safe, Safer, Safest!

2007-05-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

When the new Ford Taurus and Taurus X arrive on the Ricart Ford showroom floor this summer, the world will be a much safer place. No, the Taurus will not negotiate world peace, or prevent major hurricanes, but it will keep you, your family, and your friends safer than any other family car available anywhere! As a matter of fact, the 2008 Taurus is the only large family car to earn top honors as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the highest possible five star crash rating in all test categories by the U.S. government. The IIHS “Top Safety Pick” rating is only given to vehicles which perform best in side, frontal, and rear impacts, and also offer an electronic stability control system, which Ford does with Advance Track on the Taurus and Taurus X.
The 2008 Taurus is bringing even more good news from the safety front to our showroom in a few weeks, with the first ever two-row Safety Canopy side air bag system along with architectural changes with crush zones to channel energy more effectively around the passenger compartment, and away from the passengers. The new Taurus also boasts an air bag control system capable of determining whether a seat is occupied, along with the size of a passenger, to allow the air bag to deploy, or not deploy, to provide the best possible protection. The new 2008 Taurus and Taurus X bring safety, style, space, and comfort together in a package which has never before been presented to drivers and their families before, especially in a vehicle that offers such great value to boot! Peace of mind is hard to find at any price…only Ford manages to bring it to you with your budget in mind, and you can get yours without breaking the bank this summer.

Ford to Flex this summer!

2007-04-05T12:55:00.000-05:00

With the unfolding of spring each year, our thoughts seem to turn to things which are new. We think of baseball, and the fact that all teams are in first place at the beginning of April. We ponder the first blooming flowers, the returning warm weather birds, and if you knew about the Ford Flex, you’d be wondering how soon you can get your family in one, and will it be in time for this year’s vacation season? “What are you talking about?” I know you’re asking…I feel your desire for knowledge, and this is the 2009 Ford Flex, the full-size crossover that will easily change the family road vacation forever, and everyday driving too!

Okay, you can pick your jaw off the floor now, because it’s obvious the 2009 Ford Flex sticks its tongue out at mini-vans instead of paying them homage! Dad, you will never be embarrassed driving the Flex thanks to its bold features and over-all design, and the fuel efficient six speed 3.5 liter V-6 engine won’t have you weeping like a baby at the gas pump! The crossover has surpassed the SUV in sales, and the Flex has what it takes to widen the gap.
Due in stores this Summer, the Flex will feature accent points like the chrome, horizontal three bar grille, a “greenhouse” window and roof design which give a unique look from the outside, and broad panoramic views of the world for passengers on the inside, along with tail lamps that borrow heavily from the Edge, and integrated rocker panels that you do not have to step over to leave or enter the vehicle.

Once you are inside the Ford Flex, you’ll experience an interior which offers up craftsmanship second to no vehicle in any class, which was inspired by furniture and fashion designs and uses materials which gives a soft yet modern feel and appearance. You’ll also see things on the inside of the 2009 Flex that’ll surprise you. How about a refrigerator between the second row captain’s chairs…and yes, it is a refrigerator with a compressor and the whole nine yards, not just a cooler, and it can keep four two liters cold!

While you’re enjoying a chilled beverage, you’ll notice the best-in-class legroom in the second row, the footrests (yes, there is actually enough room in the Flex for footrests), and the Vista Roof which gives everyone in the Flex a view of the heavens! You’ll also find the Flex has programmable ambient lighting, cap-less fuel filler system (so you’ll never drive off with your gas cap dangling in the wind again!), Ford/Microsoft’s Sync hands free System, Ford’s next gen nav system, an their industry exclusive door entry pad held within the Flex’s B pillars, ending the need for those door mounted button pads.

If Flex had a middle name, it would have to be safety, with a whole slew of advancements including use of high strength boron steel, side intrusion beams in the doors, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Safety Canopy side curtain air bag, and rear back-up camera mounted in the lift gate Ford badge. Secure, spacious, and stylish are great ways to describe the forthcoming Ford Flex, but we are sure you’ll come up with a few more adjectives and accolades of your own when the Flex hits Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio and Ford stores across the country this Summer.

Spring may be the time to think of things which are new…but there’s a whole bunch of folks already looking forward to summer, and the new 2009 Ford Flex!!

Ford Focus fords floodwaters!

2007-03-15T12:40:00.000-05:00

It was a dark and stormy night…
Okay, it was actually a gray and rainy morning, but the previous night certainly was dark and stormy, which is why the parking area for the townhouse we live in was a lake by dawn, and it was still raining.
Sure, big honkin’ trucks with twelve feet of ground clearance were able to drive through the water with the wake flowing after them like an inboard towing a couple of water skiers, but anything smaller would surely be doomed attempting to ford the flood. At least that’s what I thought.
Being of hardy New English stock, I surveyed the situation, and decided that a little flood water would not keep me from driving in to work, so I climbed into my Ford Focus, backed out of my parking space, and headed for the shoreline. It was then that I noticed the Police had barricaded the street to the left, so I had no choice but to turn right around my neighbor’s house…and it was then I saw a Honda Civic and Toyota Tercel stalled in another massive pool of water. They didn’t make it through, and probably should never have tried.
By this time, I had no choice but to press on, through the same lake which now had two import islands, one white, the other gold. Water was actually flowing over the hood of my Focus as I descended into the water, and I tapped the accelerator and tried to avoid the fate of Atlantis as I increased my speed. It was one of those driving situations that has you saying a prayer that begins with, “God, if you let me make it…”, and ends with a promise to give up some vice.
Despite my best efforts at reenacting “The Poseidon Adventure”, my Ford Focus made it through like a champ, unlike the Toyota and Honda that are still stuck where they stalled.
I love my Focus!

Ford knows trucks...Toyota, not so much!

2007-02-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

I just got done watching a For Eyes Only video from Ford. In the video, an undercover Rick Titus, host of "Driver's Talk", visits the Toyota Booth at the recent International Auto Show in Detroit and picks apart the new Toyo Tundra from frame to interior, and does it sooo easily. I wish I could give you a link to the video, but there must be some legal reason for Ford not making it available. I think it's because Ford actually used Toyo's display at the Auto Show for Rick's presentation. That's a major Bold Move in my book!

Anyway, in a nutshell Rick's commentary cut to the bone, mentioning Toyo's much heralded new brakes for the Tundra (which I guess is an admission to the fact that for years their brakes have been woefully undersized), the ill-conceived grill (which is ugly as a wicked step-sister and will require constant cleaning due to bug build-up), the gas guzzling 5.7 liter optional engine (can I mention that the standard engines are very underpowered for the Toyota truck), and Rick also pointed out the lovely Camry interior in the new Tundra (you know...it doesn't matter if you dress your sister up like your Dad, she's still your sister)!

Ford has been the truck leader for 30 years with the F-series, and Toyota is hardly a threat to mount a real challenge, especially when you consider that many of the changes made to the Tundra this year were merely corrections of Toyota's past mistakes.

Here's to another 30 years of Ford truck dominance!

Taurus To Return!...(At Least in Name)

2007-02-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

For over twenty years, the Ford Taurus was an automotive icon. Actually, it was more than that...the Taurus was an American icon, and it will likely be again! Word on the street, confirmed by The Associated Press, is that Ford is planning on renaming the Ford Five-Hundred as the Ford Taurus and making the announcement as early as this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

With its introduction back in 1985, the Taurus put the automotive industry off its axis and never looked back, becoming the best selling car in America in 1992, a title Taurus held for five years, and changing the shape and style of cars forever.

With a style revamping set for the 2008 model year, now is the best time to rename the Ford Five-Hundred, and the new legacy filled "tag" (if it happens) should boost sluggish sales and increase awareness of a really great car that's getting even better, no matter what Ford calls it!

2008 Ford Super Duty Hits the Lot and Super Bowl!

2007-01-31T14:44:00.000-05:00

Look for the new 2008 Ford Super Duty commercials during the Super Bowl broadcast on Sunday 2/4/2007!

During the ice and snow storms that raced across the southwest and south in December, Ford held a ride and drive for the brand new, redesigned 2008 Super Duty trucks in Texas, where the 150 or so journalists had the chance to drive the new F-Super Duty trucks under less than perfect driving conditions…and they all loved the trucks, and the chance to put them to a real world test. While driving, hauling, and towing in ice and snow, the following were overheard:
“I was expecting a good truck from you guys, and I pretty much had my story already written. The drive today proved what I thought, this is a great truck! In theses terrible conditions, it felt really confident!”
“The new Super Duty has really impressive towing. The ability to haul that 20,000 pound trailer was just amazing. The frame on this truck feels so solid and durable.” “That truck has grunt like I have never felt in a vehicle. Even on the really sloppy stuff, it just felt unstoppable!”
“This is a really amazing truck…the best in class. You can really sense that the engineers took their time to get this right.”
“We had mainly highway driving today…it was a good opportunity to feel how good and comfortable it felt. One thing is for sure, the diesel engine feels really powerful. Passing is easy, even from 70 mph. It always feels willing to accelerate!”
And then there were those reporters who stood and stared slack-jawed. They just about said it all without saying a thing!
Last time out, we outlined some of the new offerings on the 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks, but enough with the words already. If you are a truck person, it is time to get thee to the Ford store and take a drive. Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio has both diesel and gas versions of the new F-Super Duty available right now to test drive on the road or their six acre test track. Quieter, tougher, greener, more comfortable, smoother, more economical, the best Ford truck ever…just thought I’d give you a few more words to think about while you drive in to take a new Ford Super Duty for a spin.
If you can't stop by your Ford store now, watch for Ford's Super Duty commercials during the Super Bowl on Sunday, featuring some of the innovations that make the new Super Duty the best Ford trucks ever!!

Presenting The 2008 Ford F-Super Duty

2007-01-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Ford’s new 2008 F-Super Duty trucks are a redesign that takes the industry to a higher level, by pulling even more of what you need to tow, hauling more of what you need to haul, and doing it more cleanly, more comfortably, with greater style, and more dependably than any other truck maker…you know, the same as it has been for the past 30 years with the Ford F-series trucks!!!
Before Ford’s designers and engineers put pen to paper they talked with folks like you, real truck owners, to see exactly what you needed from your Super Duty, and then they built the exact truck you wanted, with features and details that lift the Ford Super Duty even farther above the competition!
The introduction of the new F450 makes it the logical choice for the 90% of Super Duty owners who use their truck for towing, because it seems like the loads keep getting heavier all the time, and the new Ford F450 gives you the combination of powertrain, axel, and suspension that let you get the job done while presenting a comfortable and precise driving experience. It looks great too, but more on that later.
Pete Reyes, Ford Super Duty Chief Engineer says of the new F450, “The increased towing and cargo hauling capability, the engine enhancements, and all the refinements make the F450 absolutely the most capable pickup truck we have ever built…period! And that is exactly what are customers are asking for.”
Leading the way for the 2008 Super Duty innovations is the new 6.4 liter Power Stroke diesel, the cleanest, quietest, and most powerful Power Stroke ever! The new 6.4 liter gives you 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm, and 650 lb.-ft. of torque cranking at 2,000 rpm, which in layman’s terms means that the F450 can pull down a building in short order, if you ever had to do such a thing. With multiple technical advances, including the application of Ford’s Clean Diesel Technology, the new 6.4 liter Power Stroke has reduced particulate discharge by 90%, giving it an emissions rate comparable to a gasoline engine. It’s been said that while driving in a metropolitan area like New York, Chicago, or L.A., what’s coming out of the tailpipe of the 6.4 liter is actually cleaner than the air going through the intake!!
The new Power Stroke has two turbochargers for optimal performance, with a small turbo that comes on at low rpm to give you a bit of a boost at take-off, and as rpm climb the bigger turbocharger joins in to boost power even more until you reach speed, when the small turbo will let it’s big brother do the work by itself. All this means that the 6.4 liter reaches 60 mph more than a second faster than the engine it is replacing.
Of course the 2008 Super Duties have the available TowCommand System, including the first factory installed and warranted electronic trailer brake controller, including special procedures for braking when the ABS system reads poor traction conditions. This system also has TorqShift technology which keeps the rpm up and provides you with more power when you need it most.
The 2008 Super Duty boasts improvements and innovative thinking both inside and out. The first external change most people notice is the raised nose and enlarged grill, which not only gives the truck a bolder face (especially with Super Duty etched into the upper plate of the grill), but also enhances functionality by improving engine cooling, which gives the truck a better towing capacity. I guess that cements the fact that the new Super Duty ain’t just another pretty face!
While maintaining the classic Ford truck styling cues, the new Super Duty trucks have a new tailgate design, including the now standard Lift-Assist Tailgate System, a deeper rear bumper which gives easier access to the bed, redesigned tail lamps and hood, and fender mounted air vents to release heat from the engine compartment. The fender air vents are even color coded to define the trucks powertrain…black for gas and red for diesel. When you combine the exterior revisions with all new seats, instrument cluster and treatment, a totally revamped climate control system, and all the other interior changes, you get a truck that is comfortable and practical. That’s great news for those of us who practically live in their trucks!
You get so much new stuff with Ford’s new 2008 Super Duty trucks, it’s just too hard to tell you about it in a blog, so you’ll need to stop into the Ford store to see and drive them yourself. The new Supers are expected to arrive at Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio by the weekend of January 27th, so I guess we’ll see you over the weekend…and until then, you’ll be seeing the new 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks in your sleep, because it is the truck of your dreams!

Consumers View Toyota and Ford Most Favorably

2007-01-19T09:49:00.000-05:00

The most recent automotive Brand Report Card released by Consumer Reports has some good news for two of America's Big Three automakers as both Ford and Chevy mad it into the top five, along with Toyota, Honda, and Volvo (a part of Ford Motor Company). The Report Card had Toyo ranked first, followed by Ford, then Honda, Volvo, and Chevrolet, with the listing based on survey questions about design and styling, quality, safety, performance, value, and innovation, with respondents saying that safety and quality were the most important features they were looking for in a vehicle.

Okay, so I am sorry about the Moonbase Alpha crack I made about Ford's Airstream concept vehicle. This is a truly green vehicle that is battery powered and can be recharged using its hydrogen fuel cell, or you can plug it in! AutoblogGreen has a nice overview of the Airstream here, and MSNBC takes a look at this touring vehicle of the future too. (To be honest, I still think Ford's Airstream concept looks like it should have the NASA logo on the side!)

Test

2007-01-17T12:14:00.001-05:00

Technorati Profile

Ford "Squircle" and The Interceptor

2007-01-16T16:53:00.000-05:00

Ford Interceptor
You have to admit that the Ford Mustang has always been the iconic sports car built in the United States, ever since the Iacocca days at Ford anyway, and the most recent version of the Mustang has been an undeniable hit, or more accurately, a grand-slam!
With all the spirit of the Mustang, and a couple of dashes of 2003's Ford 427 concept car thrown into the mix, the Ford Interceptor concept was unveiled at this year's International Auto Show in Detroit to many oohs and aaahs, and a few "Holy ****s" too!
Now I could go into a lengthy study of what the Interceptor has to offer, like the 5.0 liter Cammer V8 engine which generates 400 horsepower burning E85, or the speedometer and tach that move opposite each other as the RPM's and speed increase, or the masculine appearance that would easily make this a car Dad would want to drive...but I won't go there. Instead, I want to talk about the squircle. Yup, the squircle.
Alright, I know you are asking yourself, "What is a squircle?". The short answer is, according to a Ford press release back in 2003, a shape that is a..."partly square, professionally rounded circle." I kid you not!
The squircle has actually been a design feature for Ford since the Model T, and was featured prominently on the 1932 Ford. Today the squircle can be found in the headlamps of the Ford Fusion, or the tail lights of the Interceptor, and if you look at the nose of the '32, you can see the squircle featured prominently! (Look at the grill)

I am sure that you will never see Cookie Monster and Big Bird singing the praises of the squircle on Sesame Street any time soon, but it is a design that has stood the test of time and has been incorporated into many a Ford in the past, and by the looks of the Interceptor, it will continue to be used by Ford in the future. So on that next trip with your family, don't just spot cars...see if you can spot the squircles, now that you know what one is.

Ford and Microsoft team to put vehicles in "Sync"

2007-01-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

In the fall, your new Ford could well be a whole lot smarter than it is now. By smarter, I mean more intelligent, because Ford already has a really good looking line up! The thing that will make your new Ford smarter is called "Sync", and the system was the "People's Voice" award winner at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and there was plenty of cool stuff on display that "Sync" beat out!
Before you have visions of Hal from "2001 a Space Odyssey" taking control of your ride, you should know that "Sync" is a fully-integrated system that allows hands free operation of your phone, hands free text message reception via text to voice technology (you can even respond with a series of set responses), and hands free operation of your Ford vehicle's audio entertainment system...including using voice command to play songs from a range of media players that can be connected to the "Sync" system! This part is really neat! You will have the ability to select tunes from your MP3 player by saying things like "Play artist My Chemical Romance", or choose a specific song like "Play track, The Black Parade"! You can even have it select specific types of songs, by matching parameters of the tunes with other songs on the system.
The new Ford and Microsoft "Sync" system is just another step forward for the car company that got the ball rolling for the industry early last century, and is leading the way forward this century. Guess what my new Focus is gonna have on it?

Ford Fusion Test Drive Challenge

2007-01-11T17:44:00.000-05:00

Ding Ding Ding Ding...And in this corner, weighing in at...
This is gonna be one heck of a ride for allot of people. In the previous post, I mentioned the test drive that Car and Driver conducted, the one where the Fusion was rated well above the Camry and Accord. Well, The Challenge is now come to a neighborhood near you!
At Ricart Ford in Columbus, Ohio they have a Fusion, an Accord, and a Camry all ready for folks to take out on the test track to see which they like best. Now that takes a bit of brass and confidence, (something that Ricart Ford and the Fusion both have plenty of)!
Over the next couple of weeks or so, we will post the running results for the Fusion Test Drive Challenge to see if they match the Car and Driver results. If you happen to be in the Columbus area, you can take 'em for a spin at the Ricart Megamall at 4255 South Hamilton Rd. in Columbus, Ohio (it's actually a Groveport address if you mapquest it).

Ford Fusion: a bold move you may have missed.

2007-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

"What we have here, is a failure to communicate..."

Well, not any more.
A little while ago, Car and Driver magazine took the Ford Fusion to Washington D.C. to let some folks drive the Fusion, along with the Accord and the Camry, and guess what...the majority of the test drivers picked the Fusion as being the best. The Fusion also has received very high marks for quality. Very high marks! As a matter of fact, the results of the most recent test drive will be released to the public soon, so check back for a link later...and don't buy that new sedan until you do, because if you get anything other than the Ford Fusion, you'll be making a costly mistake!
Well, so much for the lack of quality lies about Ford, so I have a quick comment about the Toyo T.V. spots I saw quite a bit over the Holidays...the one about how proud they are to employ Americans in their plants here in the States and all that...I see the ad and wonder, but where do the profits for Toyo go? I'm thinking they don't stay here...