Happy New Year!

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What Your Car Color Says About You

Do you drive a red car? If so, you could be sensual, dynamic, and outgoing. The car color you choose says a lot about who you are - after all, if you’re going to purchase a new, top-of-the-line vehicle with all the bells and whistles, it should be in a color you like. What you may not know is that other people will pick up different vibes from the color you choose. Here’s what the color of your car could say about you: Gold: Warm, Intelligent, Glamorous Gray: Neutral, Sober, Practical Dark Green: Well-Balanced, Trustworthy, Traditional Light Green: Organic, No-Fuss, Understated Dark Blue: Confident, Credible,...

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Highmark First Night 2013 Is Coming!

What are you doing this New Year’s Eve? It’s not too late to get your buttons for Highmark First Night 2013! This cultural institution happens throughout downtown and is chock-full of musical performances, dance lessons, magicians and other fun, family-friendly activities. There’s even a parade and a fireworks show. Why plan a New Year’s Eve party when you could bring all your friends and family to Downtown Pittsburgh? All events are free with the purchase of a button. You’ll need to make sure you display it prominently on your coat or outfit. Some events that have limited seating also require vouchers, but these are free. You simply...

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Keep Your Ford Sparkling Clean This Season

A Ford truly shines when it’s sparkling clean. If you’re interested in showing off the beauty of your card, check out these tips straight from the manufacturer on how to keep your car in great condition: Removing sticky spots Bugs, bird droppings and other sticky gunk should be removed as soon as possible. If you aren’t able to get to the spot before it dries and don’t have Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover on hand, try removing it with a soft cotton cloth and a bit of cooking oil or grease. Then be sure to clean the area with soap and water afterward to remove the oil. Exterior cleaning Hose off any accumulated grime,...

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Do you have to change the oil every 3,000 miles?

If you check your car's user manual, you'll probably find you've been changing your oil more often than you need to, at least according to the people who designed your car. Most carmakers abandoned the 3,000-mile (4,828-kilometer) interval long ago, opting instead to advise their customers to go 5,000 or 7,500 miles (8,046 or 12,070 kilometers) between oil changes [source: MEMA]. Some people even go 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) or more without any guilt -- or damage to the engine. The 3,000-mile guideline dates back to a time when motor oil wasn't quite as advanced as it is now. It used to be that if oil were left in...

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Top 5 Signs of Engine Trouble

5. Warning Lights: If your car is working properly, these are what Audra Fordin of "What Women Auto Know" calls "hello, good morning" lights. You fire up theengine and the dashboard lights up like carnival. This is the car's computer checking everything out. One by one, each of the lights turns off and you're ready to drive. If they don't turn off, though, that's bad. Either very bad or slightly bad, depending on which light remains lit. These lights are connected to sensors that monitor everything your car does. If something seems out of whack, the computer will use these lights to tell you what it is. It can't use its words; it's not...

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Avoid “Turkey” of a Weekend with Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home, according to the Car Care Council. “A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind, helping reduce the chance of costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper...

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How to Protect Your Car’s Interior

Try to add up the hours you spend in your car. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Commutes, errand runs and road trips can have you sitting in those bucket seats for hours on end, and during that time, you and your passengers are actually living in the interior. That means smudges on the windows, scratches on the dash and food in the seat crevices accumulate and leave you wondering what happened to the spotless interior you swear it had when you first bought the car. A Quick Clean Luckily, it’s not that difficult to keep a car’s cabin from looking a little too, well, lived in. First things first, get something to stuff your trash into. Just use a plastic...

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Happy Halloween!

Don’t know what to do to celebrate Halloween? Here’s a few ideas: Allen's Haunted Hayrides Fayette County Now in its 33rd year, Allen's Haunted Hayride bills itself as the oldest haunted hayride in America. Ghosts and ghouls await you in the dark woods and fields, and haunted barn. Campfire sites, carnival rides and concessions invite you to make an evening of it. Castle Blood Westmoreland County The MacCabre Family is back for their 20th year in an all-new indoor location in Monessen in Pittsburgh's Mon Valley. This popular haunt includes thrills, chills, awesome special effects, and a very interactive experience. Daytime...

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Tips for Driving on Snow and Ice

It’s that time of year again, winter! Check out tips from The Weather Channel on how to drive on snow and ice. The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions. It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual...

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Scarehouse

Looking to get REALLY scared? Check out Pittsburgh Scarehouse one of America's most horrifying attractions! The ScareHouse in Pittsburgh, PA is ranked as one of "America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions" by Travel Channel and as one of America's best haunted houses by USA Today, Forbes, Fangoria, and Haunted Attraction magazine. The ScareHouse offers three haunts for just one price: The Forsaken, Pittsburgh Zombies, and NEW for 2012: Creepo's Christmas in 3-D. "Pittsburgh’s Ultimate Haunted House" is located just minutes from downtown and open on select dates from late September through October. Visit http://www.scarehouse.com/ for more...

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Safe Driving Tips: Heavy Rain

Fall is here, and with it come the dangers of driving in heavy rainfall... something we all have to deal with.  So how do we deal with hydroplaning and low view distance? AAA offers these tips of advice. Go slowly. Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase. Light up. Use low-beam headlights to help others see your car and increase your visibility. Remember Maryland law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use. Be careful of standing and running water. As little as six inches of water on a road...

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The 2013 Ford Focus

Unknown Reviewer: The 2013 Focus may be a car that sits in the back of your mind... it's really just... there. It's not supposed to be a luxury sedan, and if price is of no major consequence you would probably purchase a sporty looking Mini Cooper or something of that nature. But there's one thing the auto industry needs to know... the 2013 Focus is a force to be reckoned with. For months I have been droning on and on about how I need to drive the 2013 Dodge Dart. It has sexy outward appearance, bears the oh so trusty dodge emblem, and is allegedly all things tech crammed into a neat tasty package. So I got my chance to drive both,...

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Ford Reducing Use of Rare Minerals

Ford is making strides to make their Hybrids more efficient and more cost effective eliminating minerals such as: Neodymium, cerium, lanthanum and praseodymium – rare earth metals used in the manufacture of nickel-metal-hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles. Now lighter, more efficient, more powerful batteries are expected to reduce the company's use of rare earth metals by up to 500,000 pounds a year including dysprosium, the most expensive rare earth metal, which has reduced around 50 percent in the new lithium-ion batteries now powering Ford hybrids. Get more info on how Ford is making a better tomorrow by visiting: http://rareea...

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The Future Of Ford

In the past whenever we thought of cars from the future the first thing to come to mind was often flight visualizing hovercraft or "Skycars", but in recent times the Disney-style imagination has changed to something much more practical often utilizing a greater form of technology similar to what we currently have. Ford follows exactly this line of thought by breaking down into 3 tiers of progression: 0-5 years from now, 5-10 years, and 10-15 years from now. Techcrunch writes: Some of the speakers at today’s Techonomy Detroit conference talked about how entrepreneurship and technology can help Detroit diversify its economy beyond automobile...

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Date Night With Ford

There's pretty much an app for everything these days and recently those apps have started migrating to the automobile sector with improvements to cars such as Ford Sync and My Ford Touch, but this one is REALLY interesting. With a new partnership with Dates.fm Ford Sync will now support an app for people on the go looking for fun date ideas. CNet has the details: Seeking new apps to integrate with its cars through Sync AppLink, Ford hosted its annual Developer Challenge at TechCrunch Disrupt. This year's winner is startup Dates.fm, a Web site and app designed to give couples suggestions about what to do on date nights. Dates.fm and its...

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2013 Mustang - Anything But Conventional

The Ford Mustang touts power, good fuel economy AND style breaking the conventional mold other models stick to making sure to not make any sacrifices. Cnet did a review on the Mustang saying the following: Conventional wisdom says you must trade power for fuel economy, or vice versa. In that case, the 2013 Ford Mustang GT must be either unwise or unconventional. The newest generation of Ford's pony car, in GT form, sticks with a V-8 engine, displacing a big 5 liters, good for 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the car's EPA numbers reach 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. I would have thought Ford found a way to game...

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Do You Multitask While Driving?

A new study commissioned by Ford has found that an alarming amount of drivers multi-task, exercising bad habits while driving. Fortunately Ford is also attempting to lower this number, and safely accommodate drivers who do like to multi-task during their commute offering a wide range of hands-free options as well as new safety features that will warn drivers to certain risks on the road. Freep.com writes: Dearborn – Drivers admit to bad driving habits that can make them less attentive and prone to accidents but they welcome technology that makes them more aware of their surroundings, a new survey released today shows. A...

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Ford Planning To Produce 800,000 Turbo Charged Vehicles.

Ford is making a huge leap in the hybrid market, but that’s not the only place they’re leaving traces of Ford greatness. Next year Ford is set to produce over 800,000 turbo charged cars that use Ecoboost technology such as the Fusion. The Detroit News writes: Ford has said for years — ever since the launch of its EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 in 2009 — that it planned by 2013 to make 90 percent of its North American lineup available with EcoBoost, which is a marriage of turbocharging, direct-injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing. The plan is taking full effect this year, particularly with high-volume vehicles like Fusion and Escape....

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How to Use Jumper Cables

Need a jump? Seems like a basic thing to do for your car, but you'd be surprised how many people can't use jumper cables properly. ● Find a car to serve as the boosting car. ● Park the two cars -- the dead car and the boosting car -- close to one another, making sure that they're not touching each other. ● Make sure both cars' engines are turned off, and both cars are in park. ● Clamp the red jumper cable (i.e. the positive cable) to the dead car's positive battery terminal, which is marked with a "+." Make sure that the clamp is firmly connected to the battery. ● Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable to the booster car's positive...

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Ford Sync Gets New Money Saving App

Ford as well as BMW have released a couple of new apps, but it's the one from Ford that really takes the cake. It's a new app called Roximity and it's designed to quickly and efficiently save you more money while on the go. The new app lets you select from several categories of interests such as Bars or Groceries, and then it shows you the current specials at the shown places, as well as how to get there! Motortrend did a report on this new technology and featured the following article: Ford’s application is called Roximity, and is the creation of Danny Newman, Austin Gayer, and Joe Mease. The three submitted Roximity in last year’s...

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Ford Making Cars From Soy?

We know you know about bio-fuels and alternative energy, you probably even know that a lot of Ford's factories run on alternate energies such as solar power to produce cars, but did you know that Ford is making more and more of their interior out of alternative goods such as soy? Here's what SouthEast Farm Press says: Back in my youth I lusted after the new Ford Mustang. The Pony frenzy paralleled my driving career and every teenage boy could see himself cruising around in a Mustang convertible. One of my buddies had one, and it was the ultimate in cool. Perhaps as part of my mid-life crisis, I now drive a 2008 replica model of the 1966 Mustang....

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Why The Boss... Is The Boss

After a track day at Miller Motorsports, Complex lays out 10 reasons why the 2013 BOSS 302 is "the boss." From Complex.com: Paint: Why It's Awesome: No matter which color's your favorite, you win. There's simply no bad color for 2013. Add in the new hockey stick graphic, and all colors look racey and badass. At night, those stripes are reflective -- which looks cool and is also a valuable safety feature. You know, in case you didn't think you'd be visible enough driving one of these in the first place.  PowerWhy It's Awesome: How do you feel about a 444hp engine with 380 lb-ft. of torque? We thought so. Its low-end torque is quite impressive,...

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Ford Honors Tuskegee Airmen

They were the first African-American military aviators in the United States armed forces. During World War II, African Americans in many U.S. states were still subject to the Jim Crow laws. The American military was racially segregated, as was much of the federal government. The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to racial discrimination, both within and outside the army. Despite these adversities, they trained and flew with distinction. All black military pilots who trained in the United States trained at Tuskegee... This car is dedicated to them. In the spirit of honoring veterans for the month of July Ford has chosen to honor the United...

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Taking Care Of Your Car's Paint

Summer can be a great time! Fun in the sun can include camping, visits to your favorite water parks, relaxation and much more, but there's a downside to all the sun... It can be damaging to your car paint! Sunlight can cause oxidation which causes fading, and that's bad news, but you're not at a total loss! There are steps the average person can take to PREVENT sun damage to their car. 1) Park in a shaded area: Obviously the easiest way to avoid sun damage is to avoid the sun altogether. Paint is tough, but if you're the typical 9-5 worker, that's 8 hours a day your car can be exposed to sun rays. We suggest seeking out shaded areas for parking,...

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Steel City Pet Expo

Here's your chance to do something fun with your pet AND meet a celebrity! Pet owners: Bring your pet to the Steel City Pet Expo which is FREE and has FREE parking, and you can meet "Pit Boss" star Shorty Rossi from the Animal Planet! This event takes place Saturday, June 30 2012 from 10AM to 6PM  indoors at the Monroeville Convention Center. See live demonstrations, get great prizes from giveaways, take place in the Talent and Costume Contest, and get discounts on pet products. Immunizations and Microchipping will also be available. The Monroeville Convention Center is located at 200 Mall Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146 For more info...

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When Should You Fill Up?

When do you wait to fill up your gas tank? Do you constantly keep it full, half empty, riding close to 'E'? One blogger writes about what she thinks the advantages and disadvantages are of different fuel levels. Kristy Welsh writes: There has recently been a lot of talk on how you can get better gas mileage by driving when your tank is half full to empty or making sure you fill up when your tank is half full. Which is correct – or does either method hold any water? The fill ‘er up when it’s half full foks proclaim that if you leave the gas tank empty, the gas will be evaporating in the empty space of the tank. Gas tanks are designed to...

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The Mustang Sees Improvements for 2015 Model Year

Spy photos point to a new suspension and underbody for the upcoming Mustang release in 2015, as well as additional features to spice up the car! TorqueNews writes: There has been much speculation about the next-generation Ford Mustang, and what type of suspension it will have.  According to Car and Driver, a 2015 Ford Mustang prototype was spotted and it wasn’t much to look at on the outside, but underneath, the test mule revealed a noticeable change to the rear suspension. The solid rear axle was gone and a new independent suspension with aluminum control arms was clearly evident. Read More: http://www.torquenews.com/1084/20...

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Let's Roll For Summer!

It's time to "roll" for summer! This month at our service center take advantage of huge savings! State inspection and emissions for the month of June is $39.99, Air filter replacements are $29.95, and four wheel alignments are $59.95! Get a 30 day price guarantee on new tires, and FREE estimates on our complete collision service for all makes and models and get a warranty-covered repair! Call us today at 412-892-2300 or 412-653-5800. For even more offers click he...

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State Farm and Ford Teaming Up

Now when you purchase a Ford vehicle that includes the Sync system, you can save even more money. MarketWatch writes: Ford SYNC®-equipped drivers could save up to 40 percent per year through the State Farm Drive Safe & Save insurance discount program depending on their annual mileage The discount is based on the vehicle odometer reading that is reported when the driver uses Vehicle Health Report, a standard feature of SYNC available on 2009 model year and newer Ford Motor Company vehicles The nation's No. 2 automaker and the country's leading insurer of cars have joined forces to offer lower insurance premiums for drivers. Using Ford...

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Memorial Day Safe Driving Tips

Want to keep your car out of the shop this Memorial Day weekend? PRWeb has some great tips for avoiding accidents and keeping your family safe so you and your family can experience the most fun possible while traveling this year! Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which means many people will be traveling for cookouts, pool parties and vacations. With so many people on the roads this weekend, Amica Insurance reminds everyone to use extra care while on the road.  Here are a few reminders:   Don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a designated driver. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Police in many states...

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Ford Expected to "Stay Fresh"

Ford is expected to stay fresh and ahead of its competition by releasing new models more frequently. Ford Motor Co. will lead the industry in introducing new or refreshed vehicles in the U.S. at the fastest rate for model years 2013 through 2016, according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch report. Bloomberg writes: Ford will replace 26 percent of its lineup during the period, analysts led by John Murphy wrote in the annual “Car Wars” report published today. The analysts said replacement rates will be 25 percent for General Motors Co. (GM) (GM), 24 percent for Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) and 23 percent for Nissan Motor Co., which will match...

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New Ford Fusion Redefines Midsize Sedan

Now with built in radar, sensors, lane keeping systems, active park assist, and many more features, the Ford Fusion has completely redefined what users now see as the American Mid-Sized sedan. NewsBlaze writes: "These new sensing technologies help extend the driver's own senses, providing a level of assistance never before available to the family sedan buyer," said Adrian Whittle, Ford Fusion chief engineer. "The new Fusion launches this year with these advanced technologies - making them more affordable and available than ever before." Fusion's suite of driver assist technologies are the result of the addition of new sensors, including...

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“Go Further” Ad Campaign Begins Tonight!

Tonight, Ford will take a dramatic step out of the box with the launch of a new advertising campaign featuring some of our most exciting vehicles – the Ford Fiesta, Focus ST, 2013 Escape and the all-new 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.  This also marks the external debut of our new Go Further global brand promise here in North America. For the first week of this campaign, none of the vehicles featured in the ads will wear the blue Ford oval and there will be no mention of the Ford brand. This unique – and somewhat unconventional – approach is designed to catch the attention of consumers who have perceptions of the Ford brand that don’t...

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The Re-Designed 2013 Ford Flex

Want to stand out from the typical crowd? Check out the all new re-designed 2013 Ford Flex featuring an improved standard 3.5-liter V-6, featuring the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing that boosts power and efficiency. It delivers 287 horsepower — about a 25 percent horsepower increase over its predecessor. SFGate writes: Ford says its upgraded 2013 Flex appeals to consumers wanting to stand out from the crowd. While the exterior design of the boxy full-size crossover utility vehicle might lure those seeking a ride with styling that stands apart from the pack, the Flex also has a strong practical character.　The seven-passenger,...

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Roll For A Cause 2012

Join Roll For A Cause 2012 hosted by Parkhurst Dining, Steel City Harley, Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, and Hot Metal Harley. The event ride begins 10:30am at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson and the ride ends at 2:30 at Steel City Harley-Davidson. A picnic / Car show will follow beginning at 2:30.  All proceeds from this benefit will go to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Free Care Fund. Don't forget to pre-register for this event to be entered to win a $100 gift card to Hot Metal Harley and Steel City Harley! (To pre-register print and mail the form located here) If you're interested in attending this event and would...

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2012 Dessert Tasting for a Cause

Dessert Tasting For A Cause:  It's a great way to help sponsor your community for underrepresented things such as youth education and athletics. This event will feature live jazz, desserts, various wines, silent auctions, shopping, and more! The event is a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations founded by professional athletes that understand the importance of giving back. We are excited to offer you the opportunity to become a part of this special event. For more information please visit: http://desserttastingforacause.com...

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Ford Fusion to Get Mileage-Boosting Option

The new Fusion will be equipped with start-stop technology. This option will cost only $295 and will be available on Fusions equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine as well as boost the fusion to almost 40mpg! Boston.com writes: Many gas-electric hybrids and some luxury cars already have the technology, but Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields says the company wanted to offer it on a mainstream vehicle. Buyers will get their money back in nine months to a year, depending on how they drive and the price of gas, Fields said. “With gas prices in some parts of the country being upwards of $4.50 a gallon, I think this...

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Ford Super Duty Goes Platinum

Ford had announced its F 250, F 350 and F 450 pickup lineups will be getting platinum packages. These packages include new features such as wood trim, remote start, a rear view camera, and Ford Sync Navigation. AutomotiveDiscovery writes: Ford unveiled their new high end F-Series Super Duty pickup Platinum edition in Michigan. This Super Duty Platinum will be available in the market later this year, including F 250, F 350 and F 450. The first Platinum model released by Ford was the F 150, way back in 2009. This new Super Duty Platinum joins the King Ranch and the Lariat models as called to be the ultimate in truck luxury. To read more on this...

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Ford Fusion, Ford Explorer and Lincoln MKZ Rank Highest in Durability in 2012 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNnewswire/ --  Ford Motor Company has six vehicles among the top three in their respective award segments: Ford Fusion, Ford Explorer, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKX, Ford Ranger and Ford Taurus Ford Fusion received the Midsize Car award for the second consecutive year; Ford Explorer received the Midsize Crossover/SUV award; Lincoln MKZ received the Entry Premium Car award and has received an award in its segment for four consecutive years (Zephyr in 2009) The study asks owners about problems they've experienced in the past 12 months with their three-year-old...

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