The Best Fords of the Year
Writing for a Ford enthusiast site means I’ve been able to drive almost all the Ford vehicles that the company currently has on sale. It was a big year for Ford, with the company refreshing the Edge and Explorer, announcing refreshes of the Escape, Super Duty, and more, and shipping the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang. The company is on a roll. But despite all of the Ford goodness in the past year, there were some noticeable standouts that should be worth mentioning.
Ford Explorer Platinum
Granted, Ford did fly me to the middle-of-nowhere Canada to spend a couple of days in their new top-trim Explorer, but that doesn’t mean they were trying to cover up a crap product. The new Ford Explorer is a great vehicle, and the Platinum trim truly is a luxury-level Ford product.
Additionally, the Ford competes above it’s class in terms of performance and luxury. Compared to the Lexus RX, for example, you get as nice of an interior, just as many (or more) features, for less money. Heck, even the Ford stablemate Lincoln MKX doesn’t seem worth the extra coin after driving the Explorer Platinum.
Anything With Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost
Both the F-150 test vehicle we had and the Ford Edge Sport we drove in Phoenix both were excellent thanks to the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine. This tiny V6 makes big power and torque, and really surprises me with how little it costs over a normal V6 in the F-150. You’re bound to have a good time with that engine under the hood.
2016 F-150 with Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Any more I just like mentioning Pro Trailer Backup Assist because it riles a lot of you up, but it’s a noteworthy enough feature to add the (mostly unchanged from 2015) 2016 Ford F-150 to the list.
Why No Shelby GT350?
While this is a list of some of the best Fords I’ve driven this year, or noteworthy features, I can’t comment on the new Mustang because I haven’t had a chance to drive it yet! I’m sure I’ll get a chance in the new year, but until then I have to sit and lust with you all what it’s like to drive the high-strung monster.
Looking Ahead to 2016
2016 is going to be a big year for Ford, especially their trucks. We’re expecting to get behind the wheel of the 2017 Super Duty at some point (probably late in the year), as well as finally getting a chance to wheel the new 2017 Raptor.
I’ll also be in Daytona for the Rolex24 where the Ford GT race car attempts to win its first race of the season. Plus, we’re sure there’ll be a lot of things in between, so make sure you stay with us in the new year for the latest Ford news, reviews, and more!
What was some of the surprise Fords for you this year? What’s your favorite? Feel free to sound off your thoughts and comments here or over in the forums!
