It comes as no surprise to us at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring that several 2015 Fords have landed on Car and Driver Magazines Best Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and More for 2015: Editors’ Choice Awards. The magazine editors share their top choices for the best cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and more for 2015.
Full-Size Crossover/SUVs Category
The Ford Expedition made the Editor’s Choice list. Per the pages of Car and Driver: “The Expedition—Ford’s Suburban fighter—features new front and rear designs as well as a new, more powerful engine: a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It’s still sporting the same body from 2007, but Ford hopes the updates will make the Expedition a contender. The twin-turbo V-6 engine makes 365 hp—up 55 from last year’s V-8—and comes with a six-speed automatic. A continuously controlled suspension is optional, as are four trim levels. The EL version has a longer wheelbase and more cargo room.”
Hybrid-Only Vehicle Category
The Ford C-Max saw top honors from the Editors as one of their picks. According the the auto magazine: “The C-Max is based on the frisky Focus, making it a
n economical, fun-to-drive alternative to the typical hybrid snooze fest. Its steering is firm and communicative; a four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors provide decent motivation. The Energi, the plug-in version, ups battery capacity to extend the electric-only range, but gets 2 mpg less in the city and 1 mpg less on the highway than the C-Max hybrid. An updated C-Max has debuted in Europe; expect it to be sold here with few changes.”
Full-Size Truck
The Car and Driver Editors name the Ford F-150 One to Watch. The magazine goes on to write: “The battle for pickup-truck supremacy rages on, with the new F-150 using aluminum as its secret weapon. Ford claims that its use of aluminum in the body and the bed reduces weight by 700 pounds—but the frame is still made of high-strength steel for strength and durability. Engines include a 3.5-liter V-6, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and a 5.0-liter V-8. Ford is taking a gamble on aluminum, but if it succeeds, it could alter the way trucks are designed and built.”
Sport Compacts
Two Fords earn top spots. Both the Ford Focus ST and the Fiesta ST are Editor picks! They say the Fiesta ST: “recipe for fun is simple: one part playful chassis, a dash of firm steering with a generous helping of confident brakes, and turbocharged muscle. The 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 197 hp; a slick-shifting six-speed manual
is the sole transmission. The interior is perhaps the only letdown, as its interior materials are shared with the down-market base Fiesta. It is at least a comfortable cabin though, especially with the optional and very supportive Recaro bucket seats.” As for the Focus ST, they tout it stating: “The Focus ST belongs on any enthusiast’s short list, combining a high fun-to-drive factor with the versatility of a four-door hatchback; that’s why we’re always happy to get a turn behind its wheel. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque is standard, as is a six-speed manual gearbox. The ST shines on a winding road or track and offers decent efficiency and value.”
Muscle Cars
Not a huge surprise here either, the all-new Ford Mustang races into the Editors’ Tops list. “The iconic Mustang—with its classic pony-car looks and hunkered-down stance—preserves a legacy that defines American motoring. A 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6, a 310-hp 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, and a 435-hp 5.0-liter V-8 are all offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed auto
matic. A new, independent rear suspension improves body control and provides better cornering poise. In either coupe or convertible form, the Mustang appeals to a wide audience without compromising its heritage.
Mini/City Vans
The Ford Transit Connect gets the sole Editors’ Choice in this category. Car and Driver writes: “Focused on utility and economy, this van is available in two wheelbases with seats for up to seven in three rows. There’s more than 100 cubic feet of cargo room and a 1200-lb payload. When properly equipped, it can tow 2000 lbs. The base engine is a 169-hp 2.5-liter four; optional is a turbocharged 178-hp 1.6-liter four. With minimal extra power and fuel economy, in our opinion the 1.6-liter is not worth the extra cost. This is a comfy van with lots of available tech, and handsome in its way.”
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