Remember riding around in your mom’s minivan when you were younger?
Yeah, we do too.
These days, parents have other options for carting around the kids – or the whole soccer team.
Ford, among others, is making Crossovers and SUV’s to replace the aging look of the minivan. These vehicles now have room for five to eight occupants – as well as offering a better ride and more cargo room.
Ford offers the Escape and Edge – which both seat five, the Flex – which seats six or seven, the Explorer – which seats up to seven, the Expedition – which seats up to eight, and the Transit Connect – which seats up to seven.
Regardless of which vehicle you choose, they're capable, convenient, and versatile. They provide the power you need to tow a trailer, accelerate past a slow-moving vehicle in front of you, or merge onto a highway.
And they have seating that is versatile. They comfortably fit all your passengers, but when you need to transport cargo, you can simply fold down the rear seats for space on demand.
Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Head over to www.monacoford.com to check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.
Looking for a nice family vehicle and are comparing the 2014 Ford Fusion and the 2014 Toyota Camry?
Want to know more?
Monaco Ford in Glastonbury can help you out.
When compared to the Camry, US News gives the Ford Fusion better ratings for overall, critics’, performance, and safety.
For 2014, the Ford Fusion sees a number of minor changes, including a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine option and some newly available features. These features include inflatable rear seatbelts, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.
When it was redesigned last year, the Ford Fusion was an instant hit with midsize sedan shoppers thanks to its handsome styling, accommodating cabin, and engaging handling.
There’s a variety of powertrains available for the Fusion. Base Fusions are powered by a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while a trio of turbocharged engines is available. New this year is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that joins the previously available 1.6-liter turbo-4. These two are the fuel economy champs of the 2014 Fusion lineup.
In lieu of a V6 option, the Fusion also offers a muscular 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo that earns a solid 26 miles per gallon rating for combined city/highway driving. This engine is also available with all-wheel drive, making the Ford Fusion one of the few midsize sedans to offer this traction-enhancing feature.
Another Fusion strength is cutting-edge convenience and safety technology. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, the Sync voice command system, and even automated parking assist – which automatically steers the car into a parallel parking spot.
There’s also the latest generation of MyFord Touch, which utilizes a customizable touchscreen display to control many of the Fusion’s electronics features. US News gives the 2014 Ford Fusion a check for keyless start, remote engine start, navigation from telematics, onboard hands-free communications system, and variable speed intermittent wipers – features the Camry doesn’t have.
The Ford’s combination of classy styling, competitive fuel economy, and useful features puts it at the top of the midsize-sedan class for 2014. Shoppers looking for a family sedan that provides an engaging driving experience, high-end technology options, and head-turning looks will be well served by the 2014 Ford Fusion.
The 2014 Ford Fusion is a four-door, five-passenger midsize sedan available in three trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium.
The Fusion S and SE come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
For the SE, there are three engine options. There’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission only. There is also the new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which comes matched to a six-speed automatic. Power output is an estimated 178 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
Those looking for maximum thrust should consider the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It also comes only with the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters). The Fusion Titanium comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and automatic. All-wheel drive is optional for the Titanium as well.
In testing, a 2013 Ford Fusion with the 1.6-liter and automatic transmission (a combination no longer available) went from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.8 seconds, which is average for four-cylinder family sedans. This year’s 1.5-liter engine and auto should be pretty much identical. A Fusion Titanium with the turbo 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is on par with V6-equipped AWD sedans in this price range.
Official EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 26 miles per gallon combined (22 miles per gallon city/34 mpg highway) with the 2.5-liter engine, which is average for this class. Both the 1.5- and 1.6-liter engines feature automatic engine stop-start functionality to optimize fuel economy. The 1.6 earns 29 miles per gallon combined (25 city/37 highway), while the 1.5 is just slightly less at 28 miles per gallon combined (23 city/36 highway).
Front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter-equipped Fusions earn 26 miles per gallon combined (22 city/33 highway), while the AWD Titanium rates 25 miles per gallon combined (22 city/31 highway).
It’s impossible to go wrong with any of the 2014 Ford Fusion’s engine choices. Even the base 2.5-liter engine offers competitive power, while the optional turbocharged engines provide an appealing blend of fuel efficiency and performance. The 1.5- and 1.6-liter engines are likely the best bets for most buyers, and they make the Fusion feel quicker than acceleration testing numbers indicate.
The 2014 Ford Fusion comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, front knee airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system includes an emergency crash-notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. Also standard is Ford’s MyKey, which can be used to set certain parameters for teen drivers.
Optional equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-drowsiness detection and lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, collision warning (with brake intervention), and inflatable rear seatbelts.
In brake testing, a Fusion Titanium stopped from 60 miles per hour in 123 feet, an average distance for this class of car.
The government gave the Fusion five out of five stars for overall crash protection, along with five stars for frontal protection and four stars for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Fusion the highest possible rating of “Good” in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof strength crash tests. In the institute’s new small-overlap frontal-offset test, the Fusion earned a second-best rating of “Acceptable.”
Inside the 2014 Ford Fusion, tasteful style and high-quality materials abound. The dashboard and center stack are uncluttered and tastefully designed.
With the highly adjustable power driver seat, just about everybody should be able to find a comfortable driving position. The passenger seat is just as supportive – US News notes the lumbar seats – while the split-folding rear seats are well contoured and have plenty of legroom.
The optional MyFord Touch system has a clean look. The 8-inch main display controls various audio, phone, and navigation functions via voice (Ford’s Sync), touch controls, or buttons on the steering wheel.
Trunk space stands at 16 cubic feet, which is slightly above average for this class.
On the highway, the 2014 Ford Fusion offers a comfortable and controlled ride. It’s also remarkably quiet. What’s really nice, however, is that these qualities don’t come at the expense of engaging handling. Driven through turns, the Fusion is confident and composed, and the steering is remarkably communicative.
US News gives the Ford Fusion a check for front all-season tires, rear all-season tires, and a full size spare tire, front disc/rear drum brakes, and front tow hooks.
Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury's new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.
Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?
Has the cost of maintaining your old car finally worn you down?
Tired of dealing with all the time, money, and headaches your car has cost you?
Maybe it’s time for a new one. But when is the best time to buy?
The best time is really when you want or need a new one, but there are some times throughout the year that are better than others.
One of these times is the end of the year when the dealership is looking to clear out its inventory. We know this comes at a time that may be difficult financially, but if you can do it, you’ll be able to find some good deals.
The end of the summer is also a good time to look for a new car. As summer draws to a close, car companies are switching production from the current model-year vehicles to next year’s cars, trucks, and SUVs.
No matter what time of year it is, it’s smart to shop early in the week. At the end of the week, there are so many customers at the dealership that you may not be able to get the undivided attention you want.
Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Head over to www.monacoford.com to check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.
Have a large family and are looking for a 3-row crossover vehicle?
Many people compare the 2014 Ford Explorer and the 2014 Toyota Highlander when searching.
But what’s the difference?
This year, Ford improves the Explorer’s electric steering, installed larger standard brakes, and added automatic headlights for all models. Second-row heated seats and adaptive cruise control are more widely available in the 2014 models, and two new colors debuted.
After a stumble in 2011 – following a complete redesign and a switch from traditional SUV construction to a crossover SUV platform – the current Ford Explorer’s reliability record has been good.
At Monaco Ford, you can choose between three different engines when buying a 2014 Ford Explorer. A 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is standard and is the most popular choice, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ratings for combined driving, this engine provides 20 miles per gallon with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 19 miles per gallon with the optional AWD system.
Optionally, a more fuel-efficient and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is offered exclusively with FWD and a 6-speed automatic. At 240 horsepower, this turbo 4-cylinder generates less oomph than the V6, but it also produces more torque at lower revolutions per minute, helping it to feel nearly as energetic while returning 23 miles per gallon in combined driving, based on EPA estimates.
The Explorer Sport is the most powerful version of this SUV, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and a standard AWD system. The fuel economy rating for this setup is 18 miles per gallon in combined driving.
While the Explorer and the Highlander are in the same general neighborhood with regard to miles per gallon, the Explorer’s engines are more powerful.
US News gives the Ford Explorer a check for a V6 cylinder engine and a supercharged and turbocharged engine – things the Highlander doesn’t have.
When it comes to safety, both models get a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and both models earn the top rating of Good in four out of five crash-test assessments conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ford wins when it comes to safety equipment. For example, the Explorers at Monaco Ford are equipped with standard MyKey technology, which allows the parents of young drivers to program certain vehicle settings to help keep them safe. It also has SYNC Bluetooth connectivity with 911 Assist, which automatically dials out for help from emergency personnel if the Explorer’s airbags deploy, as long as a smartphone is paired to the system and aboard the SUV.
Toyota doesn’t offer anything like MyKey and provides its subscription-based Safety Connect service only on the most expensive Highlander Limited trim levels.
Furthermore, the Ford is available with curve control technology, a lane-keeping system that can help steer the Explorer back into its lane if it wanders unintentionally and inflatable rear seat belts that help cushion rear-seat occupants from crash forces. Toyota doesn’t offer these features for the Highlander.
Each of these family-size crossovers can be optioned with a sophisticated AWD system, though Ford supplies hill-descent control and a terrain management system that tailors power delivery based on the type of surface that the Explorer is on.
Both of these vehicles are also offered with robust infotainment technologies, including smartphone connectivity and applications, a navigation system, premium audio components, rear-seat entertainment and more, but the Explorer also offers a mobile Wi-Fi connection.
Additionally, the Monaco Ford Explorer is available with a greater array of safety technologies, plus an active park-assist system that steers the SUV into a parallel parking space while the driver operates the transmission and pedals. The 2014 Ford Explorer offers a greater level of technology than the 2014 Toyota Highlander.
US News adds that the Explorer has an interior cargo shade, luggage rack, rear seat audio controls, satellite radio, hard disk drive, passenger lumbar seats, a fixed bench seat, a split bench seat, and flexible fuel capability. The Highlander doesn’t earn a check for any of these categories.
Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?
You’re looking for a compact car and you aren’t sure which is better, the 2014 Ford Focus or the 2014 Honda Civic.
When the Ford Focus first came out, it was a pretty good car. But as the years went on, newer and more polished rivals relegated it to mid-pack status. Not so with the current-generation Focus, which debuted for 2012 and ranks among the best picks in the compact car segment.
Major reasons to consider the 2014 Ford Focus sedan and hatchback at Monaco Ford include sprightly performance, an upscale interior, a refined ride, and excellent fuel economy.
This sophisticated, highly refined and fun-to-drive small sedan and hatchback look and feel as if they should be priced higher. US News notes that the 2014 Ford Focus rings up for less than the 2014 Honda Civic.
Another key attribute is the Focus’ abundance of available high-tech convenience features. One such luxury-like standout is the automated parallel parking system that can neatly slip the car into a curbside spot without the driver ever touching the steering wheel. And of course there’s Ford’s Sync system, one of the first voice control systems to be offered in any car.
US News gives the 2014 Ford Focus the check for keyless start and remote engine start – things the Civic doesn’t have.
Even if technology isn’t a priority for you, the fact that Ford offers a choice of hatchback and sedan body styles, as well as a wide range of trim levels, should give the Focus plenty of appeal. There are even all-electric and high-performance variants. The former, the Focus Electric, is propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143-horsepower) electric motor and can be recharged in about four hours from a 240-volt power source. Owners of the electric Focus can keep tabs on its charging state via smartphone integration.
The front-wheel-drive 2014 Ford Focus at Monaco Ford has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 160 hp and 146 pound-feet of torque. The S and SE models get a five-speed manual transmission standard, while a six-speed automatic that Ford calls “Powershift” is optional. The automatic comes standard on the Titanium, though the manual transmission is still available as a no-cost option.
In performance testing, a Focus Titanium with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds – a bit quicker than average for this segment.
US News gives the 2014 Ford Focus a better performance rating than the 2014 Honda Civic.
The EPA gives the Focus Electric an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPGe) of 110 miles per gallon city and 99 miles per gallon highway and 105 miles per gallon combined. The EPA also estimates the Focus Electric has an effective range of about 76 miles between charging. But as with all electric cars, actual range will be highly dependent on driving style and environment. The EPA also gives the Ford Focus Electric an energy consumption estimate of 32 kWh used per 100 miles (the lower the kWh number here, the better). With a 240-volt home charger, Ford says the Focus Electric can be recharged in four hours.
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system, which is available on all Focus models, also includes an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. Ford’s MyKey system, which can be used to set certain parameters for teen drivers, is standard on every Focus except the S sedan. A rearview camera comes standard on the Focus Titanium.
In brake testing, a Focus Titanium with the Handling package and summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 110 feet, an impressive performance. A Focus with the SFE package stopped in 117 feet, which is also impressive considering its low-rolling-resistance tires.
In government crash testing, the Focus received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for overall frontal impact protection and five stars for overall side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Focus its highest possible rating of “Good” in the frontal-offset, side, and roof strength tests.
The 2014 Ford Focus also has a rear body air bag – something the Civic does not.
The interior of the 2014 Ford Focus is attractive and quiet, and the materials are among the best in this class. It doesn’t get much better with the optional MyFord Touch system, either. The large touchscreen, combined with the Sync voice command system, looks classy and provides some neat customization possibilities.
US News notes that the 2014 Ford Focus has a driver and passenger illuminated visor mirror – things the Civic does not.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable over long distances. The rear seats offer adequate headroom. The sedan’s 13.2-cubic-foot trunk is on par for this class, but the hatchback model is still the better choice for the practical-minded. The latter provides 23.8 cubic feet of space with the 60/40-split rear seats up and 44.8 cubic feet with them folded down.
The 2014 Ford Focus from Monaco Ford feels like a European car in the way it’s been tuned to provide both sharp handling and a refined ride. Yet the Focus is also smooth riding and quiet on the highway.
The 2.0-liter engine offers above average performance and fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission works well and gives the car a sportier feel.
The 2014 Ford Focus Electric’s electric motor and direct-drive transmission result in silky smooth power delivery. Acceleration is impressive at low speeds. Ford put in extra effort at making the Focus Electric quiet, and indeed this is one of the quietest small cars you’ll find.
US News gives the 2014 Ford Focus checks for: locking rear differential, being supercharged and turbo charged, having an automatic transmission with a manual mode, and having a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual option. The Civic doesn’t have any of these.
Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?
Looking for something fun to do with the kids on Saturday?
Head over to the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester for a fantastic touch-a-truck event.
Manchester will be celebrating Homeland Day while tourism sites statewide are promoting Open House Day.
The museum will enthusiastically embrace both events by offering visitors free admission from noon until 5 p.m. - and the opportunity to see and climb inside a variety of big trucks between noon and 3 p.m.
Monaco Ford will be providing a large lifted truck for the event, so be sure to come over and say hello when you see us there.
Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Head over to www.monacoford.com to check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.
We are a military family. And as such, we have a soft spot for our former and current military members.
On Aug. 28, we are going to be one of the stops of the High Five Tour 2014, a road trip across America that is raising funds for our warriors.
The tour is being put on by Wounded Warriors Family Support, whose mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.
Your help will help rally support in the community for our country’s military families and to raise funds for the construction of “smart homes” for deserving wounded warriors. Absolutely 100 percent of all donations to the High Five Tour 2014 go directly to the construction of these homes.
The 3rd annual car show will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and we’re asking that you use our side entrance at 30 Oak St. in Glastonbury.
All vehicles are welcome and we are asking for a $10 donation per vehicle (including passengers) and for a $5 donation per spectator. Your donation includes food and drinks.
At the event, you’ll also get a sneak peek at the 2015 Ford Mustang. There will be a 50/50 raffle and tickets will be sold by the ladies of the Tilted Kilt. Plus, there will be a special surprise for the ladies.
For more information about the High Five Tour 2014, visitwww.highfivetour.com.
Want to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Head over to www.monacoford.com to check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.
You want a good pickup truck, but you’re not sure which is the best – the 2014 Ford F-150 or the 2014 Chevy Silverado.
Monaco Ford in Glastonbury can help.
While the choices in full-size half-ton pickups aren’t nearly as varied as with family sedans or SUVs, there’s still a pretty good selection from which to choose. Nonetheless, the 2014 Ford F-150 continues to be the best-selling truck of them all.
This is not because the rivals are weak, but because Ford continues to offer customers so many of the features important to them, in a package that looks good, is rugged, and is reliable.
From features and fuel economy to towing and hauling, the F-150 has it covered. Depending on the model, you can have everything from a basic work truck to a luxurious country limousine.
US News gives the Ford F-150 better performance and interior ratings. In comparison with the Silverado, the F-150 gets a check for front and rear tire performance.
The Monaco Ford F-150 also as an alarm, back-up camera, vehicle anti-theft system, fog lamps, auto-off headlights, rear parking aid, steering wheel controls, a trip computer, variable speed intermittent wipers, rain sensing wipers, an electrochromic rearview mirror, mirror memory, an illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror, CD player, CD changer, rear seat audio controls, a hard disk drive, and dual zone air conditioning. The Silverado doesn’t get a check for any of this.
The Silverado also doesn’t have driver and passenger lumbar seats, seat memory, a power driver and passenger seat, brake assist, integrated turn signal mirrors, auto-leveling headlights, supercharged and turbocharged engines, and an automatic transmission with a manual mode. All of this can be found on the Ford F-150.
The F-150 is the first full-size pickup to offer a turbocharged V6 engine and an electronic locking rear axle. It also has several little features such as a built-in step inside the bed door and Hill Start Assist, which prevents the truck from rolling backward when stopped on a steep angle.
Xenon headlights are now also standard on XLT and above.
Ford offers a varied model lineup, great engine range, including a turbocharged EcoBoost V6, and many features to assist on the job site.
The base F-150 engine is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 302 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It returns fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon highway in 2-wheel drive, and 16 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway in 4-wheel drive.
The twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque while returning fuel economy of 16 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon highway in 2-wheel drive and 15 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway in 4-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the EcoBoost V6 can tow up to 11,300 pounds and carry a payload of 3,060 pounds.
In the V8 category, the F-150 offers a 5.0-liter engine rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures are 15 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway in 2-wheel drive and 14 miles per gallon city and 19 miles per gallon highway in 4-wheel drive.
At the top is the monster 6.2-liter V8 rated at 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. Fuel ratings for this engine are 13 miles per gallon city and 18 miles per gallon highway in 2-wheel drive and 12 miles per gallon city and 16 miles per gallon in 4-wheel drive.
The F-150 is offered in nine trim levels – XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and the SVT Raptor off-roader. There are three cab options – regular cab, SuperCab (with small rear doors), and SuperCrew (with full-sized rear doors). There are three bed lengths – 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8 feet.
When it comes to safety, the Ford F-150 comes with anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, front and front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags (for both front and rear passengers on SuperCab and SuperCrew cabs).
The F-150s at Monaco Ford scored well in the government’s crash tests and the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the F-150 top marks, naming it a Top Safety Pick.
Given its impressive towing and payload abilities, one might expect the F-150 to ride like a stiffly sprung work truck. But it doesn’t. On the open road and even around town, the F-150 delivers the kind of ride and handling one would expect of a large SUV – smooth, stable, and comfortable. The F-150’s electrically assisted power steering delivers good feedback and handles the job of moving the F-150’s bulk with ease.
On rough roads, the F-150 remains composed. The power provided by the 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 are great and the EcoBoost V6 is an impressively versatile engine, delivering huge supplies of power when asked yet achieving above-average fuel economy when driven gently.
Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 8 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?
