The long-lasting love affair with the automobile is one of the defining characteristics of Americana. There’s no denying that our favorite cars aren’t just consumer goods or methods of transportation but symbols of our individuality and love of personal freedom. Few vehicles have come to symbolize all these different aspects more than the Ford Mustang. Ever since it made its debut all the way back in 1964, the vehicle has captured the hearts and minds of many and continues to build a legacy that’s been celebrated through multiple generations. If you’ve ever googled the terms “Ford Mustang for sale” or “used Ford dealer near me,” there’s a good chance you’re among the fans of this legendary vehicle. Today we’re looking back at the history of the Ford Mustang and the continuing strides in innovation that Ford has made over the years in perfecting this titan of the open road.

1965-1970: A Legacy Begins

The debut of the Mustang in 1965 set a new standard for car design that would inspire a host of imitators attempting to capitalize on Ford’s newfound excellence. In a departure from the full-size muscle cars of the 1950s, the Mustang was the start of what’s sometimes referred to as the “pony car.” This term refers to the type of muscular but compact coupe that the Mustang introduced, and so many attempted to emulate and duplicate, with varying degrees of success. More agile than a full-size muscle car but more practical than a traditional roadster, the pony car would come to dominate the American sports car scene.

The original Mustang was also set apart from other designs at the time by its longer than average hood and an appearance that was focused on sportiness, most notable from its sloping rear top that would later be developed further into what’s known as a “fastback.” While the design of a two-door coupe was nothing new, the Mustang took it in a new direction. While things could have gone either way, the Mustang hit the ground running–or should we say, galloping.

While offering performance with a variety of inline-six and V8 engines, the Mustang thrived in the area of aesthetics and style, allowing for a variety of variations. Available as a notchback, fastback, or convertible, there was something to appeal to a variety of sensibilities. One of the highlights of these early years was the Mustang Mach I, released in 1969. A two-door fastback that had more focus on performance than aesthetics, the vehicle came equipped with a variety of large block motors that generated from 250 to 335 horsepower. The Mustang would continue its prominent run into the 1970s with several updates to the car, but there was a looming crisis on the horizon…

1974: A New Concept and a Global Crisis

There are a lot of contributing factors behind the redesigns of popular automobiles. Among these are the changing needs of the average consumer, which themselves can be altered drastically due to world events that are completely beyond their control. Such is the case for the Mustang in 1974. While it’s possible no one could have seen the coincidence set to occur, the introduction of the Mustang II for the 1974 model year just happened to occur at the same time as the 1973 oil crisis. This period of history is sometimes referred to as the “Malaise Era,” named for a speech given by President Jimmy Carter. The era was associated with an oil embargo that saw the price of gasoline rise to unprecedented heights, forcing several manufacturers to adapt by designing smaller vehicles that were more focused on economy than performance.

The Mustang II is a polarizing era in the history of the nameplate. While it did allow the Mustang brand to continue through the crisis, many see it as a boring, underpowered, and domesticized iteration of what the car had once symbolized. While the Mustang II has its supporters and a special place in the hearts of some enthusiasts, the vehicle is best remembered as having more in common with the Ford Pinto than the Mustangs of old. Many of the Mustang II models featured an inline-four engine, and the mighty V8 options of the other generations were nowhere to be seen.

1979-1993: A Forgotten Era

The narrative that’s sometimes pushed from popular culture is that the Mustang dominated the 1960s and was then reborn in the 1990s. While enthusiasts are certainly well aware of the highs and lows of these two periods, the Mustang of the 1980s is often passed over, with the Pontiac Trans Am being heralded as the ideal American muscle car of the era. Thanks to the popularity of Smokey and the Bandit and Magnum P.I., pop culture of the 1980s no longer embraced the Mustang as the cool kid on the block. Still, Ford persevered as it always had, undaunted by the changes in trends.

With its square body shape and bland styling, the third-generation Mustang seemed to be a far cry from what the company had accomplished with its designs and innovations from the previous decades. If there was any high point for the “Fox-Body” Mustang, it was the 1986 Mustang GT, which introduced a new 5.0L V8 fuel-injection engine developing 200 hp. The 1986 GT seemed to be a return to the concepts that had originally made the Mustang so great. While the vehicle was hindered aesthetically by way of its boxier design, under the hood, it was a different story. The new engine was connected to a five-speed manual transmission to cater to those who craved performance. With a 6.2-second 0-60 time and a sub-15 second quarter mile, it was the high-water mark of a decade that wasn’t exactly kind to the car that redefined Americana.

1994-Present Day: Reborn in Curves, Still a Young Pony at Heart

It seems only fitting that the major redesign for the Mustang would arrive in 1994, exactly 30 years after the original Mustang was unveiled. While the fourth-generation Mustang was still based on the same Fox platform as the third generation, it was clear that the car had been revitalized and was ready to return to its glory days. In fact, the Mustang even adopted a decidedly retro look for its fifth generation in 2005, giving fans a car that more than made up for any failures of the 1970s and 1980s. Once again the unchallenged king of the pony car segment, the Mustang remains a fan favorite to this day.

The current Mustang, while still available in variations that satisfy the needs of the performance-oriented consumer, is now available in a range of stylish designs and is more accessible than it has even been. In an age where consumers can make or break a brand’s popularity, there’s now a Mustang for every type of driver. Whether you wish to pilot a powerful Mustang GT along I-69 through the scenic fields of Kentucky or take your friends cruising through Henderson in an economical Mustang EcoBoost convertible, the Mustang is the car for you.

Over the years, the Mustang has proved its longevity, versatility, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing trends and events that shape the world in which we live. And here at Kate Faupel Ford, you can trust us when we say whatever you might want out of your next vehicle purchase, we’ve got a Mustang for that.

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Kentucky residents love Ford trucks and with good reason. They are reliable, performance-driven, and very utilitarian. However, there are so many choices and options out there for Madisonville drivers when it comes to trucks, what makes a Ford pickup a viable option for you? Well, there are a number of reasons, and if there were no limits on time and space, you might find yourself reading through hundreds of reasons. However, we don’t need hundreds of reasons to convince Madisonville drivers that a Ford is the right brand of pickup for them. In fact, there are just five important reasons to consider visiting a Ford dealer near Madisonville, like ours here at Kate Faupel Ford, to shop for a light-duty or heavy-duty pickup that will make your life easier and your travels more efficient.

#1 – Ford Has Affordable Trucks for Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Not every truck manufacturer out there has different size trucks for different segments. Some may have a full-size option with light-duty and heavy-duty availability, while others might offer midsize and full-size options in the light-duty segment but no heavy-duty options. With Ford, however, you have trucks of different sizes, from compact to full-size and from light-duty to heavy-duty. Two great examples of Ford offering budget-conscious truck shoppers some great options when it comes to reliable, functional trucks that are still distinct when it comes to offering great segment choices are the Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger.

Both the Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger are highly affordable and perfect for those shopping on a budget. The Ford Ranger is a midsize truck that offers you some good performance gains with multiple powertrain layouts of the turbocharged 4-cylinder and V6 variety, and some solid fuel economy. The Ranger also tops out at 7,500 lbs worth of towing and up to 1,805 lbs worth of payload, and you can get it in multiple trim formats that range from a daily driver to an off-road-tuned truck.

The Maverick, however, is a modular compact truck that is extremely affordable and designed to be modified with a lot of do-it-yourself style personalization when it comes to the cabin and bed design. You can get the Maverick for an affordable price, and it comes with all of the basics for travel and utility, with a max tow capacity of 4,000 lbs and a max payload of 1,500 lbs. It makes for an excellent starter truck, or an entry-level modular work truck for those shopping on a tight budget. You get safety, infotainment, and utility, all for a low price, which is great for Madisonville truck shoppers working with a tight budget.

#2 – Ford’s Super Duty Trucks Are Made for Madisonville’s Heavy Duty Tasks

Some of Madisonville’s common jobs may require a heavy-duty pickup truck. In this case, you can’t rely on a compact, midsize, or light-duty to get the job done for you. For that, you will need a three-quarter-ton or one-ton pickup, which means shopping for a good heavy-duty truck that can handle all of the transportation, hauling, and trailering tasks around Madisonville. Ford has options in the form of the Super Duty series.

The Ford Super Duty trucks offer drivers some great utility options with the F-250, the F-350, and the F-450. The F-250 is centered around providing you with reliable performance, a durable design, and high-end towing and trailering capabilities. You have multiple V8 powertrains with high displacement and a max towing capacity of up to 23,000 lbs when properly configured, as well as a max payload capacity of 4,268 lbs with the right equipment. The multiple trims, ranging from basic entry-level options and work-truck-themed trims to off-road and luxury trims, also make the F-250 versatile enough to be both a work truck and a daily driver for basic errands or family needs.

The F-350, however, takes everything the F-250 does and cranks it up a notch. You have the same V8 powertrains that are turned around the high-strength chassis of the F-350, which gives you the ability to trailer up to 32,900 lbs and haul up to 8,000 lbs, whereas the F-450 can trailer up to 40,000 lbs when properly equipped. All of Ford’s Super Duty trucks also have a comprehensive safety and infotainment suite, featuring Ford Co-Pilot360 assists and an available 12-inch touchscreen with the Ford SYNC media integration. So whether you’re moving concrete and lumber around construction sites or trailering livestock across county lines, you have a lot of utility available with the Super Duty trucks if you need a heavy-duty pickup.

#3 – The F-150 Makes for the Perfect Versatile Family Vehicle

A lot of people love trucks for their versatility, and not every truck needs to be completely outfitted for all work and no play. In fact, this is what has made the F-Series of pickups so popular around the country because they can be molded into what best suits your driving needs. The F-150, in particular, has stood out because you can use it for everything from physical labor tasks to quick errands, family events, and general daily driving. The F-150 is the perfect versatile family vehicle due to its ability to seat up to six people and all of the media, safety, and performance features it comes packed with.

The base trims are there for those who simply need a more simplified entry-level truck, but as you move up the trim line you have access to more convenience, comfort, and luxury features that make the F-150 a great all-around pickup for Madisonville drivers who prioritize travel with the family. Depending on the trim format, the two-row seating is available in cloth or leather upholstery, with power seats and lumbar support for added comfort. Plus, you have air conditioning for those humid summer days, full driver assistance, and active safety features whether you’re dealing with rainy highway conditions or poor visibility when driving at night.

The F-150 spans the entire light-duty truck segment when it comes to options. If you find yourself having to do a lot of out-of-town commuting on a regular basis, the F-150’s hybrid powertrain makes for a good long-range commuter truck thanks to its fuel economy and performance output. The adequate size for a family, multiple bed box sizes for storage, and its performance for recreation make it just as viable for home renovation tasks as it is for taking the kids to school on a daily basis. But even if you have a teen getting ready to branch out from the family nest by attending Madisonville’s community college, an F-150 is still a good vehicle to have to get your young adult to and from school safely thanks to the built-in driver aids and vehicular assists.

#4 – Head Off-Road With Your Ford Raptor or Tremor

There are a lot of opportunities to take your vehicle off-road throughout Kentucky. Given all the forested areas and gravel trails around Madisonville, it only seems natural that some drivers will be inclined to take their trucks off the paved road and into the less charted areas of the region, whether it be for work or play. For those adventures, however, you will need a truck that can actually handle what the great outdoors can throw at it, and the highlight of Ford’s series of trucks is that many of them are capable of venturing off-road.

Each truck segment has an off-road trim or package available, so you can get the most out of the truck. For the Ford Ranger, you have the Ranger Raptor, which is designed as the midsize off-road solution for those who want a high-performance, off-road truck that may not be as big or as costly as the F-Series pickups. However, if you do want to level up your off-road adventures throughout Madisonville for those weekend warrior escapades, and you want the higher-end towing and payload capacity of a larger truck, the F-150, F-250, and F-350 have an off-road answer for you.

The F-150 has the entry-level FX4 Off-Road Package for those who want off-road suspension tuning and the capability to bring their full-size pickup off the beaten path for the first time, while more advanced packages and trims for the F-150, like the Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R, are designed for intermediate, advanced, and expert off-road truckers. Even if you go with the Super Duty trucks, you still have access to the FX4 Off-Road Package with all-terrain tires, an electronic-locking rear-differential, off-road shocks, and skid plates so you can take the heavy-duty trucks into the unknown with ease.

#5 – There’s Lots of Utility and Functionality, No Matter What Ford Truck You Go With

If any of the previous reasons may not have been enough to convince you to consider visiting us for a compact, midsize, light-duty, or heavy-duty pickup, maybe all of the other utility and functional features might be the ticket. What are these other features? In addition to the full suite of infotainment made available from the Ford SYNC system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and Bluetooth streaming, there are also the FordPass features. With FordPass, you have remote connectivity to your Ford truck, with features like MyKey for security and remote safety accessibility, as well as the ability to locate and track the truck.

There is also the inclusion of features like the Pro-Access Tailgate, which adds to the power-dampened tailgate functionality, giving you side-swinging access to the cargo box. It adds an extra layer of utility to the tailgate. But then you have features like the Pro Power Onboard, giving you up to 7.2 kilowatts of power generation, which makes the F-Series of pickups fantastic as mobile generators, either for powering equipment, flood lights, tools at a work site, or for keeping an electronic refrigerator or sound system active while you’re out camping.

Even on the convenience side, you have features like BlueCruise, which covers thousands of miles across North America, including Kentucky. You can have the truck take control using the semi-autonomous driving system, adding some extra convenience to your long commutes across Interstate 69. Even if you’re not big on automated systems, you have to admit that letting the truck drive for you adds a lot of value to the truck. It’s just another added reason as to why so many truck shoppers flock to Ford for a great pickup truck.

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Let the following serve as your 2022 Bronco Buyers Guide before heading down to your local Ford Bronco dealership to purchase one. Yes, as everyone knows the Ford Bronco is back! And it is the hottest SUV on the market. Ford cannot make these things fast enough due to its overwhelming popularity.

Marketed as the direct competitor to the legendary Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco has been completely redesigned from the ground up. We’ll cover trim levels, engine choices, drivetrain, tech, and off-road capability. Sound good? Let’s get going!

Back to Take on Mt. Wrangler

Announced in a press release on July 13, 2020, the Bronco was billed by Ford to be: “ready to deliver thrilling off-road experiences with their heritage-inspired style, rugged engineering and smart off-road technology.” It delivered a clear message: “We’re coming after you, Jeep.”

The Wrangler has gone virtually unchallenged for nearly 30 years. Sure, other companies have made some attempts to make dedicated off-road vehicles appeal to the masses, but none of them ever really caught on the way Jeep did. Heritage, combined with a cool factor and a loyal customer base, made the Wrangler the best seller it is today. Not to mention the near-endless configurable features and that you can literally take the thing apart.

With the market trending towards SUVs, Ford decided to make a bold move in 2018 by almost killing its car lineup and choosing to focus on trucks and SUVs instead. In 2019, we got a brand new Ranger, and now, we have a brand new Bronco.

But what, you may ask, is the big deal? Well, we’ll tell you. The original ’60s Bronco, which the new one is adoringly modeled after, was a legend in its own right. It was Ford’s first SUV, and it was a compact, no-frills, rugged utility vehicle that could go anywhere. The Bronco was an immediate hit. However, success later waned in the late-’90s, and Ford decided to end production in 1996. Now that it’s had a year to chip away at Mt. Wrangler, let’s see what the Blue Oval has to offer us.

Bronco Trim Levels

To begin with, Bronco comes in multiple trim levels. From the bottom up you have: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, and, new for 2022, Everglades and Raptor. That’s a lot to choose from. And, to make things even more complicated, all trims above the Base can be outfitted in either Standard, Mid, High, or Lux packages.

We’ll dig into the Base model since that’s what all the other models take after. In the Base, you get the standard package, which includes selectable 4×4 engagement, cloth seats, and Terrain Management System with 5 G.O.A.T modes. More on those later.

Upper trims will get you leather or vinyl seats, rubberized floorboards with drain plugs for easy cleaning, additional G.O.A.T modes, upgraded engines, and beefier suspension. We won’t go into each trim individually, but we will go a little in-depth into the one performance package available across the lineup: the Sasquatch.

With the exception of the Raptor, all Broncos can be upgraded with the Sasquatch package. Sasquatch provides off-road capability with 35″ tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, HOSS 2.0 suspension, fender flares, and up to 11.6″ of ground clearance.

Power and Drivetrain

Several different engines power the Bronco across the various trim levels. The standard engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder, which produces 275 hp/315 lb-ft of torque on regular, and 300 hp/325 lb-ft of torque on premium. Next up is the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, only available on the Wildtrak, makes 315 hp/410 lb-ft of torque on regular, and 330 hp/415 lb-ft of torque on premium.

Finally we have the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which only comes on the Raptor. We don’t have hp and torque numbers for the 3.0 just yet, but if it’s coming on the Raptor, we can almost guarantee the numbers will be up there.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is optional for all models, but we’d like to point out the availability of the 7-speed manual. This manual transmission can be had on nearly every model in the lineup and comes with a unique crawl gear, which works with the 4×4 system to create a lower gear ratio that’ll help propel Bronco over rough terrain. The SelectShift feature on the automatic transmission provides a similar low gear ratio, but it doesn’t provide nearly as much grip and torque vectoring crawl-power as the manual.

Comfort Tech

We can’t give as complete a guide as we can for a modern vehicle without talking about the available onboard tech. We’re gonna split this into two categories: comfort tech and off-road tech. The comfort tech are those things that provide the creature comforts we’ve come to expect in our vehicles. One such amenity is the touch screen.

The Standard Package on the Bronco comes with an 8″ LCD touch screen, with syncs to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also houses the HD rearview camera. All Broncos’ climate and volume controls are big, easy-to-use knobs-no fumbling with the touch screen to adjust the radio volume.

A step up to the Mid Package gives you Ford’s safety tech, which includes a Lane-Keeping System, a Forward Sensing System, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. You’ll also get heated front seats and a 110V/150W AC power outlet.

Step back into the High Package, and you’ll find all the amenities available on the Mid, but with the upgrade to a 12″ center stack touch screen, which houses a 360-degree camera. A Forward Sensing System, which uses front-end radar to locate road hazards you might not be able to see, is included in this package, as well as LED approach lamps integrated into the side mirrors.

Finally, the Lux Package will get you a combination of Mid and High with the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist, a B&O 10-speaker sound system, built-in navigation, USB ports, and a wireless phone charging pad.

Off-Road Tech

The off-road tech is where the Bronco is truly in its element. We mentioned earlier the availability of the Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T modes, and now we’ll explain them to you.

The Terrain Management System will quite literally manage the terrain you’re driving on through the use of onboard computers, which are connected to sensors in the drivetrain and wheels. The “Go Over Any Terrain” modes on the Bronco are a way of selecting the kind of driving you expect to encounter on your journey and adjusting traction accordingly. The standard 5 G.O.A.T modes are as follows: Sport, Eco, Normal, Slippery, and Sand. Further modes, like Mud/Ruts, Baja, Rock Crawl, and Tow/Haul, are available on higher trim levels.

Of course, tech isn’t the only thing making Bronco an off-road beast. Numerous features, such as four different levels of High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS), front and rear locking differentials, approach and departure angles above 40 degrees and a break over angle of 30.8 degrees, 5 skid plates protecting the engine, fuel tank, and transfer case, tow hooks, electronic-disconnect for the front stabilizer bar, 6 hero switches incorporated into the dash, and 6 more auxiliary switched mounted above the windshield create a fully-loaded off-roading machine.

Insane Configurability

If everything we’ve listed so far hasn’t convinced you enough that the Bronco is one of the most loaded and configurable off-roaders you can buy, then perhaps telling you that you can take off the doors and roof will. Yes, you heard right. Doors and roof off, or folded back in the case of a soft top.

Bronco comes in 2-door and 4-door configurations, each available with either a hard or soft top. The hardtop consists of 3 separate plates, two in the front and one stretching the length of the back. These can be removed with relative ease, as can the doors, which also come with their own storage bags to keep them in the rear cargo area while you’re out driving. Roof rails can also be added to increase cargo capacity, though adding these will make removing the hardtop panels marginally more difficult.

These features, along with the 8 trim levels, performance and tech packages, 12 available colors, and room for aftermarket accessories, may make the Bronco the most configurable, capable, off-road SUV today.

Conclusion

So there’s our guide to the 2022 Bronco. Ford has gone all out with this vehicle, honoring its heritage with vintage style looks and original Bronco easter eggs hidden throughout the exterior. As always, reach out to your dealer with any additional questions, though obviously, your next logical step will be to get behind the wheel and head for the hills.

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Moving to the suburbs with your family or for your growing family can be both exhilarating and scary. Whether you are relocating your home from the backwoods of the country for a shorter commute into Evansville or relocating from the downtown city streets to move away from the noise, suburbia is a whole new world. With greater populations than rural neighborhoods but less commotion than a city, the suburbs are a perfect place to settle down in and call home. But when you move to the suburbs, you may need to trade in your lifted pickup for a more fuel-efficient model for your commute, or you may need to upgrade to a larger SUV to accommodate your family and their belongings on your travels. Rather than taking on the burden of deciding what vehicle will work best for you, your family, and your new life in suburbia, let our team at Kate Faupel Ford, your Melody Hill Ford dealer, help you begin your new journey.

Why Choose Ford?

The legendary brand we know as Ford has been leaving its tread marks throughout history since 1903. Known for being the first company to use a moving assembly line for large-scale manufacturing, Ford has continued to provide drivers with the latest innovations in style, design, technology, and performance at an affordable price. The brand has gained the trust of consumers around the world with affordable, reliable, and all-around satisfying vehicles built with drivers like you in mind.

Furthermore, Ford has a heritage of putting the world before its own needs with a history of dropping vehicle production to help others. Whether to manufacture bombers or medical equipment, Ford has always been there in America’s times of need. If you still aren’t sure why you should choose a Ford, just remember: when you buy a Ford, you are getting more than a quality vehicle built for longevity; you are joining a family that puts others before themselves.

Best Ford Models for Living On the Outskirts of the City

Whether you are currently living in the suburbs and want to upgrade to a newer or more suitable model, or are a new member of suburbia still trying to grasp the reigns of your new life, you will want a vehicle that reflects your unique needs. While living in a cookie-cutter neighborhood where your neighbor’s house is a reflection of yours, sharing the same lawn care company and more, one might think they have to match their neighbor’s vehicle as well. However, the truth is that the vehicles you see in your community are the ones that work for the lifestyle you share with your neighbors.

As your Melody Hill Ford dealer, we may be slightly biased, but the truth is Ford has a vast lineup of models that can provide you with everything you need regarding performance, comfort, and convenience. You can find the ideal design and style that reflects who you are at an affordable price so that you can spend more on the luxuries of life with the people you love rather than on a monthly car payment. Let your community guide you towards the type of vehicle you should be looking into, but make the decision for yourself.

Luckily, Ford offers SUVs in all shapes, sizes, and powertrains, as well as an extensive line of trucks, including America’s best-selling pickup, the full-size F-150. Plus, in Ford’s truck lineup, you will find the popular midsize Ranger and a new hybrid compact truck, the Maverick. Let us not forget about Ford’s iconic sports car, the Mustang, which has been in Ford’s lineup wowing sports car fanatics since its debut in 1964.

However, although a sports car may be your dream vehicle and a truck may have been your vehicle of choice for country life, you will likely want to focus on Ford’s SUV lineup. These models are the most practical for you and your family’s daily driving needs while living in Melody Hill. To make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of Ford’s best contenders we think you should consider for your next vehicle.

Top Ford SUVs for Melody Hill

Ford’s smallest SUV, which is also its most affordable, is the subcompact EcoSport. Although small and mighty, this may be best for you if you primarily travel solo and are looking to maximize your budget. Ford’s next smallest SUV is the Bronco Sport which again will be best for the solo driver and someone looking for either a sporty or a rugged off-road SUV model. You can’t go wrong with either of these popular models for suburban driving in Evansville.

Next in line, we bring you the Ford Escape, which is undoubtedly more common than Ford’s newest compact SUV, the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, which joined the lineup for the 2021 model year. As sharp and innovative as the Mach-E may be, the Escape is a more affordable option for those looking for a daily driver. But don’t worry; if you are looking to electrify your driving experience, the Escape is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions as well as the original gasoline-powered models. An Escape is a great choice for small families in Melody Hill.

If you are looking for a popular midsize SUV with more interior space than Ford’s smaller options but not too much that will make it hard for you to maneuver around Evansville, the Ford Edge may be a model for you. While slightly larger than the compact models, offering more room for you and your passengers to stretch out in and more cargo space as well, its towing capabilities are similar to those of the Bronco and the Escape. Of course, if off-road adventures are your favorite pastime, then the new Bronco will be the midsize SUV for you.

Although in the suburbs you may not want the largest SUV since it will make maneuvering around town more complicated. However, if you and your family need a larger SUV with impeccable capabilities, the massive Expedition is right up your alley. With three rows of seating and up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row with the Expedition MAX, this SUV is perfect for large families. Need three rows of seats but want something that fits in a suburban driveway? Look at the Explorer. This three-row midsize SUV is even available as a hybrid so that you can maximize its versatility with better fuel economy.

How Do You Choose a Model Right for You?

Decision-making is not for the light-hearted. It is tough, especially when you are making a decision that will affect you and your family’s future. This is why Kate Faupel Ford is here for you. As your Melody Hill Ford dealer, we want to make sure you start your new life in suburbia with a vehicle that molds to your personality, lifestyle, and driving needs. We want to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. So when you are ready, let us get you into a model from a trusted brand known for its reliability and customer satisfaction. Let us help you drive home in a Ford today.

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There is a lot of talk about electric trucks. When you are doing research about cars, you can’t help but see several articles about how marvelous the Ford Lightning is or how electric vehicles can now travel great distances before having to be plugged in for a recharge. Even if you aren’t in the market for a truck, electric or gas-powered, you must still be intrigued and curious. But for those who are in the market for an electric truck, you will want to learn as much as you can about them before selecting which one is right for you. There is a rivalry building up at this very moment. Without a doubt, there will be much discussion about the Ford Lightning and Silverado EV. These are two iconic trucks that will have electric versions available soon, and the competition is already heating up. In the battle that features two popular truck models, Kate Faupel Ford, your Owensboro Ford dealership, presents the 2022 Ford Lightning vs the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV.

Technology and Design

Two all-new electric pickup trucks are set to join the market very soon, and it looks as though Ford and Chevy will continue their long-standing rivalry. That isn’t a big surprise; the two top dogs have been in competition for several decades. What does seem a bit different is that they will be dueling with electric trucks.

Ford and Chevy both developed electric trucks, but they chose completely different paths in their approach. Ford stuck with the gas-powered F-150 and swapped the engine out for an electric motor while Chevy decided to create the Silverado EV from the ground up; it’s literally a brand new model. And while the Ford Lightning looks the same as its gas-powered brothers, the Silverado EV looks quite different from the rest of the Silverado lineup. For hardcore F-150 enthusiasts, it’s nice that Ford kept the iconic look of the original pickup truck.

Both trucks boast plenty of technology. For example, they both feature infotainment systems with large touchscreens. The base Lightning model boasts a 12-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and Wi-Fi compatibility. The top trim levels enjoy a 15.5-inch touchscreen and Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Silverado will sport an 11-inch touchscreen and a 17-inch touchscreen on the top trim.

The Lightning is constructed with a body built from military-grade high-strength alloy, which makes the truck durable as well as lightweight. It also speaks the truth when Ford says they build their trucks Ford Tough. In addition, thanks to the independent rear suspension, ride comfort is guaranteed.

Power and Performance

The Lightning is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver all-wheel drive. The result is a truck with 426 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. The model is fitted with a standard battery pack that will give you a driving range of around 230 miles. In addition, you can choose to upgrade to the extended battery pack, which will garner 300 miles. In addition to the additional miles you can drive on the extended battery pack, the horsepower is boosted to 563. However, the torque remains the same.

The Silverado EV also employs two motors and all-wheel drive. On the lower trim level, you will experience 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. On the high trim level, the Silverado EV will have 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. The driving range for the Silverado EV is at 400 miles.

Due to the weight of the battery pack, electric trucks lag in towing and payload. Still, the Lightning can tow up to 7,700 pounds with a payload of 2,000 pounds. With the extended range battery pack, those numbers change. The extended range battery pack increased the horsepower to 10,000 pounds. However, it cuts the payload from 2,000 pounds to 1,800 pounds.

The Silverado EV boasts some similar numbers. Towing capacity for the base model is 8,000 pounds, and it can haul up to 1,200 pounds. The RST trim with the more powerful motors can tow up to 10,000 pounds, and it can haul up to 1,300 pounds.

Safety and Models

For the time being, Chevy plans on only launching two trim levels, the WT and RST, with nothing in between to bridge that rather large gap. So you can either choose the base model or the top trim level that stands at six figures. The Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four trim levels, which is nice for those who like choices. The XLT serves as the base model and comes standard with the typical features you would expect. There are several options, including heated seats, the extended battery pack, and 20-inch wheels.

While all trim levels come standard with fixed running boards, the Lariat and Platinum enjoy retractable running boards and a power tailgate. The Lariat also boasts heated and cooled leather seats. You also enjoy the 15.5-inch infotainment system in the Lariat. The Platinum is fully-loaded, and the extended range battery pack is standard. The Platinum rides on 22-inch wheels with black accents. On the inside, you will be seated on Nirvana leather seats that are heated and cooled.

The Lightning comes standard with a host of safety features that not only keep you safe on the road, but they also make driving an even more pleasant experience. A few standard driver-assisted features include lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking, which is a pre-collision feature that uses utilized camera technology to detect when an object is in front of you, and a collision is possible. The lane-keeping assist emits vibrations from the steering wheel when you drift from your lane. The Lightning also comes equipped with BlueCruise, new self-driving technology as an optional feature. Paired with features like adaptive cruise control, the semi-autonomous driving mode allows the driver a hands-free driving experience.

The Silverado EV also comes with plenty of standard safety features. Drivers behind the wheel of a Silverado will enjoy forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, and following distance indicator, which helps prevent tailgating and rear-end collisions. Other safety features include automatic emergency braking, high-beam assist, and front pedestrian braking. The Silverado EV will also have the option of Super Cruise for semi-autonomous driving.

A True F-150

You can crunch numbers and look at figures all day long to determine which truck has an edge. They are comparable trucks, to be sure, but the F-150 has one significant advantage; the fact that at heart, it is a genuine Ford F-150. For a true Ford enthusiast, building the F-150 Lightning for the ground up is just the same as manufacturing a brand new model. So when you are cruising your Foord Lightning down the streets of your city, you and everybody else on the road know that you are driving an F-150. The only difference between your Lightning and any other F-150 is that yours is powered by electricity.

Kate Faupel Ford invites drivers to visit our dealership for top-quality new and used vehicles. With our impressive inventory and friendly sales team, finding the perfect car, truck, or SUV to fit your needs and lifestyle is all too easy. We are always looking for better ways to bring you a better dealership experience. In addition to our wonderful selection of new cars, trucks, and SUVs, we also offer a wide range of used vehicles. We employ knowledgeable and friendly finance experts who will work with you to find the right auto loan that fits your budget. And our dedication to you does not end when you drive off in your dream vehicle. Our service center features highly-trained technicians whose expertise will keep your car in excellent running condition. Whether you stop by for routine maintenance or a major repair, we will have you back on the road in a timely manner and a job done right the first time. Stop by Kate Faupel Ford today and let us help you get behind the wheel of your dream car, truck, or SUV.

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Did you know that the Edge was Ford’s first midsize crossover? With models like the Expedition cornering the three-row market for the American automaker, Ford debuted the Edge in 2007 as a midsize crossover with a knack for balancing efficiency, versatility, and innovation. This balance is exactly what you’ll find when you shop for the 2022 Ford Edge at Kate Faupel Ford, your Mt. Vernon Ford dealer.

Efficiency

Power isn’t mutually exclusive with efficiency, at least not on the 2022 Edge. The Edge comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with automatic start-stop technology. This feature automatically shuts off the engine to conserve fuel when the Edge comes to a stop. Once your foot leaves the brake pedal, the engine seamlessly comes to life, offering the same responsiveness and quick acceleration as you’ve come to expect from a powerful SUV like the Edge. So, just how much power does the 2.0-liter deliver?

Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration and responsive handling in any situation. This power isn’t mutually exclusive with efficiency, as you might’ve guessed by the automatic start-stop technology. The 2022 Edge averages 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, allowing you to spend less on fuel and more on your next adventure.

The biggest surprise in the Edge’s 2022 lineup is the performance-inspired Edge ST. Designed to deliver a “license to thrill,” the ST comes standard with Ford’s powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features aluminum heads and a compact graphite iron engine block, both of which reduce the engine’s weight to deliver more power and better handling. The numbers don’t lie with the powerhouse churning out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque with an average fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, both of which are impressive considering the thrill you’ll have any time you step on the gas.

Versatility

Think about everything that your life demands, from your daily commute and errands in town to your hobbies, activities, and bucket-list items. Your life is rich and versatile, which means it’s only fitting that the 2022 Edge matches that versatility mile for mile. To do this means making the Edge practical, functional, and capable. Practical and functional enough to get you and your passengers safely from Point A to Point B and capable enough to make the journey with confidence and ease.

Features like the standard Intelligent AWD system are responsible for the Edge’s versatility and your confidence behind the wheel. The system constantly monitors the tires for slippage and loss of traction. When it senses either, it directs torque to the tire or tires that need it most. This minimizes the risk of traction loss and gives you more control behind the wheel when driving conditions change.

While the AWD system enables the Edge to confidently tackle harsh terrain, the available Class II Trailer Tow Package with Sway Control extends its versatility as a capable hauler. The Edge itself is spacious and offers ample room for passengers and cargo; however, Ford extends this capability with the Edge’s maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This means saying “yes” to more adventures since you can easily haul a trailer, camper, or a small boat to the lake for the weekend. With Trailer Sway Control, you have the tools you need to stay in control and navigate the road ahead even when you’re pulling a modest-sized load.

Innovation

Innovation is one of the 2022 Edge’s biggest selling points, especially when you discover everything you get in an SUV that starts at $35,395. Every Edge in the five-trim lineup comes standard with an expansive 12-inch center touchscreen display that’s home to Ford’s renowned SYNC 4A infotainment system. The system delivers over-the-air updates to the Edge, which ensures the SUV is always operating with the latest software. This, in turn, eliminates having to go into the dealership to update the software so that the Edge functions properly.

The Edge’s SYNC 4 system is also home to smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This puts your favorite apps at your fingertips in a layout that’s intuitive and familiar, mimicking that of your smartphone. Apps like FordPass and Ford+Alexa extend your connectivity and control over the SUV. The FordPass app gives you access to remote features like start/stop, lock/unlock, scheduled start, and vehicle status checks while Ford+Alexa allows you to use simple voice commands to make calls, respond to messages, schedule appointments, stream your favorite music, navigate the fastest route, and more.

As Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system keeps you connected and informed, the Edge’s extensive suite of safety and driver-assist tools enhance your awareness, monitor your focus, and minimize the potential for collision. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is one of the best in the segment and comes with a wide range of standard features that help you drive smarter and safer. For example, the Edge’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert makes it easy to change lanes by alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots. Cross-Traffic Alert works similarly and looks out for traffic behind the SUV, extending your visibility as you back out of a parking space or congested area.

The Edge’s Lane-Keeping System is designed to help you keep the Edge in its lane by providing subtle vibrations of the steering wheel to notify you when the Edge is drifting. If this occurs too many times, the Edge’s Driver Alert system will notify you that it’s time to pull over and take a break. While the Lane-Keeping System monitors your position on the road, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking constantly monitors what’s ahead of the Edge. It alerts you to potential collisions and, if a collision is imminent, will automatically apply the brakes to minimize the impact. In these instances, Evasive Steering Assist can also engage by giving you added steering support when you turn quickly to avoid a collision.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering is one of the most helpful features you’ll find on the Edge because it’s designed to work with you and for you. Unlike traditional cruise control, where you constantly have to set and reset the cruising speed, Adaptive Cruise Control monitors the flow of traffic and adjusts the Edge’s cruising speed as needed. The feature also works in stop-and-go traffic by bringing the Edge to a controlled stop and then accelerating as needed. How’s that for making your commute in rush-hour traffic less stressful?

An Edge Over the Competition

Bolder and more sophisticated than ever before, the 2022 Ford Edge proves you no longer have to settle for anything less than exceptional in an SUV. The Edge effortlessly balances efficiency with power thanks to its two-engine lineup that delivers the power and torque you need exactly when you need it. The Edge’s standard AWD adds to its versatility and ensures you have the confidence and control to explore any terrain. Its vast array of innovative technology that stretches from the renowned SYNC 4 system to its suite of advanced driver-assist and safety features add to its value and give the Edge an even bigger advantage over the competition.

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In a perfect world, getting the right truck with everything you need would be simple: you’d walk up to a dealership, say, “One truck please!” and the ideal pickup with all of the options you need would just pop out. That would be great, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), things aren’t quite that simple. Still, as your Evansville, IN, Ford dealer, we do everything we can to make it incredibly easy and rewarding to get the right truck – in large part, that’s thanks to the fact that Ford’s lineup of pickups is the best in the industry.

No matter what you’re looking for in your next truck, Ford has you covered. Not only is the F-150 the best-selling truck in America for the last 40 years, but Ford now has more options than ever before to ensure they can get you exactly what you need. With amazing new models like the all-electric F-150 Lightning and the compact Ford Maverick, we know that we can help you find the perfect pickup. And if you’re looking to hit the trail, then Ford has you covered with the Tremor Off-Road package and the amazing F-150 Raptor.

We Understand Evansville Drivers

We know what you might be thinking, “Kate Faupel Ford, you’re not in Evansville; how can you know what I need in a truck?” That’s a fair question; after all, we’re not even located in Indiana – we’re in Henderson, Kentucky. That being said, we’re just across the Ohio River, and we’re only about a 12-minute drive from Evansville, so while we might not be in the city proper, we certainly consider you one of our neighbors. We’re also not some huge, faceless dealership that popped up in the area and is looking to grind through consumers as fast as possible.

While we’ve only been operating as Kate Faupel Ford for a few years now, our location has been serving this area for more than 50 years. That’s a legacy that we take very seriously, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized customer service that addresses your specific needs. We know what it means to live, work, and play in this area, so we’re able to understand what you need, whether you’re coming to us from Evansville or you live here in Henderson. We’ve all been to games at Bosse Field, hiked trails around Angel Mounds, and we shop at Eastland Mall; when you come to visit us, you know that you’re working with someone who understands your needs and who can help you find the right pickup.

A Maverick Emerges

One of the things we’ve always loved about the Ford lineup is the variety it offers – no matter what you’re looking for in a truck, you can find it here. This is truer now than ever before, thanks to the exciting ways that this lineup has grown with great new models like the Ford Maverick. This is Ford’s first compact truck in years, offering a fantastic option if you want the performance and functionality of a pickup, but you don’t need something too big.

Despite its small size, the Ford Maverick still has spacious seating inside for up to five passengers in a comfortable and technologically advanced cabin. The Maverick Lariat features a 6.5-inch LCD instrument cluster screen, along with an 8-inch infotainment display standard on every model. You can even get a stunning, 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that packs incredible audio into the Maverick’s cabin.

In terms of power, a couple of different engines are available: the Maverick starts with a standard 2.5L full hybrid engine that ensures terrific fuel economy and bold performance. If you need more power, there’s a 2.0L EcoBoost engine that delivers 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, giving you up to 4,000 lbs of towing capacity. You can tell we’re excited about this new truck, and we can’t wait to show it to all of our customers looking for a smaller pickup.

Ford, Indiana Ranger

Ford’s previous compact truck, the Ranger, grew up and turned into one of the most impressive and popular midsize pickups on the road. The Ford Ranger is an amazing option if you want something smaller than the full-size F-150, but you have room enough for a midsize truck in your life. Despite its midsize stature, the Ranger offers up to 7,500 lbs of towing capacity, thanks to a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with 270 hp and best-in-class gas torque of 310 lb-ft.

If you like to go camping and do some off-roading, then the Ford Ranger is an amazing choice, particularly with the available Tremor Off-Road package. This package includes a modified heavy-duty off-road suspension, impressive front and rear tow hooks, and Trail Control with Ford’s Terrain Management System. With this system, you can choose from multiple drive modes, including Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Trail Control is like cruise control for going off-road, letting you set a speed, and the Ranger will maintain it while you focus on maneuvering across difficult terrain.

America’s Favorite Truck

Of course, we can’t talk about Ford trucks and not mention the F-150, the bestselling truck in America for more than 40 years. That’s something that has to be earned; year after year, Ford keeps innovating and improving to ensure that the F-150 remains the most impressive truck in the country. The modern F-150 is an absolute beast, with best-in-class available towing and payload: up to 14,000 lbs of towing capacity and up to 3,325 lbs of payload. Best of all, there are some options and designs for the F-150 that take things to the next level, whether you’re looking for an electric model or you really want to conquer the trail.

Lightning Strikes

The all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the most impressive and innovative trucks we’ve ever seen. If you’re even remotely interested in the idea of an EV pickup, then this is the one to check out. While commutes here in Evansville certainly aren’t the longest – well below the national average, in fact – that doesn’t mean that trips to the fuel pump don’t eventually add up. The electric F-150 Lightning leaves the gas station behind.

With an estimated range of up to 300 miles from a full charge and simple charging at home or on the road with support for standard and DC Fast Charging, this is a truck that’s easy to own and use. It comes with standard 4×4 thanks to an electric motor on each axle, with impressive power that can handle up to 10,000 lbs of towing. The Lightning offers more than 560 hp and 775 lb-ft of instant torque that lets it go from 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds for a truly exhilarating ride.

Raptor Attack!

If you’re more into hitting the trail and going camping, then the Ford F-150 Raptor is the model you should check out. While the Ranger is a terrific option for going off-road in a midsize truck, the F-150 Raptor is the pinnacle trail experience in a pickup. It features a five-link independent rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to provide great articulation on even the roughest terrain, along with 24-inch coil springs that can handle anything the trail throws at you. Sport-tuned shock absorbers, including next-generation FOX Live Valve shocks on the front and rear, offer position-sensitive damping that reacts quickly to changes in terrain.

Best of all, the Raptor’s 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6 engine is a twin-turbo that puts most other trucks to shame, giving you 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Available 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires provide more than 13 inches of ground clearance, with a 33.1-degree approach angle, 24.9-degree departure angle, and 24.4-degree breakover angle. It all comes together to make a truck that you can take absolutely anywhere, including the 100 miles of trails around Interlake State Recreation Area.

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If you live in an earthquake zone, then a tremor is not a good thing. But if you are looking for a rugged full-size truck that can handle whatever you, the road, or Mother Nature can dish out, then a Tremor is a very good thing indeed. If you roll into your Henderson Ford dealer, you are going to find something pretty special: the 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor. This is one audacious truck that is going to cause more than little stir as people find out all it has to offer. This is not just a regular F-150 with a couple of neat off-road features thrown in for good measure. The Tremor is a purpose-built F-150 designed to give you the maximum capability you are going to find in a truck of its size. This is why the 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor is the ideal truck for folks who call Kentucky their home. At Kate Faupel Ford, we offer you a vast inventory of Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs, including the 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor. Stop in today and let our team of friendly sales people help you find the one that is perfect for you.

Feel the Tremors From a Powerful Powertrain

Ford offers the 2021 F-150 with six different engines but has reserved a very special one for the Tremor. Each F-150 Tremor runs on a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gas engine. This engine features twin turbochargers for maximum power and is only slightly less capable than the 3.5-liter found in the Ford Raptor. It has an aluminum block with aluminum heads to reduce overall vehicle weight and combines port fuel injection with direct injection, moving fuel into each cylinder head in two different ways, through the air intake port and inside the cylinder itself. This helps improve overall efficient performance, resulting in an engine that delivers 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,100 rpm.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor is exceptionally powerful with this powertrain combination. It is capable of carrying up to 1,885 pounds of payload, so this is not just an off-roading one-trick pony. What’s more, the Tremor can tow up to 10,900 pounds, so it is a real workhorse on and off the road.

One of the most surprising things about the F-150 Tremor is its exceptional fuel economy. You would think that a full-size pickup truck like the Tremor would be a gas-guzzler with its strong powertrain and exceptional capabilities. But then, you would be wrong. The 2021 F-150 Tremor gets an estimated 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 18 miles per gallon. Those are not bad numbers for a 4X4 pickup with 400 hp on tap.

Hit the Trail With an Outstanding Suspension System

Ford has made sure that the F-150 Tremor is factory built for off-roading, which is why it has a factory-installed special suspension system. The front axle has an independent suspension, with both front and rear axles featuring off-road Tremor shocks. Ford has also equipped the Tremor with trim-specific control arms and front knuckles for superior suspension geometry. There is an electronic locking rear differential that will prevent slippage, especially in off-road conditions. When engaged, it will lock the rear axle completely, allowing for improved traction from both rear wheels. Ford has designed the locking rear differential to work with the standard AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control systems for seamless performance on or off the road.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor is 4X4 standard. As such, it features a two-speed automatic transfer case to provide the optimal amount of horsepower to each wheel for exceptional four-wheel drive performance. Ford also offers a number of specialized handling features on the Tremor, including the torque-on-demand transfer case from the Raptor, an available 4.10 front axle with a TORSEN limited-slip differential, and Trail Control. This last feature will allow you to experience one-pedal driving, with the system controlling your truck’s brakes so you can focus on steering and acceleration.

The F-150 Tremor rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with a dark matte finish. Not only does this give the Tremor a real aggressive look, but it also provides you with a total ground clearance of 9.4 inches and a one-inch wider stance than the average F-150. This results in a 68.5-inch track width on your Tremor. These wheels sport a set of 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires that are designed to give you maximum grip and traction, whether you plan on going off-roading with your Tremor or sticking to the Kentucky highways near you.

If you plan on going off-roading, this is one truck that you can take out on the trail right off of our lot. It has an approach angle of 27.6 degrees, a departure angle of 24.3 degrees, and a ramp breakover angle of 21.2 degrees, so you should be able to traverse any obstacle in your Tremor’s path. There are skid plates strategically placed over the fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential to protect your 2021 F-150 Tremor from rocks, logs, and other obstacles that can do serious damage to your truck’s undercarriage. A pair of front tow hooks will help you get off most obstacles, while the black platform running boards and Tremor-style step bars will help you and your passengers get easy access to the Tremor’s cabin and bed.

Adventure in Comfort With a Roomy Cab

The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor may be rough and ready for the off-road trails, but you might not know that from its well-appointed interior. The Tremor comes with a standard SuperCrew cab, so your rear-seat passengers will have a full 43.6 inches of legroom. This will keep the passengers you are taking along in your Tremor from fighting over who gets to ride shotgun.

The front row of your 2021 Tremor features bucket seats with unique sports trim cloth upholstery and lumbar supports. The rear row is a 60/40 flip-up split-bench with an elongated cushion for greater comfort. Ford offers a leather-trimmed interior as an option, which will give you heated front and rear leather seats as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.The Tremor comes equipped with the Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system to keep you and your passengers connected. It has a user-friendly 8-inch color touchscreen and includes the FordPass Connect apps with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Ford also offers a 644-watt 8-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, which will give you exceptional stereo sound in your Tremor. You can even upgrade to a 12-inch center-stack touchscreen and connected built-in navigation on your 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor. If you are an unabashed audiophile, you can spring for the B&O sound system unleashed with HD radio technology. This gives you 18 speakers and 1,080 watts of stereo power, providing you and your passengers with an incredible soundtrack to your latest off-road adventure.

Ford Continues to Rock the World With the 2021 F-150 Tremor

For most folks, when they want an off-road vehicle, they have to compromise. Most purpose-built off-roaders are great on the trail but lack the fuel economy and performance you need when riding on a highway. When it comes to off-road pickup trucks, most sacrifice their payload and towing capacities. For others that feature after factory equipment, they just don’t have the ruggedness of a suspension system and drivetrain created with off-roading in mind. Fortunately for you, the 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor gives you the best of both worlds.

This is a purpose-built full-size off-road truck that has all the features, equipment, and systems you need so you can hit the trail with the peace of mind that you didn’t leave anything behind at the dealership. At the same time, the F-150 Tremor gets solid fuel economy while providing you with the towing and payload capabilities you need in a pickup truck. Stop by our dealership today and rock the world when you drive out in your 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor.

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Ford truck fans are in a league of their own, which is no surprise since the Ford F-Series of trucks is also in a league all its own. As your Ford dealer near you, there are few things we love more than talking with our customers about the Ford vehicles they drive and enjoy every day. Over the years, we’ve found that the incredible legacy of Ford trucks and the F-150, in particular, is one of the topics that people really get excited about. And we certainly don’t blame them.

The Ford F-150 has been America’s best selling truck for more than 40 years – that kind of legacy is something that no other vehicle can match. In honor of that, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at where the F-150 has come from and the kinds of changes and different forms it’s taken over the years. We’ll also cast our gaze forward and consider where we’re headed and what the future of the F-150 might look like. Whether you’re a long-time Ford truck fan or interested in getting your first taste of what the F-150 has to offer, this is for you.

How It Started: The Ford Model TT Pickup

Although it’s tempting to just jump right in with where the Ford F-150 got rolling, we think it’s more fun to look at the history of Ford trucks, in general, to see how we got here. The F-150 itself wasn’t introduced until 1975, and the F-Series didn’t hit the road until 1947, but the first Ford truck rolled off of the factory in 1917, more than 100 years ago. A lot of people don’t realize that Ford has been in the truck game that long, but once you think of it that way, then it’s no surprise that they’ve learned how to make the best truck in America.

Of course, the Model TT Pickup that was available in 1917 was a far cry from the Ford F-150 of today – not only in terms of performance but also design. It was based on the Model T but offered a sturdier frame for a bed or other platform to be built onto it. In fact, at the time, it was essentially just an engine, frame, and cab – the customer had to build on their own body. It wasn’t until 1925 that someone could buy a fully assembled truck from Ford with a frame, body, and everything else necessary.

While the Model TT kicked things off for Ford in terms of truck design, it was not the only model available prior to the F-Series. Model AA and Model BB trucks, based on Ford’s Model A and Model B cars, were available in the years that followed, and they were all very popular among construction workers, farmers, and others with similar needs. In 1935, Ford released the Model 50 truck that was similar to a car introduced in the same year. It was successful but still based on a car design; its production ended in 1941 when Ford put all of its production capacity to work for the US Army as we entered World War II.

Post-War Pickup: The Ford F-Series

Following WWII, Ford needed something new to capture the attention of Post-War America, and they began developing a new type of truck. Rather than being based on a similar car, like their previous trucks had been, the new pickup they were working on was its own thing with an all-new platform purpose-built for a truck. In 1947, this design came to fruition when Ford introduced the first F-Series trucks to the world.

The first generation of the Ford F-Series kicked off with the 1948 model year and ran through 1952, offering a full-size pickup that blew away everything else on the road. That first generation used a different naming convention than the modern F-Series, though it was somewhat similar. Eight different models were available, increasing from the Ford F-1 to F-8 with greater payload capacity and power as the numbers went up. The Ford F-1 was a half-ton truck, followed by three-quarter-ton F-2 and F-3 models and a full-ton F-4.

When the second generation of the F-Series launched for the 1953 model year, the names were changed to what we now recognize, with three digits rather than just one. The half-ton model became the F-100, followed by a three-quarter-ton F-250, a one-ton F-350, and medium-duty F-500 and F-600 models. As you can see, the F-150 we know and love today was still missing from this lineup, and that remained the case throughout several generations that followed.

Forging a Legacy: Birth of the Ford F-150

The sixth generation of the Ford F-Series of trucks kicked off with the 1973 model year, and this is where things were changed forever. In the midst of this generation, in 1975, Ford introduced the F-150 as an option designed to offer greater payload and muscle than the F-100 without going all the way up to the capabilities of the F-250. It should come as no surprise that this proved to be a very popular option – for several years that followed, however, both the F-100 and F-150 remained available.

Ford kicked off the 1980s with the seventh generation of the Ford F-Series of trucks for the 1980 model year. Advertised as the “First new truck of the 1980s,” this marked the first full redesign for the F-Series since 1964. As you might expect, that was huge, and a lot of what we still associate with Ford truck design came about with this new generation. Also of note is that this generation was the last time the Ford F-100 was available: production on it came to an end in 1983 as the F-150 proved a far-more popular option.

Although there were numerous changes made for the eighth generation of the F-Series in 1987 and the ninth generation in 1992, both generations were still largely based on many of the core aspects of the Ford truck introduced in 1980. In 1997, for its tenth generation, Ford decided to effectively divide the F-Series into two lineups: the standard F-150 and the F-250 and F-350 models that became the Ford Super Duty trucks in 1999. This generation also marked a major redesign for the F-Series, with a fully independent front suspension and other changes.

Since that time, the F-150 and Ford F-Series, in general, has been updated several times: the eleventh generation in 2004 was built on an all-new platform, the twelfth generation and thirteenth generation were based on this platform, and the fourteenth generation for the 2021 model year redesigned 92% of its parts. This was one of the biggest redesigns of the last 20 years and has completely refreshed the F-150 for a new generation of drivers. This includes some of the most powerful and impressive engines we’ve ever seen, including an all-new full-hybrid PowerBoost engine that offers incredible performance and terrific gas mileage.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the F-150

As the Ford F-150 continues to dominate the truck market, there’s no denying that Ford could, if they wanted to, simply rest on their laurels and do well. That’s never been Ford’s style, however, so we’re already seeing what the future of the F-Series is going to look like thanks to the all-new F-150 Lightning. An all-electric version of the F-150, this pickup is going to revolutionize everything we’ve come to expect from Ford trucks. As the F-150 Lightning and similar EV pickups start to take the world by storm, we’re excited to see Ford continue leading the way just as they have for more than 100 years.

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