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Tis the season to go fun places, eat great food, and spend time with family. Check out these 2018 holiday events your family can to in or near Atlanta, GA! more Holiday events near the Smyrna and Marietta area Holiday in the Park: 6 Flags is well established for being a great vacation destination. You have until January 3 rd to swing by the festively-themed park! Fantasy in Lights: A beautiful light display that has already started in November and goes until January 5 th. You have plenty of time to get to this great event at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Winter Wonderland: Fernbank Museum of National History is a great way to celebrate the holidays and combine learning about how different cultures celebrated them as well! This event lasts until January 6 th. Garden Nights, Holiday Lights: Another light display that started in November and goes until January 6 th. Don’t miss your chance to see this dazzling sight at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Rodolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This is a great way to entertain your kids this holiday season! Shows feature all days of December except for the 25 th. Read more: Top 3 filming locations in Atlanta, GA How to drive safely during the holidays Traffic and the holidays seem to go hand in hand. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful as you travel from one place to another. While you can’t control how other drivers behave, you can adjust your own driving style to be more cautious. Turn the music down and your phone off. Driving with distractions can be deadly. Don’t be hesitant to tell the kids or friends to pipe down if they are being too loud when you are driving. While that may not be ‘festive’, a car accident can ruin the holidays very quickly. Pay attention. Be aware of the cars around you and of smaller objects in the city like bicycles, people, and motorcycles, as they are more difficult to see. Don’t drive impaired. You may think you didn’t drink very much, but any amount of alcohol is too much when you are operating a powerful machine. Find someone else to drive if you are planning on drinking. We hope you have a great holiday here at Wade Ford. If you have any questions about good family vehicles don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to tell you more.

That’s right, folks. The fuel economy for the highly anticipated 2019 Ford Ranger has been revealed, so now we can compare some popular pickup trucks and what ones have good fuel economy. Check it out below! more 2019 pickup trucks fuel economy If you are looking for your next mid-sized pickup truck, but don’t want the fuel economy to suffer, you might be interested in the fuel economy of these popular models. Ford Model City fuel economy Highway fuel economy 2019 Ford Ranger 21 mph 26 mph 2019 Chevy Colorado 20 mph 26 mph 2019 Honda Ridgeline 19 mph 26 mph 2019 Ford F-150 XL 19 mph 24 mph 2019 Toyota Tacoma 19 mph 24 mph As you can see, the 2019 Ford Ranger is at the top of the chart with 21 miles per hour in the city and 26 mph on the highway. The 2019 Chevy Colorado isn’t far behind at 20 mph in the city and tying the Ranger on the highway with 26 mph. The Honda Ridgeline isn’t far behind with 19 mph city and 26 mph highway, and the base trim of the 2019 Ford F-150 XL is tied in city fuel economy with the Ridgeline, but it does have 24 mph on the highway. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma ties with the 2019 Ford F-150 for fuel economy in the city and the highway. Read more: What is the max payload of the 2019 Ford Ranger? Vehicle services in Smyrna, Ga Is there something wrong with your vehicle? Come on over to Wade Ford. From tire rotations and brake repair to more serious issues, our team of experts will be able to fix the problem in your vehicle and get it back in your hands. If you are interested in a new 2018 or 2019 Ford model, you can find them right here at our dealership! Take a look at our online inventory to see which vehicles we have. If you have any questions about these vehicles you can contact us here at Wade Ford! We would love to tell you more.

Numerous film and TV productions have made Atlanta, Georgia, home. Whether your taste runs from Marvel superhero blockbusters or to more gritty, urban zombie action with “The Walking Dead,” you'll find something for everyone being filmed right here in Atlanta. Take a look at the top three filming locations. Pinewood Studios Pinewood Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, is just a short drive from downtown Atlanta and is the central filming location for Marvel Studios. Perhaps you were thrilled by Spider-Man's exploits in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” or cheered for your favorite Avenger in the epic “Avengers: Infinity War.” Those films and many more were shot right here at Pinewood Studios. more The studio also makes use of surrounding locales. For example, the Porsche Experience Center in Hapeville stood in for an airport during the filming of the climactic battle sequence in “Captain America: Civil War,” and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood in Atlanta stood in for Oakland in the opening and closing scenes of “Black Panther.” Your best bet to see all the fun superhero set locations is to take the Hero Tour from Atlanta Movie Tours. The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center If you or someone in your family is a big fan of Katniss Everdeen, then you're probably already aware that Atlanta was the filming location for several of the Hunger Games series of films. The Swan House stood in for President Snow's mansion during the “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” films. While Atlanta Movie Tours does offer Hunger Games-themed stops on their abovementioned Hero Tour, you might want to consider a more personal experience by stopping by the Swan House and taking a guided tour. Built in 1928, it's one of the most famous houses in Atlanta. Be sure to check out the farm and the museum for some interesting history about the house and Atlanta, as well. Senoia Is a Great Movie Locale Senoia is a small town about one hour south of Atlanta and has become a major filming location primarily due to AMC's highest-rated cable drama, “The Walking Dead.” If you've been following Rick and the rest of the survivors in Alexandria, then you've really been watching a neighborhood right here in Senoia. One of the easiest ways to see Senoia is through a tour. Atlanta Movie Tours offers three different zombie tours so you can see all the locations in Senoia. Another alternative is the Georgia Tour Company's Touring Dead Walking Tour where you'll not only visit filming locations for the TV show, but also other productions such as “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Pet Sematary II.” Any big fan of “The Walking Dead” will want to stop by Nic & Norman's, a restaurant in Senoia part-owned by Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl on the show. Also, the Woodbury Shoppe is the go-to place for Walking Dead merchandise. The store is part-owned by Robert Kirkman, the creator of the Walking Dead comic book. When you're done visiting the top filming locations in Atlanta, make sure to stop by Wade Ford and see their extensive inventory of new and used vehicles. It's a great way to cap off your visit to Atlanta. Image via Jim Bowen | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

When it comes to buying a new car, Americans have a wide range of choices with offerings from almost a dozen major manufacturers, each with a wide range of car models, as well as a number of different styles and trims within each model. Understandably, new car buyers are concerned with a number of vehicle features, including performance, ease of handling, safety, comfort, looks, style, roominess, and more. Given the wide range of automobile choices, especially in the crowded compact SUV market, many find that Ford's 2018 Escape, a compact SUV which is similar in size to a sedan, is the one that satisfies much of what they want in a new car. Interior Amenities Like other SUVs, the Escape sits higher than the typical sedan, which gives it more headroom and a better view of the road ahead, especially on more crowded urban streets and freeways. The 2018 Escape also has a roomy interior that seats five people comfortably with more than ample legroom and an above average amount of cargo space. In addition to roominess and comfort, among the other interior amenities of the 2018 Ford Escape are: AM/FM single CD/MP3 with 6 speakers SYNC voice recognition communication and entertainment system 8 cup holders 10-way power driver seat Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control Driver's side footrest Urethane steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, manual tilt, and telescoping steering column Dome lights with theatre dimming Performance and Handling Drivers who like the feel of a sportier handling car will like the 2018 Ford Escape's 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop. EcoBoost involves forcing more air into the engine, which provides more power with a smaller engine. In addition to increased power, both fuel consumption and emissions are reduced. The auto start-stop feature is a process that temporarily stops rather than idling the engine when the car stops for traffic lights, traffic jams, and other stop-and-go urban driving, and then quickly restarts when the driver is ready to move forward. This feature also provides some reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Other performance features are Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), front-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control. Safety In addition to legally required safety features like seatbelts and airbags, the 2018 Ford Escape has some newer technology-based safety features. The SYNC connectivity technology that allows drivers to use hands-free voice commands to activate, as well as cell phones and MP3 players, also includes a feature that automatically makes a 911 emergency phone call following a crash. In addition to providing the GPS location, it also transmits impact velocity, crash type, seatbelt usage, and other data that lets first responders know what to expect when they arrive. Following a crash, a second feature, the SOS-Post Crash Alert System, automatically unlocks the doors and attracts passersby and first responders to the vehicle's location by sounding the horn and turning on the hazard lights. Choosing the right car can be a challenge, but checking out and test driving the  2018 Ford Escape could make your search a lot easier. For more information and a test drive, stop in and visit Wade Ford. Image via GNZLZ | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

If you are looking for best in class towing, a powerful engine, and a steady dependability that you can count on to get the job done, then the 2019 Ford F-150 may be the pickup truck for you. This vehicle has the power and performance that compels many shoppers to gravitate toward it. But don’t take our word for it. Check out some of the highlights that make this pickup truck a good option to drive. more 2019 Ford F-150 Power and Performance Check out the 3.5L EcoBoost® twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It also has a conventional towing rate of 12,000 pounds. Not too shabby, right? Of course, if you are looking for a diesel engine, then you might want to look at the 3.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel engine. This engine has 250 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. It also has a towing rate of 11,400 lbs. Other engines include the 5.0L V8 engine, which has 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. No matter which one you choose, these available engines have some promising specs for you to look forward to. Read More: How does the 2019 Ford Ranger hold up when taken off-road? Technologies in the Ford F-150 While powerful engines and great performance may be the highlight of this pickup truck, there are plenty of other features that make this a desirable vehicle to drive. Among these features are driver-assist technologies that can help you on the road and during the job. One of these features is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, which as you might imagine, can help you back the trailer and your vehicle up to potentially help things go a bit smoother. To go along with this, you can also have the Dynamic Hitch Assist, which aids you when you are attempting to hitch your trailer. The Blind Spot Information System, also known as the BLIS®, with trailer coverage* tells you not only when there is a car in your blind spot, but also when there is a vehicle beside your trailer. These aren’t the only highlights of the 2019 Ford F-150, so if you are interested in learning more please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Wade Ford! You can take it for a test drive and see the power and performance for yourself!

North of Atlanta, you'll find one of the fastest growing cities in the United States — Smyrna, Georgia. Combining a small town atmosphere with the convenience of being only 10 miles from a major metropolitan center, Smyrna offers its residents the best of both city and country living. If you're in the Smyrna area and you'd like to catch some lunch, we've got some great ideas. Here are three of the best spots for lunch in Smyrna. Muss & Turners Muss & Turners is a classic American restaurant with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or even vegetarian options, this place has them all. Located on the Cumberland Parkway, Muss & Turners has an incredible selection of sandwiches and salads perfect for a sit-down meal or getting takeout on the run. more Make sure to try The Burger, a beef patty with poblano pepper, cilantro aioli, and melted cheddar cheese. With Thanksgiving coming up, The Gobbler is another excellent selection, combining turkey breast, a Ritz cracker stuffing, lingonberry coulis, and a thyme aioli that will get you in the holiday spirit by the time you finish your first bite. Muss & Turners is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Mezza Luna Trattoria If you're in the mood for a wonderful Italian meal that will make you think you're in Rome, look no further than Mezza Luna Trattoria on Spring Road. Inspired by classical Italian dishes from Puglia and Lazio, there's no better place in town to get some delightfully fresh pasta or a succulent seafood dish. There are numerous pasta options for those looking for an Italian lunch. Pasta is plentiful, from a traditional spaghetti pomodoro to a rich, creamy fettuccine alfredo. Entrees include a moist and tender chicken parmigiana or a delightfully roasted salmon dish served with broccoli and a garlic spaghetti. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Sunday, where they serve dinner all day starting at noon. On the Bayou You never thought you'd find a taste of Louisiana in the heart of Georgia, right? Well, Chef Kevin Ruttley was born and bred on the Bayou, and he has made it his mission to bring delicious Cajun delicacies to Smyrna. Located on South Cobb Drive and open at 11 a.m. each day with lunch running until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, On the Bayou delivers an authentic Louisiana experience. In fact, part of what makes the restaurant so authentic is the seafood brought in from the Gulf and bread that Chef Ruttley has shipped in from the famous Leidenheimer Bread Company in New Orleans. You'll want to try a bowl of the special corn and crabmeat soup. Pair it with any of the eight signature po'boys and you'll end up with a lunch that's fit for a king. After you've had a great lunch in Smyrna, whether it's American, Italian, or Cajun, come on by Wade Ford and see our outstanding inventory of new and used vehicles. We love being part of the Smyrna community. Image via A.Robillard | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Yes! The 2019 Ford Edge does have the all-new Rotary e-Shifter. But there are so many other great technology features of the 2019 Ford Edge. Take a look below to see some of these available technology features. more Safety technology features of the 2019 Ford Edge Say goodbye to the usual gear shift, because you’ll now have a rotary gearshift dial. This helps to have more space and a less awkward console. But another exciting feature you can find in this vehicle is the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology. This technology provides driver-assist features including the Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, which helps you brake during slower traffic, and then helps you get back up to speed. You’ll also have Lance Centering, which means what you may think it does, as it helps you keep your car centered in your lane. Alongside these two technologies, you’ll have an available Evasive Steering Assist. This can potentially help you to avoid an oncoming crash. If your vehicle is still on track to hit a slower moving vehicle and your vehicle is to close for braking to have an effect, your vehicle can help steer itself away from the vehicle ahead of it by steering the vehicle away from the car ahead of you. The Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking is one more thing to look forward to. This feature helps alert you to a potential crash and can help you brake. Read More: 2019 Ford Edge ST Horsepower and Performance Specs Convenience technologies in the Ford Edge But safety features are not the only features in the 2019 Ford Edge. Check out the available SYNC™ 3 with the Ford+ Alexa™. You’ll also see the B&O™ Premium Sound System by Bang & Olufsen™. You’ll also see more common things like USB ports, wireless phone charging, and can have parking assistance, though it’s only standard on some of the upper trims. If you have any questions about the technology features of the 2019 Ford Edge or are interested in taking the vehicle for a test drive, come and talk to us at Wade Ford. Our team of experts would love to tell you more about this vehicle or any other Ford model.

If you're in the market for a muscle car that has it all, you may be wondering which make and model to choose. The 2019 Ford Mustang offers several trim levels, two engine options and tech and comfort amenities that will please any driver. Whether you are looking for a beast of a machine to take on your nightly prowl through the city, or a daily commuter that will turn heads, the 2019 Ford Mustang has enough versatility, power, and style to leave you satisfied. If you'd like a breakdown of its features, check out our other blog, " Curious About the 2019 Ford Mustang Trim Levels and Paint Options? " Let's break down how the 2019 Ford Mustang base trim compares to its competitors in the market. more 2019 Ford Mustang vs 2019 Chevrolet Camaro 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (base trim) 2019 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS (base trim) $26,120 MSRP $25,995 Combined 25 MPG* MPG Combined 23 MPG* 310-hp, 2.3-liter w/ 350 lb-ft of torque Engine 275-hp, 2.0-liter w/ 295 lb-ft of torque 6-speed manual w/ OD Transmission 6-speed manual w/ OD 2019 Ford Mustang vs 2019 Dodge Challenger 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (base trim) 2019 Dodge Challenger SXT (base trim) $26,120 MSRP $27,595 Combined 25 MPG* MPG Combined 23 MPG* 310-hp, 2.3-liter w/ 350 lb-ft of torque Engine 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 6-speed manual w/ OD Transmission 8-speed Automatic w/ OD and auto-manual 2019 Ford Mustang vs 2019 Toyota 86 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (base trim) 2019 Toyota 86 Base 2 door coupe (base trim) $26,120 MSRP $26,455 Combined 25 MPG* MPG Combined 24 MPG* 310-hp, 2.3-liter w/ 350 lb-ft of torque Engine 205-hp, 2.0-liter H-4 (premium) 6-speed manual w/ OD Transmission 6-speed manual w/OD *Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how your drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors. Still can't decide? Stop by Wade Ford today or browse our inventory of 2019 Ford Mustangs online. Find the trim you like then schedule a test drive! Image via Ford.com

How spacious and powerful is the 2019 Ford Escape? If you are looking for a spacious way to drive in style, then you might want to check out the 2019 Ford Escape. This vehicle has some great specifications and technology features, and you’ll be able to see how spacious this powerful Ford vehicle is. Take a look below! more Standard engines of the 2019 Ford Escape First off, you’ll probably want to know that you have 4 trim options for the 2019 Ford Escape; S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. You’ll also have a few engine options for these vehicle trims as well. On the S trim, you’ll have a 2.5L 4cyl engine. The SE, SE AWD, SEL, and SEL AWD have a 1.5L 4cyl standard. Last is the 2.0L 4cyl engine, which is standard on the Titanium and Titanium AWD trims. 2.5L 4cyl 1.5L 4cyl Turbo 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 168 horsepower 179 horsepower 245 horsepower 170 lb-ft. torque 177 lb.-ft. torque 275 lb-ft. torque Standard on: S, Standard on: SE, SE AWD, SEL, SEL AWD Standard on: Titanium, Titanium AWD 6-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed shiftable automatic Read More: What are the 2019 Ford Edge new trim levels and release date? How much stuff can I fit into the 2019 Ford Escape? The 2019 Ford Escape has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches and a seating capacity of 5 people. Behind the second row, you’ll have 34 cubic feet of cargo space. That means that you can fit a decent amount of gear in the back and even more if you fold the back seats down. You’ll have a front leg room of 43.1 inches and rear leg room of 37.3 inches. This is paired with a front shoulder room of 55.9 inches and rear shoulder room of 55.2 inches. Plenty of space for you and your passengers! Want to see how spacious and powerful this vehicle is in person? Come on over to Wade Ford, where you can take the 2019 Ford Escape for a test drive.

The Ford Mustang is a powerful muscle car that has been making driving fun for generations. After a significant refresh in 2018, the 2019 Mustang carries over without any big changes except for the addition of the new BULLITT model and a new California Special trim. It has the refreshed version of the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine — which is now the entry-level powertrain — and if you want more power, you can bump up to the V-8. There are benefits to each of the engines, so here are some details to help you decide if you should get the 2019 Mustang with the EcoBoost engine. What is the EcoBoost Engine? The EcoBoost is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that Ford revised for the 2018 model year to give it more power and better fuel economy. This more engine generates 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, and it comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic is also available. The V-8 Engine If you want more power than what you can get with the EcoBoost, Ford offers the GT model. It comes with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Ford tweaked this engine in 2018 as well to increase its horsepower by 25 and its torque by 20. The new ratings give it more power than other pony cars on the market. The six-speed manual transmission also received an update. It now has much better clutch-to-pedal feedback and allows more torque. Choose the available 10-speed automatic, and you'll get a new Drag Strip mode for when you really want to push the limits. This mode limits the amount of torque you lose between shifts for unbeatable straight-line acceleration. The EcoBoost Trims Ford offers two different Mustangs with the EcoBoost engine. The base level EcoBoost comes with a number of racy extras, such as a limited-slip differential, and the manual models come with launch control. The EcoBoost Premium adds 18-inch wheels to the EcoBoost and upgrades the interior with leather seats, a nine-speaker stereo system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You Still Get All the Technology The base 2.3-liter turbo engine has plenty of power for the driver who wants to hit the road in a classic muscle car, and you also get all the technology you need. Standard tech in the EcoBoost models includes a 4.2-inch center display screen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Bump up to the Premium for an 8-inch touchscreen display and the Sync 3 infotainment system. The GT Models The GT models with the 5.0-liter V-8 come standard with the manual transmission and offer the automatic as an option. Also, the GT Premium gets the same comfort features as the EcoBoost Premium along with the larger engine. If you want to stand out, the BULLITT adds dark Highland Green paint, special wheels, and BULLITT badging both inside and out. The EcoBoost engine is an excellent choice for any driver. It has plenty of power and the same transmissions as the GT models. If the 2019 Mustang is on your radar, be sure to weigh the benefits of both engine options. Either way, it is a fun drive. Image via MoreCars | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Kick off your 2018 Thanksgiving Day with the Atlanta Track Club’s Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5k, One mile, or 50m Dash. Go outside for a refreshing run or walk and then a celebration afterward outside of the Georgia State Stadium, which used to be known as the Turner Field. more Details of the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day race Location: Georgia State Stadium (Turner Field). Address: 755 Hank Aaron Dr, in Atlanta. When: November 22 nd (Thanksgiving Day) at 7:30 am. Parking: Free. Half Marathon: Ages 14+; Fees: $85-$95 (depending on registration date). Don’t forget to check out the long-sleeve Mizuno t-shirt and finisher’s medal you can get for this race. 5k: Ages 8+; Fees: $40-$50 (depending on registration date). The 5k is the other event that you can get a finisher’s medal and a long-sleeve Mizuno t-shirt. One Mile: Ages 6-14, 15+; Fees: Free 14 and under, $10 for 15+. You’ll get a finisher’s medal at the end of the race for ages 14 and under. 50m Dash: Ages 6 and under; Fees: Free. A finisher’s medal will be available at this race as well. The registration cut-off date is November 14 th, so if you are interested in participating in one of these races, you may want to register if you haven’t already. Read more: Is it Safe to Turn Your Childs Car Seat Around? Community Events near Atlanta, GA If you enjoy reading about community events and other tips such as this one, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog! For example; want to know 4 of the best simple home cooking restaurants in Atlanta for you to check out? You can find them on our blog! Is it time to get a new family SUV for your family’s sporting activities? Check out the 2019 Ford Escape, which is a spacious and powerful SUV that can get you from point A to point B without anyone feeling cramped from all the gear you need to cart around!

When should I turn my child’s car seat to face the front? It can be difficult to know just when you should turn your child’s car seat to face the front. Many people think that 2 years old is a good age to do so, but is it really? You will probably by surprised with the answer. Let’s take a look at what research suggests. Switching my kid’s car seat Switching your kid’s car seat from rear-facing to front-facing is an exciting milestone for any parent. However, you may want to restrain your excitement from switching the car seat too early. The American Academy of Pediatrics has done a recent study that suggests you actually might want to hold off on turning your child’s car seat to face the front. Instead of waiting until your kid is 2 years old, you might want to wait until they weigh at least 40 lbs. So, even if your child has turned 2, if they don’t weigh 40 lbs. yet, you might not want to switch the car seat to face the front. Of course, you should always check the seat's instruction manual. Verify what the manual says about the height and weight restrictions for your specific car seat. However, ultimately it is your decision. Family vehicles in Smyrna, GA It can be difficult to find a family vehicle that suits not only your needs, but those of your family as well. If you are near the Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw, or Atlanta, GA area and looking for the next vehicle for your family, then come on over here to Wade Ford. Our Ford Trucks and SUVs are durable, powerful, and spacious enough for most families. You can take these vehicles for a test drive, or simply contact our team of experts and schedule and appointment. At Wade Ford we're always happy to help. Feel free to reach out to learn more about the specs and features each Ford vehicle has to offer. Image via Ford