There’s a 2011 Ford for Every Future and Budget

by Jo Ann Holt

The all-American success story that is Ford Motors featured an impressive lineup of automobiles for 2011, starting with my favorite:  the 2011 V6 Mustang Convertible. 

My recent test model was a four-passenger sports coupe that had both the driver and my passengers of the week happily enjoying the ride.  Admittedly it would have been more fun if we could have kept the Power Top down, but it was so hot in North Texas this summer that we could only leave the top down for a few photos.  It just wasn’t feasible to drive “topless” around town in the 106-110 degree temps that only cooled to the mid-80s at night.  

Even without the top down, the 6-speed manual transmission sedan with the high-performance 3.7 liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine exuded an exuberance and air of carefree living.  The car’s vivid coloring, Kona Blue Metallic exterior, black vinyl top and saddle leather interior, plus the optional V6 Pony Package, rear deck-lid spoiler and body color side mirror added to the Mustang convertible’s sporty good looks.  So did the LED sequential tail lamps and stainless steel dual exhaust.

This Mustang boasted amazing fuel economy for a muscle car, averaging 19 miles per gallon in town and 29 on the highway with the manual transmission.  Surprisingly, the automatic version has even better mileage, up to 31 mpg on the highway.  Ford credits the new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and added rear decklid seal with improving aerodynamics that add up to better fuel economy. 

The Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag from the engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump, while large 12.4 inch front and 11.8 inch rear ABS disc brakes ensure short stopping distances.  AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control assistsx the traction control and Anti-lock Braking System, and a stiffer structure protects the cabin from deformation and intrusion on impact. 

For people like me, who love to drive as fast as the law allows whenever feasible, but who don’t have huge amounts of disposable income to spend on an auto, the 2011 Mustang V6 convertible is a great buy.  This is especially true right now since the 2012 models are about to hit the showrooms.  With a base price of $30,845 and estimated fuel costs under $2,000, this Mustang is surprisingly affordable.

For people who are more into elegance, space and luxury touches than speed, and with a little more money to spend on a vehicle, the 2011 Ford Taurus Sho AWD is a great choice.  The Taurus Sho holds 5 passengers very comfortably, and features a 3.5 Liter GTDI V6 EcoBoost Engine with 6-speed SelectShift transmission.

My test model was a very classy-looking Sterling Gray Metallic with a charcoal black umber leather interior.  Standard features include High Density Projector Headlamps, dual power HTD memory mirror with security approach lamps, keyless entry, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and 19” painted aluminum wheels.    

Interior features included 10-way power driver and passenger seats with lumbar and driver memory, premium sound system that included Sirius Satellite, Sync Voice Activated system, dual electric auto temperature controls, tilt/telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, and aluminum interior accents and gas/brake pedals.  It also featured push button start, reverse sensing and rearview camera, and one of my favorite Ford features, the easy fuel capless filler to make stopping at the local gas station so much faster and simpler.

Estimated miles per gallon are 17 in town and 25 on the highway.  The base price for the Taurus Sho is $37,770, but the test model had lots of extras including heated/cooled front seats, power moon roof, rear window power sunshade, blind spot monitoring system, rain sensing windshield wipers, Adapt Cruise/Collision warning system, and voice activated navigation system that brought the total price for the test vehicle up to $45,140.

Warranties include a 3- year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5- year or 60,000 mile power train warranty, and 5 year/60,000 miles roadside assistance included. 

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).