1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Cars

Ford: What's coming in 2010 - - and beyond

By Aaron Gold, About.com

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Photo © Ford

CONFIRMED FOR 2010:

CROWN VICTORIA: No changes, although the big sedan is only available to fleets, not individual buyers.

E-SERIES: Ford's full-size van is unchanged.

EDGE: Ford has tweaked the Edge's powertrain and aerodynamics to increase fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive models now have EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 MPG city/25 highway, up 1 MPG on both cycles, while the all-wheel-drive version rises 1 MPG in the city and 2 on the highway to 17/23. A new Limited Interior Appearance Package includes Sienna leather with contrasting stitching, brushed-aluminum center stack trim, and Edge-logo floor mats.

ESCAPE/ESCAPE HYBRID: The side mirrors now include a small convex section in the corner, which shows vehicles in the blind spots. New options include an automatic-parking feature (I've tried it in the Flex, and it works like gangbusters) and Pull-Drift compensation, which uses the electric power steering to compensate for crosswinds and road camber. (I've also tried it in the Flex, and it also works like gangbusters.)

EXPEDITION: Trailer Sway Control, a function of the electronic stability control system, is now standard.

EXPLORER/EXPLORER SPORT TRAC: Both get Trailer Sway Control as standard.

F-150: The Harley-Davidson edition (photo) returns, with a unique front fascia and 22" wheels. Also new: The F-150 SVT Raptor (photo) from Ford's Special Vehicles Team which Ford calls "the ultimate off-road performance truck." The Raptor has a new front suspension with a wider track and features Fox Racing Shox internal-bypass shock absorbers and 35" all-terrain tires on 17" wheels. The Raptor is 7" wider than a standard F-150 and features unique styling inside and out. The first Raptors will be powered by a 320 hp 5.4 liter V8, with a new 6.2 liter V8 to follow in February 2010. Last year's SFE model has been discontinued, but all F-150s with the 4.6 liter/3V engine now get the SFE's fuel-economy improvements, resulting in a 1 MPG bump in the EPA highway figure (to 21). Additionally, the 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine (as seen in the Taurus SHO) will make its way to the F-150 lineup during the 2010 calendar year.

F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: A spray-in bedliner is now available from the factory.

FLEX: The Flex adds Ford's new EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter engine with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Despite developing 355 hp, the EcoBoost Flex's combined EPA figure of 18 MPG is only 1 MPG less than the standard 262 hp V6 engine.

FOCUS: The Focus gets a major safety boost with the addition of standard electronic stability control and antilock brakes. Remote keyless entry, power door locks, and the MyKey system are also standard. MyKey is essentially a road-going set of parental controls. When MyKey is activated on a given ignition key, the car's maximum speed is limited to 80 MPH, the traction control system cannot be deactivated, stereo volume is limited to 44%, and a speed-warning chime can be set to sound at 45, 55 or 65 MPH.

FUSION: (photo) The mid-size Fusion gets an extensive makeover, with updated (and much better looking) styling inside and out, a new 2.5 liter base engine, a revised 3-liter V6, and a new 263 horsepower 3.5 liter Fusion Sport model (photo). The long-awaited Fusion Hybrid (photo) has finally arrived; it uses an Atkinson-cycle version of the 2.5 liter engine, and its EPA fuel economy estimates are an astonishing 41 MPG city and 36 MPG highway -- considerably better than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids.

  • 2010 Ford Fusion Sport test drive
  • 2010 Ford Fusion Sport photo gallery
  • 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid photo gallery
  • MUSTANG: (photo) Like the Fusion, the Mustang gets a serious going-over for 2010. The styling has been updated and the options list has been brought into the 21st century, with features such as a navigation system, backup camera, and the SYNC system. The glass roof, introduced in 2009, returns for 2010. Engine and chassis updates mirror last year's Bullitt model; ride and handling are greatly improved and the GT's V8 is now up to 315 horsepower.

    RANGER: Ford's compact pickup gets electronic stability control and side airbags as standard.

    SHELBY GT500: (photo) Along with improvements found in the 2010 Mustang, the Shelby GT500 gets a power boost (up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft, same as last year's GT500KR). The body has been modified from the stock Mustang to improve engine cooling and downforce. Revised transmission and final-drive gearing give better acceleration off-the-line with improved fuel economy on the highway. Like the standard Mustang, the GT500 will be available in both coupe and convertible versions.

    TAURUS: (photo) The restyled 2010 Taurus represents an entirely new direction for Ford's full-size sedan, not only in terms of styling but in terms of content. The new Taurus offers advanced technologies such as adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems, and (of course) Ford SYNC. Pricing remains unchanged from 2009, with the base-model Taurus starting at $25,995.

    TAURUS SHO: (photo) Ford is bringing back the high-performance SHO version of the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus. Whereas the original SHO of 1989 had a 220 horsepower 3-liter Yamaha V6 and a 5-speed manual transmission, the new SHO gets a 365 hp EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and all-wheel-drive. Standard equipment includes Microsoft SYNC and push-button keyless ignition, while the option list includes massaging front seats, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded wheel and brake package.

    TAURUS X: Discontinued.

    CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...

Explore Cars
About.com Special Features

Stay safe and save time by following these tips before driving a used car. More >

Discover the hottest cars for the 2010 calendar year. More >

  1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Cars
  4. What's new for 2010
  5. 2010 Ford cars - What's coming in 2010 - Ford 2010 2011 future cars and model year changes

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.