Ford began with a bold design and flexibility in mind to blend energetic performance with sedan like handling. This forward thinking has landed the Edge the “Most Appealing Midsized Multi-Activity Vehicle” in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study.

At the heart of the 2008 Edge is the 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 engine, with 265 horsepower and 250 lb. ft. of torque. Ford engineers utilized a roller-chain drive cam to lower friction and earn the engine an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) emissions standard, a rating approved by the California Air Resources Board. Combine that with an estimated 24 mpg highway in FWD, and Ward’s designated the engine as one of its ten best for 2007.

Putting all of that power to the pavement is an Advancetrac fully-independent suspension with RSC (Roll Stability Control) standard. The sophisticated, standard 6-speed automatic transmission can be hooked up to an optional all-wheel-drive system for maximum adherence in any condition.

The Edge has also been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for achieving the highest ratings in front, side and rear testing. Six airbags are standard in every issue, including Ford’s patented Safety Canopy side-curtain system.

The use of textured aluminum and chrome trim pieces inside the 2008 Ford Edge’s cabin will appeal to the five adults this vehicle is capable of swallowing up, along with the optional Vista Roof, the only two-panel panoramic view available in this class. Think of it as a moon roof on steroids, as it encompasses over 39% of the Edge’s total roof area, also allowing the feel of open air motoring if you like. Add to that the option of a stowage capacity of 69 cubic feet of space, and you can begin to see just how flexible this Edge really is.

Safety is where the 2008 Taurus X really begins. It is the only vehicle in its class to achieve top crash test results in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and earn the “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features include an ultra-rigid chassis, SPACE (Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement) Architecture and six airbags standard.

Slip inside what Ford calls Command Seating in the cockpit; the angle and height of the front seats allows for effortless entry and exit, plus an upright view of the road is similar to the experience in an SUV. Combine that with the Ford exclusive, for this class, available adjustable foot pedals and you can tailor this interior to your liking.

This family vehicle doesn’t forget the family, either. With best in class third row seating, which was designed to accommodate 6’2” adults, space is not an issue here. Reading lights, adjustable head restraints, cupholders and storage areas abound, and extend all the way back to the last row passengers. You can even choose optional second row heated seats with standard ventilation extending back for those inhabitants as well. And, don’t forget the next-generation DVD family entertainment system which features a flip-down, full-color, eight inch LCD with accompanying wireless headsets and remote control.

Ford is keenly proud of the eco-friendliness of the 2008 Ford Taurus X ’s powerplant. The Duratec 35 3.5L DOHC V6 achieves PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status in certain states, while still maintaining 263 horsepower and 249 lbs. ft. of torque mated to a standard six speed automatic transmission. 24 miles per gallon highway, available all-wheel-drive and AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control all equate to one word for Ford’s new family crossover: Confidence.

Have trouble believing this is a safe car? Well, don’t. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put the 2008 Taurus through all of its testing and the results shine – five stars (the highest rating) in every crash test category: driver frontal, passenger frontal, front-seat side and rear-seat side. And if that isn’t enough, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put the Taurus through its paces – a 40 mph frontal offset crash to assess structural integrity; a side-impact crash simulating what it would be like to be hit by an SUV; and a rear-crash test to study whiplash protection. The Taurus again topped the ratings charts in its class, earning the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” designation.

With safety being such a big consideration when shopping for a car to protect the family, Ford didn’t cut any corners. This car features six airbags; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; a tire pressure monitoring system to detect under-inflated tires; and ABS and traction-control all standard. Add on options like all-wheel drive and power adjustable pedals and it is clear to see that this Taurus is a class leader.

Luxury is built into this car as well. You can choose a dual-zone temperature control to keep both front seat passengers happy, plus adjustable rear ventilation keeps the cabin cozy for all; a voice-activated DVD based navigation system with 6.5 inch screen insures that you won’t get lost going to grandmother’s house; plus enough interior space to keep five adults comfortable. In fact, the Taurus has a best in class advantage in head-room, front and back, and leg-room, front and back.

Team all of this comfort and convenience with Ford’s most powerful V6 ever, a 263-horsepower, aluminum-block engine that prides itself on being eco-friendly; run it through a six-speed automatic transmission and you can see why Ford is excited about its 2008 Taurus.

The 2008 Fusion offers three choices of engines, giving the buyer a range of power, performance and perspective. First, the perspective comes from the fuel-efficient 160 horsepower Duratec four cylinder engine. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, this car achieves 29 mpg highway with a range of 467 miles on a single tank of gas. A five-speed automatic is also available, while the power and performance can be had utilizing a 221 horsepower Duratec V6 which gets up and goes with a six speed automatic transmission.

Techies won’t feel left out as the Fusion features Ford’s new standard for in-vehicle communication. Ford SYNC, which was developed in connection with Microsoft, is a voice activated media system that integrates Fusion with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and media players using simple voice commands. An audio jack is also available to plug in your iPod, while an ambient lighting option allows you to set the mood, from rockin’ to smooth, with seven different hues of eye-pleasing, color-changing illumination.

With safety being on the minds of many drivers nowadays, the Fusion doesn’t disappoint. Ford has done their engineering homework here, as this vehicle features an energy-absorbing safety cell for the passengers that channels crash forces away from occupants. Crumple zones, anti-lock brakes and six airbags continue the theme throughout.

Finally, the Fusion is the car that Ford racing teams utilize to base their “stock” car racing program on. A sport appearance package allows the inner-NASCAR in you to escape a bit, with an available tuned sport suspension, black-chrome grill, unique rear lip spoiler along with 18 inch, machined-aluminum wheels. Even exclusive colors are reserved for these select SE and SEL models.