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Ford’s Blackberry Partnership Could Work…Even Though It Isn’t 2007

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It’s no secret – people hate Ford SYNC and MyFord Touch. The Microsoft powered in-vehicle technology has never been able to get it right – labeled in automotive forums for years as too slow, too hard to use and just in general too shitty. It isn’t just some techy whiners in the bunch either, as Ford in-vehicle connectivity ranked 27th out of 33 brands in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey and it received its worst score ever from Consumer Reports just this year. So things aren’t getting better with time.

But there probably weren’t too many opinions changed when the cat got out of the bag that Ford was dumping the current Microsoft SYNC system for a new Blackberry platform. I can just imagine how many people laughed at the headlines. And why wouldn’t they? After all, the only people that still own a Blackberry are likely locked in some kind of five-year cell contract or are just too cheap to buy a new phone.

Fortunately for Ford and everyone that drives a Ford, it isn’t as bad as it seems. While Blackberry may be the company name being circulated, it’s really just that – a name. It is officially the Blackberry QNX division, with QNX being an independent entity that a Blackberry company acquired in 2010. So they are really only Blackberry in name – and they’ve recently been working on nuclear power technology. Now we’re talking!

While the thought of a tiny-keyed Blackberry interface on a vehicle is comical, that isn’t what is going to happen. In fact, the product that Blackberry’s QNX provides will likely be better than the current SNYC. But here’s to hoping the engineers shoot a little higher than “just being better than the SYNC.” That would be like making a hybrid car that is “just better than the Honda Insight.” Trying, but not trying very hard.

As for the entire MyFord Touch system, is hasn’t been announced if it will make the carryover. I say, scrap this as well. Since it came to be in 2008, the system has been a disappointment. It’s time for Ford to start fresh.

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Wes grew up around cars at the family business. He makes no attempt to hide his love of early 90s GM products, and still repents selling his sweet '94 Pontiac Sunbird a few years back. He is currently a managing partner at phantomcopy.com.

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Ford Continues to Please Minivan-Skeptic Soccer Moms

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Ford Aerostar Minivan Exterior Does Ford Still Make

If the words Aerostar, Windstar and Freestar mean anything to you, you know that Ford is responsible for some of the best minivans ever made. Beginning with the first model Aerostar in 1986, Ford’s snub-nosed minivan set the standard of what would be created by automotive manufacturers in this class for decades.

The Aerostar was also the first minivan in the United States to feature upgraded, luxury packages. With an XLT package, and Eddie Bauer trim levels, the Ford Aerostar allowed drivers to bring passengers, cargo and more in style. For the first time, drivers could take advantage of the versatile and reliable minivan platform, without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Does Ford Still Make a Minivan?

The Aerostar continued in the mid-90s as the Ford Windstar. The Windstar was a complete reinvention, shifting the drivetrain from RWD to FWD, and bringing the flagship minivan more in line with current minivan design. The Windstar became the Freestar in the early 2000s, lasting until the 2007 model year, with the final Ford “Star line” minivan rolling off the assembly line in December of 2006.

While we don’t know for sure what was behind Ford’s decision to discontinue their family-marketed minivan, we can take a guess. For starters, Ford has extended their reputation for reliable cars and trucks into the crossover market. With options covering a wide range of size and seating configurations (everything from the subcompact Ford Ecosport to the boxy family hauler Ford Flex), crossovers have become the new favorite for family vehicles.

Ford’s versatile crossover line has a vehicle that can meet almost any need. Do you have a small family? Go with the popular 2018 Ford Escape. Big family with lots of stuff to haul? The 2018 Ford Expedition has your back.

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Although crossovers and SUVs provide some distinct advantages (presence of AWD, higher ground clearance, and uni-body construction), the market for minivans hasn’t completely died, and neither has Ford’s commitment to providing drivers with a competent and compelling option.

Good News: Ford Still Makes a Passenger Minivan

ford transit connect passenger van in solar color_oAlthough Ford’s marketing has shifted toward promoting their incredible range of crossovers and SUVs as family choices, they still offer a more traditional minivan in the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. Utilizing the same body construction as the Ford Transit cargo van, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon features up to 7 seats, and plenty of standard safety and comfort technology.

Lower ride height (easier in and out), sliding doors and greater visibility are among the reasons people still prefer vans for transporting their families. Additionally, the more contoured shape of most crossovers (not looking at you, Ford Flex) means that vans provide better cargo room! Family of four traveling cross-state with three suitcases? A Ford Explorer should be a great option.

Family of six, with a dog and 10 bags going cross-country, however, and the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon starts to look a lot more up to the job.

Ford has a sterling reputation across the spectrum of vehicles they manufacture. Although the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon isn’t among their more well-known, it’s among the most competent and best value options in the minivan class.

 

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I Wasn’t Always a Dale Jr Fan – But Now I Get It

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It was the crowning moment of the career of Nascar’s most popular driver. The 2004 Daytona 500. The chosen son, Dale Earnhardt Jr, had won the race that his father tragically died competing in only three years earlier.

Reports of the day say that everyone in the crowd was on their feet, cheering. Grown men were in tears. It was quite the moment, they say.

Well, I can tell you that there was at least one person that wasn’t cheering. That’s because I was that lone defector. (more…)

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The Essence Of 90’s Chevy Truck Commercials

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If you ever watched television for more than an hour at any time during the 90’s, you probably remember Chevy’s “Like a Rock” commercials. They aired on just about every channel, so they were pretty hard to miss—and pretty hard to forget as well. Even two decades later the sound of Bob Seger belting out those now-famous words is still shockingly memorable. (more…)

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