by: Matthew C. Keegan

The 2006 model year will end the heralded Taurus name and for this writer it is a bittersweet time as Ford retires what once the best selling car in all of America.

When Ford introduced the Taurus along with its cousin the Mercury Sable in the mid 1980s the car represented a radical departure from the standard American car of the day. Fairly large, front wheel drive, and very aerodynamic, the Taurus quickly rose to the pinnacle of the American car sales charts and was the best selling car for several years in a row. A much delayed “reskinning” did not occur until 1996, some ten years after the Taurus and Sable were first released. The new style, perceived by some to be ugly, quickly cost Ford sales as newer and more modern Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords out gained the line. Slight changes in style incorporated with the 2000 model year took some of the edge off, but by then the Taurus was considered to be too old and outmatched by the competition.

I purchased an all new 1994 Taurus and kept the car for seven years, racking up 117,000 miles before deciding it was time to trade in the car for something newer. I found the ride to be comfortable, the interior room to be expansive, and I enjoyed the overall style of the car. I was also one of the first people to purchase a Taurus in the then new Hunter Green color, an attractive deep green that was admired by many.

When 2001 rolled around, I elected to lease a Saturn L series instead of going with the Taurus. I needed something similar in size with the Taurus and at that time Saturn had a lease deal that could not be beat. In addition, I still wasn’t impressed with the Taurus which I felt had been out-engineered by other cars in its class. So, I took home the Saturn and donated my Taurus to the Kidney Foundation.

The 2005 model year represented the final year that Ford would offer the Taurus through dealers; for 2006 the Taurus is only available as a fleet car and it is unchanged from the previous year’s model. The slow selling Sable was mercifully put to rest one year earlier.

For Ford, concentrating on trucks and SUVs meant neglecting much of their car line up, including the Taurus. Bigger and stronger SUVs, including the Expedition and Excursion, were introduced as America’s tastes continued to shift from passenger cars to SUVs. In addition, the ever popular F Series pick up trucks went through regular style and engineering changes every four years or so as did the Explorer, Ford’s midsized SUV.

Higher gas prices and changing tastes are once again impacting Fords’ line up. The beefy Excursion is gone and new cars including the Five Hundred and Fusion are now part of the line up. These two new models represent a fresh change for Ford and a promise that the attention once given to the Taurus would be given to the new models. For that, I am glad.

About The Author


Matthew C. Keegan

Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Auto Parts Canada: [http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com ], a wholesaler of fine Ford parts and accessories: [http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/make/ford.html ] for your vehicle.




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Labels: car performance, car repair, car wash, used car

by: Vincent Platania


How much do you spend at the car wash each year? Here in the Northeast where road salt eats car finishes for breakfast, it’s not unusual to spend $50 or more a month protecting your car from damage. Why throw money down the drain at the local car wash when you can do it yourself at home – and get the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Right Tools make all the difference. A pressure washer is one of those pieces of equipment that will pay for itself in just a few months. Not only can you use it to power your car clean, you’ll find that it does a great job of cleaning your siding, brightening wood decks and just about any other power cleaning job there is.

Here’s how to clean and polish your car better than a car wash, using a pressure washer and some specialty car care polish products.

• Start by rinsing your car thoroughly using a fine water spray. The first rinse will wash away dust and dirt that’s on the surface of the car.

• Get up under the undercarriage by using an angled extension wand. Road salt is a killer on the undercarriage and wheel wells.

• Use the right detergent - (Pressure Washer Vehicle and Boat Wash) one that has been approved for use in your pressure washer. Dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent isn’t made for your car. The harsh solvents will ruin the finish – and won’t even get at most of the road dirt.

• Apply the detergent starting from the bottom, using smooth strokes. Now go get yourself a cold drink while you give the washing solution time to work. Ten minutes or so is just right.

• Use a rotating brush instead of rags or sponges. Less elbow grease needed – and even better, less chance of damage to your car. The soft bristles of the brush are made not to scratch your finish.

• Rinse using high pressure. Here’s where technique pays off. Remember that water at high pressure CAN damage your car, and be sure to stand a few feet away and angle the spray to glance over the surface rather than pounding into it.

• Carefully dry your car, using soft, absorbent terry cloth. You can buy car wash cloths from a store that sells auto detailing supplies or car cleaning supplies. Chamois or terry is the best, say most experts. There’s no lint and no chance of scratching the car’s finish instead of cleaning it.

• About every six months, protect that new car shine with a new coat of wax. A coat of good quality car wax will help protect the car’s finish from dirt and road grime. In between waxing, you can renew that just-waxed shine with a car care polish product that treats your car’s surface with a repellant coat of silicone (Quick Shine Car Polish)

• Don’t forget the interior. Vacuum the carpets, and clean dash and upholstery with a product meant to freshen and remove stains from vinyl and leather (Vinyl and Leather Cleaner and Polish/Protectant)

Having the right car cleaning supplies and tools can save you money in the long run – and ensure that your car looks great for years.

Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

About The Author
Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company. Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com


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Labels: car performance, car repair, car wash, used car

by: Stacey Wilson

GM has finally unveiled the concept behind its fresh contribution to the automotive industry. According to GM, the Aero-X "harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

In addition, Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director said "This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand. Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

Over the years, Saab has been continuing the legacy of incorporating aircraft design features in the car manufacturing industry. Said concept is also in the Saab auto parts for Aero X. The latter has no doors or windshield pillars. The reason is that it adopts a cockpit canopy. Hence, it offers a 180 degree vision ana an entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. This is one of the “wow-factor” of this car.

Aside from the mentioned features, Saab Aero X has a 400 horsepower ethanol-powered V6 engine for a powerful drive. Its exterior and interior lighting is by light-emitting diode (LED). Aero X is made-up of weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, electronically controlled suspension and all-wheel drive and a lightweight powertrain.

When asked about the latest from Saab, Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director of GM Design Europe, answered "this study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design. As we move forward with new Saab products, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

Saab's roots can be traced back almost 70 years to 1937. Today, Saab is one of the renowned names in the field of both cars and aircraft manufacturing. Saab Automobile AB is now owned by General Motors.

About The Author
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey Wilson has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover. http://www.fastbodyparts.com/parts/saab/

Labels: saab

by: Matthew C. Keegan

With the misfortunes of America’s two largest automakers being trumpeted frequently on the news, it seems as if little attention is being paid to some of the other automakers out there. France’s Renault, once in poor shape itself, has rebounded nicely and is prospering with its relationship with Nissan, a company it has controlling interest in. Speculation is that Renault wants a greater piece of the luxury car market, even beyond Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti. Would General Motors consider selling Saab to Renault or would the French automaker be better off looking elsewhere? Let’s take a look at some options for Renault.

Make a bid for Saab. It is no secret that the Swedish automaker hasn’t been much of a hit for General Motors. Unlike the other Swedish automaker Volvo, itself owned by Ford, Saab has produced little benefit for GM since being brought into the fold in 1990. A clash in management styles hasn’t helped with GM’s line management style going up against Saab’s egalitarian style. Although not exactly a luxury line, Saab could be upgraded and give Renault renewed access to the American market and much needed cash for GM.

Go after Jaguar. Much like Saab’s relationship with GM, Jaguar hasn’t done a lot for Ford. Unlike GM, however, Ford has handled its international acquisitions much better and has allowed its new holdings to continue to plan and expand their product lines without excessive dictation from Detroit. Still, the value of Jaguar remains strong and the time for Ford to sell this British automaker off would be now. Let’s just see how well the French and British work things out too!

Ramp up Infiniti. Even in expressing interest in acquiring another automaker, Renault does have its own “in house” luxury line in Infiniti. After a poor start, Infiniti has strengthened its product line and is better poised to compete against Lexus and Acura. A careful “retuning” of Infiniti could also yield a line of cars better suited to compete against BMW and Mercedes who essentially lead the luxury car market in the Europe. Working with the existing lnfiniti brand would be cost effective too.

Introduce a new luxury line. Much as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have introduced luxury lines of their own vehicles, Renault could do the same and profit immensely. With Hyundai expected to do the same, Renault’s new luxury division could give the automaker instant access to the luxury market and prepare the company for reentry into the U.S.

As much as General Motors and Ford are reeling right now, neither Saab nor Jaguar may be auctioned off. At present, both Swedish automakers have a significant cross division investment that cannot be easily disconnected. Planned vehicles in the Saab pipeline would have to be scuttled, which would effectively reduce the automaker’s value overnight.

Renault may still be eyeing Saab, but the logistics aren’t that easily worked out.

About The Author
Matthew C. Keegan
Matt Keegan is a contributor for PitStop Auto Parts a seller of Saab Parts: http://www.pitstopautoparts.com/oem-saab-parts.html; Covercraft Car Cover: http://www.pitstopautoparts.com/1-covercraft-car-cover.html and Brembo Brake Rotors: http://www.pitstopautoparts.com/1-performance-brembo-brakes.html.