A
new feature to RTM, our model guides bring you a glimpse at an automaker's lineup
- from sports car to sedan. Veteran automotive journalist Bob Plunkett will be
giving you the basic lowdown on the brand's vehicles, complete with statistics
and photographs. This month we feature Ford - and don't forget to keep an eye
out for next month's model guide!
by
Bob Plunkett Different
types of vehicles -- slick and powerful coupes, big sedans and spacious station
wagons, plus some racy convertibles -- wear the blue oval badge of Ford for the
2003 class. Ford
builds four-door sedans in two sizes for the full-size Crown
Victoria and mid-size Taurus.
Each scores as a bestseller in its category and carries advanced safety gear such
as the Ford Personal Safety System. A
subcompact series grouped under the Focus
label -- current best-selling small car in the world -- subdivides into sedans,
wagons and sporty hatchbacks including two souped-up SVT performance models.
SVT, meaning Special Vehicle Team, is the acronym for a group of automotive
engineers at Ford who create high-performance versions of particular car models
by applying special suspension hardware and engine tuning, racer-size brakes with
big speed-rated tires and other accoutrement of lickety-split road romping. Two
variations of the Focus SVT
show up for 2003 as a three-door hatchback coupe or five-door hatchback sedan. Ford's
other small car, ZX2
in hatchback coupe configuration, continues to lure young buyers due to some zippy
manners and attractive price points. Coupe
and convertible variations loaded with strong powertrains represent Ford's muscle
car, legendary Mustang. The
2003 series ranges from a new retro-styled Mach 1 and the Mustang Pony appearance
package to an awesome SVT Mustang Cobra spitting out supercharged strength. Another
legendary name at Ford -- Thunderbird
-- reflects sleek two-seat roadster styling and earns a 28-point boost in
power from the 'Bird's big V8. That
said, let's get started.... A
fork in the road....either navigate through our sedan buyer's guide by clicking
on 'Start' or by selecting one of the models listed below! | 
