Five Fords Among the Best for the Money for 2012

Congrats, Ford!

Ford was the best-selling auto brand in the country in 2011, and as a recent study by U.S. News & World Reports shows, there’s a good reason for that kind of performance: Ford also won the most categories in the publication’s recent rankings of the “Best Cars for the Money 2012.”

“The award-winning vehicles have the best combination of praise from car reviewers, lower upfront costs and lower long-term ownership costs than their competition,” according to U.S. News & World Reports. “The winners aren’t just good cars or good values. They’re both.”

And for Ford, those winners were:

Ford Fiesta—The top choice in the Subcompact segment, as well as the highest-rated Hatchback, the Fiesta combines clean good looks, available high-tech features like Ford’s SYNC AppLink, an MSRP that starts at just $13,200, and EPA ratings that finish at 40 mpg highway. The Fiesta is offered in a sedan body style, too.

Ford Fusion—The Fusion beat out 18 other entries to take honors in the Affordable Midsize Car category, which is likely no surprise to the record 248,067 customers who purchased one in 2011. Further, the car’s high value proposition is about to get even higher, with the stunning all-new 2013 Fusion set to debut later this year.

Ford Taurus—The No. 1 Affordable Large Car was the Taurus, recognized for “its good performance, stylish design and excellent cabin electronics”—including its available SYNC in-car connectivity and infotainment system. The Taurus also is a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ford Fusion Hybrid—The Best Hybrid Car for the Money was the Fusion Hybrid, which, like its traditionally powered sibling, will get a complete overhaul for the 2013 model year. Not only will this next-gen version boast significantly higher fuel efficiency than the hybrid versions of rivals like the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata, but it also will debut with a second hybrid powertrain with plug-in capabilities—and a higher miles per gallon equivalency rating than the Toyota Prius Plug-in or the Chevy Volt.

Ford Edge—Now capable of an eye-opening 30 mpg highway, the Edge bested all competition to be named the best Affordable Midsize SUV with Two Rows. The difference-maker? The Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which also enables 21 mpg city and 24 mpg combined, while still mustering a robust 240 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/five-fords-among-the-best-for-the-money-for-2012/