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AWDReport.com - A Buyer's Guide to All Wheel Drive Cars, Wagons and Crossovers
Under $20,000 | $19 - $21,000 | $20 - $23,000 | $22 - $25,000 | $24 - $27,000 | $26 - $29,000 |
      $28 - $30,000 | $29 - $31,000 | $30 - $33,000 | $31 - $34,000 | $32 - $35,000 | $34 - $38,000 |
           $36 - $40,000 | $39 - $42,000 | $41 - $44,000 | $42 - $45,000 | $44 - $47,000 | $45 - $48,000 |
               $46 - $51,000 | $49 - $53,000 | $51 - $57,000 | $55 - $60,000 | $60 - $69,000 |
                        $66 - $73,000 | $69 - $79,000 | $78 - $92,000 | $88 - $125,000 | More than $120,000 |

  All Wheel Drive Report

CarsDirect.com
2010 Ford Taurus SHO with AWD

FORD

Ford has done something I never expected... Instead of paring back performance offerings, they've unleashed an AWD Taurus SHO on us for 2010! But then, Ford seems to have a habit of doing the unexpected every few years. The current management has been a pleasant surprise to me as well. While GM and Chrysler were all over the news (and not for GOOD reasons), the folks at Ford seemed to have rolled up their sleeves, tightened their belts, and pulled up their bootstraps. (How's that for the cliche trifecta?)

Ford is going to a "capless" fuel filler system. I expect they saved a few cents in the process, but I'm not sure. I can't think of any other reason why you change. It's not like gas caps are hard to use or easy to lose... Ok, well, maybe they are if the little lanyard breaks... Why am I talking about cas caps? And another thing... Why can't we get AWD on the base models? I can understand if the drivetrain has to change engines to run the AWD, but c'mon! The same motor in the same chassis should NOT require a $3,000 TRIM upgrade to become eligible for an $1,800 AWD upgrade. Whaddya say Alan? Give a working guy a break...

Ford AWD Choices

NOTE: Ford adds Shipping/Destination charges to the MSRP to quote a real world price. I wish more firms would do so. Since they don't, to keep Ford from suffering a penalty by using an inflated price, I back out those charges so YOU can compare vehicle costs on an equal footing.
2010 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion SE sedan is the entry level AWD version The same basic design as the Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Milan, the chassis was originally used for the Mazda 6 sedan. Ford added about 2 inches of wheelbase for the Fusion. The AWD option automatically upgrades the engine from the I4 to the 3 liter Duratec motor, with a 6 speed automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes. Fusion's AWD system shuts off on the highway where traction isn’t usually a concern to improve efficiency. There is also a hybrid Fusion, but not with AWD. Prices for the 2010 Fusion SE 3.0 AWD start at $23.390
2010 Ford Taurus The 2010 Ford Taurus SEL remains the entry level AWD Taurus. (Download Taurus Specs here). The Limited and SHO versions upgrade to 19 inch wheels with V rated tires. (No AWD option for the SE). At the other end of the scale is the turbocharged (lamely named "Eco-Boost" as if Ford had to apologize to the tree-huggers for producing a real powerplant) SHO at nearly $40,000. With the fuel economy of a V-6, the hi-octane 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 365 horsepower in the Ford Taurus SHO. (The well regarded Taurus X crossover is history.) The 2010 Taurus SEL w/AWD starts at a significantly higher $29,845
2010 Ford Edge The 2010 Ford Edge soldiers on virtually unchanged from last year's SE, SEL , Limited and Sport versions. (Download Specs Here). All are still powered by the same 265hp aluminum 3.5 Liter V6 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission. You still can't get AWD on the SE. They make you upgrade to SEL. I haven't seen any performance comparisons between the 09 and 2010 versions, but Ford was able to increase fuel economy on this vehicle by 2mpg city. Usually that comes from a gearing change, so I would expect this year's car to be a bit slower. Prices for the AWD Edge SEL jump again to $31,770
2010 Ford Flex - Giant among Crossovers Ford's Flex crossover has 3 trim levels, but the base level; the SE, is NOT available with AWD; just the SEL and Limited versions have that option. (Download SPECS here). With the same 3.5 liter/6 speed automatic drive train as both Taurus X and Edge, Flex boasts the longest wheelbase of the bunch with the biggest interior, but is also the heaviest. The turbo motor (Ecoboost) kicks the price over $40,000. But If you need to seat 7, your options are limited. This platform should work well for you. Interior shots highlight the cavernous legroom for second row passengers. Caring for elder parents? This is for you. AWD Flex SEL prices start at $33,200.
2010 Ford Escape Mini Ute Ford's 5 passenger 2010 Escape has 3 trim levels - XLS, XLT, and Limited (replaces the 2009 XLD) plus the Escape Hybrid. (Download SPECS here.)All are available in 4WD. The base 2.5 liter in-line 4 cylinder engine requires the 6 speed automatic transmission for the 4WD option. If V6 power is required, you have to upgrade to the XLT version. The extra 70 horses from the flex-fuel 3.0 liter engine will cost you just short of $3,000, but comes with stuff like roof rails, fog lamps, and a 6 way power drivers seat. The $31,500 CVT equipped Hybrid uses the same mechanical 4wd system as the others, instead of the more common electric motor engagement system, and achieves 29mpg city/27 hwy. The 25mpg (hwy) 4 cylinder Escape XLS with 4WD can be in your driveway for just $23,510. (OK, it only gets 19 city, but its $8,000 less!).
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