The Harley-Davidson edition

EDGE: Ford has tweaked the Edge's powertrain and aerodynamics to increase fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive models now have EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 MPG city/25 highway, up 1 MPG on both cycles, while the all-wheel-drive version rises 1 MPG in the city and 2 on the highway to 17/23. A new Limited Interior Appearance Package includes Sienna leather with contrasting stitching, brushed-aluminum center stack trim, and Edge-logo floor mats.

ESCAPE/ESCAPE HYBRID: The side mirrors now include a small convex section in the corner, which shows vehicles in the blind spots. New options include an automatic-parking feature (I've tried it in the Flex, and it works like gangbusters) and Pull-Drift compensation, which uses the electric power steering to compensate for crosswinds and road camber. (I've also tried it in the Flex, and it also works like gangbusters.)

EXPEDITION: Trailer Sway Control, a function of the electronic stability control system, is now standard.

EXPLORER/EXPLORER SPORT TRAC: Both get Trailer Sway Control as standard.

F-150: The Harley-Davidson edition (photo) returns, with a unique front fascia and 22" wheels. Also new: The F-150 SVT Raptor (photo) from Ford's Special Vehicles Team which Ford calls "the ultimate off-road performance truck." The Raptor has a new front suspension with a wider track and features Fox Racing Shox internal-bypass shock absorbers and 35" all-terrain tires on 17" wheels. The Raptor is 7" wider than a standard F-150 and features unique styling inside and out. The first Raptors will be powered by a 320 hp 5.4 liter V8, with a new 6.2 liter V8 to follow in February 2010. Last year's SFE model has been discontinued, but all F-150s with the 4.6 liter/3V engine now get the SFE's fuel-economy improvements, resulting in a 1 MPG bump in the EPA highway figure (to 21). Additionally, the 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine (as seen in the Taurus SHO) will make its way to the F-150 lineup during the 2010 calendar year.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor first drive
F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: A spray-in bedliner is now available from the factory.

FLEX: The Flex adds Ford's new EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter engine with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Despite developing 355 hp, the EcoBoost Flex's combined EPA figure of 18 MPG is only 1 MPG less than the standard 262 hp V6 engine.

FOCUS: The Focus gets a major safety boost with the addition of standard electronic stability control and antilock brakes. Remote keyless entry, power door locks, and the MyKey system are also standard. MyKey is essentially a road-going set of parental controls. When MyKey is activated on a given ignition key, the car's maximum speed is limited to 80 MPH, the traction control system cannot be deactivated, stereo volume is limited to 44%, and a speed-warning chime can be set to sound at 45, 55 or 65 MPH.

FUSION: (photo) The mid-size Fusion gets an extensive makeover, with updated (and much better looking) styling inside and out, a new 2.5 liter base engine, a revised 3-liter V6, and a new 263 horsepower 3.5 liter Fusion Sport model (photo). The long-awaited Fusion Hybrid (photo) has finally arrived; it uses an Atkinson-cycle version of the 2.5 liter engine, and its EPA fuel economy estimates are an astonishing 41 MPG city and 36 MPG highway -- considerably better than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport test drive
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid photo gallery
2010 Ford Fusion Sport photo gallery
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid photo gallery
MUSTANG: (photo) Like the Fusion, the Mustang gets a serious going-over for 2010. The styling has been updated and the options list has been brought into the 21st century, with features such as a navigation system, backup camera, and the SYNC system. The glass roof, introduced in 2009, returns for 2010. Engine and chassis updates mirror last year's Bullitt model; ride and handling are greatly improved and the GT's V8 is now up to 315 horsepower. A new V6 is on the way for 2011 -- see BEYOND 2010 on next page.

2010 Ford Mustang GT Coupe test drive
2010 Ford Mustang GT Coupe photo gallery
RANGER: Ford's compact pickup gets electronic stability control and side airbags as standard.

SHELBY GT500: (photo) Along with improvements found in the 2010 Mustang, the Shelby GT500 gets a power boost (up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft, same as last year's GT500KR). The body has been modified from the stock Mustang to improve engine cooling and downforce. Revised transmission and final-drive gearing give better acceleration off-the-line with improved fuel economy on the highway. Like the standard Mustang, the GT500 will be available in both coupe and convertible versions.

TAURUS: (photo) The restyled 2010 Taurus represents an entirely new direction for Ford's full-size sedan, not only in terms of styling but in terms of content. The new Taurus offers advanced technologies such as adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems, and (of course) Ford SYNC. Pricing remains unchanged from 2009, with the base-model Taurus starting at $25,995.

2010 Ford Taurus test drive
2010 Ford Taurus photo gallery
TAURUS SHO: (photo) Ford is bringing back the high-performance SHO version of the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus. Whereas the original SHO of 1989 had a 220 horsepower 3-liter Yamaha V6 and a 5-speed manual transmission, the new SHO gets a 365 hp EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and all-wheel-drive. Standard equipment includes Microsoft SYNC and push-button keyless ignition, while the option list includes massaging front seats, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded wheel and brake package.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO test drive
2010 Ford Taurus SHO photo gallery