Ford Freestyle 2005 enhanced by Top-notch Ford Parts from Parts TrainWritten by Jenny McLane
"Freestyle blends looks of an SUV, versatility of a minivan and confidence of an all-wheel-drive sedan," says Ford. "Freestyle is crossover done right," adds Group Vice President, Product Creation, Phil Martens. "We didn't try to adapt an existing minivan or sport-utility platform. Freestyle is built from ground up as a crossover with class-leading spaciousness, seven-passenger comfort, and versatility and all-wheel-drive capability."The Freestyle is a midsize “crossover.” Replacing front-wheel-drive Taurus wagon, six- or seven-passenger Freestyle promises more SUV-like qualities. A 203-horsepower 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V6 engine with a continuously variable transmission to optimize performance, improves fuel economy, and reduce emissions powers it. The Freestyle's "P2" platform has an elevated ride-height, optional Haldex all-wheel drive system, independent suspension front and rear, and safety cell technology for superior occupant protection in crashes distinctive to this chassis. Under hood is Ford's 3.0-litre Duratec V-6 making 203 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard features in base, SE, model include 17" wheels, three rows of seating, six-way power driver's seat, anti-lock brakes with traction control, keypad on driver's door, air conditioning, roof rack side rails. It also features an overhead console and privacy glass in third row and liftgate, chrome grille surround, automatic headlamps, six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, fog lamps, remote steering wheel controls, auto-dimming mirrors and special bright alloy 17" wheels. The available AWD uses an electronically controlled, electro-hydraulic Haldex limited-slip coupling ahead of rear differential to transfer virtually all available torque to rear wheels whenever front wheels slip. Ford's Personal Safety System improves impact protection. Using information from weight and impact sensors in front passenger seat, it can choose from one of two deployment speeds or suppress bag altogether.
| | Only the Best Aftermarket Parts and Performance Accessories for the 2005 Honda ElementWritten by Jenny McLane
All 2005 EX Elements will feature anti-lock brakes and front side airbags as standard equipment. EX models will also benefit from MP3 and Windows Media(TM) Audio (WMA) playback capability as well as standard XM(R) Satellite Radio. Honda's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine with 160-horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque is coupled to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission and provides good acceleration while maintaining fuel economy in low- to mid-twenties. The i-VTEC system (the "i" stands for "intelligent") combines Honda's patented VTEC system with Variable Timing Control (VTC) to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. Honda's Real Time 4WD(TM) system is available on all models and 16-inch wheels are standard. Its chassis features a Toe Control Link MacPherson strut suspension in front and a compact double-wishbone suspension in rearThe 2005 Honda Element comes in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX ($17,450) comes with air conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, an adjustable steering column, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. (The base DX model has been dropped for 2005.) EX adds side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS); aluminum wheels; remote keyless entry; a passenger-side armrest; and a seven-speaker, 270-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with XM Satellite Radio capability plus an auxiliary input for MP3, WMA, or other digital media. Blue cladding and trim accent Silver EX models, while Red and Magnesium EX models feature black trim.
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