Ford Delivers Excellence

After being discontinued in 1996, the revived sixth-generation Bronco was unveiled in 2020. Ford’s new Bronco family also includes the Bronco Sport. The new Bronco posts strong sales figures and receives positive market reception.

Introduced for the 2023 model year and continuing into 2024 and 2025, each year of the Bronco Heritage offers limited production runs to maintain exclusivity.  Each pays homage to the original 1966 Bronco, blending classic design elements with modern performance features. Our tester sported a distinctive Oxford White-painted roof, grille, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.  It also featured retro-inspired graphics and badges, including the classic “Bronco” script on the fenders.  Inside, the vehicle offers throwback plaid cloth seating and an Oxford White-accented instrument panel, reinforcing its vintage appeal.

Equipped with the Sasquatch® Package, the Heritage Edition comes ready for off-roading. It includes 35-inch mud-terrain tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles and a 4.7 final drive ratio. High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) 2.0 system with Bilstein® Position Sensitive Dampers further enhance capability.

The Bronco Heritage Edition falls midrange in the Bronco offerings, starting at just under $50k.  Other variants range from Base models priced for 2025 starting at $37,995. Choices range all the way up to the Raptor version at $90,035.

The original Ford Explorer gets credit for kicking off America’s ongoing love affair with SUVs. The modern three-row midsize Explorer is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. RWD is unusual for vehicles of its type and contributes to its athletic handling.

For 2025, Explorer gets refreshed front and rear styling and a substantially improved interior. Every Explorer comes well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus. It also includes some nice extras such as heated front seats. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard. And a new 13.2-inch touchscreen debuts the Android-based Ford Digital Experience infotainment system using Google Maps and including Google Assistant for voice commands. 

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of advanced driver assist systems is standard on the Explorer. It includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering system, intersection collision mitigation, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors.

Hands-free BlueCruise is also available on the Explorer. This advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) provides hands-free highway driving capability on pre-mapped, geofenced roads called Blue Zones. It is Ford’s answer to similar technologies from competitors, like Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise.

The Savvy Drivers experienced two versions of the new 2025 Explorer. 

Though neither were officially priced yet, Ford lists starting MSRP at $39,755 for the Explorer Active and $44,615 for the ST-Line. They both feature the standard engine, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder paired with 10-speed automatic that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.  The ST-Line offers a sportier look and extra driver assist features, including the hands-free BlueCruise.

All-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels and our Active tester was the AWD variant. It also sported the Active Comfort package adding remote engine start, additional front-passenger seat adjustability, synthetic leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.

The ST-Line driver featured 20-inch wheels, a black grille and lower-body cladding and darkened headlights and taillights. Inside was black synthetic leather upholstery with cloth inserts and red stitching and 10-speaker B&O sound system. Driver assists include enhanced adaptive cruise control system, front and side parking sensors, surround-view camera system and BlueCruise. A Premium package added massaging front seats,. heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, power-adjustable steering column, second-row manual sunshades, ambient lighting and a wireless phone charger.

Explorer buyers who plan on towing heavier trailers can further upgrade to get the more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It’s optional on the Platinum and standard on the ST. And its good for 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Representing a fusion of classic muscle car heritage and modern performance engineering, the Dark Horse is equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Our tester featured the 6-speed TREMEC® manual transmission.  10-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Distinctive styling elements include a unique front grille, exclusive badging, and aerodynamic enhancements for improved performance.

The Mustang’s aggressive, sleek styling and instantly recognizable grille have evolved through the years while maintaining its core identity.

Like all Mustangs, Dark Horse is real wheel drive.  Standard MagneRide adaptive dampers give the Dark Horse a fairly smooth ride even with its impressive performance potential and sport-tuned suspension. An optional Handling Package enhances grip and stability during spirited driving. And its various exhaust settings can be tailored according to the driver’s desire to be understated or show off.

The cabin boasts all the premium materials and latest tech features expected by today’s carbuyers, including a customizable digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment touchscreen similar to that of the other new Ford vehicles we tested. Our tester featured optional Recaro sport seats. 

Average MSRP for Dark Horse is $61,080.  Besides Dark Horse, the other current Mustang coupe and convertible Mustangs include EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium starting from the lower $30Ks. Next, Ford is set to release the Mustang GTD. Its most powerful production car to date, featurer an 804 bhp supercharged V8 engine. Even with a starting price of $300k, there’s a waiting list for the limited-edition model.

The Mustang is indeed more than a car.  Since its introduction in 1964 it has stood as a symbol of freedom, performance, and enduring American design.

“Legacy isn’t something you plan for.  It’s the fallout of everything you do,” says Bill Ford Jr. Read our post:  An Inside Look at Ford Motor Company.