Ford Explorer and Mustang Take Home KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Awards

BEVERLY, 02/18/2014 / SubmitMyPR /

As two of the most iconic vehicles in their respective segments, the Ford Explorer and Ford Mustang have an instant appeal with many car buyers, but Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com recently found that both models continue to offer their owners value in the long term as well. The 2014 Explorer and Mustang were each honored in the 2014 KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, topping the Full-Size SUV/Crossover and Sports Car categories, respectively.

Though upfront costs like the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price were considered, the winners of the 5-Year Cost to Own Awards were also determined by several ongoing financial factors, including financing, insurance, state fees, fuel, repairs, scheduled maintenance and projected depreciation. After all of those costs were calculated, the Ford Explorer and Mustang were predicted by KBB.com to be the most affordable models in their segments during the first five years of ownership. The Mustang put up a particularly impressive performance, with its estimated five-year cost of ownership coming in almost $1,000 less than its nearest competitor.

"Whether it's a highly capable and versatile SUV or a power-packed sports car at an affordable price, Ford gives drivers what they desire while also providing day-to-day cost savings and great resale values down the road," said Jeff Klein, general manager of Thomas Ford, a Beverly, MA Ford dealership. "The arrival of the EcoBoost engine in the Ford Explorer a few years ago was a big game-changer in terms of fuel-cost savings, and now the Mustang is scheduled to receive an EcoBoost powerplant for the first time as part of its 2015-model-year redesign."

When outfitted with its optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, the 2014 Ford Explorer returns up to 28 mpg on the highway while producing 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can increase that output to 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque with the Explorer's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. While the current 2014 Ford Mustang can already net up to 31 mpg on the highway with its standard 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, the redesigned 2015 model will arrive at dealerships late this year with the option of an all-new 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost that should significantly increase fuel economy while offering similar performance.

About Thomas Ford:
Thomas Ford, located in Beverly, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for more than 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales and Ford service departments' commitment to customer satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 978-922-0059, visit their website at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts.