By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Ford it seems has developed the near-perfect vehicle for the small family — or for anyone who values fuel economy, decent cargo space, and a surprisingly sporty demeanor. It has the high-riding traits of a compact SUV, the practicality of a hatchback and the fuel economy of a Toyota Prius. Ford calls it the C-Max, which comes only in hybrid configuration in the U.S. with an EPA rated 47 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

When we got our first look at the 2013 Ford Fusion at the Detroit auto show last January we were astounded. What a great-looking mid-sized sedan. But, we thought, will this turn out to be just a fancy new wrapper for the same old contents?

After spending time with two EcoBoost engines that are the heart and soul of the new Fusion and perhaps the most engaging mid-sized hybrid sedan so far in the 21st century we can report the Fusion's new beauty extends far beyond styling.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The 2013 Ford Mustang bears a strong resemblance to the 2012 model, but there’s a lot more to the ’13 than what immediately meets the eye. For instance the Mustang gets a new front and rear fascia, a more prominent grille and splitter, standard high-intensity headlamps, painted body-side rockers, and LED tail lamps.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It's a big box that defies the current styling fashion of form over function. The Ford Flex squeezes the most out of its size, one of the most family-friendly vehicles on the highway today. No sloping roof that steals head room and cargo space, just a lot of cubic feet for people and belongings.

But there's more. There's a fox lurking under this sheep's clothing if you purchase the top-of-the-line Limited edition and check off the box for the optional twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6. The family hauler can be turned into a screaming stoplight juggernaut that can surprise an unwary motorist.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Ford doesn't call it a luxury car, but the freshened 2013 Ford Taurus can be loaded up with a long list of automotive goodies to compliment an incredibly quiet interior, a comfortable ride that soaks up even the meanest of road imperfections, and decent performance from a couple of engines including a new EcoBoost 4-cylinder. Those are luxury credentials.

By Jim Meachen and Al Vinikour

The Ford Escape has very neatly "escaped" its 11-year boxy SUV persona with a new-generation vehicle featuring three four-cylinder engines including two performance-oriented fuel-efficient EcoBoost powerplants; a new athletic, aerodynamic look for the 2013 model year; and  a well controlled driving demeanor that belies its SUV stance.

The transformation is astounding, and we would say long overdue — long overdue if it wasn't for the outgoing Escape's phonemail sales success.