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Ford's front-wheel-drive (FWD) crossover wagon foregoes the body-on-frame structure of a truck-based SUV in favor of a monocoque platform that unites chassis and body in a cohesive unit that's rigid in motion. Easy-to-handle driving traits mimic a sedan, but boxy exterior styling works as a wagon, while optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction brings tire grip on paved roads as well as dirt trails. Many different equipment configurations are sprinkled in three trims segmented as XLS, XLT and Limited.

A 2.3-liter four-cylinder base engine pushes 153 hp. For Escape XLT and Limited, the power increases with a 200-horse 3.0-liter V6 connecting to a four-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) appear on all trims and Escape shows an optional safety package with front-seat side air bags plus curtain-style air bags above side windows.

For 2006 Escape offers more paint choices, such as Titanium Green Clearcoat Metallic and Blazing Copper Clearcoat Metallic.

The newest model in Ford's line is a four-door mid-size sedan that sandwiches in size between a smaller Focus and larger Five Hundred. Styling for Fusion borrows cues from Ford's 427 concept car, particularly at the prow with Fusion's bold three-bar grille and projector-beam headlamps. In the five-seat passenger compartment, Fusion also uses the concept car's optional charcoal-black leather upholstery with seat stitching in a contrasting shade of oatmeal.

Actually, Fusion shows three tiers of trims with a base model plus Fusion SE and SEL. There are two engine options -- a new aluminum 2.3-liter four-cylinder plant or optional dual-cam 3.0-liter V6. The base plant produces 160 hp and ties to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The V6, rising to 221 hp, works with a six-speed automatic.

For added safety, ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is optional for all trims.

Ford's mid-size SUV best-seller scores a makeover for 2006 with fresh styling outside and a fresh cabin design inside loaded with new features. There are rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) versions and trim designations of XLS, XLT, luxurious Eddie Bauer and elite Limited. In the cabin, Explorer gains new trim work, a revamped instrument panel with stylish gauges, plus a PowerFold bench seat on Row 3 for seven-person capacity.

Powertrain upgrades also apply to Explorer, including the optional new single-cam 4.6-liter V8 engine, which delivers 292 hp through a new six-speed automatic transmission and elevates Explorer's towing capacity to 7300 pounds. The standard 4.0-liter single-cam V6 plant upgrades to achieve ULEV II emissions status.

Stock safety equipment on all models rises with ABS and side-impact air bags for front seat, plus options like Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control computer-linked anti-skid equipment and curtain-style side air bags.

Ford's five-door crossover wagon blends the rugged look of a SUV with the versatile cabin structure of a minivan and the sure-footed handling of a sporty sedan with optional AWD grip. Freestyle's innovative cabin design brings a score of different configurations for seats and cargo space. There's room for six or seven adults on three tiers of seats with buckets up front and a backbench folding flat into the floor. Seats on Row 2 work as a bench with seatback split or reclining captain's chairs with optional floor tracks to vary legroom.

Trims run up from base SE and deluxe SEL to luxurious Limited with perforated leather upholstery and wood grain lining the dash stack.

For power Freestyle stokes Ford's dual-cam 3.0-liter V6 worth 203 hp with a CVT. New assets for 2006 include an optional navigation system and more paint shades like Silver Birch.

On the auto-show circuit Ford is presently showing a two-box concept vehicle under the badge of Fairlane. Designed as a people-mover crossover wagon, Fairlane may appear in Ford's line as early as 2006.

It has six seats in three rows of the cabin with the layout of a minivan, although the angular exterior design offers the styling cues of a SUV.

Fairlane's powertrain is Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6 tied to a six-speed automatic shifter.