History of Ford Torino

The Ford Torino was launched in 1968 as part of the Ford Fairlane family. Fairlane sales were falling and Ford decided that putting a new name on the same quality car would help sales. This decision proved to be correct with great sales for the Ford Torino and ultimately it would replace the Ford Fairlane with an updated brand of beauty, power and styling.

The production of the Ford Torino would run from 1968 through to 1976. The initial Torino was a larger vehicle than the Ford Fairlane in the previous year. The roofline for the fastback was a whole new concept for the Fairlane stable as well as the new two door hardtop.

Right from the start the Torino was built with plenty of power and comfort in mind. The V8 engines came as standard starting with the small block 302 up to the big block 390 and 428 Cobra Jet launched in 1969. Initially the 1968 Torino was available in the two door fastback, two or four door hardtop, station wagon and two door convertible.

The Torino GT was the upgraded Torino in 1968 with standard body decal stripe, styled steel wheels, wide oval sports tires and standard equipment v-8 engine. These were available with manual four speed gearbox.

The body styling saw a complete change for 1970 and 1971with a lower, wider and longer body. The Ford Torino in 1970 also saw the introduction of the 351 engines in the Torino as well as the 429 with 360 BHP.

The Ford Torino GT was also now available with a Hurst four speed manual gearbox, rear window sports slats, ribbon style tachometer, three spoke steering wheel, high back bucket seats and 15 inch magnum 500 chrome wheels. In addition the Ford Torino GT also now had the option of hideaway headlights and the side stripes were redesigned in multiple colors but only as an option.

Again in 1972 the Ford Torino was restyled with the front fenders with a more rounded profile. The rear bumper was much bigger and now housed the rear taillight units. The front grille was also redesigned and resembled the Cobra. The two door fastback now had a lower roofline whilst the roofline of the four door hardtop was now much rounder.

In 1975 the Ford Torino saw changes to the standard equipment package. The changes included power steering fitted as standard.

The 1976 model year saw no major changes to the Torino line-up in fact the biggest change was the discontinuation of the Gran Torino Sport. The optional extras included a power trunk release, automatic parking brake release and opera windows and landau roofs were now available as optional extras for all 2-door models.

The Ford Torino is perhaps best known for its appearance on the popular TV series Starsky & Hutch and more recently the Clint Eastwood film Gran Torino.

Author Andrew Whitehead - a self confessed petrol head has owned numerous classic cars from fully restored to basket cases! He now has a website to fuel his passion in all things auto and if you're looking to buy a Ford Torino please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/blog/

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6th Generation Honda Accord

1998 saw a change in the strategy for the Honda. Three different models were created for different world marketplaces. Now the American versions consisted of only the sedan and coupe. Once again the car grew to its largest size. The coupe was modified to look and sell as a different model from the sedan, rather than being marketed as a two door sedan.

Three different engines were offered for the Accord along with the standard two types of transmissions. The sedan in America was offered in five different trim levels and the coupe in four. Horsepower in the four cylinder model increased to 150 hp with a 2.3 liter engine which was available in the LX and EX trim lines. Later a 3.0 liter engine of 200 hp was used for all V6 sedans and coupe models.

Dealer installed options for the EX-V6 included a gold finish kit, gold finish exhaust tip(s), 6-disc in dash CD changer, car cover, gold finish wheel center caps, sunroof visor and accessory chrome wheels. The humble Accord was now getting fancy.

In 1998 keys were equipped with immobilizer microchips followed in 1999 by the car being given foldable mirrors.

In 2001 both the sedan and the coupe received a minor facelift. It consisted of a new front fascia, side skirt alteration, rear bumper, new wheels designs and new taillights. Depending upon the trim line the cars received either a standard CD player or the 6-disc in-dash CD changer with a cassette player and an automatic climate control. The EX-V6 model also received a traction control system, that the driver could turn off.

Accord had an enviable reputation for top notch reliability, however this changed with the V6 models. Many had transmission failures and class action law suits were filed against the company. This resulted in the company extending the warranties for the 1998 - 2002 models to seven years or 100,000 miles to build confidence back in the brand.

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5th Generation Honda Accord

1994 saw the Accord change in dimensions again. This time the car was a little wider and a little shorter. Enough changes so that it was now classified as a mid-size car in North America. America also retained the now familiar DX, LX and EX trim lines, while other types were being produced for non U.S. markets.

The 4-speed automatic transmission was improved, while the 5-speed manual remained unchanged. Some new safety features were incorporated in all models, consisting of dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams.

The EX trim line now offered a VTEC version of the 2.2 liter engine, which was rated at 145 hp. This line also received 15" alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes with an antilock feature.

The Accord was named the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year, an honor it was able to win also in later years. It also marked the last generation of the wagon in the U.S. By now the coupe and sedan looked almost alike.

In 1995 was the introduction of a V6 engine from the Acura Legend for the U.S. market. This V6 model also had a dual-outlet exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 15" wheels and a different grill.

During this generation there were five different engines, three different models (coupe, sedan, and wagon), along with two different transmissions, and changes in length for all models.

In 1996 all models of the Accord received a mid-generation facelift. The changes gave them all a softer look. While the engine choices remained the same, they all now met the Federal Government's requirement of OBD II engine diagnostics.

The last major change for this generation occurred in 1997 with the "Special Edition Accord". It came in only three colors: Heather Mist Metallic, San Marino Red and Dark Currant Pearl. Some of the unique features were a factory installed security system with keyless entry, body colored side molding, single-disk CD player, distinctive alloy wheels and a sunroof.

Dennis Dater has been interested in cars since he learned to drive in a 1952 MG TD. He is opening two unique web sites to offer Honda Accord aftermarket parts. Visit him and see the products or read more articles.

http://www.accordmania.com for Accord performance products

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Dater