2018 Ford F150 Wins Motor Trend Truck of the Year!

 

The all-new 2018 Ford F-150 has once again earned top accolades for the fifth year, making the coveted 2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year honor. The F-Series brings back-to-back wins for Ford, following the Super Duty's 2017 Truck of the Year distinction. 

This prestigious award was granted after earning a unanimous vote from judges across the board, proving the F-150 delivers the toughest, most robust truck on the market today. The newly redesigned F-150 exceeds all expectations, beating out the fiercest of competitors for the best truck of 2018 honors. 

The Path to Excellence

The 2018 F-150 surpassed the competition with a resounding win—proving excellence in:

• Advancement in Design
• Engineering Excellence
• Safety
• Value
• Efficiency
• Performance

2018 Motor Trend editors cited the 2018 F-150's innovative cab designs, powertrain performance, advanced technology, and overall execution of the F-series as standout features, making the designation as 2018's Truck of the Year a natural choice. 

Award-Winning Redesign

The all-new 2018 F-150 offers drivers many improved features and enhancements that can be found inside and out. From new grilles and upgraded seat materials to enhanced audio systems and instrument panels, it's easy to see how the F-150 outpaced the competition to win the coveted award.

Equipped with a 3.3-liter engine and 3.5-liter Eco-Boost, the F-150 offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with a towing capacity of 13,200 pounds—earning the top spot for best-in-class towing, exemplary on-and off-road performance, and best-in-class fuel economy. 

Motor Trend editors evaluated the Ford F-150, the Chevy Colorado ZR2, and the GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD. The 2018 F-150 silenced the competition, earning the 2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year with a resounding, unanimous vote. 

Choose Homer Skelton Ford of Millington 

As the premier Ford dealership in Millington, TN, we take pride in our hard-earned reputation. From our dedicated finance team to our highly trained and certified professionals in our service

 and parts departments, your vehicle is in knowledgeable and incredibly capable hands.

Our Ford factory-trained technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostics and exclusive certified Motorcraft parts to perform the highest-quality preventative maintenance and repair services for your vehicle.

We will work closely with you every step of the way, helping you to find the perfect vehicle and financing options that best fit your needs and budget. Your complete satisfaction is our number-one priority! 

If you are looking for a new or used truck or maintenance and repair services, look no further than Homer Skelton Ford of Millington! You can browse our inventory online

 and even complete your finance application from the comfort of your home! 

Give us a call at 901-509-9995 to learn more about out the Ford F-150 and get a quote today! 

Image Credit: Truck Hardware

2018 Mustang Ecoboost: Less Really IS More

The all-new, re-designed 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost proves, once again, that this powerhouse automaker's innovative use of design and technology sets the bar for the competition. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine features incredible horsepower and robust torque for superior performance and handling.

Ford thought of everything when it comes to the 2018 EcoBoost, from new and improved safety and mechanical features to the inclusion of some remarkable technology. Let's take a look at the all-new 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and find out why less is indeed more.

The Evolution Continues

The original pony car is no longer just a muscle car after all, who doesn't love a good burnout from an incredible muscle car!

Technology Meets Innovation

Beyond performance enhancements, Ford has raised the bar yet again when it comes to the technology in the 2018 Mustang EcoBoost, making sure each aspect was designed to be easy to use and operate. Featuring a 12.4-in digital instrument cluster, drivers can easily navigate screens with user-friendly control buttons located on the steering wheel.

The Preferred Ford Dealer in Millington, TN

If you can't wait to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Homer Skelton Ford of Millington can help! Explore our new Mustang EcoBoost inventory in Tennessee.
You can also contact us online or give us a call at (888) 819-1523 to learn more about our dealership or for answers to all your service and financing questions!

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Ford Expedition

 
Customers often approach us when they're having trouble deciding between the Ford Explorer or Expedition. The pair are Ford's two highest selling SUVs, which means either one is an excellent choice. That said, there are some differences when considering the Ford Explorer vs. Expedition match-up.

Difference Between Ford Explorer and Expedition

• Gas Mileage - The Expedition and Explorer see similar results concerning mileage, with 24 miles per gallon and 25 miles per gallon highway respectively. The Expedition does have a larger gas tank at 23.3 gallons compared to the Explorer's 18.6 gallons.
• Safety - These cars are both built to keep the driver and passengers safe, with all the features customers have come to expect from Ford vehicles. ABS brakes come standard on both vehicles. Both SUVs also come with full airbag coverage. Driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags all come standard for both cars.
• Interior Capacity - Both of these SUVs offer a massive amount of interior space. The Explorer comes with seven seats, 42.9 inches of front legroom, and 39.5 inches of back legroom. This makes it one of the roomiest SUVs on the market, and the Expedition outdoes even that. The brand new Expedition boasts a best in class eight seat cabin with 43.9 inches of front legroom and 41.5 inches of legroom in the back. Both of these provide ample room for even the largest families.
• Trunk Space - If Ford set a new bar with the interior capacity of these cars, they surpassed it when designing the cargo space. The two vehicles have almost identical cargo space at 20.9 cubic feet for the Expedition and 21 cubic feet for the Explorer. The Explorer offers 1,531 pounds of maximum payload and a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The Expedition is even more impressive, with a 1,750-pound max payload and 9,200 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
• Performance - Both the Explorer and the Expedition have powerful gas engines. The Explorer cranks out 290 horsepower, and the Expedition goes above and beyond with 375 horsepower.
  

Best Ford SUV in Memphis, Tennessee
Ultimately, the Ford Expedition is a superior driving machine to the Ford Explorer. With that comes a bigger price tag. Both vehicles are a tremendous deal for what you're getting, and the only way to know for sure which one is best for you is to drive them yourself. Come down to Homer Skelton Ford of Millington to try these two vehicles out today, or contact us online with additional questions.

The Evolution of Car Safety Features: What Changed in 2017?

Technology is advancing at a greater pace than ever before, and it's affecting every facet of life. One area where it's having a considerable effect is in the automotive industry. From the infotainment systems to the safety features, cars are better than ever. Here are five of the latest safety features in cars that we're especially blown away by.

Lane-Keep Assist

A lane-keep assist system is designed to prevent drifting from one lane to another accidentally. Sensors on the outside of the car determine where the lane is on the road, and predict when the vehicle is on track to swerve out of that lane. The system may alert the driver using lights or noises, and some even give a gentle nudge back in the right direction.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control uses an electronic detection system to discover when one or more of a vehicle's tires has lost traction. The system can prevent skidding and return control to the driver by applying the brakes only on certain wheels as needed. It may even reduce the power of the engine for a short time to help regain control.

Collision Warning System

A collision warning system uses sensors to detect when the car is on a path to hit another object. When these sensors see that the vehicle is on track to collide with another car, a wall, or anything else, it alerts the driver using audio cues like beeping, or visual cues such as lights. By informing the driver before the object gets too close, this feature can prevent accidents.

Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights are designed to help drivers see better as they round turns. The light's beams will be redirected to point in the same direction as the wheels, allowing the driver to see where they're headed clearly. By increasing vision around curves and over hills, this feature can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control uses sensors or cameras on the front of the car to determine the distance between a driver's vehicle and the vehicle in front of it. If traffic slows down and the distance to the leading vehicle gets shorter, the adaptive cruise control slows the car to retain a safe speed and distance. Once traffic accelerates again, the vehicle returns to the pre-set speed.

The Safest Cars in Millington and Memphis, Tennessee

To test drive a new car with these innovative safety features, come on down to Homer Skelton Ford of Millington. We offer an enormous line of new vehicles that have the great safety features in cars you're looking for to keep you and your family safe. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact us today!

Watch Out! These are the 5 of the Most Dangerous Roads in The South

Tennessee has some of the most scenic countrysides in the United States. With several major mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachians, drivers in Tennessee don't have to go far to see stunning vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Unfortunately, along with these scenic drives, Tennessee also is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the South. Tennessee road conditions can vary widely. From unpredictable and sudden weather changes to long, winding roads through the mountains and valleys with no exits, careful driving is the rule of the day!

Here are the five most dangerous roads in the state.

Highway 129 “Tail of the Dragon”

You probably haven't heard of the “Tail of the Dragon” but it's one of the most dangerous roads in the country! Highway 129 runs from Tennessee to North Carolina, but the “Dragon's Tail,” is an 11-mile stretch with 318 turns. This twisty ride beckons drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. What makes it so dangerous is the fact that once you enter the tail, you can't get off until the end. The views are beautiful but proceed cautiously.

Interstate 24

While I-24 runs through the center of the state rather than the state's mountainous eastern boundary, it's certainly dangerous. I-24's Monteagle Mountain stretch is famous for the challenges it poses to truckers. Truckers must negotiate a steep climb up the mountain's face, then descend at a dangerous angle while encountering twists, turns, and blind spots. The sight of the initial climb makes even experienced truckers take pause.

Chapman Highway

By the numbers, this is the deadliest highway in eastern Tennessee. It's a four-lane road with two lanes traveling in each direction and no barrier. While it appears to be nothing more than a quaint country road, it's notorious for causing crossovers where cars wildly drift into the incoming lanes because of the twists and turns, along with steep rises and descents. The best way to stay safe? Keep right and go slow!

Highway 33 “Maynardville Highway’’

Many drivers have had fatal crashes on Highway 33 due to the heavy traffic. Like the other highways on this list that run through eastern Tennessee, the alternating steep inclines and rapid declines, along with the heavy traffic, make it particularly dangerous.

Interstate 40

Interstate 40 has the distinction of being the second most dangerous stretch of road in the country. Tennessee hosts the longest stretch of I-40 with more than 450 miles running from Memphis in the west to Bristol in the east. Heavy traffic, reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weather make I-40 a dangerous ride.

Safe driving starts with a safe car, like the kind you can buy from local dealers like Homer Skelton Ford of Millington. They'll help you find the perfect car for your next scenic drive and even how to apply for a car loan.

5 Perfect New Year’s Resolutions for New Car Owners

It's hard to believe another new year is rapidly approaching! That means it's time to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead. Many of us will plan to eat healthier, hit the gym more, read more books, make more memories and so on. But if you recently bought a car, or if you’re planning on buying in on 2018, you may want to consider New Year resolutions that involve your car as well.

Here in Memphis, Tennessee, we spend an awful lot of time in our cars, from our daily commute to running errands around town to those family road trips. From safe practices to staying on top of regular maintenance to keeping your cabin clean, there are plenty of simple actions you can take to improve your driving experience and safety, and they're easy resolutions to actually keep!
Here are five perfectly easy-to-keep New Year's resolutions for new car owners:

Stay Safe Behind The Wheel

Safe driving practices like staying off your cellphone while driving, pulling over to take a call, or only using a Bluetooth connection (which comes standard in most new car models) as a safer alternative are very worthwhile and easy habits to form. Staying safe should be your top priority for the coming year.

Change Your Oil, Fill Your Tires, Don't Skip Tune-Ups

Keeping your car in top mechanical condition will improve your gas mileage, keep your car performing optimally and reduce repair costs – saving you money and providing you with peace of mind. A little maintenance throughout the year can keep your vehicle running safer for longer.

Keep it Clean

While you don't have to keep your new car in showroom condition, an occasional vacuuming and monthly car wash can help keep the interior and exterior looking good. Remove any stains on the upholstery and wash off road grime, salt and other chemicals that can harm your car's finish. It will help your car hold its value longer, plus a clean car can help keep your mind clear. If you spend a lot of time on the road you probably collect fast food wrappers, empty water bottles ... all kinds of “stuff.” Keep a bin in the back or passenger footwell and empty it often. Better still, have your car professionally detailed twice a year.

Drive the Speed Limit and Always Buckle Up

Again, these are easy resolutions to keep. Today, many cars offer automatic seat belts, but if yours doesn't it only takes a second to buckle up and it could save your life! Same for driving the speed limit; not only is it a safe practice, but it can save you money by increasing your gas mileage. Frequent acceleration can wreak havoc on your mileage, increasing your gas mileage and reducing engine wear.

Keep Your Service Records Organized

Whether you purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle, you'll most likely have a warranty. Keeping track of service records and having a filing system can keep you up to date on scheduled maintenance and save you time hunting down information like: “Is a starter replacement covered under your warranty?” or “What was done during your last scheduled maintenance?”


If you own a car, make the resolution to stay safe and protect your investment in the coming year. Simple, easy steps can put plenty of money in your pocket and make your driving experience more enjoyable and safer. Purchasing a new or pre-owned car is a major investment. Protect your investment by taking these easy steps. It will keep your car running efficiently and help it to hold its value longer.

How to Buy a Car as a Gift: What is the Proper Process?

There are plenty of reasons for gifting a vehicle to someone you know and love. Perhaps you have a new driver or recent high school graduate in the house, or you want to give it to a friend who needs a better method of transportation.

Whether you're planning on buying a new car or handing over your old one, understanding how to gift a car (including the proper process and paperwork) is an important step. Here are the best ways to buy or give a car as a gift.

How to Give A Pre-Owned Car as a Gift

Gifting your old car is a very generous gesture, but don’t forget that you'll need to take certain steps to ensure it's properly transferred to the new owner. This is for both your protection and for the future protection of the new owner, should they ever decide to sell the car.

The transferring process varies from state to state, but here are the general guidelines.

• Make an agreement with the recipient: Discuss the terms of your gift. Determine the responsibility for ongoing expenses like insurance, repairs and maintenance. This is especially true if you're gifting to a family member. Remember, even though the vehicle is a gift, you may need to write a ‘‘bill of sale” in order to complete the next step.

• Transfer the title: Until the title is transferred to the new owner, you're still responsible for any costs – for example, parking tickets or excise taxes.

• Pay the title transfer fee and applicable sales taxes: While you're at the DMV transferring title, the clerk will inform you of any fees and sales taxes that need to be paid before the transfer is official. Some recipients may be exempt from sales taxes, so make sure to check with your state's DMV.

How to Buy a Car as a Gift

Buying a new car as a gift isn't as simple as heading to the dealership, signing on the dotted line, and slapping a big bow on the roof. You'll need to do a little planning and leave yourself plenty of time if you're planning on giving it on a specific day. Here are some considerations before your write a check.

• Make sure it's the right car: Surprising someone with a car can be very fun and exciting, but only if the car meets their needs. Giving a car that is too big or a gas-guzzler can be a burden rather than a “gift.” Find a clever way to get them to share their car preferences. For example, you could say, “My mom is thinking about getting a new car, what kind do you think she should get?”

• Will you be financing? If you're giving the car to your spouse, you both may need to be listed on the financing documents. Don't worry, caring and cooperative dealers like Homer Skelton Ford will work with you to help you carry out your surprise.

• Consider registration and title documents: Like financing, you'll want to consider how you'll register and title a gifted vehicle. If you're gifting to a family member you'll probably want to register it in their name. You may need to return to the dealership to complete the paperwork.

• Order it in advance: If you're ordering a specific car for your loved one instead of buying one off the lot, make sure to do it well in advance. Check with your local car dealership to make sure it will be there by a specific date!

Gifting a vehicle can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience if done correctly. To ensure everything goes smoothly, give yourself plenty of time to handle the process and paperwork properly. Your loved one will certainly appreciate all the effort you went through to put those car keys in their hands!