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Even though vehicles today are equipped with more safety features than ever before, including lane departure prevention systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and back-up cameras, none of these devices play as crucial of a role in driver and passenger safety as a seatbelt. Read on to learn why seatbelts matter and better understand the importance of bucking up. Safety You can't understand the importance of buckling up without talking about the obvious - safety.  This is a seatbelt's only function, to help keep you and your passengers safe.  When in an accident, they can keep you from being thrown through the windshield, ejected from the car, or flying forward where you could be thrown into or hit your head on the steering wheel. It's just as crucial for your passengers, whether they are in the front or back seats.  Again, this prevents them from possibly getting thrown from the vehicle. more You'll also notice that your seatbelts engage in less violent circumstances, such as when you have to break quickly or perhaps hit a rough patch of terrain.  This helps keep you in a position to have the best control over your vehicle and ensure you keep you and your passengers clear from harm. It's the Law “Click it or ticket” is a common slogan used in seatbelt campaigns.  It only takes a minute to click your seatbelt, abide by the law, and keep yourself and your passengers safe.  If you choose not to buckle up, you could be pulled over and cited.  These tickets will cost you hundreds of dollars and are meant to sting financially to drive home the concept that this simple action is far less expensive than the ticket, or worse, injury or death. Make it a Habit Next to entering your vehicle and maybe starting it, putting on your seatbelt should be one of your first actions.  If you get in the habit of doing this, it will begin to feel almost foreign not to.  Sit down, put on your seatbelt.  Period.  If you're the driver and you have passengers, make sure they all do the same. Even if you're just going “down the street,” go ahead and buckle up.  Sometimes, those situations where we think we'd be most safe are the ones that can surprise us because our guard is down and it's completely unexpected.  That's the idea with seatbelts though, right?  To protect you and everyone in your vehicle from the unexpected. Like any other standard piece of vehicle equipment, seatbelts are meant to be used each and every time you get into a vehicle.  Doing so further adds to the effectiveness of other safety features such as air bags. All vehicle models at Chestatee Ford come standard with driver and passenger seatbelts; some are even adjustable for personal comfort.  Come see us today.  With everything from luxury to off-road vehicles available, you're sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that's just right for you. Rock via Flickr by PabloEvans under the use of CC By 2.0 / Cropped from original

The 2019 Ford Ranger has been re-imagined and is now better than ever with the technology, design, and performance that you desire at a price you can afford. Chestatee Ford is proud to be able to offer you this newly designed truck with its many best in class features. Read on and discover why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the perfect mid-size pickup. Technology You Crave The 2019 Ford Ranger has many upgraded technology features that consumers have been craving, including the Ford Co-Pilot 360, the voice-activated SYNC 3, and the FordPass Connect. more Drive the highways with confidence and crowded roads with ease with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 offering driver assist technology such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear-View Camera to help you navigate the world around you. The SYNC 3 system includes voice-activated communications and entertainment. It is easy to use and consists of an 8-inch center stack touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that allows you to stay connected any time you are in your truck. Finally, the FordPass Connect keeps you connected with LTE Wi-Fi capability. Design Features Inside and Out The design features of the 2019 Ford Ranger are no longer isolated to the just interior; the exterior has just as much to offer now. Starting with a twin dome hood and rounded wheel arches to show off its new off-road design, the exterior also features a newly designed Ford grille and a variety of performance packages that allow you to customize the way your new Ranger will look. Moving inside the 2019 Ford Ranger continues to emphasize function and style while adding the essential element of comfort with supportive and firm seating accommodating up to five in the spacious and versatile four-door SuperCrew. Controls and instruments are easy to operate and read thanks to the optional dual LCD instrument cluster productivity touch screens providing an array of useful operating information and the available 8-inch center touchscreen. Finally, the available Ford navigational and connectivity features, premium Bang & Olufsen audio performance, and driver-assist technologies create an experience everyone will love. Power and Performance The power and performance of the 2019 Ford Ranger are phenomenal, starting with the electronic four-wheel drive easy shift option that allows you to change from two-wheel to four-wheel drive with a simple turn of the dial. Drive comfortably regardless of where you may be thanks to the Terrain Management System, providing four selectable drive modes including normal, grass, gravel, and snow to choose from. Best-In-Class Gas Torque There is nothing like raw torque when tackling the demands of off-road terrains. The 2019 Ranger has you covered thanks to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower while the 10-speed SelectShift optimizes gear progressions offering quick, smooth shifting up and down. With more technology than ever and the power you have come to expect from Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger indeed may be the perfect mid-size pick-up truck around. Stop into Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself. White Ranger via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

They say to experience a place you need to experience its food truly, and Georgia is no different. Whether you're a local to the area or just passing through, taking time to enjoy one of the favorite comfort foods around is a must.  Here is our list of the four best restaurants serving chicken and dumplings in Dahlonega. Wagon Wheel The Wagon Wheel with its friendly staff and homey decor is a perfect place to stop in for a bite to eat whether out with the family or just grabbing a bite with friends.  In addition to chicken and dumplings, they offer an excellent selection of breakfast favorites, hoagies, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, and dinner entrees. more Located at 1108 North Grove Street in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Wagon Wheel is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Crimson Moon In addition to their delicious chicken and dumpling soup, The Crimson Moon offers an electric "New South" menu with several gluten-free and vegan options available, with the majority of their items "Moon Made." Enjoy brunch daily with a variety of drinking and dining atmospheres both upstairs and downstairs. Visit their cozy Coffee House for one of their hand-crafted organic/shade-grown fair trade coffee drinks or step back in time to the Half Moon Saloon for a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer. Located on the historic public square of Dahlonega in the second oldest commercial structure, The Crimson Moon is open Monday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yahoola Creek Grill Whether a local foodie or an out-of-town guest looking to take in all that Dahlonega has to offer, Yahoola Creek Grill provides a dining experience you won't forget. Featuring a made-from-scratch menu using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, their dishes strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classic Southern cuisine. Along with delicious chicken and dumplings, they offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus; the Yahoola Creek Grill is an ideal location for weddings, family gatherings, or other large events where you can experience beautiful mountain views from any of their versatile dining areas. Located at 1810 S. Chestatee Street, The Yahoola Creek Grill is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reid's Cafe Known for their friendly staff and excellent service, Reid's Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, children's, and dessert menus featuring chicken and dumplings, cooked sausages, and four sizes of Ribeye steaks. Located at 5337 Thompson Bridge Rd in Gainesville, Reid's Cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many great restaurants available in the Dahlonega area, there is always one to visit and experience something new. Mmm...chicken dumplins via Flickr by jeffreyw under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

If you're in the market for an SUV that can handle all your adventures, the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are both great choices. Both SUVs combine style and performance with the safety and reliability Ford vehicles are known for. Let's compare some of their exciting features. Exterior While the Edge and the Escape both feature a stylish and sporty exterior, the Edge is slightly larger at 188.1 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The Escape is 178.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide and features the signature trapezoid-shaped grille Ford is famous for. Fog lights, chrome accents, and dual exhausts are added to the Escape's upper trim levels. The Edge has a slightly more muscular build with an eye-catching chrome grill, 18-inch wheels, and sleek wraparound taillights. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to get noticed while driving the Escape or the Edge. more Interior Both the Edge and Escape provide plenty of room for family, friends, and fun. While both SUVs comfortably seat up to five people, the Edge provides slightly more cargo space. The Escape has a maximum cargo space of 68 cubic feet compared to the Edge's 73.4 cubic feet. Depending on trim level, the Escape's upholstery choices include cloth, leather/leatherette, ActiveX cloth/leather, and all-leather seating. With the Edge, you have the upholstery options of cloth, premium cloth, leather, and Miko simulated suede/leather. Performance The Edge and Escape were both built to perform in any condition. Both SUVs come standard with six-speed automatic transmissions. The Escape SE, SEL, and Titanium are available in all-wheel-drive configurations. The Edge SE, SEL, and Titanium also offer an all-wheel-drive option. All-wheel-drive comes standard on the Edge Sport. Engine options for the Escape include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. With the Edge, your engine options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6. When it comes to towing, the Edge has a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the Escape's 3,500-pound tow capacity is one of the highest in its class. Technology Both the Edge and the Escape feature the latest technology to keep you safe and connected. Ford's Sync 3.0 infotainment system is available in both SUVs and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With this compatibility, you can access all your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools. You can also make calls and send texts hands-free. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring are all safety features that the Edge and Escape have in common. Also included in both SUVs are lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, park assist, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Edge features front and rear parking sensors. Whether you choose the Edge or Escape, you'll be provided peace of mind whenever you take the wheel. These are just some of the amazing features you can expect from the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge. Consider a test drive so you can decide which one is right for you. Ford Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2018 via Flickr by RL GNZLZ under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

If you're in the market for a new work truck, the Ford F-150 is a great choice. With several trims to choose from, there's an F-150 that's sure to meet your needs and your budget. Let's discuss what these various trims have to offer. XL The F-150 XL is a sturdy workhorse with all the power and capability you need to get the job done. It comes equipped with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that's capable of putting out 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, you never have to leave any of your gear behind. The XL has a miles per gallon rating of 20 in the city and 25 on the highway. While cloth seats are standard, you can opt for a vinyl bench seat, which is perfect for heavy-duty work use. more XLT Like the XL, the F-150 XLT is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine capable of putting out 265 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 7,700 pounds. What sets it apart are some added luxuries that make it a great truck for drivers who are frequently on the road for work. The XLT comes standard with a CD player and Ford's SYNC infotainment system, meaning you won't miss your favorite music or those important work calls. Lariat If you need an even more powerful ride, the F-150 Lariat comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine capable of putting out 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. With the Lariat's LED box lighting, you can tackle any task, day or night. The Lariat also features BoxLink, which can be used to secure ramps, storage bins, dividers, and so much more. The Sync 3 system and an 8-inch productivity screen make the Lariat's cabin a great entertainment and workspace. King Ranch The F-150 King Ranch comes equipped with a powerful 395-horsepower 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine capable of producing 400 pound-feet of torque. It features a heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats, perfect for when your work takes you into warm or cold climates. The King Ranch's color touch screen displays phone, audio, and navigation functions. Other features that help you get the job done include a remote tailgate release and a 110-volt/400-watt power inverter. Raptor The F-150 Raptor, powered by a twin-turbo, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve, 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, puts out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard as an all-wheel drive, and with its higher ground clearance and upgraded suspension system, the Raptor can handle any terrain. It's the perfect truck for getting the job done and then having some fun off-road. Platinum While the platinum was built for work, it's also designed for comfort. Features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and black carpet flooring with unique front and rear mats. These are just some of the trims available on the F-150. Consider taking a test drive so you can see which one works best for you. Ford F-150 via Flickr by SoulRider.222 under the use of CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

If you're in the market for a new SUV that's a great fit for the entire family, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a great choice. It combines style and performance with several family-friendly features. Let's discuss some of those features. Spacious Interior With seating for up to seven people and 21 cubic feet of cargo space, there's plenty of room for family and fun in the 2019 Explorer.  When the third-row seats are folded, you get 43.9 cubic feet of storage capacity. Need more room? When the second- and third-row seating is folded, you'll have access to 81.7 cubic feet for cargo. Plus, there's room for smaller items under the seats. With available third-row PowerFold seats and a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, loading your gear is a breeze. The twin-panel moonroof brings the outside inside, making family road trips even more enjoyable. more Entertainment The 2019 Explorer comes equipped with the latest technology to keep you entertained and connected. The FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot can accommodate up to ten devices. The Sync 3 infotainment system allows you to access all of your favorite music and podcasts, as well as navigation tools. Find restaurants and other points of interest that will make family vacations even more memorable. You can also use the system to control your smartphone, allowing you to make calls and send texts hands-free. When you connect the Ford+Alexa app, you can control smart-home devices while on the road, giving you additional peace of mind. Safety The 2019 Explorer was designed with the safety of you and your most precious cargo in mind. Standard safety features include brake assist, traction control, and a total of seven occupant-sensing airbags. The Explorer also comes equipped with a panic alarm, remote keyless entry, and rear child safety locks. If you opt for the Ford Safe and Smart Package, you'll have access to features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high-beam headlamps. The package also includes a lane keeping system that alerts you in the event of vehicle drift. Adaptive cruise control helps you maintain a safe distance between your Explorer and other vehicles. Stay in control with the Explorer's curve control and hill descent control features. The forward collision warning system alerts you to potential collisions and applies the brakes if needed. For added peace of mind, the Explorer is the first in its class to offer inflatable rear safety belts. Comfort and Convenience Let the 2019 Explorer's convenience features take some of the stress out of your drive, whether it's your daily commute to work and school or a special road trip. You and your passengers will appreciate the dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control. You'll also enjoy the available heated bucket seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The comfortable seating will keep you relaxed and focused while the Terrain Management System will allow you to travel through mud, sand, gravel, grass or snow with confidence. These are just some of the features that make the Explorer a great family vehicle. Consider a test drive you can experience them for yourself. 2019 Ford Explorer via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

With so many vehicle types on the market today and multiple car brands competing for your attention, it's hard to make a decision when buying a new car. Even after you've done your research and have all the info you need on a car you're interested in buying, the only way to really get to know it is by taking it out for a spin. Here's what you need to be on the lookout for when on a test drive. Is This the Exact Trim and Model I'm Interested in? Most vehicles today come in a variety of trims and can include a multitude of optional packages. This leads to dozens of possible combinations of features, so it's important that the car you test drive has all the options and characteristics you want. The most important information you get from testing a new vehicle is how it feels when you're driving it, so the test car needs to have the same engine, transmission, suspensions, and generally everything related to how the car behaves on the road. more It's also important to test the car's interior features. On paper, virtually all models nowadays come with features such as air conditioning, touch-screen display, or smartphone integration, but some work better than others. How Does Everything Work? Most functions are intuitive and common to all cars, but you need to remember that the sales representative knows that particular vehicle inside and out. Before assuming that you can figure everything out on your own, you should ask him or her to demonstrate features related to the car's technology, active safety, or transmission. This way you can discover the proper ways to operate everything. Things that you may find difficult to use may be simpler than you thought. Is This Model Selling Well? A car's popularity is usually a good indicator of its quality, so ideally you'll want your dealer to tell you it's one of their best sellers. Of course, a relative lack of sales is not always an indicator of a possible fault, but it's definitely an incentive to research the exact reasons it hasn't sold well. Maybe it wasn't marketed as much as it should be, or certain characteristics put off many drivers but don't really affect your opinion. Whatever the reason, you need to know it and determine if it's important to you. Ask Yourself: Do I Like It? The final question isn't for the sales representative, but one you should ask yourself. After getting all the relevant info on the car's characteristics, inner workings, and popularity, the last box it needs to check is how you feel while driving it. Do you feel good behind the wheel or does driving it feel difficult? Only you can answer that. Buying a car is a very important decision because not only will you depend on it to get you from point A to point B, but it will also be the place where you will be spending thousands of hours. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you have all the tools for taking an informed decision. 2019 F350 Super Duty Custom Diestamp via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

It's been a while since we've been able to tell you about a new Ford Ranger. Fortunately, for fans of the truck, the company has introduced a new 2019 model, and it's chock-full of all the features you've come to expect from an adventure-driven vehicle. Powerful performance, convenient amenities, a bold exterior, and advanced safety features are all in tow. Here's what you need to know about this incredible pickup. Handsome and Rugged Exterior Ford is well known for producing bold and statement-making vehicles, and the 2019 Ranger is no exception. With this all-new generation of the popular pick-up, you get an exterior that's expertly crafted and rugged enough for the road ahead. Its handsome grille is met by futuristic headlights that add dimension, character, and width to the face of the vehicle. You'll also find various design elements around the body that give the truck an aesthetic you typically find with pricier options. Overall, every buyer will be satisfied with the exterior of the Ranger. more Adventure-Ready Performance The 2019 Ford Ranger was built for adventure and its specifications under the hood prove that. The company includes a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, built with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It produces 270 horsepower with 310 pound-feet of torque and is paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. With this level of power under the hood, the Ranger is capable of carrying up to a 1,860-pound payload and up to 7,500 pounds of towed cargo. It's also optimized to take on any terrain or climate, making the vehicle the perfect truck to take on a cross-country, off-road adventure. Premium Interior Of course, to enjoy your adventure, the vehicle you take needs to be comfortable and pleasant for longer rides. Luckily, the 2019 Ford Ranger has just the cabin you're looking for. It features premium materials covering every inch of the space along with comfortable seating for all of your friends. A stylish aesthetic can be found from the dashboard to the last row of seats, with plenty of leg and body room for extra comfort. Convenient Amenities To add to the comfort and convenience of the interior of the 2019 Ranger, Ford also includes plenty of amenities. Examples like Sync 3 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB charging ports, Bluetooth, a B&O audio system, a touch-screen display, FordConnect compatibility, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. Not only is the Ranger one of the toughest trucks on the market, it's also one of the smartest. Advanced Safety Features Speaking of smarts, Ford also includes a vast array of advanced safety features that make the 2019 Ranger a pleasure to drive since you'll be better aware of your surroundings. Onboard, you'll find things like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Each feature will help you and your passengers stay safer while out on the road. Of course, there's so much more to learn about the 2019 Ford Ranger, but we don't have time to cover it all. If you'd like to learn more about this amazing vehicle, be sure to visit Chestatee Ford. NAIAS 2019 Ford Ranger, All-New Ranger via Flickr by F. D. Richards under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

Ford unveiled the all-new 2020 Explorer at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and included in the lineup is the Explorer ST which replaces the Explorer Sport. As well as being a three-row family hauler, it is a high-performance car with dynamic styling and enhancements from the Ford Performance stable. Exterior Styling The Explorer ST features a red ST badge on the bold black mesh grille which flows into the sleek headlamps and signature daytime running lights. The narrow fog lights and black lower fascia give the car an aggressive road presence. The sculpted hood carries a black Explorer badge. more The aerodynamic profile is enhanced by black fender trims and lower side moldings with an embossed Explorer logo, black roof rails, available 21-inch high gloss black alloy wheels, and red-painted brake calipers. At the stylish rear end with its sharp lines are wrap-around taillights, an ST tailgate badge, black tailgate applique, and bright dual quad exhaust tips. Power and Performance Featuring standard all-wheel drive, the ST is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is performance tuned. Ford says it can achieve a top speed of 143 mph, making it “the fastest SUV under $60,000.” The ST has responsive steering and throttle, performance-tuned suspension, and an enhanced engine note. Available for the ST are a Street Pack and a Track Pack which, as well as the 21-inch wheels and red brake calipers, offer larger brake rotors, sport-tuned electric brake boost, and improved brake pad compound. Interior Inside the ST is perforated leather upholstery with contrasting silver stitching and the embossed ST logo. It features power-adjustable front sport bucket seats, fold-flat second-row seats, and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats. With the second and third rows folded, you have more than 87 cubic feet of cargo space. Multiple seat configurations enable you to maximize the cargo and passenger capacity. The interior is black with metal trim and accents, and the sill scuff plates have the Ford Performance logo. Features include a flat-bottom multifunction leather steering wheel, tri-zone automatic electronic climate control, rotary gear shift dial, and a drive mode selector with snow, sand, mud, and gravel modes. A customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel allows you to configure the function and appearance of your driving information. Technology The ST has the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system featuring a central 10.1-inch portrait touch screen with pinch-to-zoom and swipe functions. For using and charging multiple devices, the Explorer ST includes a wireless charging pad as well as nine power outlets for regular plugs and USBs. In addition to a whole range of safety features, the ST has as standard a trailer tow package and an automated parking system that enables parallel and perpendicular parking without driver input. The new 2020 Explorer is due to go on sale in June when you can head down to Chestatee Ford for a closer look. Until then, you can sign up for updates on the Ford website. Image via Ford

The 2019 Ford Expedition is a spacious SUV that combines luxury and utility. It can seat up to eight people and has huge cargo capacity. Three trim levels are offered – XLT, Limited, and Platinum – and each is available in an extended wheel-base Max version and with rear- or all-wheel drive. Exterior The Expedition's bold styling gives it a dominant road presence. XLT models feature a bright chrome grille, quad-beam headlights, configurable daytime running lights, foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, running boards, body-color door handles, and heated power door mirrors with approach lamps and integrated blind spot mirrors. more Limited models add 20-inch wheels, power deployable running boards, power folding door mirrors with memory and integrated turn signals, a foot-activated hands-free liftgate, and LED taillights. The Platinum offers a chrome accented satin aluminum grille, LED head and foglights, 22-inch wheels, satin chrome door handles and mirror caps, and a panoramic moonroof. Power and Performance Powering the Expedition is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will return up to 17 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg on the highway but, when you need the power, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. When equipped with the heavy-duty towing package, the Expedition has a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. Interior All Expedition models have a spacious and well-equipped interior. With all seats in place you have 20.9 cubic-feet of cargo space. With the third row folded flat, you get 63.6 cubic-feet, and with second and third row folded, you'll have up to 104.6 cubic-feet for cargo. The Expedition Max increases that to 121.5 cubic-feet. XLT trims offer cloth upholstery with a six-way power driver's seat, 40/20/40 split folding second-row seats with center sliding seat, and 60/40 split power fold and recline third row seats. You have air conditioning, push-button start, cruise control, a multifunction leather steering wheel, and a 4-inch cluster display. The Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery with a 10-way adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated power folding second row-seats. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, dual 4.2-inch cluster displays, heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, ambient lighting, and memory function for the driver's seat, pedals, and door mirrors. The Platinum has active motion multi contour seats and real wood cabin accents. Technology Featured in the XLT is Ford's SYNC infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touch screen with voice recognition, an MP3 compatible nine-speaker sound system with satellite radio and CD player, and four USB ports. The Limited trim has the SYNC 3 system with FordPass Connect, smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, six USB ports, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker premium B&O audio system with HD radio. Platinum models add a voice-activated navigation system. A rear seat entertainment system is an available option. These awesome features along with the many standard and available safety features make the 2019 Expedition well worth a closer look. Head down to Chestatee Ford where the guys will be happy show you around.   Image via DealerOn

When you're looking for a car as a first-time buyer, the ideal vehicle is something small enough to be manageable. Maybe you want a car that is sporty and fun to drive, but economical. If you're a new driver, safety features might be high on your list. The compact cars from Ford, the Fiesta and Focus, can tick all of these boxes and more. Here are some of the features that make them ideal first cars. Exterior Appearance The 2019 Ford Fiesta is available as a stylish sedan or a versatile hatch. The aggressively styled front end makes its presence felt, while the sharp lines of the profile give it a sporty appearance. With a choice of four trim levels, 10 colors, and seven wheel styles, depending on the model, you can customize your Fiesta to suit your personality. more Alternatively, the Ford Focus is available in five trim levels, with hatch and sedan models. The sleek and sporty design is intended to attract attention. With even more color and wheel choices, you can make your Focus truly individual. Engines Powering the Fiesta is a 1.6-liter engine producing 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a five-speed manual transmission, although you can opt for the available six-speed dual clutch automatic. If you want more power, the ST trim offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Depending on the model, the Focus has four engine options. The SE sedan has a turbocharged 1.0-liter unit mated with a six-speed automatic transmission which will return up to 40 mpg on the highway. S, SE Hatch, SEL and Titanium feature a 159 horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a choice of three transmissions. The high-performance ST and RS models get a 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter engine respectively, both with six-speed manual transmission. Safety Features For assured handling, the Fiesta and Focus have standard electric power assisted steering and electronic stability control. When you need to stop quickly, the anti-lock braking system with electronic brake assist will do the job. In the event of a collision, the occupants are protected by seven airbags and Ford's Personal Safety System. The Fiesta adds a post-crash alert system. In addition, both models feature a rear camera for safe backing up and a tire pressure monitoring system. Technology Inside the Fiesta, you'll find a driver information display, Ford's SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, voice control with Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system with CD player, and a USB port. If you need to stay connected, stepping up to the SE offers optional smartphone integration that is standard on higher spec trims. The Focus features Ford's MyKey system for young drivers which limits speed, audio volume, etc. You have to step up to the SEL for the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touch screen and smartphone integration. Both the 2019 Fiesta and the 2018 Focus have upgrade packages available for select models. To take a closer look at Ford's great compact cars, head down to Chestatee Ford. Ford Focus RS via Flickr by FotoSleuth under use of CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original

Shopping for a new vehicle means making dozens of decisions, from aesthetic choices like which color you prefer to settling on an engine and other performance features. But even before you dive into trims and packages, you must pick whether to lease or buy. The best option for you depends on several factors, from your budget to how much you plan on driving. Answer these questions to help decide if you should lease your next car. Do You Want to Own a Vehicle? Leasing is beneficial for many reasons, but one drawback is that you don't own the vehicle. Instead, you lease from a dealership and return the car when your contract ends. Unfortunately, you don't benefit from positive equity and can't resell a vehicle unless you own it. more What's Your Monthly Budget Like? Lower monthly payments are arguably the biggest benefit of leasing. In general, it's always more affordable to lease. You also don't have to take out a loan in this situation. The monthly amount you must pay is only one financial benefit to consider. Leasing usually comes with a lower down payment. It's even possible to waive a down payment when leasing, so you can leave the lot without opening your wallet. Sales tax is also less compared to buying a vehicle. Maintenance costs are another benefit. Some lease agreements include free inspections and tune-ups, so ask about this when you visit a dealership. Can You Live With the Lease Limits? Leasing is a fantastic way to save money, and you get to look forward to upgrading to a newer vehicle once your lease is up. However, you have to stay within the parameters of your lease while driving. A few conditions to consider before signing include: The life of the lease: If you only want to drive the vehicle for a few years, leasing is a good option. Getting out of the agreement early can be impossible without paying a fine if you can't sublease the vehicle. Subleasing might not even be allowed per your contract. Make sure you can meet the terms of your lease before signing. The mileage limits: Your lease agreement will limit the total miles you can drive. If you go over this amount, you'll likely be charged a fee per mile driven over the maximum allowed amount. Drivers who travel a lot should be careful to negotiate a realistic mileage limit or should consider buying instead. Other restrictions: Your lease will include restrictions and clauses about numerous other things, such as what counts for normal wear and tear. If you violate these terms, you may be charged additional fees when your lease is up and you return the vehicle. So, think carefully about leasing if you feel at-risk of broaching wear-and-tear requirements. Deciding on whether to lease or buy is only one step on the journey to your next vehicle. Visit Chestatee Ford for more information about leasing versus buying and to take a few of your favorites for a test drive around Dahlonega, Georgia. New Car via Flickr by Caitlinator / Permission given by CC BY 2.0