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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

When most people hear about the gold rush, they think about California. However, Georgia had its gold rush that you can relive in Dahlonega. Check the Rivers Even though the gold mines have closed, you should still look for gold in nearby rivers. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy as you search nearby waterways. One of the best places to check is the Etowah River in Cherokee County. As you explore this area, do not forget to check the waterways that flow into it. more Another fun river to check for gold is the Chattahoochee. If you are interested in this river, explore it through White and Lumpkin Counties. Bring your gold pan and don't forget to check Duke's Creek. The creek runs near the town of Sautee. Before you explore this area, you may want to rent a metal detector as the banks have the potential of holding a variety of treasures. Camp Near the Old Gold Mines Another great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the history of gold is camping. There are a variety of campgrounds located near the old mines. Each gives you an opportunity to bring home gold while spending time with friends and family. If you enjoy gold panning along the Etowah River, bring your camping gear and stay overnight. The Etowah River Campground has room for tents and RVs. When you make your reservation, you can choose between a river site or something more secluded. Beyond panning for gold, you can also go trout fishing in the river. Another fun campground near Cleveland is the Gold'n Gem Grubbin' Campground. This location adjoins a strip mining operation that allows campers to pay for the chance to look for gold. There is also a Gem Shack on site where you can create custom items. The campground can handle both tents and RVs. Visit the Gold Museum If you are in the mood to explore history, but the weather is keeping you inside don't worry. Stay in Dahlonega and visit the Gold Museum.  The museum is open seven days a week. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is in an old Lumpkin County courthouse. It features exhibits like a large gold nugget that weighs more than five ounces. You can also see a hydraulic cannon that broke gold loose from the mountainside. If you are into old coins, check out a set of rare coins from the 1800s when the town was home to a U.S. mint branch. There are also educational films that explain the gold history of the area. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to bring home a piece of your journey. When you finish with the museum, explore the courthouse that houses it before you leave the area. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the experience with you. These adventures would also be a great way to teach your children the history of the gold industry in Georgia. Don't forget to dress appropriately especially when heading to the mines. Gold-bornite-quartz hydrothermal vein via Flickr by James St. John 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

Are you looking for a new golf course to enjoy as the weather warms up? The Dahlonega, Georgia, area is full of courses for all ability levels. Chestatee Golf Club The Chestatee Golf Club is located on GA-400 in Dawsonville. The mountain-like terrain is designed to fit in with the area. This challenging course was designed by Denis Griffiths. Some of the features included in this 18-hole course include water holes, and a championship feel to the links. During your time on the links, keep in mind par is 71. more Once you finish with your game, enjoy the clubhouse and a mouthwatering menu from the Heron Grille. If you want to work on your game between rounds, there is a practice green and bunker on the property. There is also an extensive driving range for you to enjoy at this semi-private club. Non-members are allowed to use the practice range for a $25 fee that gives you unlimited practice range balls. The rates to play the course change depending on your age and the time of year. Mossy Creek Golf Course When you make the trip to Cleveland, Georgia, you can enjoy the 18-hole Mossy Creek Golf Course. The public course opened in 1965 as Eagle Greens at Skitt Mountain. The course is perfect for rookies, but can also challenge more experienced golfers. At its longest tees, the course is more than 6,000 feet in length. It is a par-70 course. The onsite pro shop has everything you need to enjoy a day on the links. You can rent clubs from the pro shop as well as set up lessons. After your round, enjoy a delicious meal at The Grill @ Mossy Creek. It is located above the pro shop and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Achasta Stay in Dahlonega and enjoy a Jack Nicklaus signature course when you play at Achasta. While you are playing the course, keep an eye on the Chestatee River. It winds through the course and can impact the result of a majority of the holes. It is a par-72 course with a par 36 on each set of nine holes. It is a semi-private club that allows the general public to play the course.  The greens are G2 bent grass. The fairways and trees are Bermuda grass. If you want to warm up before your next round, there is a practice facility on site. This all-grass area includes both a putting and chipping green. After your game, enjoy a meal at the Achasta Grille. The grille is inside the clubhouse. It offers outdoor seating for warmer temperatures. There are also two indoor dining spaces, the main dining room, and the Nicklaus room. Achasta is open six days a week; it closes on Monday for maintenance. Explore each of these public courses provided to you by Chestatee Ford on a different weekend. If you enjoy a trip to one of these courses, bring friends for your return game. Urbanowicz_Krzysztof_GOLF via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz Under the use of CC BY 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 foothills of North Georgia are the perfect environment for wineries to produce award-winning vintages. Known as the Heart of Georgia Wine Country, Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to five wineries and 12 wine tasting rooms. Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery Founded in 2006, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega produces award-winning, hand-crafted red and white wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, and Petit Manseng. Take a seat in the tasting room and spend the afternoon sampling both dry and semi-sweet wines. Live entertainment is also offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the vineyard's calendar for upcoming events. more Spend the weekend at the winery, and stay at the 1820s cabin-in-the-wines on site. The log cabin features modern amenities and is the perfect spot to sip on your favorite wine while enjoying views of the vineyards and donkeys, dogs, and chickens playing in the pasture. The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Frogtown Cellars Situated on 57 acres at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Frogtown Cellars is Georgia's most award-winning winery. With a unique terrain made of rolling hills and steep elevation changes, Frogtown Cellars is a tri-level gravity flow winery. The winery features more than 22,000 grape vines with 25 different types of grapes. When you visit, you'll have a chance to enjoy a variety of delicious red and white vintages under the Frogtown and Thirteenth Colony brand names. The winery also includes a bistro where you can munch on tasty cheese and charcuterie platters, pizza, paninis, and more while sipping on your wine. The winery is open Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kaya Vineyard and Winery Sitting atop a ridge at 1,600 feet and offering spectacular panoramic views of the mountains is Kaya's Vineyard and Winery. The winery features Italian and American varieties of wines made from grapes grown exclusively on site. Enjoy the view out of the 12-foot windows in the tasting room, or sit outside on the 2,000-square-foot covered deck and enjoy the fresh air. Take a guided tour to learn more about the vineyards, or sit back and enjoy live music. The vineyard and tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30  p.m. to 5 p.m. Three Sisters Vineyards Three Sisters Vineyards produces 100-percent Georgia-grown estate wine and makes 3,500 to 4,000 cases of each vintage. Varieties include Cabernet Franc, Cab Franc-Merlot, and Merlot, among others. The winery sits on 184 acres and offers a laid back atmosphere where you can sip on their vintages while browsing the collection of Georgia and Southern folk art. Enjoy the cool breeze while relaxing with a glass on their Crush Pad Deck or Rock Wall Patio. The winery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There's no need to travel far to enjoy bold and beautiful wines, as Chestatee Ford gives you Dahlonega's wineries that have wines to suit every palate. Image via Flickr by smallkaa / under use of CC BY-ND 2.0 /Cropped from original

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

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia, is just one hour north of Atlanta and has much to offer. Visit the town's many historic sites, take in a show at the historic theater, or get goose bumps while listening to scary ghost stories. With so much to offer, there's plenty of reasons to spend the day in historic downtown Dahlonega. Learn the History at Dahlonega Gold Museum The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of Georgia's oldest standing buildings. Visitors can peruse exhibits depicting the history of the area, including a complete set of rare coins, a hydraulic cannon and nozzle, and a gold nugget weighing more than five ounces. Take a walk through the courthouse and note its beautiful features such as the wooden chapel seats that date back to 1889. Take a seat and watch a short film, and pick up souvenirs in the museum's gift shop. With advance notice, tours and group rates are available. more The museum is located at 1 Public Square and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Watch a Film at The Holly Theater This historic Holly Theater is situated in the Dahlonega town square and is the perfect spot to enjoy a live show. No seat is further than 20 feet from the stage, providing a perfect view of live music, theater, and comedy acts. Partnering with local businesses, the theater offers theatrical and educational programs to the residents of Dahlonega and its neighboring towns. Sip on a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy a show at this beautiful and historic theater. The Holly Theater is located at 69 West Main Street and the office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Showtimes vary, so check their site for upcoming events. Take a Ghost Tour With its rich history, there's no shortage of ghost lore in Dahlonega. There's no better way to learn about the things that go bump in the night than on a ghost tour through town. Grab a map to take the Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour to visit sites that are sure to give you chills. Stop by The Picnic Café where a ghostly woman is said to be waiting by the window. Or visit Park Place Hotel where the owner swears that doors open and close by themselves, pots are found in the wrong cabinets, and plates are left in odd spots. The Butler Building is also on the route and is said to have paranormal activity. Observers have seen flying plates and teapots moving across shelves and have heard footsteps when no one was around. Start your self-guided ghost tour at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (inside the historic courthouse), hitting all 10 spots and ending at the Mount Hope Cemetery. The map can be found on the Dahlonega website. Whether you're a history buff or love the arts, Chestatee Ford gives you a list of activities and entertainment for the entire family in historic downtown Dahlonega. Gold Nugget via Pixabay

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

Ford is one of the most well-known manufacturers on the planet. This is thanks to an extensive lineup of vehicles that traces its roots back to the early 1900s. Though modern design like the newest Raptors and GTs turn heads, there's no denying the charm and style that these older vehicles had. 1991 Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is one of a few newer models that have helped reshape the brand. This vehicle replaced the Bronco II and was an extremely popular vehicle at the time, outselling many competitors by a wide margin. But, this SUV isn't just important in terms of the manufacturer's lineup. The Explorer also remodeled what was standard for this class of vehicle. Namely, in 2011, Ford started using a unibody frame, which was uncommon among SUVs at the time. more Shelby Cobra 427 The Shelby 427 Cobra was a muscle car that Ford, AC Cars, and Shelby Cobra co-designed in 1966. This vehicle is unmistakable thanks to its unique cockpit and sleek racing designs. Indeed, the Shelby 427 Cobra was one of the first cars — alongside the 1965 Shelby Mustang — to incorporate racing stripes. This is an exceptionally valuable collector's item today, but in its heyday, the Cobra 427 was a speed demon that delivered a top speed of 185 miles per hour in the competition model. 1948 F-Series Ford has a long line of iconic trucks, but their roots can arguably be traced back to one famous model that the manufacturer started making after World War II: the Ford F-Series. Introduced in 1948, this model has a look that today is instantly nostalgic and every bit as charming as it was when it rolled off production lines. At the times, the F-Series was famous for pushing boundaries in terms of comfort. This vehicle became the first of many globally best-selling Ford trucks. 1964 Mustang The Mustang is arguably Ford's most iconic vehicle, and it all began with the first generation produced in 1964. It was and is still a popular car thanks to its sporty design and power, though its looks have certainly changed over the years. 1968 Mustang Bullitt Though Ford has released many versions of the Mustang, none is more well-known and more culturally significant than the 1968 Bullitt. This vehicle is iconic thanks to the eponymous Steve McQueen movie, which featured a dark green Mustang racing through the hills of San Francisco. The Model T No other vehicle is as iconic as the Model T when it comes to automotive history. This is considered the first automobile available to the public thanks to its affordability. Ford produced these vehicles from 1908 to 1927. Ford's history is impressive, and ever since the manufacturer rolled out its affordable Model Ts in the early 20th century, the manufacturer has been synonymous with American culture. This is still true today, with the company focusing equally on performance and efficiency improvements to make better improvements. You can check out some of the newer models today at Chestatee Ford and consider how they hold up to some of the early icons listed above. 1965 Ford Mustang coupe via Flickr by sv1ambo / Permission given by CC BY 2.0