When you’re in Little
Rock, AR looking for a great place to go for entertainment, grab your
family and friends and hop in your 2002 Ford Escape SUV. You’ll enjoy the
Escape’s smooth handling, sharp appearance, and excellent gas mileage as you
make your way to one of these four excellent spots. Enjoy an unforgettable
concert or cultural event when you’re in town.
The Hall
At 721 West 9th Street in Little Rock sits The Hall, an
industrial chic music venue and event space. This energetic spot that seats up
to 1300 guests hosts concerts of all genres. Along with regular special events
like dance parties and art shows, you’ll find someone playing music there most
nights. No matter if you’re there for a solo show or group concert, or to hear
original songwriters or cover bands, the great acoustics will have you tapping
your toes.
First Security Amphitheater
Located on seven acres on the banks of the beautiful
Arkansas River, at 400 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock, is First
Security Amphitheater. You’ll see top acts from around the world at this
top-notch outdoor destination. The amphitheater is part of a larger complex,
River Market, which houses shops, restaurants, lodging, and a farmer’s market.
Plan a visit around one of several festivals held here each year, including the
famed Riverfest.
Revolution Music Room
Also in the historic River Market district is the Revolution
Room, which holds a wide variety of concerts and cultural events year-round.
You’ll find Revolution, locally referred to as the Rev Room, at 300 President
Clinton Avenue in Little Rock. This rocking nightlife spot has plenty of
restaurants close by so that you can make a night of it. Enjoy live music in an
intimate setting. Go early and walk one of the nearby short trails for some
gorgeous river views.
Robinson Center
Symphony
productions, concerts, comedy artists, and author readings are all on tap at
the Robinson Center at 426 W. Markham Street. A lavish $70 million dollar
renovation of this circa 1939 facility transformed into one of Little Rock’s
crown jewels and ensured that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. World-class
acoustics and optics offer an experience like no other. The Center’s
convenience to restaurants makes it easy to enjoy dinner and a show.
Enjoy the show at any one of these four incredible venues! Before or after your
event, come by Crain Ford of
Little Rock to test drive one of our many in-stock quality new or pre-owned
vehicles. You’ll experience our Crain Commitment to offer the unmatched service
and low pricing that has set us apart since 1966.
Discover the 2023 Ford Mustang
When you think of American muscle, the first car that comes to mind is the Mustang. Ford has been producing the Mustang for more than 55 years, and it has turned into a sophisticated and mighty steed. You can get the 2023 Ford Mustang in two body styles, a rag-top convertible or a hard-shell coupe. Read on to learn more about this rear-wheel muscle car.
Check It Out
The first engine available in the ’23 Mustang is a 2.3L
Ecoboost that delivers 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of maximum torque. You can
choose the 2.3L high-performance engine with a larger twin-scroll turbo
compressor and get 330 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of max torque. The ’23 Mustang
GT boasts an incredible 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 powertrain that produces heart-pumping
acceleration with 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
If you want maximum track prowess, look at the Mustang Mach1. The Mach1 has a
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine tuned and calibrated for optimal performance. The
available Mach 1 handling package provides agile handling with the Mach1’s 470
horsepower and 410 lb-ft of maximum torque. This powertrain is paired with a
six-speed manual transmission that has rev-matching tech.
Independent Rear Suspension
The ’23 Mustang rides incredibly well with its independent
rear suspension that is standard across the lineup. This suspension system
allows the Mustang’s rear wheels to move individually. This increases handling
and ride quality over bumps, through turns, and down straightaways.
Ride Damping
The ’23 Mustang has an available MagneRide Damping System
capable of responding 1,000 times/second with each damper. As a result, you
have a smooth and balanced ride that builds your confidence.
Interior Design
The driver-centric cockpit of the ’23 Mustang places all
vehicle controls within easy reach of the driver. The available heated and
cooled seats keep you comfortable while driving in town or flying down the
track. The available heated steering wheel keeps your fingers warm even on the
coolest mornings, while the accent-stitched center console provides excellent
storage for your small items.
Power-Assisted Steering
The ’23 Mustang has selectable electric power-assisted steering, EPAS. This incredible system provides three power-assist settings to give you the steering control you want and need. These settings are comfort, normal, and sport. The comfort setting is excellent for everyday driving and requires the least amount of steering effort from the driver.
The second setting, normal, is the perfect balance between comfort and sport, providing steering support but allowing you to engage with the drive more. Finally, the last setting is sport, and this is perfect for when you want an engaging drive that makes you feel connected to the road.
If you want the perfect muscle car on and off the track, check out the ’23 Mustang from Ford. Contact us at Crain Ford of Little Rock and ask us how you can pre-order your Mustang today.
Conveniently located right in the center of the state, the city of Little Rock, AR is a perfect base to explore the many wonders of the region and take your loved ones on memorable weekend getaways in your 2023 Ford Explorer Limited. If you are searching for the best destinations to discover, we are sure you will love these three nearby spots.
1. Hot Springs
Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains and known for
its naturally heated springs, the city of Hot Springs is a wonderful place to
visit if you want to spend a couple of days relaxing and taking a break from
the routine. Located about 55 miles southwest of the Little Rock city center,
Hot Springs is one of the most popular weekend escapes among locals.
Right north of the downtown area, the Hot Springs National Park is the city’s
main attraction, drawing more than one and a half million visitors every year.
Established in the 1830s and designated a national park in 1920, this place
features the largest collection of public bathhouses in North America, along
with an extensive network of nature trails and camping areas.
2. White River National Wildlife Refuge
Providing habitat to large populations of mallard ducks,
Canada geese, bald eagles, and black bears, White River National Wildlife
Refuge is a haven for wildlife watchers and another fantastic spot where you
can spend a weekend enjoying nature with your family. Covering an area of more
than 160,000 acres, this place was established in the 1930s and has been a
popular local landmark since then.
Driving from the Little Rock city center to the main entrance of White River
National Wildlife Refuge takes about one hour and 40 minutes via route US-165.
This nature reserve features more than 350 manmade and natural lakes, along
with large swathes of grassland and forestland. Some of the activities you can
take part in while exploring this place include wildlife photography, camping,
fishing, selective hunting, boating, and hiking.
3. Memphis
Famous for its music scene and often referred to as the birthplace of rock and roll, the city of Memphis is one of the largest urban areas in the Southeast and a place full of local landmarks. Located about 135 miles east of Little Rock, Memphis can be reached in about two hours by car via route I-40. Popular attractions in the city include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Rock n’ Roll Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle to get behind the wheel and explore these destinations? Call us today at Crain Ford of Little Rock, and we’ll tell you all about our latest deals.
Image via Pixabay.
There’s no question that staying safe on the road is the top priority for any driver, and modern safety features have made driving safer than ever before. Leading the way in striving to make the road a safer place is Ford. To give you an idea of the comprehensive protection you’ll get when you choose a vehicle from your Ford dealer, here are some of the safety technologies Ford equips their vehicles with.
1. Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
One of the most common dangerous situations that can occur
while driving is a vehicle riding behind you in the blind spot on either side
of your vehicle where you are unable to see them. Ford’s blind spot information
system helps you feel more certain when merging or changing lanes. Cameras and
sensors monitor the blind spots you can’t see, giving you an alert when there’s
an obstacle in your path.
2. Lane-Keeping System
Using cameras and sensors like the blind-spot information
system utilizes, your Ford can also help to keep your vehicle centered in your
lane. When you inadvertently drift to the boundaries of your intended lane in
traffic, this system gives you a heads-up to let you know to guide yourself
back to where you need to be. You’ll even see a warning if this system has been
triggered frequently in your drive, letting you know it’s time to take a break.
3. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
Highway driving can become dangerous if you’re following
other vehicles too closely, but the intelligent adaptive cruise control system
can help mitigate that danger. Improving upon the cruise control feature you
may already be familiar with, this system is able to monitor the speed and
distance of other vehicles on the road with you. It uses that information to
adjust your cruise control speed to maintain a safe separation from other
drivers.
4. Active Park Assist
Although it may seem safe due to the slow speeds vehicles
tend to be traveling at, a significant portion of accidents occur in parking
lots or when parallel parking. Ford’s Active Park Assist system can help take
the danger out of this potentially hazardous situation by automating the
process. With just the press of a button while you’re near a parking spot, this
system will automatically navigate your vehicle into the spot.
5. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
While the systems above help to avoid an accident, Ford’s safety technologies are also there for you in the worst-case scenario of a collision. The pre-collision assist system will alert you if you’re coming up too quickly on an obstacle, ideally giving you time to take corrective action and avoid an impact. However, if a collision is unavoidable, the automatic emergency brake system kicks in to reduce the force of the impact, mitigating the chance of injury.
Learn more about the ways your Ford can help make your drive safer when you talk to our experienced team of experts. Visit us at Crain Ford of Little Rock today!
Image via Ford.
6 Impressive Features of the 2023 Ford Maverick
The 2023 Ford Maverick has three trims and a variety of features that are appealing to drivers and passengers alike. if you’re looking for a mixture of power and comfort wrapped up in a stylish exterior, then it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at the Maverick.
1. The Comfortable, Spacious Interior
Many competitor trucks are a little cramped. You’ll find no
such issue with the Maverick. Even five tall, broad people can fit comfortably
in the Maverick and stay feeling great for the duration of a long trip.
2. The Impressive Hybrid Powertrain
A 2.5-liter full hybrid powertrain is standard in the
Maverick. This truck’s standard engine is the only one on the market that can
deliver 500 miles of driving range on a single 13.8-gallon tank of gas. A
2-liter Ecoboost engine is also available.
3. The Top-Notch Sound System
The 2023 Maverick is equipped with a Bang & Olufsen
six-speaker sound system. You can also upgrade to an eight-speaker system if
you’re a big fan of music. The speakers are perfect for blasting your favorite
tunes throughout the cabin. Play music straight from your phone or tablet by
connecting your device to the Sync 3 infotainment systems via Apple CarPlay or
Android Auto.
4. The Feature-Packed Infotainment System
The infotainment system can do a lot more than connect to your phone to play music. Some of its best features include:
- Sirius XM Traffic and Travelling
- Pinched to zoom touchscreen
- Navigation
- Hands-free calling
- Alexa
- Wi-Fi
You can stay connected and entertained on every journey. And if you get lost,
the navigation feature can tell you exactly where you are and get you back on
track in no time.
5. The Off-Road Packages
Those of you who love adventuring will be pleased with the
variety of off-road packages available for the Maverick. The Tremor Off-Road
Package gives you an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and steel
skid plates. If you want to make your vehicle’s appearance bolder, then the
Tremor Off-Road Plus Package can do that for you.
Want a little more off-road capability? Consider the FX4 package, which gives
you hill descent control, front tow hooks, five drive modes, and many more
features for making your off-road adventures better than ever.
6. Multi-Position Tailgate
The multi-position tailgate makes it easier than ever to load and unload your cargo. You can fold the tailgate flat for easy loading, lock it at half closed if you need a little extra room for transporting longer cargo, or use it in its normal position.
Come to Crain Ford of Little Rock to examine the Maverick in person and take it out for a test drive. We’re sure you’ll be very pleased with this feature-rich pickup.
Image via Ford.
There are some great sports teams to watch within driving distance of Little Rock, AR. If you’re a sports fan, we recommend jumping in your Ford and heading toward one of the following stadiums.
1. War Memorial: Little Rock Rangers
This arena is one of the largest and most well-known in
Arkansas. It’s home to the Little Rock Rangers soccer team, which plays in the
USL League.
The University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University teams occasionally
play college football games here too. The official capacity stands at 54,120.
You’ll find it at 1 Stadium Drive.
2. Dickey-Stephens Park: Arkansas Travelers
If you’re a baseball fan in Little Rock, it’s a short drive
to watch Minor League Baseball team Arkansas Travelers play its home games.
The Arkansas Razorbacks college baseball team plays here too. Its official
capacity is 7,300, including 5,800 fixed seats. There is plenty of parking in
and around the venue at 400 W Broadway St, North Little Rock.
3. Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex: Little Rock Trojans
Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex has been the home
arena for The University of Arkansas’ soccer and athletics teams since 2012.
All of its sports teams are known as the Little Rock Trojans.
If you’re interested in supporting these up-and-coming college athletes, the
facility seats around 300 people, and there are 130 spaces in the parking lot.
Navigate to 5732 Asher Avenue to find it.
4. Gary Hogan Field: Little Rock Trojans
The Little Rock Trojans team has played college baseball at
this venue for many decades. Gary Hogan was a successful coach of this team in
the 1980s and 1990s. The team’s home ground was renamed after him shortly after
he left his post.
It has received a number of renovations since then and is now a home ground
that the team can be very proud of. It’s on 2400 Harrison Street.
5. Verizon Wireless Field: Little Rock Tigers
Are you a fan of watching high school football? If so, it’s worth knowing that the Little Rock Central Tigers team plays their home games at the Verizon Wireless Field. This is also sometimes known as the Quigley-Cox Arena, the Earl Quigley Arena, or its original name Kavanaugh Field.
Earl Quigley was a successful sports coach between 1914 and 1946. This fabulous home field matches his great achievements. Its address is 1500 S Park St.
A brand new Ford Maverick is large enough to comfortably transport you and your whole family to watch a thrilling sports game. Drop by Crain Ford of Little Rock for a closer look at this pick-up truck and our entire range of new and used Ford vehicles.
Image via Pixabay.
Does Your Ford Need a New Catalytic Converter?
Your Ford’s catalytic converter is responsible for reducing pollution caused by combustion. The combustion process generates large amounts of dangerous chemicals, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The converter uses heat, pressure, and chemical reactions to convert these chemicals into less harmful ones. As your Ford dealer, we’d like you to know some signs that your converter could be failing.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Ordinary exhaust smoke is thin and white-gray. If your
exhaust starts to produce thick black smoke, this is usually a sign that your
converter is damaged. The black smoke has an acrid smell like fuel combined
with the rotten egg scent of hydrogen sulfide. The presence of these chemicals
means that fuel residue is passing through the converter without being changed.
Our technicians will need to examine your converter to find the cause of the
damage. The converter may have failed due to age, or it could have been damaged
by the side effects of engine problems. Depending on the cause of the problem,
we may be able to repair your converter, or we may have to replace it.
You’re Using Too Much Fuel
Increased fuel consumption can be a sign of a converter
problem. Your engine depends on a mixture of air and fuel to produce
combustion, and these elements have to mix in a precise ratio. Combustion
requires fourteen times more air than fuel for the mixture to ignite correctly
inside the cylinders. One of the functions of the converter is to ensure that
sufficient air enters the engine for combustion to take place.
Oxygen sensors connected to the converter monitor the level of air inside your
engine. If one of these sensors is damaged, it will provide the wrong
information to your computer. If your engine doesn’t receive enough air, much
of the fuel in the engine won’t ignite and will be dumped into the exhaust
system. This unburnt fuel is wasted and will cause your fuel efficiency to
drop.
Starting Problems
Most starting problems are caused by a failure with the battery, the alternator, or the starter motor. A blocked converter can also cause starting problems, as it prevents exhaust gases from leaving your engine. If your engine starts and then dies almost immediately, you probably have a blocked converter.
The combustion process will start as soon as your engine turns over, and the cylinders will produce fuel residue when their contents ignite. Due to the blockage in the converter, these exhaust gases will stay in the engine instead of being forced out. The large amount of unburnt fuel in the engine will quickly cause your engine to cut out. We can remove the blockage to fix this problem.
If you suspect you have a converter problem, call us right away at Crain Ford of Little Rock.
Image via Ford.
Your Ford car, truck, or SUV is an investment that requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and safely. One of the most important maintenance services you can get for your vehicle is brake service, which provides numerous benefits. Regular brake servicing from your Ford dealer allows you to enjoy better safety, improved performance, and greater peace of mind when you’re out on the road.
1. Improved Safety
Getting regular brake checkups for your Ford is one of the
best things you can do to ensure your safety on the road. This service helps
keep your brakes in proper working condition and prevents any unexpected issues
from happening. With regular service, you can rest assured that your vehicle’s
brakes will respond when needed and be able to stop quickly and efficiently.
This can help avoid potential accidents or other dangerous situations.
Additionally, properly maintained brakes will be able to handle more intense
driving conditions, such as those experienced during severe weather.
2. Increased Longevity
Regular maintenance ensures that your brakes will last
longer, and you won’t need to replace them prematurely. During the service, the
mechanic will check all the brakes and components, inspect the brake lines and
hoses, and check the fluid levels.
By doing this, they can diagnose any issues and make sure that the brakes are
operating correctly. Regular brake repair helps keep the brakes in top
condition, meaning you don’t have to replace them as often.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
Getting your brakes serviced can have a major impact on your
fuel efficiency. When brakes are not properly serviced, they create more
friction and require more energy to push the car forward. This can cause the
vehicle to consume more fuel than necessary.
Brake servicing will help ensure that your brakes are working as efficiently as
possible, drastically improving your car’s fuel efficiency. This can save you
money in the long run.
4. Greater Control
Getting your brakes serviced will give you greater control over your vehicle. Brakes are an important safety feature; with well-maintained brakes, you can have more confidence in your ability to stop when needed. Newer brake components are designed to offer better vehicle control, allowing for shorter stopping distances and a better grip on the road. This can make driving in wet or icy conditions safer and more manageable.
Replacing worn-out brake parts with new ones can help your vehicle stay on its intended path instead of pulling to one side when braking. Ultimately, getting brake repair will give you greater control over your car and make driving a more enjoyable experience.
Getting brake checkups for your Ford is essential for the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Brake repair is important for any car, but especially for those that have been in use for longer periods. Visit Crain Ford of Little Rock today for all your Ford needs.
Image via Ford.
Your Guide to the 2023 Ford Ranger
Ford’s mid-sized Ranger is a handsome pickup with excellent capabilities and tons of customizability, including its two-door SuperCab or four-door SuperCrew body styles. The truck offers various off-road packages, plus advanced technology. Here’s what you’ll want to know about the 2023 Ford Ranger!
Power and Handling
All of the Ranger’s trims come standard with a 2.3L
turbocharged inline-4 engine developing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Its twin-scroll design aids in eliminating turbo lag. Power delivery is swift
and smooth with the help of the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission,
featuring wide gear ratios and three overdrive gears. With its well-tuned
independent front suspension, the truck feels responsive and surprisingly agile
through turns.
When off-roading, the Ranger’s available 4×4 system, and electronic-locking
rear differential allow you to conquer tough trails with ease. An available FX4
Off-Road Package adds highly durable skid plates and a suspension setup that
has been further optimized for off-road use.
Towing and Hauling
The Ranger displays some of the best towing ability in its
class, with a maximum capacity of 7,500 pounds when equipped with the Trailer
Tow Package, which comes with a Class IV hitch and a 4/7-pin connector.
SuperCrew models can carry up to 1,818 pounds in its bed, while the SuperCrew
carries up to 1,905 pounds. Selecting the Bed Utility Package adds a 12-volt
outlet to the bed and a drop-in bedliner for increased durability.
Interior
Both the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations provide ample
space for passengers, with the latter adding an extra seat for a total of five.
The front bucket seats and rear bench seats in XLT models are available with
Miko suede upholstery. In the Lariat, seating is available in genuine leather
trim with contrast stitching. Additional amenities include dual-zone automatic
climate control, ambient lighting, and an 8-way, power-adjustable driver’s
seat.
Under the rear seats is a hidden storage compartment for keeping personal
belongings secure and out of sight.
Technology
XL models come standard with a smart-charging USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio, and mobile 4G LTE Wi-Fi internet access with FordPass Connect, which allows connection for up to ten devices. Optional on the XL and standard on the XLT and Lariat trims is Ford’s intuitive Sync 3 8-inch touchscreen system offering support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice-activated navigation with live traffic updates.
An available Bang & Olufsen 660-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system enhances your favorite tunes with crisp trebles and deep bass.
Good looks, strong performance, and an inviting cabin make the Ranger the ideal mid-sized pickup truck! Get in touch with Crain Ford of Little Rock today and schedule your test drive!
Image via Ford.
Introducing the 2023 Ford F-150
The 2023 Ford F-150 is a unique truck that’s ready for tough jobs and off-road adventures, while also offering a comfortable cabin with luxurious features throughout. Not only can you take this truck cross-country with a 14,000-pound trailer in tow, but you can also use it as a mobile workstation, thanks to its many available productivity features. So if you haven’t driven this impressive full-size pickup yet, here’s every reason why you shouldn’t wait.
Performance
This edition of the F-150 gives drivers a wide range of
engines to choose from, with both V6 and V8 options available. Included in this
group is a 430-horsepower Full Hybrid 3.5-liter V6, as well as a supercharged
5.2-liter V8 that produces 700 horses.
While most models come standard with a 4×2 powertrain, four-wheel drive is also
offered, while the standard Selectable Drive Modes terrain management system
that comes with both powertrains offers a few additional terrain-tackling modes
for 4×4-equipped models.
Design
Inside the F-150, there’s room for up to six passengers,
depending on which cab size you choose. For cargo, extra space can be found in
the rear under-seat storage containers, while the dual-zone climate control,
heated leather seats, and ambient lighting features set the mood to make every
drive more comfortable.
Outside the truck, you’ll find a stylish yet bold appearance with both two- and
four-door models available. There’s also an available high-strength
power-operated tailgate in the back, which can be used as a sturdy work surface
or dropped with the push of a button from your key fob.
Technology
As the F-150’s tech hub, the SYNC infotainment system
delivers everything from hands-free calling to turn-by-turn navigation
instructions. When you need to look something up online, you can quickly
connect to the in-cabin 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you plan to use this truck for hauling cargo, you can weigh it in the bed
with the Onboard Scales feature. Then there’s Ford BlueCruise, which can give
you the full autonomous-driving experience by taking over steering, braking,
and acceleration on select areas of highways.
Safety
With Ford Co-Pilot360 on board, safety features like Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping System, and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) all work in tandem to alert you to hazards on the road while keeping the vehicle centered within its lane.
For off-road journeys, there’s the 360° camera system, which employs four attached cameras at each end of the truck to help you see and avoid things, such as large rocks or small animals.
Versatile, rugged, and ready for action, the 2023 F-150 combines performance with luxury to suit every type of driver. To see all this innovative pickup has to offer, stop by and visit us at Crain Ford of Little Rock today, and feel free to ask for a test drive once you’re here.
Image via Ford.
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