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While Ford is known for producing stylish, high-performance cars and trucks, not everyone knows that the company also operates schools that will teach you how to drive like a race car driver. Let's talk about some of these schools and what they offer drivers. Ford Performance Racing School The Ford Performance Racing School, located in Grantsville, Utah, is open to drivers of all abilities and skill levels. Participants have the option of attending a one-day or two-day session. At the one-day class, drivers learn about control, cornering, downshift braking, and other skills from professional instructors with championship experience. The class concludes with each student taking a solo drive on a world-class racetrack in a performance-modified 2015 Mustang GT. Two-day class participants will have the opportunity to enhance skills learned on the first day of class and take a solo drive in a fully race-prepared Boss 302FRS. more Raptor Assault Program The Raptor Assault Program gives F-150 Raptor owners an exclusive opportunity to learn about the features that make the truck such a high-performance vehicle. Participants receive training from Ford Performance Racing School instructors in controlled off-road environments. Instruction includes how to best utilize the F-150 Raptor's six driving modes and off-road tire testing. The class takes place in the high-desert terrain of Tooele Valley, Utah. It's the perfect environment for practicing rock crawling, hill climbing, and hill descent. The one-day class is free for 2018 or 2019 Raptor owners. Participants have the option of upgrading to a second day that includes a solo ride in the 2015 Mustang GT. Team O'Neil Rally School The Team O'Neill Rally School offers a variety of classes at its 583-acre facility located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The five-day rally course is perfect for any driver who is interested in learning about race car driving, rally car driving, off-road racing, stunt driving, or drifting. Participants have the opportunity to drive time-trial laps of different competition circuits in a variety of turbocharged cars. The course also includes optional rally navigation integration, advanced obstacle avoidance scenarios, and unloading suspension over rough terrain. Another course offered by Team O'Neil is the drifting class, available as a one-day or two-day session. Participants will learn the basics of car control, how to initiate the drift, drift angle, how to hold and carry the drift, linking/transitions, lines and clipping points, and vehicle setup. Drivers will also learn how to put their skills to use at drift events. Team O'Neil's winter driving course allows drivers to operate their own vehicles in the school's safe and open skidpad and slalom areas through a variety of exercises. This gives participants the opportunity to learn how their vehicle operates in snow and ice, as well as how to perform accident avoidance maneuvers. The class concludes with a chance to practice your skills on the open road. These are just some of the amazing Ford driving programs that allow drivers to enhance their skills. Consider signing up for one for an unforgettable experience.

Standard Sport Utility Vehicles tend to have an average amount of cargo space. With work, families, and daily activities, we need more and more space while driving. Ford has acknowledged this need and adjusted the 2019 Explorer in response, both inside and out. Interior Cargo Space The first thing you want to know when you're looking at a new SUV is how many people it seats. Secondly, you want to know how much cargo space it has. The 2019 Ford Explorer seats seven people comfortably with third-row seating and has a whopping 80.7 cubic feet of space from the rear door to the first row of seats. Cargo space from the rear to the second row totals 43.8 cubic feet, and from the rear to the third-row seating, you still get 21 cubic feet of cargo space. With the overall height of the vehicle at exactly 70 inches, the Explorer isn't overly tall, and a width of 78.9 inches keeps this SUV right at average sizing. You won't feel like you're driving a large truck when you're traveling on the highway. more The second row of seats is a 60/40 folding split-bench, front-facing, manual-reclining cloth seat with manual fore and aft adjustments. You can put the smaller side down if transporting a long but not wide item, or you can put both sides down for full usage of the area. The third row has a fixed 50/50 split-bench cloth seat with two fixed head restraints. The seat folds manually into the floor and can be folded fully flat to use the full space for cargo storage. Each section can be reconfigured for your storage needs or to accommodate changes en route. Exterior Cargo Space Most mid-size SUVs don't focus on external storage when reconfiguring the model for the new year, but Ford has upgraded this additional cargo option with the 2019 Ford Explorer in consideration of customer needs and strengthened the options here as well. The dead weight hitch on this vehicle has a maximum trailer weight of 2,000 pounds. The Explorer also comes standard with trailer sway control to better facilitate your successful tow experience. The most underrated cargo space on SUVs is the roof storage.  The Ford Explorer comes standard with roof rails, but this space is actually very versatile, and you can make it fit your lifestyle and needs. You can purchase a cargo carrier, roof box, roof basket, or cargo carrier bags to affix directly to the rails. If you're more into water sports, you can buy specific carriers for kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, surfboards, or a versatile carrier to be used for more than one type of item. When shopping for your 2019 Ford Explorer, be assured that this model year does, in fact, have a good deal of space that can be used for your lifestyle needs and is versatile in many ways. The large cargo space can be used for home improvement projects, family outings, sports equipment, shopping, traveling, and outdoor activities. Come by Pat Milliken Ford today to test drive the latest arrivals and see the spacious interior for yourself. Image via dealeron

It's time to start thinking about your next vacation. The winter is about gone, and trees and flowers are blooming. If you're trying to stay close to Redford, here are a few options that aren't too far away. Point Pelee National Park Ontario Located at the southernmost point of Canada's mainland on Lake Erie, Point Pelee National Park is an easy drive from Redford for a lovely outdoor excursion. Depending on the time of year, there is a long list of activities you can enjoy. The spring brings flocks of birds into the area, and, if you're a birdwatcher, you'll catch many rare species. Fall has waves of colorful Monarch butterflies on the property. During the summer, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking are favorites among visitors. Year-round, you can enjoy a lovely picnic anywhere in Canada's most ecologically diverse national park. more Frankenmuth, Michigan Also known as "Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth is a day trip that will take you to an authentic recreation of a Bavarian village. With wiener schnitzel, beer, and over 40 unique shops and attractions at River Place Shops, you'll need at least the weekend to wander through them all and get the full experience. For beer enthusiasts, the Frankenmuth Lager Mill is a gem with the history of beer brewing, a large collection of beer glasses, and a huge collection of beer cans, all in an old wooden structure. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant will also serve you authentic German dishes. Allegan, Michigan Allegan offers a great weekend getaway in Western Michigan. Located in the Allegan State Game Reserve, this is a great location for lovers of the outdoors. An ideal place for fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming, Allegan is also an historic city with quaint, small-town charm. Even though it's not large in size, Allegan is home to one of the biggest county fairs in the U.S. While you're in town, be sure to visit the Allegan Farmers Market, the Allegan Antiques Market, or enjoy live music at the riverfront gazebo. Ann Arbor, Michigan Just west of Detroit and home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is also a great place to take a break from the work week and enjoy the area. With the university being a big piece of the city, there are many sporting events and cultural pursuits offered year-round. Enjoy on-campus museums such as the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or a private art gallery and studio off campus such as the Paloma Gallery for private or public viewings. Enjoy the independent bookstore in downtown Ann Arbor and find the hidden fairy doors throughout town. Washtenaw County Heritage Tours also offers five themed driving routes through cities, villages, and rural areas around Ann Arbor and through the county to celebrate the region's heritage and highlight the historic and cultural resources. Enjoy a relaxing drive while learning more about the area. If you're feeling a little stir-crazy from the long winter months and are ready to start planning a vacation close to Redford, Michigan, look into these and many more local treasures for food, culture, and outdoor activities.

Are you looking for a new truck? Consider the 2019 Ford F-350. Its power, towing capabilities, and cabin luxuries are only a handful of the fantastic components that make it a great choice. To give you a better picture of the super duty truck, we've made this list of the top reasons you'll fall in love with the F-350. Power Modern trucks tend to have a lot of power, but sometimes you need that extra little boost to accomplish something special. The 2019 Ford F-350 provides that necessary power. When purchasing a new F-350, you have the choice between two engines, the standard 6.2-liter V-8 or a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V-8. If you'll be doing a lot of towing, go for the turbocharged engine. You won't be disappointed by the raw power. more Driver Assist Options One of the coolest things about the F-350 is the driver assist options. If you're like a lot of truck drivers and find yourself needing to haul something on the interstate for hours, you've probably been reluctant to do so. With any other truck, you would be correct in feeling that way, but not with the F-350. The adaptive cruise control can function when you're hauling up to 30,000 pounds, so those long drives will be made much easier. The F-350 also comes equipped with lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring can be adjusted for hauling a trailer, and the rearview camera can be mounted on your trailer to help with maneuvering into a parking spot. Comfort The cabin is spacious and upgradable to any comfort level, given the wide variety of trims available. Road noise is a thing of the past with the F-350, so you can enjoy a nice, relaxing ride without worrying about any clatter from outside. You won't notice much of a difference between the rides where you're hauling something and those that you aren't because the ride stays smooth. The leather front seats have memory functions and are adjustable in three different ways for lumbar support. The climate control function is an added bonus that helps makes rides even more enjoyable. Technology Ford's Sync 3 interface is a joy to use. It's intuitive, user-friendly, and provides drivers with multiple hands-off options. For example, the voice control option allows drivers to not only make phone calls but also sync to your Siri or Android voice prompts. You can even manage your navigation system through Ford's voice control options. And speaking of navigation, the large touch screen makes it easy to see where you're going. The tire pressure monitoring system alerts you when a tire is below the recommended pressure, and it can be set to monitor trailer tires, as well. Technology, assist options, and comfort set this super duty truck apart from its competition. Regardless of what you're searching for, the F-350 has something for everyone. If you still need more convincing, take the 2019 Ford F-350 for a test drive today!

The Motown Museum, established in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, is an homage to the hitmakers and achievements of Motown and its founder, Berry Gordy. If you haven't made the trip to visit the museum, here are just a few great reasons to entice you. Studio A The tour through Motown Museum gives you access to Studio A, where the original Motown artists recorded all of your favorite tunes. The urge to take advantage of the acoustics and belt out a tune may just hit you, and it's very likely that your guide and other members of your tour could join in. Walk through the studio and see replicas of popular instruments of the time as well as photos of the artists in action. more Berry Gordy's Upper Flat You might imagine the Motown Museum to be located in the inner city or in a more industrial area. It's actually in the suburbs, with homes all around, just as it was in 1959 when Motown was founded. The building houses the museum on the main level, while the upper flat is where Berry Gordy lived with his family early on. When you tour the museum, you also have access to the upper flat, which has been restored to the vintage look of old with a bright orange couch and '50s-style dining table and chairs. The Inside Scoop Your tour guide will enlighten you with many of Motown's "untold" stories as you travel through the building. Photos and memorabilia on the walls and in displays include a white glove and hat from Michael Jackson, complete with dirt on the wrist and rim from actual use and the artist's name embroidered on the inside. This and many more artifacts of Motown history are available for viewing. Black History Month Events and Visits Every June, the Motown Museum schedules educational and celebratory activities for the community and its members. Last June saw tickets given away to a lucky visitor by Smokey Robinson for his most recent tour, as well as a membership giveaway from Diana Ross for tickets to her Detroit concert. Famous visitors at the time were Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy Carter, as well as Beyonce's entire Formation tour. All singers, dancers, stage crew, and makeup artists toured the museum and were given additional time due to many stops for singing and dancing along the way. Current Events The Motown Museum features a current exhibit that changes seasonally. 'Boulevard to Broadway' is the exhibit currently on display. It explores how Gordy built an enterprise that revolutionized the entertainment industry, using Motown as his vehicle. Summer camps are also an important function of the museum. Motown Museum IGNITE for high school teenagers and Motown Museum SPARK for kids age 8-12 are two-week camps offered to teach performance, singing, dancing, producing, and the music business. If you find yourself in southeastern Michigan, you should drop by the Motown Museum and sing a few songs in Studio A, visit the upper flat, learn some Motown history, and get some of your favorite oldies stuck in your head for the next few days. Image via Flickr by mariannica under use of Public Domain

Ever since the Ford Escape was introduced in 2000, its been very popular with drivers. And no wonder. The SUV combines style and performance with the safety and reliability that Ford vehicles are known for. For the 2020 model year, the Escape is getting an exciting new redesign. Let's talk about what you can expect from the new Escape. Hybrid Model The 2020 Escape marks the return of hybrid SUVs manufactured by Ford. The hybrid version will feature a powertrain supplemented by a gasoline engine. Base trim levels will come equipped with an EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo engine, while upper trim levels will come equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The hybrid Escape will feature active grille shutters to enhance its efficiency and it will ride on 19-inch black alloy wheels. Ford also plans on introducing a plug-in Escape. more Architecture The 2020 Escape will be constructed around Ford's new front-wheel drive platform, meaning that it will contain higher-strength steels than in previous models. The exterior design is smoother and more fluid-like. The crossbars that were featured on previous models will be replaced by a mesh grille. The headlights and taillights will be redesigned to appear sharper and more sculpted and dual exhaust tips are featured on the exterior. The hatch will be longer and have a larger opening. Overall, you can expect a more efficient and aerodynamic driving experience when you take the wheel of the 2020 Ford Escape. Ford plans to offer two body styles for the 2020 model. One style will be slightly larger than the previous model years and offer a third row of seats. The second style will have two rows of seating, similar to previous versions. Safety features such as pre-collision assist, active park assist, blind spot information, and evasive steering assist will be included in the 2020 Escape. Engine The gasoline-powered version will be powered by the 180 horsepower, 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine and produce 200 pound-feet of torque. The 260 horsepower, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 260 pound-feet of torque, will be available in the upper trim levels. All trim levels will come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Interior The 2020 Escape's interior will be redesigned to have a more modern look and you can expect it to be roomier than in previous models. The dashboard will feature a large tablet-style infotainment screen that is more receptive, easier to see, and easier to operate than previous versions. You can expect the instrument cluster to have more digitization and fewer buttons to push than in previous Escape models. Both driver and passengers can expect to have more shoulder and leg room while riding in the new Ford Escape. Leather-upholstered six-way power seating will provide even more comfort. These are just some of the exciting new features that you can expect from the 2020 Ford Escape. Like previous versions, the 2020 model will specialize in versatility, making it the perfect SUV for running everyday errands or hitting the highway for family road trips. It will soon be available to test drive, so stay tuned. Image via pixabay.com

Come springtime in Detroit there will be plenty of new restaurant options.  Be sure to bring your appetite and check out the wide variety of foods that are available in and around town. Let's take a peek into these Detroit restaurants you need to try this spring. San Morello Located in the trendy Shinola Hotel, one of downtown Detroit's most anticipated new developments, the San Morello restaurant features traditional Italian dishes from award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus feature an assortment of homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza, along with dessert and drink menus for diners to enjoy. The main restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 5 to 11 p.m. with online reservations available. more Adachi Located in the Peabody Mansion, the Adachi Restaurant features a sushi bar with a variety of assorted sushi, sashimi, and nigiri options. The sushi menu changes daily, but you can be sure to have your California roll or a truffled mushroom roll at any time. Enjoy their Japanese-inspired dishes paired with their well-rounded list of sparkling wines, red wines, white wines, or champagnes. The restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended bar hours until 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with bar services available until midnight. Sunday you will find the restaurant and bar open from 5 to 10 p.m. Cork & Gabel Cork & Gabel serves the best gourmet comfort food using only local ingredients. Irish, Italian, and German cuisine all come together to create the Sausage Sandwich Sampler. This meaty dish consists of an Irish banger with cabbage, carrot, and parsley crema with hot honey; topped with an Italian Sausage prepared with peppers and onions, provolone cheese, basil bacon aioli, bacon crumbles, and finished off with the German brat with bacon and mustard kraut. Cork & Gabel highly suggest you leave some room for their Irish Waffle Bomb, a chocolate waffle topped with Bailey's ice cream, Jameson Carmel sauce, and chocolate covered pretzel dust. Open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. With so many new restaurants available this spring, you will have no difficulty finding a new location each time you go out.

Ever since the Ford Explorer was introduced to consumers for the 1991 model year, the SUV has been extremely popular with drivers. It's easy to see why, given how the Explorer combines style and performance with the safety and reliability that Ford vehicles are known for. For the 2020 model year, Ford is rewarding fans with a redesign, the first in eight years. Let's discuss what you can expect. Explorer ST For the 2020 model year, Ford is rolling out an all-new Explorer trim level, the ST. Under the ST's hood, you'll find a 400 horsepower engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Exterior highlights will include a bold redesigned grille, ST badging, available 21-inch high gloss black aluminum wheels, and red painted calipers. Sport bucket seats, upholstered in micro-perforated leather with City Silver stitching, are a highlight of the ST's interior. more Explorer Hybrid For the first time ever, Ford will offer a hybrid version of the Explorer that promises to deliver a green driving experience, without compromise.  It will come equipped with a 318 horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Combined with the 2020 Explorer Hybrid's battery pack, that engine will give the vehicle a 500-mile range. The Explorer Hybrid will be capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. With the battery pack tucked under the second-row of seating, you'll have plenty of cargo space for all of your favorite gear. New Technology and Improved Capabilities You can expect the 2020 Explorer to feature the latest technology and improved capabilities. One exciting new feature is Ford Co-Pilot360, a system that assists drivers with avoiding collisions. Upper trims will also be equipped with adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition. A 12.3-inch customizable gauge cluster that allows the driver to customize the instrument panel is one of the highlights of the Platinum and ST. Passengers will appreciate the comfort provided by the standard tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control and the E-Z Entry second-row captain's chairs. The 2020 Explorer will have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. That's a 66 percent increase in towing capacity over previous models. The interior will have a maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet. Speaking of cargo, the available hands-free foot-activated liftgate will make it much easier to load. With the Cargo Management System and fold-flat second- and third-row seating, you'll be able to reconfigure the interior space to meet any of your cargo and passenger needs. Safety Features Because the 2020 Explorer was redesigned with your safety and security in mind, it will include more standard safety equipment than previous models. Base trim levels will now come standard with the Blind Spot Information System and Pre-Collision Assist. All second- and third-row seats will come equipped with LATCH child restraints to protect your most precious cargo. These are just some of the exciting new features you can expect from the 2020 Explorer. It will soon be available to test drive so you can see for yourself how the Explorer is better than ever before. Image via Ford.com

You love a good hot dog. A Coney Island classic would be perfect, but you're in Redford, Michigan. Where are you going to get that perfect dog? Don't fret. Here are seven great places around Redford to get an authentic Coney Island hot dog. Joe's Top Dog Restaurant Located just down the road at 13342 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn, Michigan, Joe's Top Dog has, well, the top dog around. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the one thing that made them famous in the first place was their Coney Island hot dog. Stop in and get one and see for yourself why Joe's is tops in the hot dog world. more American Coney Island This staple of Detroit has been serving Coney Island hot dogs for generations. Located at the corner of Michigan and Lafayette in downtown Detroit, the American Coney Island hot dog is the godfather of hot dogs in Detroit. They use specially seasoned, high quality, natural casing hot dogs, grilled to perfection and topped with their signature, secret chili sauce. Just the right amount of chopped, sweet onions and fine mustard finish off this classic. Lafayette Coney Island Located just across the street from American Coney Island is Lafayette Coney Island. As you might imagine, the rivalry is intense. Lafayette uses only the finest ingredients, steamed buns you love, and the one difference being chopped Spanish onions. The debate rages on and do not expect it to end any time soon. The good news is, you don't have to pick just one. Enjoy them both — on the same day even. Zeff's Coney Island Restaurant Next time you are in Detroit, stop on by 2469 Russell St. and order a Coney dog. Just like they make in Brooklyn, the Coney dog is smothered in chili sauce, onions, and mustard. Grab plenty of napkins because this dog is going to make a delicious mess if you aren't careful. Durresi Restaurant Coney Island At Durresi Restaurant Coney Island, you can get a wide variety of food — from classic diner food, American restaurant, breakfast, and yes, a Coney hot dog. They pride themselves on using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients and delivering exceptional service. If you want a Coney dog in Redford, head over to 9078 Telegraph Road. You will not be disappointed. Mussel Beach Though not in the immediate Redford area, Mussel Beach earns an honorable mention. Located in Bay City, Mussel Beach finished in the top three in the statewide MLive Coney Dog Competition. They steam their hot dog, then grill it, and top it with their signature red sauce. While not known originally for their Coney hot dogs, since the competition, Coney hot dogs have been selling like crazy. So if you find yourself in Bay City, stop in and order one of the best Coney hot dogs in the state. Image via Flickr by stu_spivack under use of CC BY-SA 2.0 /Cropped from original

Pizza is one of America's favorite foods. But like anything, we all have our own taste. Some like spicy, some sweet. Some like meats, some like vegetables. Crispy, thin crust, flaky crust, or deep dish? Some like it all. Next time you crave pizza, here are the three top pizza spots in the Redford area, sure to please anyone's taste. Buddy's Pizza Welcome to Detroit-style pizza. Buddy's Pizza is an institution in the area, serving its unique, square, Detroit-style pizza. It's a Sicilian style that has been pleasing patrons for over 70 years, now at 14 locations all around Detroit. Their Livonia location is at 33605 Plymouth Road, and you can order in, take it out, or have it delivered. The pizzas all come with their own Motor City cheese blend. Among their 11 signature pizzas are the Detroit Public TV, a pizza with original pepperoni underneath the cheese and old world pepperoni on top. Or perhaps something unique like the DIA pizza with artichokes, capers, roasted tomatoes, and a spinach cream sauce. Then there's the Henry Ford with red onion, seasoned ground beef, smoked bacon, blue cheese, and tomato basil sauce. more They also have a dozen specialty pizzas, those classic combos we all know and love, like the Margherita and the Meat Deluxe. In addition to their classic dough, Buddy's will make any of their pizzas on a multigrain crust or gluten-free crust — just ask. Napoli Pizza Serving pizza to the masses since 1971, Napoli Pizza at 25010 West 6 Mile Road offers a hand tossed or deep dish pizza. Choose from dozens of toppings and dine in, take out, or have it delivered. Specialty pizzas include the Belly Buster, smothered in pepperoni, bacon, ham, ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, and hot pepper rings. Yes, you can add anchovies if you like! Try their All American Burger pizza, covered with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onions, and yes, ketchup and mayonnaise. Of course, there is the Napoli Special with pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon, and onions. But don't try to change it. No substitutions on this one. And just in case you have someone eating with you who doesn't like pizza, that's okay. They can have the slow-cooked barbecue ribs, a sandwich, or fried chicken. Just don't invite them to the next pizza party. East Side Mario's Located at 31630 Plymouth Road in Livonia, East Side Mario's is classic New York-style pizza brought to Detroit for your pleasure. Try one of their specialty pizzas, like the four cheese with double pepperoni or the classic New Yorker with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and their signature sauce. Or try the unique Chicken Caesar Pizzetta made with fresh romaine tossed in their signature Caesar dressing topped with chicken and served on a pesto basil flatbread with their four cheese blend. So the next time you want a pizza, you have three great pizza places to try. But make sure you order enough. You don't want to fight over that last slice. Image via pixabay.com

If you live in or around Detroit, you probably know the name Henry Ford. But do you know the man? Henry Ford was a visionary, an engineer, a philanthropist, and even dabbled in politics, though never actually holding office. There is no doubt Henry Ford left an indelible mark on the world, but even more so, on his world, his home, Detroit. The Early Years Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863, on his family's farm in Dearborn, Michigan. But farm life was not for him. He enjoyed tinkering, which led him to Detroit and the Edison Illuminating Company, where he ascended to chief engineer. In 1888 he married Clara Bryant, and in 1893 they had a son, Edsel. Ford continued tinkering on the side, determined to create his dream, a gasoline-powered engine. Eventually, his passion and charisma opened doors for him. more Failed Attempts Many may not realize that Henry Ford actually failed twice at starting an automobile company. By the end of 1893, he completed his first functioning gasoline engine. In 1896, he developed his first horseless carriage called the Quadricycle. By 1899, Ford had created a much more advanced model that had brakes and a water tank. After getting Detroit's mayor at the time, William C. Maybury, to lead a group of investors, Ford started the Detroit Automobile Company in August 1899. Ford left the Edison Illuminating Company and never looked back. He didn't last long, however. At the time, there were over 60 companies making automobiles and the Detroit Automobile Company struggled with the competition. Ford needed an edge, but what? Unfortunately, the company closed in November of 1900 before Ford could find that breakthrough he needed. Yet failure didn't deter Ford. By the end of 1901, Ford started the Henry Ford Company, backed again by Maybury leading the investors. Yet again, Ford met with failure and the company closed its doors. A third attempt in 1903 saw the birth of the Ford Motor Company, a company that still operates today. The Revolution Ford had finally found a vehicle that worked, the Model A, and his company gained traction. In 1908, the Model T, also known as the "Tin Lizzie," rolled out to marvelous success. Ford commissioned a new factory to be built in Highland Park, Michigan, and it was there that the real breakthrough occurred. Ford introduced the revolutionary assembly line production of his Model T. Workers would stay in one position and perform the same task over and over while the vehicle rolled by. It was the edge he needed. The revolution didn't end there, though. In 1914, Ford began offering factory employees a $5 per day wage. This catapulted many of his low-skilled laborers into the middle class. They could afford the car they made. Turnover dropped dramatically, giving him a stable, reliable, and efficient workforce. By the end of the 1920s, two of every three cars on the road were a Model T. So much of what the Detroit area has become is a result of what Henry Ford achieved. Historically speaking, he changed the industrial landscape around him.

The 2019 Ford Expedition is a vehicle that talks the talk and walks the walk. If you like road tripping in northern Michigan, here are five features of the 2019 Ford Expedition that make it the perfect vehicle for your next adventure. Interior If you have ever taken a road trip, you know the long road can make for an uncomfortable ride. Not so in the 2019 Expedition. With seating for up to eight in three rows, the Expedition boasts more room in the first and second rows than the Yukon and Tahoe. It also ranks best-in-class for legroom in the second and third rows. So, stretch out and watch the miles roll by. The 2019 Expedition has cargo space for luggage and gear for those long haul trips. Upgrade to the Max model, which is nearly a foot longer than the standard Expedition, and you gain 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Maximum space can reach 121.5 cubic feet. Add in the advanced cargo manager and you can easily organize all that room. The second-row seats use Ford's tip and slide technology to easily fold up with the touch of a button, allowing easy access to the third row. Upgrade to the Platinum model and enjoy leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated multi-contoured seats. more Powertrain Driven by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the Expedition is responsive and powerful, helped by the direct injection system and twin air-to-air turbochargers. And when properly equipped, the Expedition can haul up to 9,300 pounds. Performance The Expedition is equipped with Ford's Terrain Management System, allowing you to customize your ride to the road, no matter the condition. With seven preset modes, you can adjust the vehicle's handling and power to fit what the road throws at you, whether it's ice and snow, gravel, or the long flat pavement ahead. Technology The Expedition is well equipped to handle everyone's technology with Ford's available Sync 3 system. With Sync 3, you get a 4G-LTE wireless hot spot for up to 10 devices. You also get a wireless charger in the center console and up to eight USB ports throughout the cabin. Enjoy the dual headrest rear entertainment system on two video screens while you ride in comfort. Play DVDs, plug in a gaming system, stream from your mobile device, or use Slingbox and watch cable television. Safety The 2019 Expedition has an array of available driver assist features to help keep you safe on the highways and in the parking lots. Ford's BLIS, or Blind Spot Information System, warns you when a vehicle enters your blind spot. Ford's pre-collision assist technology can help avoid or minimize the impact of a possible collision. Cross traffic alert, enhanced active park assist, and pedestrian detection are great in those cramped parking lots. Use the lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go while on the open road. So no matter where you head in northern Michigan, if you're driving an Expedition, you're in the right vehicle for the road. Come test drive one today and see for yourself. Image via Ford.com