1998 Ford Taurus Lx, 4d Sedan on 2040-cars

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Consumer Reports explains its disdain for infotainment

One of the perks of reviewing all manner of cars and trucks is that we're exposed to all the different infotainment systems. Whether Cadillac's CUE, Chrysler's UConnect, BMW's iDrive or MyFord Touch, we sample each and every infotainment system on the market.
Not surprisingly, some are better than others. It seems consumers have come to a similar consensus, with Consumer Reports claiming that Ford and Lincoln, Cadillac and Honda offer the worst user infotainment experiences. Not surprisingly, you won't find much argument among the Autoblog staff.
Take a look below to see just what it is about the latest batch of infotainment systems that grinds CR's gears. After that, scroll down into Comments and let us know if you agree with the mag's views.

2015 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

The last time I tested a Ford Transit Connect, I needed to drive a group of friends to Boyne, MI, for a long weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and shenanigans. At roughly three hours, the trip is just long enough that my friends asked for something comfortable. A Range Rover would've been ideal. Perhaps a Mercedes-Benz GL or Cadillac Escalade. But no, I chose Transit Connect, to put Ford's small van formula to the test. The tiny van was near the end of its lifecycle in 2012, having debuted in Europe in 2003. Its age was reflected in its loud, underpowered, inefficient engine; noisy, harsh ride; and uncomfortable seats. It was so uncomfortable that we had to stop every hour just to stretch our legs. I didn't have such elaborate plans when this 2015 Transit Connect Wagon arrived in my driveway. But after a week behind the wheel, I can tell that road tripping in this van would be a far, far better experience. The most obvious change for the second-generation model is the styling. It's much better looking than the old TC, looking like the high-roofed spawn of a Focus and Escape. There are a few anomalies, though. First, note the word "Wagon" – that implies passenger van, while the cargo/work-minded Transit Connect is called "Van." Next, this Titanium model is only available on the longer-wheelbase, three-row Wagon. With the LWB configuration, the only tailgate option is a single-piece, lift-up hatch. If you want barn-style doors, get cozy with the short-wheelbase, two-row Transit Connect XLT. Regardless of body style, the Transit Connect Wagon's best styling feature is its enormous greenhouse that guarantees excellent visibility from any angle. The interior adopts a dash layout similar to the Focus. The heated leather seats – standard on the Titanium – are nice enough, but better still is that the chairs are actually comfortable now. The plastics on the dash and doors are still hard and scratchy, but fit and finish is solid. And with major contact points and switchgear that have been pilfered from other Ford products, including the steering wheel, the occasional bad bits in the cabin are easy enough to ignore. With room for three folks in the second row and two more in the back, the Transit Connect Wagon fills a role that is more utilitarian and spartan, but not much less versatile than traditional minivans. The middle row seats feature stadium-style raised seating, and both rows can slide forward and back or fold.

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan earns Energy Star award, ethanol production forecasts adjusted

The US Energy Information Administration has adjusted its ethanol production forecasts. It predicts an average of 944,000 barrels per day for 2015. That number is up from 2014 production levels of 935,000 barrels per day, but it is lower than last month's projection for 2015, which was 947,000 barrels per day. The EIA forecasts 937,000 barrels per day in 2016, down from its prior forecast of 942,000 barrels. Biodiesel production averaged 83,000 barrels per day last year, with projections of 82,000 for 2015, and 84,000 for 2016. Read more from Ethanol Producer Magazine. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh supports the proposed Diesel and Vehicular Emissions Ordinance. The ordinance, filed by City Councilor Stephen Murphy, would require emissions control retrofitting of all pre-2007 vehicles belonging to the City of Boston, as well as those of any contractors it hires. The ordinance also seeks to create a simple city-level standard of enforcing the state's anti-idling laws. "The asthma rate in Boston's neighborhoods continues to climb," says Councilor Murphy. "By further tightening air quality standards, as this ordinance does, we will make Boston's neighborhoods healthier." Read more at DieselNet. The Michigan Blue Economy report profiles Ford for its water-saving sustainability efforts. The report notes that Ford reduced its water use by 61 percent, or 10 billion gallons, from 2000 to 2013 by "cutting the water used in everything from cooling towers to paint operations." As part of its Global Water Management Initiative, Ford has decreased its total water use at its facilities worldwide from 64 million cubic meters per year to 25 million cubic meters. Read more from Ford, or at the Michigan Blue Economy website. The EPA has named Nissan an Energy Star Partner of the Year for the fourth year in a row. The automaker received the Sustained Excellence Award for its efforts to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in its operations. Nissan reduced the amount of energy used to build vehicles by 13 percent in 2014. Energy reduction efforts include switching to LED lighting and developing an environmentally friendly paint process. Nissan also works with schools in Tennessee and Mississippi to help them reduce energy usage. "Since this initiative began in 2012, we've helped about 30 schools make the esteemed Energy Star certification list," says Nissan's John Martin. Read more in the press release below.