Used Ford Explorer

Ford Tries New Fonts to Make Driving Easier

Ford Motor Co. says it is changing the fonts it uses to label a number of interior controls in its vehicles. The company plans to make the lettering a bit thicker so it will be easier to read for people of all ages, but in particular for aging baby boomers.

The changes, which will begin with next year’s Ford Edge and Explorer crossovers, stem from a company study called Legibility: Back to Basics that looked at which found that small changes in the fonts used for interior graphics can significantly improve the speed and accuracy with which drivers read them.

The new letters and numbers used to label the instrument panel’s controls and to convey information will be bolder, with a stroke width that is about 40% wider.

In making the changes, Ford is trying to subtly ease eye strain and reduce distraction without making the difference too noticeable. Like other companies, Ford is particularly interested in older consumers as the population shifts. For the first time, Ford says, people 65 and older will outnumber children under 5. The company also says the changes it made to fonts to help older drivers are also easier for younger people to read.

“We know from this study that we can improve the driving experience for many people by bolding the fonts on our controls,” said Ford research engineer Shannon O’Day. “This is important because we want to continue appealing to all consumers while making driving easier and potentially safer for a wide range of people

Driver’s Seat is a blog featuring news, views, and advice about cars, auto safety, driving, and transportation. Driver’s Seat is written by Jonathan Welsh with contributions from auto critic Dan Neil, Wall Street Journal staffers and others.

Jonathan Welsh joined The Wall Street Journal in 1994 on the spot news desk. He began writing auto reviews and features for the Weekend Journal section in 1999 and joined the Personal Journal staff in 2006.

Hyundai Elantra, Ford Explorer Among Edmunds.com's Best Bets on Used

Just the Facts: Edmunds.com is out with its "best bets on used cars" list. Among the 15 recommendations: the 2004-'09 Hyundai Elantra and 2004-'09 Ford Explorer. Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are the standouts on the list, with each contributing two models. Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com, says "These cars are the most attractive options in the used car market."

SANTA MONICA, California — Edmunds.com is out with its "best bets on used cars" list. Among the 15 recommendations: the 2004-'09 Hyundai Elantra and 2004-'09 Ford Explorer .

Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are the standouts on the list, with each contributing two models.

"With used car prices still soaring, it's important for consumers to have expert guidance to get the best value," said Scott Oldham, editor in chief of Edmunds.com. "By taking into consideration a range of factors from consumer ratings to NHTSA crash safety tests, to True Cost to Own metrics, these cars are the most attractive options in the used car market."

The 2004-'09 Hyundai Elantra is the best compact sedan, while the 2004-'09 Nissan Altima is the best midsize sedan, according to the new list.

The 2006-'09 Hyundai Azera is the best large sedan, while the 2004-'09 BMW 3 Series is the best coupe. The 2004-'09 Mazda Miata is the best convertible, while the 2004-'09 Pontiac Vibe is the best wagon.

The 2004-'09 Honda CR-V is recommended as the best bet in the compact SUV/crossover segment. The 2004-'09 Ford Explorer is the best midsize SUV/crossover. The 2004-'09 Chevrolet Tahoe is the top pick in the large SUV/crossover segment.

Minivan buyers should look to the 2004-'09 Honda Odyssey as the best choice in that segment. The 2004-'09 Toyota Tacoma is the best compact truck, while the 2004-'09 Ford F-150 is the best large truck.

The 2004-'09 Infiniti G35/G37 is the best luxury car. The 2004-'09 Toyota Prius is the best hybrid.

Performance enthusiasts should note that the 2004-'09 Subaru Impreza WRX is recommended by the team of Edmunds.com editors who assembled the list as the best sport compact.

For more details visit Edmunds.com 2011 Used Car Best Bets .

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