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Located in central Arkansas' Pulaski County, Jacksonville is known as the home of the Little Rock Air Force Base, which facilitates the largest C-130 training program in the world. But with a rich history, vast green spaces, and lots in-between, Jacksonville, AR has plenty to offer families on a day out. 5 Fantastic Kid-Friendly Outings You Can Take in Jacksonville, AR Splash Zone Water Park On a sweltering and humid summer day, Splash Zone Water Park is the only place your kids will want to be. Slides, plunge pools, diving boards, and water tunnels, it's a dream day out. Sit back in the umbrella-covered lounge chair and let them splash and swim about to their heart's content. Competitively priced, with seasonal passes and punch passes available, this is the sort of place you will return to again and again during a hot summer. Reed's Bridge Battlefield For something a little more educational, visit Reed's Bridge Battlefield, which was the scene of multiple skirmishes during the Civil War. A walking trail, a military cannon, and an 1860-era replica homestead give a sense of life during the war. The Battlefield also hosts unmissable biennial live reenactments of The Battle of Reed's Bridge, where Confederates pushed back the Unions advances toward Little Rock. Altitude Trampoline Park The Altitude Trampoline Park is an amazing day out for kids of all sizes. Wall to wall with trampolines and high-energy equipment, this 26,000-square-foot facility offer various amenities. Performance trampolines with climbing walls, a Gladiator-style Battle Beam, and a Foam pit are just some of the activities on offer. Kids can also play Trampoline Basketball. It's a slam dunk of a day out! Dupree Park Dupree Park is 160 acres of outdoor space that hosts many different activities, from a relaxing picnic to a variety of team sports. With floodlit baseball, softball, and soccer fields, this park is an ideal place all year round. With a wide range of other activities on offer in the form of a 10-acre fishing pier, a Disc Golf course, and a Horseshoe Pit, it's the sort of place you'll return to again and again. Parking, restrooms, a grill, and picnic tables make this a great venue for a family picnic. The Museum of Military History Jacksonville's significant role in the war effort is honored with a museum built on the Arkansas Ordnance Plant grounds. Its mission is to educate visitors on both civilian and military officers' roles during conflict and peace times. Over its 15,000 feet of museum space, it displays posters, uniforms, and other artifacts from conflicts like the Civil War and World War II. One notable and unique exhibit details the 1980 explosion of a Titan II nuclear missile near Damascus. It's a truly excellent resource. Taking the kids out for the day can be a bit of a military operation. So do it in a car you can rely on. Come on down and take a tour of our showroom at Crain Ford Jacksonville today.

If you are visiting Jacksonville, AR and would like to spend some time in the city, there are a lot of awesome sightseeing places. From parks to lakes, Jacksonville offers great recreation spots to enjoy some quality time with friends and family. However, if looking for something other than parks, we have listed some of the best attractions in Jacksonville below that will surely make your trip a memorable one. 1. Jacksonville Museum of Military History If you are interested in war history, this is a must-visit place for you. The Museum of Military History is one of the most popular attractions in Jacksonville, AR. The museum focuses on local and regional military history. It honors the Civil War's crucial Battle of Reed's Bridge that took place in Jacksonville. It also highlights the role Arkansas Ordnance Plant played in WW2 by making over one billion fuses and detonators. What a remarkable homefront effort! The exhibits and memorabilia on display cover all major wars including the Korean War and Gulf wars. The admission fee is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and veterans, and $1 for students. 2. Reed's Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park Reed's Bridge Battlefield is a landmark straight from the history pages. Battle of Reed's Bridge was one of the battles in the Civil War that took place in Jacksonville. The heritage park is built on the part of the actual battlefield where Confederate soldiers stopped Union forces from reaching Little Rock in August of 1863. The reenactment of the famous battle takes place every odd-year at this location. The live-event is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Using period costumes, cannons, and 18th-century homestead replicas, the park offers a glimpse of what life was like during the Civil War - both on and off the battlefield. A perfect place to travel back in time! 3. Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex If you're in the mood for some skeet shooting, head over to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (AGFF) Shooting Sports Complex. The first-class public shooting range facility boasts of three skeet overlays, three lit fields, 14 trap fields, and two pavilions. There's even a 3D archery range that lets you practice your archery skills on different clay animals. A 25-shot round will cost $7 if you are a non-resident. For Jacksonville residents and veterans, the cost is $6 per round. If you are a student or coach with an AYSSP certificate, it's $3.50 per round. The facility remains open from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. Please keep in mind the range is closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, and official holidays. Don't forget to check out these wonderful places next time you are in Jacksonville. And if you'd like to check out great deals on new and used Ford cars, feel free to visit Crain Ford dealership in Jacksonville.

Off-roading offers plenty of fun and a lot of adventure. If you've been thinking about getting into off-roading but you're not sure where to start, this helpful guide will discuss some of the most important features your Ford will need to help it handle all types of off-road trails. 1. Skid Plates Skid plates are one of the most crucial features your Ford will need to tackle off-road trails. After all, most of the dangers your off-road vehicle will face won't come from the front, back, or sides — they'll come from underneath. If you drive over a rock or log that's more sharp and pointy than you expected, you could end up damaging your oil pan, transmission, or exhaust. Skid plates attach over these important components and add extra protection where you need it most. 2. All-Terrain Tires Large tires look impressive and can more easily roll over large obstacles. However, they also make your engine work harder, and you might have to lift your suspension to accommodate them. Instead, go with all-terrain tires that can handle off-road conditions. All-terrain tires have the advantage of offering better traction and puncture-resistance, which are essential for off-roading. Plus, while they'll still have a small impact on your vehicle's ride quality and fuel economy, they're not nearly as bad as large tires. 3. A Tire Deflator Once you pick out the right type of all-terrain tires, you also want to look for a tire deflator. When you're driving on regular roads, you'll want to keep your tires at the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's door. When you're ready to hit the off-road trail, you should decrease your tire pressure to help maximize traction. A tire deflator can make this task much faster. Plus, don't forget to bring along an air compressor so you can quickly and easily re-inflate your tires when you're back on pavement. 4. Hill Descent Control If you're shopping for a new Ford for your off-road adventures, check out what type of safety features are offered. Hill descent control is a fantastic safety feature that will come in handy when you're going down hills. This system can monitor the terrain you're driving over. When it notices you're heading down a steep hill, it can decide how much power goes to each wheel. This helps you maintain the speed you need so you can focus on safely maneuvering down the hill. 5. Tow Hooks Getting stuck is a fact of life when you're off-roading. That's why you definitely want to have tow hooks on your vehicle. In addition to tow hooks, make sure you also have snatch straps and shackles in your vehicle. Having these tools handy will make it easier for you to pull another vehicle out of an obstacle or get yourself towed out of a tight jam. If you're ready to get into the fun of off-roading, you can make sure your Ford is ready for the adventure when you outfit it with these important features.

Driving to and from your job can be a real pain, especially if you're stuck with a vehicle that just doesn't cut it. Fortunately, there are quite a few Fords on the market that can offer you the comfort, fuel-efficiency, and/or cargo space that you need. Ford Fusion Hybrid If the gas needed for your daily city commute is guzzling up a good chunk of your paycheck, you could really benefit from the economical and fuel-efficient Ford Fusion Hybrid. This midsize sedan comes with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, which combine to produce 188 horsepower. But the best part is the vehicle's impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city 41 mpg on the highway. When you opt for the top-of-the-line Titanium trim, you can upgrade to the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, allowing you to switch between gas, electric power, or a combination of the two. Running exclusively on electric power is great for those shorter commutes since it has a range of 26 miles. When using the combination of gas and electric to power your Fusion, you'll extend that to over 600 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas. Ford Taurus When you're spending a good deal of time on the highway to get to work, comfort is a must-have from your vehicle. The Ford Taurus gives you a smooth yet capable 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed transmission that make highway commutes a breeze. Plus, this full-size sedan comes with a ton of creature comforts, like power-adjustable front seats. When you upgrade to the Limited trim, standard luxury features include ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated and heated front seats, and leather upholstery. more Let's face it, commuting leaves you even more susceptible to being involved in an accident. The Taurus' standard safety features, like a post-crash alert system, a rearview camera, cruise control, and electronic stability control, work to keep you and your carpool companions safe. Ford EcoSport If your job requires that you commute to a work site or a remote area, you may have to make your way through some tough terrain, like mud, small rivers, or gravel roads. Additionally, some jobs require that you carry quite a bit of work gear with you. If this is the case, a subcompact SUV like the Ford EcoSport could give you the utility, cargo space, and fuel economy you need. Front-wheel drive and a turbocharged 1-liter, three-cylinder engine come standard on most EcoSports, which is great for city dwellers or for running errands around town. For those who need a little more power for their commute, all-wheel drive and a 2-liter four-cylinder engine are available as an upgrade at all trim levels and even come standard on the sporty SES model. Though these are some of our personal favorites, there are a ton of Ford vehicles that are great for commuting in the 2020 lineup. The key is to determine what you need or want from your vehicle, and then the options become much more clear.

The 2020 Ford Fusion may be the last model within the Ford Fusion line. Here are some features and capabilities that make it a great vehicle with quality performance. Interior and Exterior Features The 2020 Ford Fusion comes in eight trim levels. These include the S (standard), SE, SEL, Titanium, Hybrid SE, Hybrid SEL, Hybrid Titanium, and the Plug-in Hybrid Titanium. On the standard S trim, the exterior includes body-colored front and rear bumpers and door handles. For added style, the S trim also has a five-bar grille with a black finish and chrome surround. A rear spoiler is available on the SE trim for a sport-like exterior. This mid-sized sedan offers a spacious interior with enough room for five passengers including the driver. In addition, the 2020 Ford Fusion has a unique push-button start, so all you need is to press your key fob to the button for your car to start up or stop. There is also a voice-activated system and an infotainment touchscreen. Engine Options The 2020 Ford Fusion has a variety of engine options to accommodate the performance capabilities of its trim levels. The S trim comes with a 2.5L i-VCT engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SE and SEL trims come with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Titanium comes with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid SE, SEL, and Titanium along with the Plug-in Hybrid Titanium all have a 2.0L i-VCT Atkinson-cycle Hybrid Engine with an eCVT automatic transmission. more Fuel Efficiency and Performance The Ford Fusion's trim levels allow you to choose one that fits your driving needs, whether you need to commute long distances or navigate harsh weather conditions. Regardless of the trim you go with, the Fusion provides you with an excellent fuel economy. The S and the Titanium trims get 21/31 mpg, SE and SEL get 23/34 mpg, Hybrid SE, SEL, and Titanium get 43/41 mpg, and the Hybrid Plug-in Titanium gets 109/97 mpg for maximum drive time. The Fusion's performance also lends itself to its front-wheel-drive configuration. Because the weight of the engine is supported directly above the front wheels, less energy is used up, which in turn allows you to drive farther without having to stop for gas. For additional control even in snow or icy conditions, the SE and Titanium trims have an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Safety Technologies The 2020 Ford Fusion has a multitude of driver-assist technologies so you can navigate your journey safely. What's more, this model offers several of these safety features as part of the standard trim, so you can prioritize safety regardless of the trim level you choose. Standard safety features on the S trim include a blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, hill start assist, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, brake assist, and AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Stop by Crain Ford of Jacksonville to check out our new inventory of Ford Fusion models and take one for a test drive. We look forward to being of service to you.

If you're looking for a new and improved SUV, the 2020 Ford Explorer comes with a variety of updated features and amenities for you to consider. Whether you're looking under the hood or inside the cabin, this midsize SUV comes with significant upgrades that help it stand out from past lineups. Read on to learn more about the improvements made to this year's Ford Explorer. More Trim Levels The 2020 Ford Explorer comes in five trim levels: the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. This is the broadest lineup of trim levels Ford has offered thus far. New to the lineup is the option of a hybrid model in the form of the Limited Hybrid. This Ford Explorer edition features a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that generates 318 horsepower. It also gets you 24 mpg on the rear-wheel-drive version and 23 mpg on the all-wheel-drive version. Improved Power, Performance, and Handling The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with updated powertrains and an improved riding and handling experience, overall. Each comes with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to the engine, the Base, XLT, and Limited trim levels have a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine generates 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available on the Platinum trim level. The Explorer ST has this engine with twin turbos, giving the SUV an added boost. This setup generates 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The 2020 Explorer also features a new rear-wheel-drive platform with greater flexibility. This allows the vehicle to have more power and capability compared to older models. If you're partial to an all-wheel-drive system, you still have that option. more When it comes to handling, all models offer a smooth experience. Despite this, the power and superiority of the vehicle are mostly felt in the Explorer ST trim level. Improved Towing and Off-Roading Capabilities The newest Explorer can now tow up to 5,600 pounds, making it easier for you to haul heavy loads. If you need greater towing capabilities, you can opt for the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that can tow up to 600 pounds more. This also makes it easier for you to take your Explorer off-road in various terrain conditions. The 2020 Ford Explorer also features a new Terrain Management System. This system lets you tackle a variety of conditions with seven drive modes. Updated Interior The Ford Explorer's cabin also has an improved interior with high-tech upgrades. The Sync 3 multimedia system is standard on all models and features an 8-inch touch screen. This system is user-friendly and offers easy driver access. You can also upgrade to the Premium Technology Package on the ST or Platinum trim levels, which gives you multicontour front seats with Active Motion, a more powerful sound system, and a 10.1-inch touch screen. The inside of the vehicle also offers plenty of storage for your belongings. One example is the Explorer's large console in the second row, which gives your passengers more space to store various items. Here at Crain Ford of Jacksonville, we're happy to help you find a new vehicle. Stop by and take the 2020 Ford Explorer for a test drive today.

In 1996, drivers experienced a bit of disappointment when Ford decided to discontinue its popular Bronco SUV. Fans of this greatly missed vehicle will be happy to know that the automaker is bringing it back for the 2021 model year. Not only that, but Ford is also introducing the Bronco Sport. Let's explore the similarities and differences between the Bronco and Bronco Sport. Platform Ford plans to build the Bronco Sport around a platform separate from the one it will use for the original Bronco. While the truck-based Bronco will sit on a body-on-frame platform, the smaller Bronco Sport will ride on a unibody chassis similar to the one found in Ford's Focus and Escape models. The Bronco Sport will also share components with both of those vehicles. Engines Under the hood of the 2021 Bronco, you'll find an EcoBoost 2.3-liter inline-four engine or a 2.7-liter V-6, depending on which trim level you choose. The inline-four engine can produce 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With the V-6, you get 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In the Bronco Sport, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will come standard. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four will be available in upper trim levels. While the three-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, the four-cylinder can put out 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Transmission As for transmission systems, the Bronco will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission in models with the inline-four engine. The V-6 teams up with a seven-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard on all Bronco Sport models. more Exterior You can expect the Bronco and Bronco Sport to have a sophisticated and modern exterior design while paying tribute to the Broncos of the past. Both lineups will feature familiar accents like a rectangular grille and round headlights. No matter which version you choose, everyone will know you're driving a Bronco, thanks to the bold Bronco lettering that features across the grille. While the Bronco Sport is based on the Escape, it will have more ground clearance. The Bronco and Bronco Sport will both sport retro-inspired details, but the Bronco gives you a little something extra. With the standard-size Bronco, you can choose between two-door and four-door models. Not only can you decide how many doors you want, but you can also remove those doors. Because the Bronco's side-view mirrors are on the vehicle's A-pillars, you can take the doors off and still have a street-legal SUV. You can also remove the roof and store it in the Bronco's cargo compartment along with the doors. Hybrid Models If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient ride, you can look forward to hybrid versions of both the Bronco and Bronco Sport. Ford plans to power these hybrid models with a combination of a naturally-aspirated gas engine and electric motor. Like other hybrid vehicles in the Ford lineup, you'll be able to choose between hybrid and all-electric driving modes. As you can see, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport are fantastic additions to the Ford family of vehicles. Both SUVs will soon be available to test drive, so you can see which one is right for you.

While some drivers might be disappointed by Ford's decision to discontinue the Fusion hatchback, they shouldn't be too upset. The automaker is replacing the hatchback model with the exciting all-new Fusion Wagon. Let's explore what drivers can expect from this new model. Exterior While the Fusion hatchback features sedan styling, you can expect the Fusion Wagon to take its styling cues from SUVs and crossover vehicles. The Wagon is longer and wider while standing taller than other Fusions. You'll also notice a bolder, more aggressive design and larger tires. Overall, the Fusion Wagon's proportions indicate its ability to tackle off-road terrain. Engines You'll have a variety of engines to choose from for your Fusion Wagon. One option you can expect is a V-6 that is larger than the Fusion's standard four-cylinder. Diesel options will be available on upper trim levels. If you're interested in a more efficient alternative, Ford also plans to introduce a hybrid Fusion Wagon. The hybrid model will come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and twin electric motors. With Ford's hybrid vehicle lineup, you can choose between hybrid and all-electric driving modes. You can expect the Fusion Wagon to be no different. Performance Ford's intelligent all-wheel-drive system will come standard on the Fusion Wagon. The system teams up with a lifted suspension to take you on off-road terrain. With these features and a transmission that will give the wagon agile handling, the Fusion Wagon is the perfect vehicle to take you from the city to the highway. more Interior You can expect the Fusion Wagon's interior to be comfortable and spacious. Plush passenger seats and a generous cargo compartment will allow it to compete with other vehicles in its segment. Like all Ford crossovers, the Fusion Wagon will give you multiple seating configurations to accommodate cargo of all sizes. The cabin will also feature cubby storage throughout for storing personal items. With a fully digital gauge cluster, you can access relevant driving information without taking your eyes off the road. Of course, with the Fusion Wagon, you can take advantage of Ford's SYNC infotainment system. The system offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you can use to make hands-free phone calls. You can also access navigation tools, music, and podcasts. The Waze app offers you real-time traffic updates and alternate routes. With the Ford + Alexa app, you can access Amazon shopping and control your smart home appliances when you're on the go. Safety Features Ford vehicles are known for giving you the latest in safety technology, and the Fusion Wagon is no exception. An automated emergency braking system scans the road for potential collisions and applies the brakes as needed. Blind-spot monitoring lets you know when another vehicle enters the wagon's blind-spot zones. If the Fusion Wagon is unintentionally drifting, lane-keeping assist will steer the vehicle back into place. Other safety features include occupant-sensing air bags, automatic high beams, and parking assistance. As you can see, there's a lot to look forward to with the new Ford Fusion Wagon. This exciting new vehicle will soon be available to test drive, so stay tuned.