Top 5 Road Trips in Minnesota's Northland This Summer

At NorthStar Ford, we know what Northern Minnesota drivers need from a truck. Life in the Northland means long winters, rough roads, demanding jobs, and weekends spent at the cabin, on the trail, or at the lake. Whether you're commuting through fresh snowfall, hauling equipment to a job site, or towing your boat for a summer getaway, you need a truck that's ready for every season. That's why so many local drivers trust Ford. For generations, Ford trucks have earned a reputation for durability, capability, and reliability. They're built to handle the unique challenges that come with living and working in Northern Minnesota, making them a dependable choice no matter what the forecast or terrain has in store. Tough Enough for Northland Roads Northern Minnesota can be hard on vehicles. Between gravel roads, potholes, muddy trails, and road salt, durability isn't just a nice feature, it's a necessity. Ford trucks are engineered with high-strength frames, rugged suspension systems, and proven powertrains designed to withstand years of demanding use. Whether you're traveling to a remote job site, heading to hunting land, or making the drive to the cabin, Ford trucks are built to provide the reliability drivers count on day after day. Ready for Harsh Winters Of course, life in Northern Minnesota means being prepared for winter. Ford trucks are designed with features that help drivers stay confident when conditions become challenging. Available four-wheel drive systems, advanced traction control, and selectable drive modes help improve performance on snow-covered and icy roads. Features like available heated seats, heated steering wheels, and remote start make those frigid mornings a little more comfortable. When snow starts falling and temperatures drop, Ford trucks are built to keep moving. Built for Life Beyond Work In Northern Minnesota, a truck is more than just a work vehicle. It's often the vehicle that gets you to the lake, the deer stand, the campground, or your favorite trail. Ford trucks offer impressive towing capability for boats, campers, utility trailers, and recreational equipment, along with spacious beds for hauling everything from firewood to fishing gear. Available off-road packages, all-terrain tires, and advanced four-wheel-drive systems provide added confidence when your adventures take you beyond the pavement. No matter the season, Ford trucks are ready for whatever the Northwoods have to offer. A Ford Truck for Every Driver No two drivers have the same needs, which is why Ford offers a truck lineup built for a variety of lifestyles. The Ford F-150 is the perfect balance of capability, comfort, and versatility. With impressive towing and hauling capability, modern technology, and a comfortable interior, it's equally at home on the job site, at the boat launch, or during the daily commute. For drivers who need maximum power and capability, the Ford Super Duty ® lineup is built for the toughest jobs. Designed to handle heavy-duty towing and hauling, it's a favorite among contractors, farmers, and business owners who rely on their trucks every day. The Ford Ranger provides pickup capability in a more maneuverable midsize package. It's a great choice for drivers who want the utility of a truck without the size of a full-size model. Whether you're navigating city streets, backroads, or heading out for a weekend adventure, the Ranger offers the versatility to do it all. No matter your lifestyle, there's a Ford truck built to handle life in Northern Minnesota. Find Your Next Ford Truck at NorthStar Ford At NorthStar Ford, we're proud to help Northern Minnesota drivers find trucks that fit their lifestyle. Whether you're looking for the versatile F-150, the hardworking Super Duty ®, or the capable Ranger, our team is here to help you find the right Ford for your needs. Visit NorthStar Ford today and discover why Ford trucks continue to be the trusted choice for drivers across Northern Minnesota. When the weather gets tough, the roads get rough, and the work still needs to get done, Ford is built for the challenge.

For years, the Ford Escape has been a go-to choice for customers who wanted a comfortable, easy-to-drive SUV with everyday practicality. Now that the Escape is no longer part of Ford’s new-vehicle lineup, many shoppers are asking the same question: “What should I look at next?” The good news is that Ford still has strong options for Escape customers depending on what they liked most about their previous SUV. Whether they want something similar in size, more space for family, or added utility for work and weekend projects, the Bronco Sport, Explorer, and Maverick each offer a different path forward. For Customers Who Want a Similar-Sized SUV: Ford Bronco Sport The Ford Bronco Sport is likely the most natural next step for many Escape owners. It keeps that compact SUV size customers appreciate, while adding a more rugged personality and standard 4x4 capability. For drivers who liked the Escape because it was easy to park, comfortable for daily errands, and practical year-round, the Bronco Sport checks a lot of the same boxes while bringing extra confidence for snow, gravel roads, cabin trips, and weekend adventures. Best fit for: Customers who want to stay in a compact SUV but would enjoy a tougher look, standard 4x4 capability, and a vehicle that feels ready for Minnesota weather and outdoor lifestyles. For Customers Who Need More Room: Ford Explorer If an Escape customer is ready to move up in size, the Ford Explorer is worth a serious look. With three rows, more passenger space, and extra cargo room, the Explorer is a great choice for growing families, road trips, sports gear, pets, and customers who simply want more breathing room than a compact SUV can offer. Best fit for: Customers who liked the Escape but now want more seating, more space, and a larger SUV that can handle busy family life with confidence. For Customers Who Want SUV Comfort with Truck Utility: Ford Maverick The Ford Maverick is a smart option for Escape drivers who are open to something different. It drives smaller and more comfortably than many people expect from a truck, but adds the convenience of a pickup bed for hauling mulch, tools, bikes, camping gear, small furniture, or weekend project supplies. Best fit for: Customers who still want everyday comfort but could use more utility than an SUV cargo area provides. How to Help Customers Choose Choose the Bronco Sport if they want the closest Escape alternative with a more adventurous style. Choose the Explorer if they need more room, more seating, or a family-friendly upgrade. Choose the Maverick if they want great everyday drivability plus the usefulness of a truck bed. Final Thoughts The Escape may be gone, but Ford customers still have plenty of great choices. The key is to match each shopper to what they loved most about the Escape — size, comfort, capability, space, or practicality — and then helping them find the Ford vehicle that fits their life today.

At NorthStar Ford, we're proud to share that Ford has earned the #1 ranking in Initial Quality from J.D. Power, a major achievement that highlights the brand's dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles and exceptional ownership experience. This recognition reflects Ford's continued focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. From trucks and SUVs to performance vehicles, Ford is committed to building vehicles that drivers can trust from the moment they leave the dealership. What Is the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study? The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study measures vehicle quality during the first 90 days of ownership based on feedback from thousands of new-vehicle owners. The study evaluates many aspects of ownership experience, including technology, driving performance, interior quality, and overall reliability. Because the results come directly from customers, the study is considered one of the industry's most trusted measures of new vehicle quality. Ford's Award-Winning Lineup Ford's commitment to quality was evident across its vehicle lineup, with several models earning top honors in their segments, including: Ford F-150 Ford Super Duty Ford Escape Ford Mustang These vehicles continue to set the standard for capability, performance, and dependability, giving customers confidence no matter what they're driving. What This Means for Drivers Earning the #1 Initial Quality ranking is more than just an award, it's reassurance that Ford vehicles are built with quality and customer satisfaction in mind. Whether you're looking for a hardworking truck, a versatile SUV, or an exciting sports car, you can feel confident knowing you're choosing a brand recognized for excellence. Experience Ford Quality at NorthStar Ford There's never been a better time to get behind the wheel of a new Ford. Visit NorthStar Ford to explore our inventory and discover why Ford's commitment to quality continues to earn industry-leading recognition. Stop by NorthStar Ford today and experience the quality, capability, and confidence that helped Ford earn the #1 ranking in Initial Quality from J.D. Power.