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Creed and a Car Show: Hassett Hits the Road

Friday, August 20th, 2010

A busy summer at Hassett of Wantagh continues this week with a pair of road trips – one to support a great cause, and one just to rock out.

This Sunday, Aug. 22, Hassett will take part in the Wantagh Hook, Ladder, Engine Co. No. 1’s second annual Car & Antique Fire Apparatus Show (while Hassett will not be displaying any antique fire apparatuses, it will be showcasing several of its most popular makes and models). A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the Nassau University Medical Burn Center.

And then, on Tuesday night, Hassett will be at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater, showing off the latest Ford and Lincoln models while multi-platinum megaband Creed continues its comeback tour.

On the scale of events Hassett might participate in, these two are pretty far apart. But they have one important thing in common, according to Hassett General Sales Manager Lou Evans.

“These are fun events!” Lou says. “The first Wantagh Fire Department car show was a blast, and we’re expecting a great turnout this year. And anyone who lives on Long Island or grew up here knows there’s nothing like a summer concert on Jones Beach!”

The Car & Antique Fire Apparatus Show, which Hassett is sponsoring, is slated to run from 9 am to 3 pm Sunday in the Long Island Rail Road commuter parking lot adjacent to Wantagh Station on Park Avenue. Live entertainment is planned, along with numerous vendor raffles and food and refreshments provided by Applebee’s and Pepsi.

“It’s a great summer event,” Lou says. “And we’re very happy to be able to support the Medical Burn Center.”

The Creed concert is a special “Low Dough Rock Show” sponsored by WBAB Radio: Tickets are only $20 each, making it the most affordable show in the 2010 Jones Beach Summer Concert Series.

Creed, which rose to fame in the late 1990s, has sold over 26 million albums in the United States alone, featuring such chart-toppers as “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice.” The band split up in 2004, but reunited last year for a world tour that continued into 2010 – and has led them to the Nikon Theater.

Along with being a sponsor of the concert, Hassett is bringing a brand-new, fully loaded 2011 Fiesta, a rock star in its own right: class-leading fuel economy, twin independent variable-cam timing, available six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, electric power-assisted steering, available leather trim, Intelligent Access with push-button start, multifunctional LCD display and a top-rate SYNC ® system featuring hands-free Bluetooth-enabled phone, voice-activated music search, audible text messages, turn-by-turn navigation capabilities, real-time traffic updates …

The list sort of goes on like that for a while. Suffice it to say, the Fiesta is one knockout car, and Creed fans will learn all about it Tuesday night.

“It’s not just the fuel efficiency,” Lou notes. “It’s the driving experience. People get genuinely excited about this car.”

Just like Hassett gets genuinely excited about road trips. Really, is there any better way to spend your summer?

Posted in Events, Ford, Hassett Automotive, Monthly Spotlight on Hassett, Special Promotions | No Comments »

Open Wide

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

The world of sport compacts has been turned on its ear, again, by the Subaru Impreza.

Already the stuff of World Rally legend, the Impreza has always impressed engineers and enthusiasts around the globe with its symmetrical all-wheel drive and the turbocharged Subaru EJ purring under its hood. But the 2011 Impreza WRXs break the mold – widening their appeal by widening their size.

The new 2011s are the first consumer WRX models to share the wide-body design of Subaru’s iconic WRX STI® performance model, which has turned heads at rally, autocross and road-racing events for years. Including the new-for-2011 wide-body four-door sedan and the classic WRX five-door model, the new Imprezas enjoy a roughly 1.5-inch increase in their front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels – improvingtheir grip and strengthening Impreza’s aggressive road presence.

John Fanuzzi, Hassett of Wantagh’s Subaru sales manager and self-professed “car crazy,” has been an Impreza fan for years. Never at a loss for words when it comes to discussing autos and especially the Subaru line he proudly promotes, even John finds only one word to capture the essence of the 2011 Imprezas: “Wow!”

“What a car,” the auto enthusiast says. “And what a difference with the new wide-body designs. The wide-and-low trim not only improves handling and gives the driver a better sense of stability, but it creates a really consistent flow from the front to the rear. It’s so smooth … a beautiful car that drives beautifully.”

While stellar handling has been a consistent trademark of   the Subaru line, there’s always been something else about the Impreza – power. And the 2011 WRX STI® models don’t disappoint, motivating drivers with high-boost, 305-horsepower, turbocharged/intercooled, four-cylinder Boxer engines and six-speed manual transmissions. (In its review, the New York Times notes that “rocket fuel [is] recommended.)

Depending on their specific handling needs, drivers can also choose from “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” automatic driving modes.

Along with all that power, all those racing-grade control options and that patented Subaru all-wheel-drive command comes the icing on this automotive cake: Missing from previous generations, the classic rear-wing spoiler makes a triumphant return on the 2011 Imprezas. (“You have to admit,” notes autoblog.com in its 2011 Impreza review, “the wing is pretty sweet.”)

Factor in better-lit control panels, Bluetooth® hands-free functions, iPod control capabilities, available navigation system and Subaru’s exclusive Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones, and it adds up to a driving experience that’s “a complete joy,” according to AllAutoReviews.com: “If your criterion when choosing a car is impressive performance, safety or comfort, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI® fits the bill.”

With their debut this summer, Hassett of Wantagh will feature the new Impreza models all season long. John is ready to show a new generation of driving enthusiasts just what makes the Subaru flagship so special, so come on in and check one out. Just remember: Rocket fuel sold separately.

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THE LEGEND REBORN

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

The tagline reads “All Legend. No Compromise.” And as usual, Ford is as good as its word.

The 5.0 is back, big time, in the all-new, all-awesome 2011 Mustang – the newest and greatest incarnation of one of the top-selling vehicles of all time. Recent Mustang models have drawn on the car’s legendary look; now, Ford engineers pay homage to its iconic history as America’s all-time-champion muscle car.

The power that left the Challenger and the Trans Am in the dust is on full display in a 2011 model optimized for speed and performance. Re-mastered to deliver a dizzying 412 horsepower and a whopping 390 foot-pounds of torque, the new Mustang starts with 5.0 liters and never stops: Twin independent variable-cam timing provides topflight performance at any RPM, while everything from piston-cooling jets to high-flow dual exhaust to the lightweight aluminum engine block combines for an unprecedented display of power and efficiency.

Bottom line: This pony rocks.

“The Mustang is always a great car,” says Lou Evans, GSM at Hassett of Wantagh, where interest in the Ford mainstay is at an all-time high. “But this model is special. With the 2011, it’s all about speed … I mean, this car is fast.”

If an innovative, 32-valve V8 is this Mustang’s heart (305 horsepower V6 models are also available.) and a smooth, six-speed transmission is its soul, its masters wasted no effort prettying it up, either. This is the most luxurious pony ever to roll off the Ford line, a combination of classic looks, sleek upgrades and fantastic creature comforts sure to please every driver.

Start with eleven class-exclusive features, including the industry-first MyKey™ system, which allows you to enforce your own specific driving restrictions. Add the seamless, one-piece instrument panel; a floor console designed specifically for more-precise shifting; ambient lighting in seven available colors; and bright aluminum interior accent panels. Then spoil yourself with available navigation systems (featuring integrated SIRIUS Travel Link™) and the Ford-exclusive SYNC ® system, providing hands-free activation of your phone, music and more.

That’s when you understand how different this Mustang is. And with a starting MSRP of $22,145, the super-charged, super-cool ’Stang remains one of the easiest-to-afford luxuries you’ll ever own.

Come start your own legend at Hassett of Wantagh, where the exclusive Owner Advantage Program adds value to each and every great deal. But come soon … Lou, for one, expects the 2011s to fly off the lot.

“There’s truly never been anything like it,” he says. “Ford has really broken the mold.”

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“It” Lives!

Monday, April 26th, 2010

We tell you all the time that “Hassett Has It,” and it’s true … but what is “it,” anyway?

Anyone who’s ever been to Hassett of Wantagh knows we’ve got the cars. Anyone who’s ever dealt with us for repairs or maintenance knows we’ve got the service. And anyone who’s ever bought a vehicle from us knows we’ve got the best prices. They don’t just call us Long Island’s No. 1-volume Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Subaru dealer, you know.

Individually, none of these things are “it.” Not every dealership is as committed as Hassett to the best selection, the best service and the best prices, and these things are critical to our success, but they’re still not “it,” not entirely.

“It” can be hard to define. You definitely know when it’s there and you definitely know when it’s not, but it’s still difficult to pin “it” down. One thing is certain, though: You can’t fake “it.”

And when you’re as good as Hassett, you don’t have to. For instance, consider Hassett’s exclusive Owner Advantage Program: On top of the selection, the service and the prices comes this goody bag of complimentary benefits, which apply to every vehicle Hassett sells.

“The Owner Advantage Program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers, and our way of saying ‘come on in’ to new customers,” says Hassett General Sales Manager Lou Evans. “We know we have the best prices on the greatest cars, we know we have the most efficient and professional service facilities on Long Island, and we’ve always made friendly and timely customer assistance a priority. But the Owner Advantage Program is the cherry on top … it’s our version of above-and-beyond.”

For a seven-time consecutive winner of the Ford Motor Co.’s President’s Award for Customer Service and a repeat winner of the Subaru Stellar Performer Award, improving customer service can be a daunting challenge. The Owner Advantage Program, therefore, had better be pretty special.

It is.

Free first service for all new and certified pre-owned vehicles. Every fifth oil change free. Unlimited free car washes for the first month of ownership. Free loaner cars available for scheduled service visits. Saturday service hours. Round-the-clock roadside assistance for all new vehicles. Exclusive access to Long Island’s largest parts inventory and the Island’s most skilled commercial truck service facility.

Add to these impressive benefits instant cash off on your next Hassett purchase, a rewards program offering five percent in service/parts credit for every dollar you spend and a plethora of impressive, vehicle-specific incentives – free first-year service and a 4-year, 50,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty on all new Lincolns, and a three-year, 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all new Ford, Mercury and Subaru vehicles – and you have the finest customer-appreciation package available.

You have the Hassett Owner Advantage Program. You have Hassett’s definition of “above and beyond.”

You have “it.”

Posted in Awards and Special Recognition, Ford, Hassett Automotive, Lincoln, Mercury, Monthly Spotlight on Hassett, Subaru, Trucks | No Comments »

The Car Guy

Monday, April 26th, 2010

John Fanuzzi does not play golf.

He doesn’t collect stamps, or dress up to reenact Civil War battles, or do much fishing.

Hassett of Wantagh’s Subaru sales manager, in fact, claims only one hobby – one you might expect from a dude who’s been in the auto business since 1972.

“I’m car crazy,” John says, and it shows, whether he’s at Hassett discussing the Outback’s Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award or at home fiddling with his classic car collection.

John’s award-winning stash includes a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1970 Mercury Cougar XR-7, each restored to its original glory. While the ’Stang has been “retired” by the Mustang Club of America – it’s won so many awards in the six years he’s owned it, the MCA bestowed this highest honor – it’s still a prominent part of John’s beloved pastime, right there with the Cougar he’s perfected over 20 years.

“It was my first classic car,” he says of the XR-7. “I’ve loved automobiles all my life. I remember driving around with my dad, sitting in the backseat naming all the different makes and models we saw on the road. I decided when I got out of college that I should pursue an automotive career.”

And he did, selling his first car in 1972 and fanning the flames in his spare time as well. “This is my golf game,” John notes, though it’s not like he stepped up to the first tee and ripped a 300-yard drive down the fairway.

At first, he admits, he was a clueless car collector: “I really didn’t know what I was doing. For instance, I had the Cougar painted but I didn’t do the engine compartment.”

John quickly shifted gears. He learned his game well, and eventually the Cougar enjoyed a “ground-up restoration” – everything was rebuilt and restored according to factory specifications, making the car “as close to new as possible,” he says. “To take a car that’s over 40 years old,” he says, “and have it look better than a brand-new car … that’s really saying something.”

For competition purposes, exterior aesthetics rule, so “having the original tires and wheels and the original mirror and things like that is critical,” John notes. “On my Cougar, even the original grill was restored.”

The result was a precision instrument in pristine condition, worthy of first-place awards at “concours shows” around the Northeast. The XR-7 has taken first place at the Rhinebeck (NY) Car Show, the Old Westbury Gardens Concours Show and Long Island’s Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, among other prestigious showcases.

Nothing to sneeze at, but not quite as impressive as John’s Mustang, a crown jewel worthy of any collection. The ’Stang was restored to what John calls “gold-trailered standards,” indicating it’s as close to assembly-line perfect as possible. “Everything has to be factory correct,” John notes, “from the spark plugs to the tires.”

This advanced TLC has resulted in six national and three grand-national awards from the MCA, atop a heap of other first-place nods. These are ultimate honors for an enthusiast like John, especially since maintaining classic cars to this degree is never easy.

“Getting the right parts is tough,” he says. “Original polyglass tires, for instance … they are not made anymore, so you have to really pursue it to find places that have them.”

John’s obviously serious about his hobby, as serious as he is about his work at Hassett. While Hassett is Long Island’s No. 1 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealer and John obviously has a history with Fords and Mercury’s, his professional focus is on Subarus – and he tackles this task with the same enthusiasm and knowledge.

“Subarus are great cars,” he says. “The International Institute for Highway Safety awarded Subaru the only manufacturer with 2010 Top Safety Picks for all models. The Outback was recently named Motor Trend’s 2010 Sport/Utility of the year, making Subaru the first car company to take home Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility twice in a row.”

There’s no questioning the reliability, safety and fun of a new Subaru. For John, one of the many keen and dedicated enthusiasts on Hassett’s staff, Subarus are the perfect match to those classic beauties filling the garage in his heart.


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Mercury rising, and rising, and rising

Friday, March 26th, 2010

It’s 80 years later, and Edsel Bryant Ford’s brainchild – a line of cars to fill the price gap between popular Fords and luxurious Lincolns – is still going strong.

The Mercury line has undergone some changes over the years, but remains a mainstay of American ingenuity. Named for the fleet-footed Roman god of commerce, the first car in the line (the Mercury Eight, a.k.a. the “Super Ford”) was designed to be powerful and stylish – and yet economical. After World War II temporarily halted production, the vehicle sped to new heights; by 1950, less than 20 years after the first Eights rolled off the line, Mercury sold its one-millionth car.

By the time “Rebel Without a Cause” James Dean drove a customized ’49 Mercury in the 1955 classic, Mercury’s legacy was set. The 1960 introduction of the Comet (Mercury’s first luxury compact) and the Meteor (a downsized sedan) reflected a growing trend toward smaller cars, but it was 1967 when Mercury burned its indelible mark on American highways with the arrival of the Mercury Cougar, the iconic muscle car.

The line would grow to include models of assorted shapes and sizes, with vehicles such as the well-appointed Grand Marquis and the sporty Capri (now a favorite among niche collectors) capturing the fancy of various market segments. Some models would be swallowed by the tides of history, others would rise to replace them – but the move toward smaller and more efficient vehicles was constant, as was the loyalty inspired by Mercury’s relentless quality.

Today, Mercury is dedicated to the safest, most comfortable ride at the best price. From the Milan Hybrid (granted 4.5 out of five stars by influential reviewer CNET) to the Mariner Hybrid (deemed America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan by R.L. Polk & Co.), Mercury is opening new doors to fuel efficiency, power and style.

The Milan and the Mariner have both been honored for their passenger-safety protocols. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the electronic stability-controlled 2009 Milan a Top Safety Pick for midsize cars, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2009 Mariner its highest crash-test rating.

The positive trends continued in 2010. Citing a design that’s “more European in style” and a “more contemporary” interior, reviewer AutoMedia.com deemed the 2010 Milan Hybrid “much improved” and praised “the mid-size segment’s best gasoline four-cylinder fuel economy.”

Other Mercuries garner their own positive press. AllAutoReviews.com called the 2010 Grand Marquis “the perfect family car,” while Car and Driver dubbed the 2010 Moutaineer “a quiet and supple driving experience” and “a true SUV for those who still want one.” Edmunds.com, meanwhile, called the Mariner and its smaller-SUV ilk “one of the near-perfect compromises of the automotive world.”

Bottom line: They don’t look like your great-grandfather’s “Super Ford,” but today’s Mercury vehicles maintain the same standards and value. Foreign-bred competitors are good at playing catch-up, but they can’t match Mercury’s automotive depth – or its innate understanding of the American driver.

Looking for the best deals in fuel efficiency, luxury and style? Look no further than the famous Mercury line. Of course, Hassett Has It – and we’re ready to share!

Posted in Awards and Special Recognition, Mercury, Monthly Spotlight on Hassett | No Comments »

More Than Just a Car Lot

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

We’ve mentioned, once or twice, that Hassett of Wantagh is Long Island’s No. 1-volume Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealer, and not exactly slacking with the Subarus, either. This is more than some statistical claim to fame stamped on a business card. It’s a truth we work hard to maintain, a fact we’re very proud of and, in the end, the ultimate reflection of Hassett’s drive to be the best – and our belief that being the best only starts with the best cars.
Where it goes from there is up to your dealership of choice. At Hassett, we think it should involve a deeper relationship with the customer than the typical browse/haggle/buy dalliance. Many of our customers are repeat buyers – longtime clients who know when they come to Hassett, they’re among friends.

To create and strengthen these bonds, Hassett makes every effort to understand our customers – what they want and need when they come see us, and what they don’t. That’s our definition of customer service, of making a relationship instead of a sale, and it’s just one of the reasons the Ford Motor Company has honored Hassett with its President’s Award for Exemplary Customer Service seven consecutive times.

You may know that Hassett carries a full line of Ford F-Series trucks – the No. 1-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 33 straight years – but do you know how far Hassett goes to understand the mindset of the typical truck buyer? Joe the Plumber, Larry the Landscaper, Eleanor the Electrician … these are the people on our minds, people with jobs to do who choose their rides based on performance, not promises.

So Hassett has joined the Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association, and was an official exhibitor at the association’s 42nd annual Professional Turf, Plant and Tree Conference last week at the Nassau Coliseum. And in January, Hassett participated in the National Association of the Remodeling Industry tradeshow at the Cradle of Aviation Museum – as an official NARI member.

What does a car dealership have to do with landscaping and construction? Not much … except that these professional contractors are the ones buying the trucks, so Hassett wants to learn everything about them we can. What tools they carry. What materials they haul. How far they haul them, and under what conditions. Now, when contractors come in to discuss their truck requirements and options, Hassett is already wise to their needs – and can fill them better. That’s building a relationship that goes beyond the sale.

You also know about Hassett’s award-winning customer service (we just told you!), but did you know we want to meet you whether you’re buying a car or not? More and more past, current and future Hassett customers are signing on to our growing Social Media network, which includes Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages. Learn about upcoming deals and programs at our sprawling Sunrise Highway emporium, discuss personal Hassett experiences or just talk cars – however they tune in, this lively association of auto enthusiasts expands each day, and Hassett is thrilled to connect with and learn from each new friend.

When you’re No. 1, there’s always someone looking to take you down. That’s why Hassett of Wantagh always strives to put the customer first, ensuring that along with exceptional vehicles and superior deals, our customers and friends enjoy an outstanding car-buying experience. The greatest selection, the best prices and exemplary customer service that goes way above and beyond – when we say Hassett Has It, that’s what we’re talking about.

Posted in Community Outreach, Events, Ford, Hassett Automotive, Lincoln, Mercury, Monthly Spotlight on Hassett, Subaru, Trucks | No Comments »

“Reduce, reuse, recycle.”

Friday, January 15th, 2010

It’s the mantra of a world going green … but an auto dealership? That depends on the dealership, of course. At Hassett of Wantagh – where the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the North American International Auto Show’s prized Car of the Year, is among the best sellers – reducing, reusing and recycling take entirely different meanings, and important ones at that. 

Namely: Reduce your expenses, reuse some of the highest-quality automobiles in the world and recycle your enthusiasm for the car-buying process.

Hassett is giving older cars new leases on life through its well-stocked and meticulously maintained Pre-Owned Division. According to Pre-Owned Sales Manager Sal Rivela, the division is tearing it up of late – a sign, Sal suggests, of a national economy on the mend.

 “Things were so bad last year, and a lot of buyers stayed away,” he says. “Now they’re coming back, and they’re looking at pre-owned first as they try to stay within a budget.”

 That’s never been easier at Hassett, where up to 100 top-quality pre-owned vehicles are waiting for a new home. Makes and models of every shape and size – four-cylinders or six, practical mid-sizes or sporty convertibles, even the coveted Shelby GT500 – are readily available, along with “the biggest inventory of pre-owned Ford Mustangs on the Island,” according to Sal.

 “We specialize in Mustangs,” he adds. “They’re the hottest cars right now.” 

Pre-owned Ford Explorers are popular among those in the market for an affordable and reliable SUV, Sal notes, while pre-owned pickups – particularly Ford’s super-tough F-250 – are also showing resiliency.

Every vehicle in Hassett’s Pre-Owned Division undergoes a 131-point checkup, an exhaustive battery of tests designed to optimize the vehicle’s residual value and street life. The best of the best become Hassett Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, with six-year/100,000-mile warranties, 24-hour roadside assistance, lower interest rates – currently as low as 3.9 percent – and even a full tank of gas.

And for every pre-owned vehicle Hassett offers, the dealership provides a Carfax report at no charge. “We have absolutely nothing to hide,” Sal says. 

Longtime customers expect nothing less from a dealership with a 26-year history of stellar service. And with Hassett offering top-dollar for trade-ins and planning a bevy of pre-owned specials for the coming President’s Week sales bonanza, the time is right to come in and check out the deals.

“These are great cars,” Sal says. “And the best part: They’ve already gone through depreciation. When customers go with one of our certified pre-owned cars or trucks, it’s all about short- and long-term savings … and finding the perfect vehicle, at exactly the right price.”

 

 

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Fusion Power

Monday, December 14th, 2009

The Camry. The Accord. The BMW 7 Series. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Pretty good cars … but not the best, not according to Motor Trend Magazine. 

Motor Trend’s prestigious Car of the Year is none other than the 2010 Ford Fusion, which bested a field of 23 entries – including those lofty competitors back there – to earn Motor Trend’s top honor. America’s most fuel-efficient midsize (and the country’s No. 1-selling domestic car) is “reborn for 2010 and … better, smarter, nicer, prettier, comfier, leaner, meaner and greener,” according to Motor Trend. 

Citing “a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it’s as if the first-generation car never existed,” the magazine called the Fusion – from the Base S to the luxurious SEL to the super-efficient Fusion Hybrid – “an economical midsize sedan that doesn’t cost much, yet won’t bore you to tears.” 

Efficiency is, of course, the Fusion’s middle name. The Fusion Hybrid, with its EPA-estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, tops the Camry hybrid’s best mileage by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway, while the four-cylinder Fusion – with its best-in-class highway fuel economy of 34 mpg – bests the Toyota Camry four-cylinder by 2 mpg. 

“We can’t say enough about this car,” says Lou Evans, Hassett of Wantagh’s general manager. “It’s such an attractive draw and customers love everything about it. It was already one of our top sellers, reflecting national sales patterns for the past two years, but now it’s off the charts, with Motor Trend honoring it like this.” 

A lot full of Motor Trend’s top-rated cars is just another feather in Hassett’s impressive cap. Hassett is already Long Island’s No. 1 volume Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealer (as well as one of Long Island’s top volume Subaru dealers) and a six-time winner of the Ford Motor Co. President’s Award for exemplary customer satisfaction in sales and service. 

That means Hassett of Wantagh, in addition to fabulous certified sales professionals, boasts a world-class support staff that keeps customers smiling – and keeps them coming back. Throw in the fantastic deals associated with the Ford Year-End Sales Event, and now is the best time ever to purchase your own luxurious, fuel-efficient Ford Fusion. 

Motor Trend has crowned it. Ford is cutting fantastic deals on it. You know you want it. 

And Hassett Has It. 

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An American Classic

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

mustang

Elvis. Marilyn Monroe. Air Jordan. The Liberty Bell. The Big Mac.

There’s no shortage of American icons. Pick a genre, a sport, an era … create a category any way you choose, and it has an emblematic high point. A person, place or thing against which all others are measured. It has a best.

For many auto enthusiasts, the best model of all time – at least, the most influential – burst onto the scene at the 1964 World’s Fair. Its phenomenal success was not about quality construction. Not about remarkable functionality. Not even about the lusty 271 horses in its “K-code” high-compression, solid-lifter, four-barrel, 289-cubic-inch heart (the strongest of several available engines back in ’64).

This not-too-distant cousin of the tiny Ford Falcon (which bequeathed both engineering concepts and its Dearborn, Mich., birthplace) actually had only one major thing going for it: It was a total knockout, the sexiest thing on the road after the Queen of Sleek herself, the Corvette.

The Mustang, an aptly named rejuvenation of American iron, was wrought specifically to appeal to Baby Boomers with newly minted driver’s licenses – a younger generation that wanted nothing to do with Pop’s old buggy. And boy, did it work: With Ford still working out the kinks, the ’65 Mustang (including coupes, fastbacks and convertibles) became one of the top-selling models of all time, with more than a half-million orders.

By the time Steve McQueen chased bad guys out of San Francisco in 1968’s “Bullitt” (their ’68 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum was no match for Bullitt’s ’68 Mustang GT Fastback, or McQueen’s steely cool), the Mustang had merged into the American mainstream. More than that, it had permeated the national bloodstream, pumping excitement into American drivers the way the Mercury Cougar, the Pontiac Firebird and other competitors never could.

Through up years and down years, the Mustang has endured. Ford’s show pony now ranks among the world’s elite performance cars, Mustang’s heart is stronger than ever (the latest GT-500 achieves a dizzying 530 HP) and retro styling recalls the model’s earliest days.

“It’s an affordable sports car that hit a niche,” says Sal Rivela, Hassett of Wantagh’s Pre-owned manager. “It was the definitive muscle car of the ’60s. It outlasted the Challenger and the Trans Am.”

The modern Mustang’s fantastic dependability is one of several major selling points. “Ford’s quality has surpassed Toyota and Honda, as far as reliability and mechanical operation,” Sal notes. “These cars just hold up better than ever.”

And when Ford opted for that retro look a few years ago – the sharp angles never looked hotter – it only fanned the flame. “It brought back all the people who wanted to drive the ‘Bullitt’ car,” Sal says, estimating that Hassett moves upwards of 10 used Mustangs a month and as many as 150 new ones annually.

Today, there are more Mustang options than ever – from V6s to V8s to convertibles to that monstrous GT500 – and Hassett carries them all.

“Of course!” Sal says. “Hassett Has It.”

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