Ford Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.25/5 Average
30,482 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

Showing 29091 through 29100 of 30,482.00
  • The self-parking feature works. - 2013 Ford Focus
    By -

    First the good news: That auto parallel parking feature actually works reliably. That is where the good news ends. I purchased this car in 2012 and it is already on its third set of clutches and those are already starting to slip. The strange "automated manual" transmission has simply been a lemon from the get-go. Luckily the warranty of the transmission was extended so I am not paying for these repairs, but the downtime is a bother. The transmission is the reason the car has no pep from a dead stop. When I turn right from a driveway or parking lot onto a road, I know I need to have at least a block of clear space because the car is going to hesitate very badly turning from a dead stop. If there is a semi coming I would be creamed before I could coax the car to a normal driving speed. Also, at freeway speeds, if I hit the brakes for any reason (say, someone changes lanes too close in front of me) the car reacts like we are stopping and begins to downshift. If I hit the gas again, the transmission dithers and I have to step the pedal to the floor to motivate the car. If fact, in general, a hard stomp to the floor is the only way to speak to this car when it doesnt want to go from first to second gear. This will be the first car, in my lifetime, that I have ever decided to sell before owning it outright.

  • I love my 2005 SEL Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
    By -

    The Ford Freestyle is the most versatile vehicle Ive ever encountered. Its a combo of car, minivan, SUV & in my opinion Fords best kept secret. The ride is fun, smooth, responsive & handles solidly. The amount of room and storage in this car is amazing! The seating is comfortable, and spacious for 6-7. We recently went to a soccer tournament in UT; our Freestyle just zipped up and down the mountains with plenty of passing power. Not sure why others say theirs are sluggish? Was not sure the cargo space behind the 3rd seat was big enough but was pleasantly surprised. A full size cooler, soccer gear, luggage & a shopping trip to Costco fit with little effort. Ford Family Plan awesome!

  • Fits in the run or in the city - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
    By -

    I love this truck! The handling blows away my Expedition, plenty of power from the 4.0L and and excellent ride. Just scrap the darn Goodyears! I replaced them with Bridgestone Duelers and the wet and snow traction is now amazing. The Pioneer stereo set-up just cranks and my white truck with the chrome of the Adrenalin Package gets positive comments from my customers daily. This truck is great for guys like me who need someplace to throw wet and muddy soccer gear without the overkill of a full size truck. And with a wife and two kids we fit perfectly for long trips. I cant wait to buy my new one next year!

  • much fun for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
    By -

    I was not sure at first on the test drive but liked it enough to buy it. I must say im impressed with the ride and handling but felt that the front end seemed to feel a tad heavy in aggressive cornering but still a ball to drive in the twisties.

  • Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
    By -

    Excellent all around vehicle with great versatility and real world fuel economy. Much better than any other competitor I looked at in terms of a complete package for the price.

  • Nice van - 2004 Ford Freestar
    By -

    This van is what people need. its had a nice interior.

  • Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
    By -

    I Love the Escape! It is perfect for my life (2 pre-teens) and It makes me feel young driving this sporty little vehicle :) It has GREAT get up and go! My 10 year old son says WOW! Mom this thing is HOT!

  • Ford Ranger??? - 2004 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Let see, Two accessory belt changes by 19,000 mi. Torsion bars were miss aligned, had to return twice to get them to look at it and finally correct. Found damage to under carriage (probably during shipment) would not even look at or acknowledge. Another dealership, Beau Townsend Ford in Ohio, asked "You didnt buy it here did you?" When I brought it in for service. I wanted a Chevy S-10 ext.cab, but they went to only one seat in the rear on 2003, because of three door style. I dreaded buying a Ford, now I know why. Theyre service dept.s are poor rated if you are in for warranty work, or didnt buy your truck from there. Never buy a Ford again.

  • Very pleased - 2003 Ford F-150
    By -

    I just purchased this truck and I am very happy. The truck has plenty of room and provides a smooth and comfortable ride. I wish that I could get better gas mileage but then again it is a truck!

  • Nice Mix of Size, Function, Fun - 2005 Ford Freestyle
    By -

    The Freestyle is well-positioned between and traditional station wagons and SUVs. I needed a 4-door car to carry around my three sons and all their sports gear, but at the same time be economical for an everyday commute. The Freestyle has the room we need (including good storage behind the third seat) but is still rides and drives like a car. The fold down third seats are great, very easy to flip. Second row and front passenger seat fold flat for almost 10 feet of space. The 3.0L engine has plenty of pep, including with 5 passengers. Im averaging 20 MPG in the city. The only drawback I see so far is the "plastic- y" interior on the SEL, and a mediocre quality sound system. Great car.

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