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 3571 through 3580 of 30,482.00
  • Sports car for young at heart - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Great little car, traded in Taurus so was bit apprehensive. had for 5 weeks and have little over 710 miles. For in town driving the mileage is sitting at 34 per gal.could not believe for in town. If i do hit highways it is usually only 12-20 miles. Back seat cramped but do not have many in back. Little ole lady to church and store car, trunk is fine, will hold lots of groceries and misc. Color Lime Squeeze, lots of comments and people asking about new Fiesta. Real winner for me. comfortable tight and fun to drive, will see how handles in snow

  • SYNC a Deal Spoiler - 2011 Ford Edge
    By -

    My biggest gripe with the new 2011 Ford Edge has to do with the SYNC system. The claim of "Touch. Talk. Drive" is false and misleading. Voice recognition is really bad - it often has a problem with recognizing simple commands such as Yes or No. My SYNC experience has been so frustrating that I am actually trying to return the car. The Navigation system is also bad. Today I had an instruction to "Make a Legal U-Turn" - on a freeway! There is also insufficient warning prior to reaching turn-offs. Lastly, the Hazard Flasher button is super sensitive and poorly positioned. I often turn it on when reaching for the touch screen. This is a hazard!

  • Ford has quality - 2011 Ford Fusion
    By -

    This is one of many fords I have owned. I am very impressed with the quality of the fit and trim. The v6 has plenty of power yet I am getting 10 to 15% better mpg than the sticker said I would. I average 21 city and on a trip from Boise to Lake Tahoe and back I got 29.6 mpg. The ride is smooth and the 12 speaker Sony stereo is very good quality. The dealer was outstanding in every way and honest.

  • Bad transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
    By -

    Dont buy ford freestyle. The transmission will go out. Our transmission went out and it is going to cost 3,000 to 5,000 dollars to fix.

  • Great family hauler - 2004 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Im a die-hard ford guy and the expedition did not prove me wrong. Have ran it 3 years and 80k. Only has needed brakes and tires. Rear seat material seems to be a little dry rotted but with 2 boys it doesnt really matter. Always runs strong, wife loves it. Bought a new fusion but the wife will never give up her expedition. When we go on vacation, we put a bubble on the roof, rear basket on the hitch and shes good to go. Found a homeowners plow for the front and she even plows the driveway in the winter. Need to tow no problem. Have towed 5500 lbs piece of cake. Now looking at a camper to tow. You cant find a crossover with good mpg that will do as much.

  • Flex with maximum bells and whistles - 2010 Ford Flex
    By -

    We like the ride and handling and quietness relative to our Explorer. Dont like the range due to mileage and an 18.5 gas tank rather than 22.5 in the Explorer. Digital readout is a vast improvement over Explorer. Great radio satellite and navigation system.

  • Best Mustang So FAR! - 2011 Ford Mustang
    By -

    I have always had mustangs in my family, my mother bought her 01 Mustang GT new, and I instantly fell in love, So I bought a 10 GT last year, and felt I paid too much, so I was able to get an awesome deal, Thanks Frank Bradley you Great! So where do I start I loved my 10 GT, but this one takes off where the last one ended, 5.0 412 H.P. and there is not one single pony missing, actually putting out 435 HP. Acceleration is a rush I have the Automatic mind you, and it is so much fun, the Electric power steering is so smooth and precise, visibility is great! And I get lots of compliments with the Grabber Blue, Electronics work great and cabin is nice and cozy! Overall 11 Mustang GT is Awesome!

  • Love My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I love the car. I have have been getting excellent gas mileage, I also love the comfort and quiet that the car provides. The power makes it feel like it has more than the 120 hp that the engine has. I only wish that it was a coupe.

  • Happy Edge Owner - 2010 Ford Edge
    By -

    After having a bad experience purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Wayne a few years back I was extremely cautious about purchasing a new vehicle, but Rt. 23 Ford put all my worries to rest. I happily purchased a new Edge truck, which I knew rather little about, other than what the commercials told me. Turns out, I absolutely love it. Its everything my sales person told me it would be. It has great mileage and itÂ’s such a dream to drive. I received top notch service, and a great monthly price for my lease. All of the staff that worked with me to get what I wanted were sincere and honest. I have no problem with them gaining a profit because they truly earned it.

  • Leading Edge? - 2010 Ford Edge
    By -

    Traded in my 07 Maxima cause it was to low. I really like the ride height of the Edge and the noise level is about the same or better than the Maxima. I do miss some of the features, mostly the stereo. Ford really missed the mark on this one. The digital display is directly from the 80s, even though satellite radio equipped. Even Hyundai uses a LCD display instead of Green/Black read out. Overall I am pleased with the vehicle and will probably replace the radio asap.

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