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 6371 through 6380 of 30,482.00
  • Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Ford Escape
    By -

    I have purchased Chrysler products for years, most recently a 300 C. Im so glad I switched to Ford. I had a 2009 Flex AWD Limited that I loved, but due to the uncertainty of the economy, I took a proactive approach and "down sized" my ride. I was so impressed with the quality of the Flex, I stayed with Ford and went with the more economical Escape Limited. What a pleasant surprise...I bought it from a dealer that was 75 miles from my home and on the way home it was already averaging 28.5 mpg! The ride and handling are good, the engine is more responsive and the radio is better than I expected. Its not the Flex by any means...but @ $14,000 less its a great car.

  • No Asian brand can touch it! - 2009 Ford Escape
    By -

    I have been in the business for 40 years and just retired. Demo-less for the first time, I bought what I have come to believe (and now know) is the finest small SUV in the marketplace. The fit and finish is second to none. The comfort, ditto. Gas mileage for a powerful v-6 is excellent and if you like squeaks or rattles, buy a CR-V or a Sante Fe, not an Escape. The interior quality makes the Murano look like a Yugo. If you want the best made SUV (based on my 40 years of experience) on the market, buy an Escape. If you can live without the whistles and bells, buy the XL but stay away from the 4 cyl. The domestics still havent gotten the hang of building a powerful, torquey 4-banger.

  • 210 mustang - 2010 Ford Mustang
    By -

    We have several mustangs but this is the boss of them all. Love the design and the handling of the car. Love the microsoft synch. Car is fun to drive and great to look at...

  • Loyal Ford Customer - 2004 Ford Taurus
    By -

    I have only owned fords all of my life so when I was looking for a mid size car I fell in love with the taurus. I had it for about 3 weeks when the air conditioning unit went out. Then the breaks and finally the alternator. The vehicle only had 36000 when I purchased it. Since those wonderful days things have only gotten worse. Now the car dies for no reason as I drive it. The breaks have been replace 3 times and The air conditioner doesnt work again. This car has really let me down. I dont think I will ever own another taurus. Just watch it this model seems to have alot of problems. When the repair man saw me coming in he laughed and said whats wrong with this one. Not good!!!!

  • 93 Ranger Pretty good on average... - 1993 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Ive done a lot of work to this truck. New tranny, brake calipers, rotors, stereo, lenses, timing chain and gears, water pump, freeze plugs, new AC, fuel sending unit, gas shocks. Although I inherited it from my brother for free, Ive spent over $4200 getting it road worthy again. The paint is still in great shape. Handles well.

  • very well built - 2001 Ford Escort
    By -

    Great car have 215,000 miles, Im a second owner 1st owner maintained very well. Only problems have been 2 alternators, clutch went out around 200,000, the high intensity headlights burned out sockets 2x each side. Might burn a 1/2 quart between oil changes, I get it changed every 5000. I drive it very hard and it like a timex and keeps on ticking.

  • Still Going Strong! - 1998 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Our Ford Expedition 1998 is still going strong with over 191,000 miles. We have taken it on many family road trip and in over ten years we have had few problems with it. We do regular oil changes and check ups but not through the dealer. We used a service station with a guy we trusted to do all repairs. Our interior is really starting to show its age but the exterior looks great with little rust. I would recommend anyone buying this truck especially one that doesnt have lots of miles on it. The only problem I had was a transmission station missing a crack in the drive shaft transmission collar due to the 1998 Expedition has the two piece not integral piece in the newer models. Mary

  • Couldnt Be More Pleased - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
    By -

    My first American car since 1981, and by far the most comfortable, enjoyable car I have ever owned. I have the 502 package (all the options). The gauges for the hybrid feature provide a feedback system to maximize gas mileage that is an OCDs dream come true. The Synch system, including voice-activation, jukebox, navigation screen features and sound quality, is simply awesome, and the transition between EV mode and gas engine imperceptably smooth. My only complaint is that the car is somewhat noisy at speeds exceeding 70 mph. New England winter gas mileage is only about 32 mpg, though in Spring I am now getting the full 38-40 mpg mix city and highway driving.

  • 2003 Ford F-150 FX4 SuperCrew - 2003 Ford F-150
    By -

    Great build quality. Amazingly agile considering size and ruggedness. Handling is exceptional for a large 4X4. Refined interior with great ergonomics. Rear seats fold flat with minimal effort for expanded flat floor space.

  • Satisfied Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Originally set out to purchase a GMC Envoy SLT 4x4, but was more impressed with the Explorers ride quality, drivers seating position, and cargo area...have used the Explorer for numerous road, camping, and skiing trips...very good gas mileage considering the size and weight...4.0L V6 provides ample power around town, but struggles with four adults + gear on mountain grades and passing on two- lane highways...have to run the A/C on cool days (mid/upper 60s) because the manual mode warms outside air too much, even when set at 60.

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