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 7621 through 7630 of 30,482.00
  • Superb SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We love it! Smooth, quiet, well- controlled ride. Wonderful legroom throughout. Full of thoughtful features (for example, the stereo volume increases with speed). 3rd row space is awesome. All seats very comfortable. 2nd & 3rd rows fold flat - - no removal needed to accomodate cargo. Got ours for $8000 below MSRP (Dallas). Wife is primary driver and she is thrilled. Disclosure: no affiliation with Ford whatsoever.

  • Piece of junk!!!!!!!! - 1999 Ford Explorer
    By -

    The first and LAST time I will ever own a Ford. On average it goes into the shop every 3,000 - 4,000mi. Transmission went bad at 25,000mi, and then two more times after that. Ball joints replaced 15 times, 2 leaf springs broke while driving down the road. Numerous electrical problems. Tailgate doesnt open properly. not enough room to list every problem! NEVER BUY A FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have owned 3 Subarus, and I never have to fix a thing.!!!!!!!!!!

  • Escape (or not) - 2002 Ford Escape
    By -

    Great little SUV (crossover?). No repairs on XLT w/V6. Leather seats not that comfortable. A tad noisy inside. 20MPG (H/C). Good cargo capacity. Ignition switch is tough to find in the dark. Great CD/stereo. Great in the snow with upgraded "cross terrains"

  • Nice XLT Ex-Track - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
    By -

    This truck does wonders for my profesional and private life

  • 2002 F-150 XLT Supercab - 2002 Ford F-150
    By -

    I have had this truck for a year, and it has been flawless!!! Super ride, great interior, and not one issue or repair yet. And contrary to the style choices here, I have the XLT V-6 4.2liter with an AUTO tranny....(style box did not have that option)

  • refined wagon - 2000 Ford Focus
    By -

    I have been very impressed with the quality of this wagon. It drives and feels like a much more expensive vehicle. There have been a few recalls, but I have never had a problem with the car. A great samll car.

  • Thank You Sir May I Have Another! - 1998 Ford Contour
    By -

    My contour has treated me and my family very well. It has had small problems, but nothing that other vehicles dont have. I bought it with 30,000. It now has 160,000. I would drive it another 8 years if it werent for the deer that ran into the side of it. I paid 10,000 for it and it was well worth it. As for any bad reviews, you cant expect steak and eggs when you pay for a Burger and fries. Its not a Cadillac, its a contour, and it serves its purpose. Especially when fuel was at 5.00 a gallon. I always saw the contour as the Tauruss little brother.

  • I love this car - 2007 Ford Edge
    By -

    I have owned this vehicle for two weeks and, so far, I love it. I had a Volvo XC70 and I prefer the Edge over the Volvo. The overall feel of quality is remarkable. This vehicle is smoother, quieter, and faster than the Volvo and has more room inside. The motor revs freely and pulls hard from a stop, with the help of the close ratio 6-speed automatic.

  • Who needs "the good old days" - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
    By -

    Simply the best performance car for the money! Where can you get a new car with 540 HP for 50K? Who needs the old muscle cars? Not me. been there and done that-engines that overheat, have lumpy idles, heavy clutch, constant fiddling to stay in tune and lousy brakes and handling. The 2010 Shelby delivers killer good looks, exclusivity, smooth idle, easy to drive fast--and this vehicle flat out hauls the mail! A senile priest can turn a high 12 second 1/4 mile in this car.

  • Love My Ford Edge - 2009 Ford Edge
    By -

    I went from a Lincoln Mark-LT to the Ford Edge and so far I am very happy with my choice. People have commented that it looks like a Lexus and I think it rides like one too. I really like SYNC and all of its associated features. It is roomy on the inside and is easy to maneuver. The turning radius is great. I also like the automatic liftgate. I have not had it on the highway yet but am averaging 18 MPG in the city. I expect to get around 25 on the highway. It has a lot of zip to it. I think Ford finally has a crossover SUV that can compete with Honda and Toyota brands.

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