Consumer Reports Rates Ford
Ford
Brands
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
Ford has made great strides in reliability, with some models now rivaling the best from the Japanese automakers. Some newer models, such as the Ford Flex, have also done well in our testing and are very competitive in their categories. But many others are middle-of-the-road, unexciting also-rans. And some powertrains and interiors lack the refinement of class leaders.
What's right
Reliability, interior room, access, crash-test results
Almost all of Ford's models are now average or better in reliability. The Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercury Milan rank among the most trouble-free models in our reliability survey.
Several mainstream sedans, such as the Ford Taurus, Fusion, MKZ, Mercury Sable, and Milan, have performed well in our road tests.
The new seven-passenger Flex SUV combines attention-getting styling with a flexible, roomy interior, making it a very nice family vehicle.
Moreover, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid provided the best fuel economy—26 mpg overall—of any SUV we've tested.
Ford's innovative Sync system helps reduce driver distraction by using voice recognition to let drivers make hands-free telephone calls and control audio system functions.
What's wrong
Fuel economy, engine noise, fit and finish
Some models, such as the Ford Escape and Focus, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis and Mariner, have gone without major changes for many years. And recent updates haven't been enough to keep them competitive with the best in their classes.
Some engines, including the 3.0-, 3.5-, and 3.7-liter V6s used in many models, are noisier and less refined than those offered by the best automakers.
Looking ahead
Ford needs to maintain its high level of reliability while upgrading its older models, especially in the areas of fuel economy, refinement, and interior quality.
Freshened Fusion and Milan sedans, due this spring, are promising signs. They're expected to have improved interior fit and finish. And new hybrid versions of both models should provide good fuel economy.
Improved engine technology, including direct fuel injection and turbocharging, should give smaller, more efficient engines the power of larger ones while retaining good fuel economy.
And in the next few years, Ford plans to bring to the U.S. some of its competitive, nicely finished, small European models, such as the Fiesta and the new Focus.
Glad to see that someone in Ford finally had the light come on and realize that the previous model cycle, where they developed one Focus for Europe and reskinned the old one for the US, was a colossal waste of resources.
:X 
