What's coming from Ford

In this report: Overview; General Motors; Ford; Chrysler; The new Americans

Ford

Brands: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Last reviewed: October 2009

This article appeared in
October 2009 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Ford has made tremendous strides in reliability, but it needs to build better all-around models to consistently compete with the best in the auto industry.

What's right

Ford has come the farthest of the domestic automakers. Newer models have been more competitive in our road tests, and most of Ford's models are average or better in reliability.

Especially noteworthy are the Ford F-150 pickup, the Ford Flex crossover SUV, and the freshened Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans. The Fusion Hybrid gets an excellent 34 mpg overall and is now our top-scoring American sedan. And the Ford Escape Hybrid, at 26 mpg, is the most fuel-efficient SUV we've tested.

What's wrong

Much of Ford's product line is competent but not outstanding. For example, the redesigned Ford Taurus, released this summer, has much improved interior fit and finish, decent performance, and plenty of trunk space. But the big car's interior feels small and closed-in, with reduced visibility and rear-seat room.

Overall, many Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models rate only midpack in our test scores. And some older models have gone without major changes for years. As a result, Ford's small SUVs can't compete with the best in class.

Looking ahead

Ford Explorer

The next-generation Explorer, expected in late 2010, will move from its current trucklike body-on-frame platform to a carlike unibody design. That should improve its ride and handling. Combined with updated powertrains and better aerodynamics, Ford estimates a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Ford Fiesta

This stylish and agile European subcompact will arrive in the U.S. in 2010 as a four-door sedan or hatchback. Ford says the U.S. version will look much like the European model, shown below.

Ford Focus

The next-generation Focus, due in 2010 and based on the highly rated European model, will have a nicer interior. A plug-in electric version is expected to follow in 2011.