Overview & Reviews

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:

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  Transmission is dangerous - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Erin Grey - March 11 - 10:46 am

  The transmission just slipped out of the blue while I was on the highway! We had had some problems before - weird things like the battery died when it was just a couple years old (we didnt leave a light on or anything, it just died). Then the car would sometimes stall when coming to a stop. But nobody could tell us what was wrong, and they all thought I was crazy. This latest highway fiasco is the end for me though. So dangerous! Plus now the clutch is shot. Neither the dealership nor Ford will cover the clutch. This is crazy! This car is dangerous.

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  Dont buy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mike1992 - February 6 - 6:01 pm

  We bought the car, it looked great. Soon the transmission started giving us problems, couldnt find a gear, shook like a motor mount had broken off, loud noises, etc... Had it to the dealer many times. They fixed it somewhat, not completely. It seems every 5-10k miles we bring it back. Were in a lawsuit now with ford. Im trying to get them to take the car back. We have an appointment next week to bring the car in for the same repair. Dont buy this car.

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  Ford F-150 V8 5.4 Liter - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ttfndude - February 4 - 4:33 pm

  This is a worthless truck. They saw this sucker coming a mile away. I bought this truck 5 months ago and have had it in the shop multiple times for issues. Now the is down and they want $500 to see why it went bad or they want $7000 to replace the engine. I wish I had been able to see these reviews prior to buying the truck or I would have bought a junker, they last longer. Long Mcarthur Ford is not concerned they sold me a lemon they knew they did, I was just the unfortunate sucker who got it. Now I have my very first nice newer vehicle I have ever bought as an $11,000 lawn ornament. I guess back to the bargain basement for me.

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  Neverending Problems - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By toymatrixsc - January 21 - 1:08 pm

  I purchased this piece of junk Used in 09 with roughly 150K miles because I needed some wheels in a pinch. Tires and battery need replacing every two years which is normal, I think. Ive had to replace the water pump twice, fuel pump, and coolant tank since. The plastic coolant tank crudding out seems to be a common complaint Im reading. It leaks or burns through oil and Ive had it checked a couple times. At this point, I am accepting lugging around quarts of oil in my trunk and did I mention the coolant leak yet (have to carry extra coolant, too)? Computer has been replaced. Every start problem imaginable has occured save the alternator.

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  Looks and sales man can be deceiving - 2014 Ford Focus
  By desw - January 15 - 3:43 pm

  I dont typically sign up for websites to do reviews but I will this time. Do your homework before you even consider this car. Ive had this car for 8 months and Im already trying to figure out how to get out of this upside down car. When I first test drove it the test vehicle was fine. I had seen a couple reviews about the transmission being a little jumpy but the sales man reassured me that that issue was very rare. No. I had it less than two months, took it in 4 times, and was without it for a month and ford treated me horrible. called headquarters and got dismissed there too. Ive had such issues with a new car. Ridiculous! Dont do it pay a little extra and get a better car!

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  Most Unreliable Car in History - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By katoht - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a nightmare since day one. My parents bought this car used in 2004, two years after the car was released. Within a year of owning it, the transmission blew and needed to be replaced. The interior paneling on the doors has fallen off completely. The rocker panels underneath the car are extremely susceptible to rust they rusted through completely and fell off of this car entirely. The rear passenger side window never closed fully. There has always been an oil leak that our mechanics are unsure of the cause. There is oil leaking into the exhaust. The AC is broken and no longer works. The fly wheel ground against the starter, destroying the gears. Overall, a nightmare to own.

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  Wont own Fords again! (That Sucks) - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jmjett - December 31 - 12:28 pm

  I leased a new 2012 Limited 4x4 V-6. I have always liked Ford products, and even worked for them in the 90s.This rig has had a water leak problem since purchase. Its been almost 3yrs,and thank god my lease is almost done!! It has had 12+ repairs on the same problem, and mostly has had the same repair done. Repair doesnt work! It is a small leak, and most of the time it runs down the back window, but has run from small hooks in back,sunroof, soaking passenger side floor boards front and back.Living in the NorthWest isnt helping. Super disappointed in Ford for how this was handled or not handled. Ive been ruined for life and no longer will support any of Fords products! (wish differently)

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  Piece of junk - 2013 Ford Focus
  By aaamadre - December 28 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 2013 Titanium new, mainly to have a reliable car. Horrid transmission that jerks and hesitates. Not safe for merging. Also it randomly wont start. Im trading it in this week.

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  Stay Away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dre1104 - December 16 - 11:20 pm

  Unfortunately, but honestly, when asked, I always warn potential buyers to stay away from these cars. On paper, it seems the ideal car - economical, fun to drive, and nicely equipped. But the truth is my car has been plagued with issues since day #1. Like many others, I have been dealing with transmission issues that cause erratic shifting. Plus, interior trim, software, and interior rattles that have taken more than a year and half to even begin the process of solving. Bottom line, Ford doesnt stand behind their cars, and doesnt invest in customer satisfaction or making this car the car it claims it is. Dont trust one review. Before you plunk down money, search online. Be warned...

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  Epic Fail, Ford - 2012 Ford Focus
  By herman15fusion - December 7 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased the 2012 Focus SE Sedan in February, 2012. Horrible Mistake! Initial satisfaction was quickly replaced with the realization that I had paid way too much for something so poorly built. The engine is extremely weak, and the transmission shaked and shuttered with only ~5,000 miles on the vehicle. I had the transmission serviced three times. Each time, I was told "thats just the way this transmission is..." and then provided a computer update (the 3rd one I paid $150). I received a letter from Ford Corporate in mid-2014 stating they had extended the warranty on the transmission. The only positive to this was that I was refunded my $150 for the last software update.