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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  First Ford-- Last Ford - 2012 Ford F-150
  By JHerrmann - December 23 - 7:25 am

  Never owned a Ford , never will again, besides the ridiculous sticker price on this car, Ford is less than helpful given the handful of issues I have had since I purchased the 2012 in December of 2012. Since then, transmission needed to be REPLACED - 35 days at dealership, brakes were suppossedly done at dealership, only to find out they charged me but never touched the brakes, discovered 4 months later after purchasing the 2nd set of tires for the vehicle. Just spent another 38 days at dealer for stalling issue. Fuse box replaced - Satelite antenae needed to be replaced. Just got in car this am and now the heated seats and the mirror defroster doesnt work. I am so sick of this piece of crap - I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND OR BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.

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  I love my Edge! - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Pam - December 23 - 3:07 am

  We bought our Edge used with 38,000 miles on it in 2012. It now has 116,600 miles on it, has been cross-country 7 times, up and down mountains, through blinding rain storms, and it has never failed me yet. The only repair weve had to do so far was to replace the windshield washer jets ($20 DIY) and replace the cabin air filter. (When you think the AC isnt working, check the filter.) Its even pulled a fully-loaded 6 x 12 trailer more than 5000 miles with no problem. I wont be replacing it until it just wont run anymore.

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  Oh My Aching Back! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By shawn - December 22 - 10:37 pm

  I purchased this car in early 2014. When I first had it, I fell in love with the Sirius radio (I actually used a plug and play radio for years until this one), and I had a Focus for four years prior. I thought this car would be an upgrade, but it has turned out to be the bane of my existence. Keep in mind, I dont have an ax to grind with Ford, as Ive had an Escort before the Focus. I guess Ive learned that I probably need a smaller car, however, it is more than that. Ive had more issues with back pain than ever before, and I dont think this car has helped. Ive tried to move the seat in every position, and still pain. Ive also noticed than when I dont drive it for periods of time the pain begins to subside. Lately Ive noticed that the visibility while driving is not good either too many impediments, like the rear view mirror and the windscreen side posts (probably due to my incessant seat position moves). The only thing that I can say positive about the car is the MPG-its pretty good for a car this size. Its too bad Ford had to squash it down so low to get this MPG. The seat seems to dip too low in the back, which creates no lumbar support and a heavy strain on the lower back in general. Now, I will say that I do use my lower back quite a lot, but Ive come to the conclusion that the car does not help, as Ive ridden in other cars that feel like heaven. My only advice is to people over five foot five, and that would be to never buy a Fusion. I hope i can sell mine cause I have seen several on the lots lately. Hmmm, wonder why? Good luck fixing this thing Ford!

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  Bad transmissions - Ford will not fix the problem - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Leslie - December 22 - 1:12 pm

  Please take time to Google the transmission problems Ford has caused with the Focuses and Fiestas. I have a 2014 Focus, and had to have my transmission repaired after owning the car for just a few months. The car lurches forward on its own, stalls when youre trying to accelerate, and is generally dangerous to drive. Ford switched to "automatic dual clutch" transmissions in these cars, saying they help with fuel economy. They are dangerous. Ive been calling my dealership for four months since the problems came back, and every time I call they say that Ford wont send them the parts to repair these transmissions. Ford is choosing not to fix this. Buyer beware.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Vic - December 22 - 12:07 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in August 2012 and I have had no major complaints for 3 years. PROS: This is a decent commuter car, no bells and whistles, nothing fancy. This is a $20,000 car so you get what you pay for. I can answer my cell phone hands free, (SYNC & SUN Model), which is pretty cool. I have not noticed the braking system problems that so many have mentioned. It turns well and easy to navigate in parking lots. Plenty of cargo space for shopping, bags of mulch, flats of flowers etc. I get 25 mpg for my commute to work in highway stop and go traffic, but I have gotten 31 mpg on long highway trips. Running the AC will greatly reduce MPG. CONS: Once every 6 months the starter makes an awful noise, as if I tried to start the car while it is already running. (???). I have a 4 cylinder so there is no "get up & go". Leaks in rear window & probably driver side door as carpet is always wet when it rains. (not sure where the water is coming from). The door handles and the sun visors are very cheaply made, (hate them). Radio speakers are pretty generic. Backseat area is small. Only a small child would be able to sit in the middle seat. The rear folding seats is the worst design. It is a major project if you want to fold the seats down. It is a multi-step process, AND they will not lay flat unless you take the head rest off too. Ugh awful. I dont carry passengers so I took off the three headrest and stored them in garage, so if I need to lay down the rear seating I will not have to deal with the headrest too.

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  Amazing rental car great for fleets - 2014 Ford Escape
  By I - December 22 - 11:09 am

  Me and my 7 best friends rented a 2014 Ford Escape SEL 4Dr 1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A in Denver, Colorado. Upon driving out of the rental agency, we were surprised at how much we loved the car. The interior was super super comfortable with plenty of storage and it was perfect for road trips. The electronics were great and the GPS was super helpful. The trunk fit all of our ski equipment which was a lot. Perfect car, I would totally want to own one

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  Poor reliability and performance - 2012 Ford Focus
  By samc - December 22 - 8:16 am

  2012 Focus spent $22K new, has 37,000 miles and the transmission needs to be rebuilt, Ford is covering the repair. Passenger window motor is gone and needs to be replaced. the Passenger front seat adjustment mechanism is broke. I would not by a Ford their reliability is terrible . Big mistake on my part.

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  Expected a beater got this - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Anthony J. Pavone - December 21 - 9:53 pm

  I got this car as I was looking for cheap reliable transportation but ended up being able to lease a 2015. Had the car for about six months and so far havent had a bad experience. I wish the headlights threw a little farther and it tends to hesitate a little when you step on the gas but all around its performs pretty well. The gas mileage leaves little to be desired and it handles well. My major complaint is that with the material of the dashboard, the black interior looks incredibly dirty within a matter of days, but smoking in the car probably doesnt help. Overall I would recommend this car.

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  Beware! - 2015 Ford Expedition
  By Catherine Gipson - December 21 - 6:28 pm

  I have been driving Ford vehicles for 25 years. My 2015 Ford Expedition King Ranch is perfect in every way, except one of the most critical....the windshield. The windshield cracked just 1 month after I purchased the vehicle and has been cracked for more than 3 months now. Apparently, Ford is unable to obtain replacement windshields for Expeditions with rain sensors. I paid more than 60k for this Expedition and it has been totally useless for 3 months. The rain sensing windshields are certainly a convenience but I would advise consumers against this upgrade until Ford is able to produce replacement parts.

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  What a turd - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Hong - December 20 - 3:16 pm

  What a turd. I purchased on on April 2012 and its been a nightmare since. Its had build, mechanical, electrical issues from day one. I noticed the window switch would work sometimes. It was later replaced twice. Then I noticed the dash had a gap on the right hand side. Its had intermittent issues with MFT Sync so the thing had to be replaced. It was not detecting my phones. The dealership told me my phone was not compatible yet it worked when I first bought it. There was paint issue on the trunk as well. It was repainted then I noticed the spoiler coming undone so back it went. Now the fun part, the transmission, its been a nightmare since day one. Its been reprogrammed multiple times to no improvement. Since I cannot afford to trade it in or purchase a new car, Im stuck with this [non-permissible content removed]! Run, do not walk away from Ford and Kearny Pearson Ford in San Diego, CA. I will never buy an American car again!