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 from hell! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By bgalicia - July 29 - 11:12 am

  Dont even think about getting the automatic transmission. I have taken it in 5 times and it does not get any better just took it in and still not fixed- shuttering, nonresponsive between 0 and 20 mph. Rides good at speeds of 20 and above bit will experience whiplash in stop/go traffic. Ford downplays any issue their Customer Relations Dept. reacts as if this is new to them. These guys have left the consumer and their dealers holding the bag. This was my 3rd consecutive Ford purchase but "no mas"!

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  I would never buy one! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By jessica - July 29 - 10:28 am

  I have this for a company vehicle and it is by far the worst car as far as comfort, storage, and accessories that I have ever had to drive! Unfortunately I drive 40,000 miles per year so comfort is important. The front is cramped with no where to store personal belongings. The gas tank is small and requires frequent fill ups. The Chevy equinox is by far a better vehicle as far as comfort, accessories, gas mileage, and storage. Unfortunately the Ford was my only option.

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  Unforeseen Transmission Problems - 2014 Ford Focus
  By C Alan - July 24 - 2:49 pm

  I didnt like the transmission in my new 2014 Ford Focus the first time I test drove the car. I was told by my Ford dealer that it was a new system that would "adjust to my driving." It was fine for the first 7,500 miles but soon after it started to shutter, rumble, and vibrate at stops and jump while going into second gear. I havent noticed any problems on the highway but in reading the other reviews, Im scared. I just brought car in to the dealership where I bought it and they didnt appear to be upfront about the problems. When I badgered them, they told me the transmission was on an extended warranty and they have heard about the Focuss transmission problems. When I asked about a technical service bulletin regarding the transmission, they were once again quiet. They called me to say they werent "experiencing anything too bad" and they would see if it met "Fords specifications." I dont care if the car meets Fords specifications or not. I am upset. I bought a new car and I expected it to work with a fully functional transmission and the dealership can tell me all day that theres nothing they can do because the car meets Fords specifications. Im not going to stop until I have a car that works like it should. If I could got back in time 11 months and tell myself to buy a Honda Fit, I would.

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  Do Not Buy one of these!!!!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Dave - July 23 - 8:57 pm

  I purchased my Fiesta new in 2011. The auto clutch and transmission have been a NIGHTMARE!!!! It is again at the dealership (day 9 right now) with transmission issues. This is the 4th time in 4 years that it has had the transmission and auto clutch worked on!!!

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  Stay Away from Ford! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By lrperki - July 22 - 6:01 pm

  We bought our Ford Fiesta brand new in 2012. Since then weve had multiple issues. The stereo system only operates properly 50% of the time. The car has cut off on us twice and the dealership doesnt know what causes it but after a day or two it turns on again (terrifying). The transmission has always had issues and had to be REPLACED this year after only 2.5 years... And to top it all off the car shut off in the middle of a very busy street this week and the dealership has yet to determine the issue. We are NEVER getting in the car again and buying a new vehicle. We will never buy a Ford again. STAY AWAY!

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  FOUND ON ROAD DEAD ...comfy to wait for help in? - 2014 Ford Focus
  By christa - July 21 - 5:13 pm

  roll back on hill: I have had several instances where this has almost caused an accident on the road where my car that was a safe distance in front of other cars began to roll backwards having to hit my gas or press my breaks in order to prevent impact. My car has rolled over 10ft backwards. Auto max keeps saying its what its "SUPPOSED" to do saying that and the shuddering, shifting hard and jumping is too. Contacted Temple Tx ford and explained the situation and how we were being treated and they had us meet this time with the actual technician for ford at Automax in Killeen where he witnessed the roll back first hand and my husband having to intervene by pressing the gas to go forward before hitting a dealership car. He seemed very surprised and told us right away it was unnatural and he would definitely need to contact ford to look into it further. We went back into service where he told the Service guy what had happened, service continued to claim rolling back 10 feet or more was normal and the tech began to agree...within five minutes... we are paying extra to insure that if we have to leave it with them like we have been needing to do so much we would have a car since both my husband and I need to work. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE to use a car being told that they dont have one available and there is a waiting list to get them. They have recently bought a shuttle bus to haul everyone with. I have NEVER SEEN a loaner car by the way. they kept the car for a week only doing the one thing they only do...Reset the computer. We have done this 3 times and I will be taking it in again since my problem hasnt been fixed

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  I tried but I could not do it... Ford fix the ride - 2015 Ford F-150
  By JoeTX - July 21 - 3:48 pm

  I recently purchased a new truck. To my dismay it was not the F150. As I test drove the other brands (Dodge, Chevy, GMC, Toyota) none of them really spoke to me. I drove an F150 with a bench seat with a straight V6 and was not impressed so the salesman asked me to try out the Lariat. All I had to do was sit in it and I was sold. I am a big guy 350+ lbs and this cabin fit like a glove. It spoke to me like no other. I was super excited and took it for a test drive. I felt the road and the bumps but the salesman told me that it was a stiff suspension because it was new and it was a 4x4. I was super excited to bring my wife with me the next day to take a test drive of the 4x2. I went to the dealer with my checkbook and title to my current truck. I was mentally prepared to pay extra above my target budget to get this truck. We took the V6 turbo 4x2 Lariat for an extended test drive of about 30 min stopping home to show the kids. The entire ride on the highway and on our newly paved side roads I kept asking my wife if she could feel the road and the bumps and the jitter but she said no it was OK. When we got back to the dealership and the salesman was parking the F150 my wife told me the ride sucked, I wasnt crazy, and her back hurt. She didnt want to say anything bad with the salesman in the truck with us. I soon realized my back hurt as well from the bumps and jostling around on smooth roads. I tried and I tried to talk myself and my wife into purchasing the F150 but we couldnt. We just could not spend that kind of $ for a ride this bad. The cost of the F150 is significantly higher locally (TX) than the other brands. We went down the road to our second choice and purchased a truck with the same feature set for less $ but I settled for it. I am happy to have a new truck after 13 years but Im not super excited. I feel I would have been more excited with the F150 if it would have just rode as good as any of the other brands. It wasnt even close. The ride is called out as the biggest con in many reviews. I am not a brand loyalist. I purchase based on features I want that I determine before I go shopping, comfort, and other professional and owner reviews. Over the last 24 years Ive owned a Dodge for 11 years and a Chevy for 13 years. I purchase to get my $ out of the vehicle and I take care of them so they last. I love the look. I love the styling. I love the cabin on the Lariat. I love the 3.5L V6 turbo and the V8. I dislike the price. I hate the ride. The ride is so bad that I could not force myself or talk myself into purchasing the vehicle. If Ford ever fixes the ride I will sell my current truck early and get one. Hopefully, by the time they fix the ride the price will be better too. Ford please fix the ride!!!!

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  "I thought I was going to die driving this car" - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Cindy - July 15 - 7:04 pm

  I have always purchased Ford products in the past but, I am really re-thinking did I get a lemon with this 2014 this Ford Focus You should feel safe when you drive a new car not worried about it bogging down on the road. I have taken my new car in twice now, once the dealership replace the clutch and now they replace the transmission modules. The dealership told me right off the bat there is backlog of cars waiting for a new clutches again. I drive on the highway and was horrified when I tried to get car to speed up so a semi-truck could get off the ramp and my car acted liked the transmission stuck in gear. I am scared to take my grandkids in my car just in case the transmission locks up and caused a wreck that could hurt them. If Ford can fix the problems in a timely manor either by putting another transmission in or they should have to buy the cars back from the customers for want they paid for them. Buyer beware please do research before you buy this type of car for your own safety.

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  Bad Decision - 2012 Ford Focus
  By denise chiles - July 14 - 4:31 pm

  Ive had one problem after another. The door trim fell out, had to buy battery for remote key, Tires had to be replaced, all four in first year. Now my car wont start, no jump works, just wont start! Lights, radio, all electronics work, so far, just wont start-REALLY FORD! This car is a lemon! My sister has same make and model hers stop for no reason also. Ford after 3 times in shop finally told her its a transmission modular. I hate to find out what mine is.

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  Waste of my time... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By VMT - July 13 - 4:14 pm

  ... (trying to get this fixed) and money. This model has a dual clutch and it starts "shuddering" around the 7k mark. I was told by the dealership that it needed a new clutch (warranty) so a new clutch was put in. After another 7k miles the new clutch is doing the same thing. Took it back to the dealership and they said the PCM/TCM software needed updating. Ok... but it didnt fix it the problem. Now awaiting another new clutch. Ive been told that there are 50!!!! Focus at that dealership waiting for a new clutch and they only get a couple in each month. Its been over a month and they still dont have a clutch for my car. This clutch issue apparently has been going on since the 2011s. WHY didnt the dealership tell/warn buyers so we could make an informed decision??? WHY cant the dealership get in a clutch that will fix the issue permanently? WHY dont they just give us a new transmission without the dual clutch??? This car is a P.O.S. and not surprising, despite the name.. it isnt considered American made!