2 Star Reviews for Ford

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.25/5 Average
30,482 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1341 through 1350 of 30,482.00
  • dont buy - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I put a total of 126 miles on the truck before flippig it over and totaling it. I was only going 38 mph around a slight curve in the road with some rain. I was hospitalized for one day. police think there was something wrong with the truck as do I

  • Bad Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
    By -

    Even though I had very good service from my foreign cars, I wanted to give the American cars a chance. I purchased my Ford 500 based on good reviews and after a few weeks I noticed that I was losing several quarts of oil. I have the receipts for the oil. My dealer told me to bring in the vehicle. I did and after several days, a new engine was put in the car. After a few days this engine started giving me problems. I took it in and found that the engine was not put together in correctly. It was repaired in a day. In both cases I had to insist on work order that proved I had a problem with the car. The second time I was told I could not have a work order, so they typed a memo.

  • Ford, Where Quality is Job 1, Ha! - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
    By -

    In the two years Ive owned the CV its been lots of trouble. Bad emission sensors required a trip back to the dealer within two weeks. Add to that the occasional engine troubles and I was mad enough. Last week the serpentine sp? belt broke causing the elctrical system to fail, the steering to quit working completely, and the engine to overheat. As for traction in PA winters, they ought to rename the CV to the Ford Death Sled. Couple this with the exploding gas tank in rear-end collisions (I havent experienced this personally) along with the super bland exterior styling and its easy to see why people buy Japanese.

  • Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 1993 Ford F-250
    By -

    This truck has a real quality problem and is poorly engineered as a work vehicle. From day one, the front brakes would stick. Ford could never fix them. From 40K miles, leaks sprang up everywhere valve guides, main seal, A/C compressor, rear axle, pinion seal, clutch slave cylinder, master cylinder, and a rusted gas tank. The engine bay is cluttered and hard to work on. The fuel filter is in a bad spot for replacement. Very poor torque from a standing start. Many other problems that seem to be the result of Ford trying new ideas and materials that didnt work out.

  • Disappointed Customer - 2000 Ford Expedition
    By -

    For a vehicle that stickered at $42,400 the quality in workmanship is lacking. The ride is extremely unimpressive. In 50,000 miles Ive been through three set of tires (even though I rotate every 5000 miles), leather is wearing excessively, vehicle vibrates over 70 MPH (dealers cant figure out problem), windshield wiper and vent window motors failed. I dont expect these problems when I purchase a vehicle that approaches 40K.

  • Buy a Trans before you buy the car - 1996 Ford Probe
    By -

    I have not misused the car and I have performed all of the scheduled maintenance on the car. At 75,263 miles reverse disappeared. Needless to say a I need a new transmission. The cost of the work out weighs the value of the car. $900.00 for one out of a junk yard, not rebuilt and about 1000 in labor. I contacting Ford regarding the problem and informed them about the widspread transmission problems with the Probe. They are in denial about this issue and have informed me that their is currently no program in place to help me. This model car is a money pit, avoid it!

  • Lemon - 1999 Ford Contour
    By -

    I bought this car used with 400 miles on it. Two engines and $6,000 later, it is still (barley) going. My mechanic, as well as my independent research online, tell me that this car had serious issues and should have had recalls associated with the engine. In lieu of this, I plan to drive it as long as it will go to get my moneys worth, if possible.

  • Buyers Beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I bought my Ford Expedition and had nothing but problems. I had two blown head gasket one @45000 and another @60000 miles. Five times I had to return it to the dealer for A/C repair. I wrote Ford a certified letter stating the problem and they never replied. Such service. It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive owned.

  • Dont do it! - 2000 Ford Focus
    By -

    I have had nothing but trouble with the Focus and the various Ford dealerships I have encountered when getting repairs. From the tons of recalls to the cars susceptibility to be knocked out of alignment, this car is a pain. On the up side, it looks good and recently I was rear-ended and the bumper was not all smashed up. Other than that, this car is not worth the money, and I paid 15,000 for it. WELL over what it was ever worth!

  • I feel sorry for the next owner - 1998 Ford Windstar
    By -

    Ride and comfort level is good. The wheels on the GL rattle (theyre half hub caps, half aluminum wheels). The a/c cuts out for no reason, the ABS was repaired once and seems to have another problem now. The transmission hasnt gone-out...yet, but something isnt right. Door "ajar" swithches will drive you nuts when out of adjustment. Ford has some problems and they show-up in this van. The worst part about owning this vehicle is the "re-sell" value. Its worth nothing in no-time flat. When compared to my 2001 Honda Accord (with 46,000 miles and no service requirements), Ford clearly has their work cut-out for them.

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