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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  Good machine - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  This has been a very good van. Hauls a goodly load, pulls the boat, and have had no maintenance issues at all. Bought it used for $7,500 in 2003 at a cheapo used car dealer and it has taken us on many a trip. Now has 139,000 miles. This has been one of the best car values I have ever owned. Reading some of the other reviews I see some real disappointments in this very auto. It seems Detroits big problem is being consistently good, not hit-or-miss in quality. The engine has always been noisy in the cabin, and that would be my only complaint.

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  2016 FORD F-150 - BUYER BEWARE - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Dissapointed Buyer - July 19 - 12:28 am

  After purchasing a new 2016 F-150 King Ranch with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, I should be loving the new truck feeling, but instead I am disappointed and frustrated with Ford’s lack of customer appreciation and quality. At only 3000 miles, the truck’s brakes failed due to brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. This is a very dangerous defect – the brake pedal just goes to floor and virtually all ability to stop the truck is instantly gone. Unfortunately, Ford has known about this problem for 4 years and in fact recalled 2013 and 2014 models in May 2016 for the exact same issue. The problem is also being reported in 2015 models. I had my truck repaired under warranty – it was at the dealership for 3 weeks – but there is no excuse for Ford allowing such a dangerous defect to persist for so long. As if Ford’s lack of quality isn’t bad enough – I also had defects with the interior console, chrome grille and excessive wind noise – their lack of customer appreciation is even more disappointing. Ford says in their Warranty guide that “customer satisfaction is their no. 1 goal”, as it should be for a $60,000 truck, but it is all talk because when you try and get warranty service performed they force the dealership to go through a prior approval process where someone sitting in Ford’s corporate offices looks for every way possible to deny a warranty claim. Even worse, the dealer has no recourse when a warranty claim is denied except to pay for the repair out of their own pocket. The customer also has no recourse – when calling their Customer Relationship Center, you speak with an unknowledgeable representative who can do nothing to help you except say they are sorry. My truck has a defect in the plastic chrome grille that I noticed when washing the truck the first time – about 2-3 weeks after delivery. Even though the dealer agreed it looked like it should be covered – they even ordered the replacement grille – when they submitted the claim for prior approval, it was denied with the Ford corporate reviewer saying the damage was caused by a solvent and had to be noted at time of delivery or submitted within 1 week to be covered. Being a chrome surface on a large truck, the defect is not obvious on cursory inspection so I never really noticed it until the first wash and just assumed it would be covered by warranty when I brought the truck in for its first service. Bad assumption on my part but you would think Ford would give the customer a little more consideration on a $60,000 purchase. Clearly, customer satisfaction is below corporate profits on their priority list. I have purchased many new vehicles in my lifetime – GM, Honda, Acura, Volkswagen, Isuzu – and have never received such poor treatment with regard to warranty service. This my first Ford and it will likely be my last unless my experience with this truck improves dramatically. Save yourself the disappointment and get a Sierra or Silverado – they are about $3,000 - $5,000 less for a comparably equipped SLT or LTZ and I bet you get treated more like an appreciated customer.

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  I like it so far - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kbarno - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  I used to own a 1995 Ford Aerostar with 220,000 miles & sold it to a friend. He has done minimal work to it and its still running. So I bought a Windstar. The washer fluid sprayer on the back window doesnt work, and Ive had to replace a windshield due to a rock ding. It needs the plugs done but thats expected at 112,000 miles other than that Im happy. The clunky noise in the tranny seems to be a normal Ford thing. The Aerostar sounded like that for years and at the mileage it had, the tranny still ran strong. Overall I hope to have the same luck with the Windstar, because at this time Im happy with it.

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  2001 SES DOHC - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By J - July 18 - 7:41 pm

  Had some recalls to deal with and some problems with the engine making unusual sounds. Not a car I would buy again. Has a lot of cargo area though.

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  poor mileage, worse customer service from FMC - 2012 Ford Focus
  By - July 18 - 11:58 am

  FMC advertisements and website make untrue, deceptive and misleading statements as to mileage for the Ford Focus. FMC customer service is indifferent or dismissive and unresponsive to dealer statements that there is a 6,000 mile break-in period - FMC says what Ive been told is appropriate and they concur. I drove an almost 2,000 mile road trip, on cruise control through Ill., IN, OH, PA and NJ to document my recorded 31-33 mpg. The dealer says I get 37.5. The math is simple. The FMC representations are absurd and astonishingly arrogant and offensive considering $20,000 is spent on their product. The transmission had to be recalibrated twice to get it right.

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  Revaluation of 2006 Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - July 17 - 4:33 pm

  I have discovered that Ford engineers have designed the Focus on-board computer to disengage the A/C compressor when accelerating either easily and normally or upon hard acceleration from a stop. This causes the A/C to blow warm air during this procedure, which is normally not too noticeable EXCEPT if you live in a place like Phoenix AZ when its 110-115 and the cars interior is even hotter. My dealer service department has checked the car and reports all is normal and I have even seen a bulletin from FORD indicating this is normal. I have gone from loving my new Focus to now thinking it is just another new car piece of junk. Also, it appears in this climate I am now getting only 17-18 mpg city.

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  Gas mileage beast - build quality ok - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Eric - July 15 - 8:06 pm

  I always wanted to own an Expo and bought a left over 2005 in December. Then gas prices took off. The truck is very comfortable, but the build quality is only "ok." I have 10,000 miles on this vehicle and things are already rattling and I have squeaks. Gas mileage is no where near EPA figures, even with gentle starts and cruising at posted speeds on the highway. Ive never seen better than 15-16 (this is a 4x4 model). At over $80 to fill it, its time for me and the Expo to part ways - it just isnt worth the expense - well squeeze into something a lot more economical.

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  Good Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By MacDisciple - July 15 - 7:19 am

  This is a good little truck that does what I ask of it. It is not comfortable, it is underpowered, and there are few amenities, but if youre looking for something inexpensive to do your light dirty work, it is a good choice. I wouldnt purchase it for daily driving or heavy towing.

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  Not happy with Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Betsy - July 8 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my Ford 500 1 year ago. I have had several problems...all which have been covered by warranties. My biggest complaint is with the brakes. I have had the pads replaced as often as I have had the oil changed, no joke. Also the rotars have been deglazed twice and turned once. Also there is a lot of road and engine noise while driving. I also had to replace the tires at 15k miles. Nothing lasts long on this car!!!

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  3 years later - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - July 6 - 7:26 am

  My first review was in 2003, only a couple of months after my new purchase of Explorer. Now 3 years later, I have had several problems with it. The rear end has got something major wrong! It makes a horrible whining and grinding noise. I have had 3 window motors replaced. Radio will go off for no reason. Transmission is not right. I love the comfort and look and all of my "bells and whistles", however, I am now looking to get rid of it because of the rear end troubles. I have heard this will cost me a fortune. This happened at 37,000 miles and ever since the warranty ran out, it has been downhill!