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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  Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lou - June 19 - 10:26 am

  This is our first minivan and we loved it.We bought it new as I hoped that fact would keep us out of the shop and trouble free. The automatic transmission failed at 36,095 miles. The dealer says its out of warranty, but good news... it will only cost me $200.00 plus the cost of the tow. Well I thought that was a break, and I am thankful but, this is a major problem that should not happen at all yet this soon. Ive owned five Fords in all. Im not sure about the next.

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  2001 ZX3 base 5 speed with A/C - 2001 Ford Focus
  By spudjack - June 18 - 9:37 pm

  Bought 4/02 with 7,800 miles. On 6/06 have 24,500 miles. So far have had 2 or 3 recalls done. Have letters for 2 or 3 service bulletins. Like my Focus but only rate this vehicle average. Problems so far faulty gas cap covered under warranty and the hood release under the dash board disintegrated and had to be replaced. Biggest complaint about this car is the a/c. It does not get very cold. Have dark interior and finally had the windows tinted to keep the heat down on hot days. Average 28-30 mpg in blended driving. Would buy a Focus ZX3 again but would have to be 2003 or newer.

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  Painful front seat and foot-well design - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Henry F. - June 18 - 3:29 am

  Great, smooth ride. Wonderful turning radius and nice looks, BUT: The sides of the seats ride high and put pressure on the thighs, and its immediately noticeable and uncomfortable. 62" here but not big, relatives of mine who are much smaller said the same thing immediately. Contributing to the pain, though, is that they redesigned the foot well so that the floor actually inclines back to front and left to right, which puts your ankle and leg at very weird angles, and doesnt allow for a depth of the basin for pivoting over the pedals. The angle of the brake (also too far forward - towards you) and the gas pedal has increased which makes matters worse. They also increased the angle of the dead pedal, and one cant even put a foot on it without it pushing the toes inward --- the walls curve in and effectively make everything near the pedals smaller. I think they did this to open up room back towards the chair but all of the above caused me much pain. I even measured angles, distances, etc. to make sure I wasnt crazy --- Im not. Its sad because its a nice looking car that otherwise would be enjoyable, but ... if you are in pain driving something its a complete loss.

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  Never Again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By stanlell - June 17 - 11:36 am

  In the shop twice for transmission problems before 12,000 miles. Took 1/4 tank of gas and 2 hours to go 23 miles up hills recently while traveling on vacation.Thought the transmission was going to fall out. Back again last week for same transmission problem that was "repaired" 18,000 miles ago, only had to pay $100 deductible even though it is under full warranty. Afraid to drive up a hill because I am out of cash and cannot afford another $100 should it have to go back in the shop. I will never again have a Ford product and this one will be gone as soon as I make the last payment. Hello Toyota.

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  50 years of Fords and this is the last - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By My Last Ford - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Im 8,000 miles into the 3th transmission in 115,000 miles and Im now getting "check transmission" errors. The original transmission died at 40,000, the second at 60,000 and number 3 at 112,000. The only other problems have been tie rod ends at 50k and a couple of engine modules at about 70,000. Ford paid for tranny #2 under their 36,000 replacement part warranty. The new error (the previous trannys died while pulling out into traffic with no warning) is likely to be a computer module that isnt part of the warrantied replacement tranny -- needless to say after $10,000 in repairs on a $25,000 car, this is the last Ford, despite a lifetime of being a Ford owner.

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  New owner - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By M.S.A - June 15 - 6:01 pm

  I dont know much about these cars. I just recently purchased a 2016 fusion se. I liked how it handled when I test drove it, the ride is smooth and its sharp looking. Anyway, I have only had the car for almost 4 weeks and noticed going downhill the rpms run high and the car slows down a bit. Is this normal? Ive already had a couple problems with it and have had to take it back to the dealer which is a 45 min trip one way and Im just tired of dealing with them

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  Focus ZX3 Hatchback - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Barbara - June 15 - 9:56 am

  Ive been disappointed with this vehicles gas mileage since I purchased it. Ive found that larger automobiles get better gas mileage. I have a gas tank that holds just over 11 gallons and when I travel 350 miles to visit my son the car uses about a tank and a half of fuel. That figures out to be less than 22 MPG on a road trip.

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  F.O.R.D. - 1992 Ford F-150
  By jazzbeau - June 14 - 4:50 am

  I bought this truck new,and it was fine until the odometer hit 39k miles. Then prematurely, the power steering pump went south! Of course Ford turned their back on me, that soon after the expiration of the warranty. So, $380 later I can steer like I should be able to. At 65k, all of the steering parts needed to be replaced. Then finally at 81k the transmission went, taking with it the radiator and transmission cooler. Seems it was a defective transmission, as it never shifted right. The dealer said that was normal lol ... and then the lines all plugged up from this type of premature wear. I later found out that this was a common problem on Ford AOD trannies. Ill never buy another Ford again! Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  2012 Focus has Transmission issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By psheldon - June 13 - 4:41 am

  Been reading reviews. Yes, I know its an automated dual clutch and am familiar with the technology. Its a good design. However, the computer setting is dubious and our dealer covered up. Shifting was jerky and we were told it was "normal" or due to being an early model. Then recently it revved to 4000 and more in shifting - sounded a mess and engine light came on. Normal -- or whos lying? Heard it was adjusting itself and a computer upgrade was needed. Have been told it was "Normal" "Battery problem" "Get the regular computer update," How insulting can your service department be? Asked for computer printout -- "Delayed shift" Fully fine now (for now?) with new computer setting.

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  Fusion I4 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BillS - June 10 - 12:30 pm

  This car replaced a Dodge Charger SXT 3.5. I read many of these reviews about the great I4 performance and see a few really have the V6. The performance is not good at all, with many up and down shifts during a typical Chicago rush hour commute trying to keep up. With just a choice of D or OD, you cant even help it along. The fronts seats are also pretty hard and even though multi-adjustable, I cant get a good position. The build quality is very good and wish I had the choice of getting the more powerful motor (company provided car). So far, I am not even getting great gas mileage at around 25 mpg for the 1st 2k miles. I have a 3.2 Audi that bests that by 4 mpg & S550 that matches it.