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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  LEMON DO NOT BUY - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stevienae - June 30 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Ford Fiesta in August of 2010. It is an automatic, not manual transmission. Within a month it was back at Ford with transmission issues and has continued to have problems despite at least 10 trips to the Ford Shop. I was told by Ford Engineer that it must be the way I was driving it. They felt I was breaking with my left foot with my foot not completely off the gas. I do not break with my left foot. I just had it voluntarily repossessed as I cannot in good conscious sell it to somebody. This was after the New Car Lemon Law process and denied, I offered to walk away from it and have the dealer resell it and laughed at for being upside down when asked to trade it in.

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  LEMON! LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST FORD FOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By lauren_nicole - May 9 - 5:54 pm

  By far the worst investment Ive ever made. Ive literally lost track of how many times Ive taken in this car for the transmission (Its actually in the shop right now and has been for over a month because there is such a high demand for these parts, they went on a national backorder!!) I filed a lawsuit with a lemon law attorney about a year ago. Ford offered me a settlement of $6,000 but I countered and they refused. The judge approved a mediation hearing and its scheduled for the end of this month. Cant wait to get my money back and get rid of this thing! Anyone thinking about investing in this POS, save yourself the time, money and headache.

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  Its Still Junk!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - May 3 - 10:24 pm

  This is a 22,000 mile up-date. The trans shutter, hesitation and noise are even worse. City driving in this car is awful, terrible and irritating. Weve given up dealing with Ford and their dealerships. They cant fix the piece of junk they designed and built. Well just pay it down and get rid of it! AND we will NEVER purchase another Ford product ever! This has been a terrible experience. Stay away from Ford and their dual-clutch junk!!!!!

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  I cant wait to dump this *&$^%& car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By odawg1981 - April 18 - 11:51 am

  Bought this car brand new in 2007. I currently have 88k miles on it, had problems from the start. Had to get front axle replaced covered under warranty. Replaced tires twice because the suspension wears the tires fast and I have blown two out hitting pot holes. One thing I found is this car does not like the cold. The fan on the heater squeaks, dashboard rattles, steering wheel shakes. Car makes every groan and squeak possible. Had to replace the lug nuts because tires were about to fall off. Antenna fell off, drives door doesnt lock/unlock with remote. Replaced alternator and battery at 80k miles. Screw on the shifter fell off and I could literally pull it off...dont buy this car ...

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  2003 Ford Windstar .. AVOID - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By panhead_mike - April 17 - 8:38 am

  I never thought I was a stupid man, but now Im beginning to wonder. I bought a used 2003 Ford Windstar with about 170,000ks on it. The safety recalls had been done and the transmission had be re-built at a Ford Dealership not long before I bought it. I thought I had it covered! Within 3 months the transmission was dead again. The repairing dealership was not interested in talking to a different owner and Ford doesnt want to talk to me. There are a lot of companies building vans, Do Not Buy a FORD Van...or in my case, a Ford Anything..as long as I live. You have been warned!

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  Not SAFE FIESTA - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By sophiec - February 6 - 7:18 pm

  Car had peeling paint, has odor from engine, is not shifting properly, pulling into shopping mall in front of traffic it would not move? My foot was on the gas and it went up in rpms however not go. My child was with me and I was scared because as it decided to go a truck was coming. The car is good on gas but thats not a plus with regards to safety. Its rolls backwards, again as previously stated it has definate transmission issues. Brand new with 6 months under me I should not deal with these issues at hand. Do not purchase this car if you have kids it is not safe acceleration is poor 2nd time, safety is an issue.

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  UPDATE! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - January 25 - 9:05 am

  This is an up-dat, this car keeps developing new funky problems that Ford just cant seem to find. Now the drivers side window binds and a Ford dealer said, "jus push on it." Can you believe this, just push on it, a brand new car!!! AND the car now has trouble starting in the cold!! Ford Focus = JUNK!!

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  1.6L ecoboost engine recall and fire - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By stayaway6 - December 18 - 6:08 pm

  Let me begin this has been the worst car puchase of my life. I had the car a week and it got recalled in a week for engine fires Sept 7 Ford recieved a report of engine fire Sept 24th Ford recieved another report of engine fire. Oct 22 Ford recieved a report of engine fire Between Nov 8th and Nov 29 Ford recieved 5 additional On November 29th Ford issued recall 12S41 I purchase my car on 11/23. If I would of know of the issues above I would of never bought the car. Ford offered 1) 2500 Trade assist - not enogh for dealers trade casue about axtra $3000 because of taxes he should offer $4500. 2) The would make one car payement 3) ESP Warranity 75000 miles

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mws5535 - October 23 - 7:40 am

  I might as well copy and paste the many comments I on here as mine as the same. Weve had the car for a year and all of the same issues are happening - transmission or clutch system replaced, shifting issues, been in the shop, going back in now because it just wont turn over - it is like owning a wind up toy. BUY FOREIGN CARS ONLY! AMERICAN VEHICLES...AND I HAVE OWNED A FEW...SUCK!!! My 2007 Hyundai has been a great car. [non-permissible content removed.]

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  Do Not Buy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jennifer56 - October 17 - 1:44 pm

  I have owned this car since July 2008, I bought it brand new off the lot. It has been the worst car I have ever owned. It has had major problems with the door locks, the back hatch window opening randomly while driving, tie rods, breaks- 4 sets in 4 years, air conditioning, doors not locking then locking me in randomly. Loud noises while driving which supossedly can be fixed with a hot oil flush. I cant wait til it is paid off, I plan to sell it and never buy another ford again. Dealing with Fords incompitant employees is another problem I will not miss. Problem after problem after problem.