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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  $1000 for a tune up - no joke - 2006 Ford F-150
  By nightynight - June 11 - 2:41 am

  If you are thinking about buying an 06 F-150, I highly recommend going to any auto shop and asking how much it will be for a tune up. The problem is the spark plugs break off when tried to be removed. So did Ford do a recall? Nope. They made a special tool that shops have to buy to help decrease the chances of breakage. BS!!! Does the tool work? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Half of mine broke even after they were soaked overnight. My bill? $1000!!! Very disappointed in Ford.

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  Nope - 2013 Ford Focus
  By acabaner - June 10 - 12:56 pm

  First, I realize its dumb to buy a car and not like it but I had a good test drive & it made sense due to being a good used deal. Wanted a middle ground compact car that is decent performance and economy. Cruze, Civic, Elantra werent gutsy enough and something like the Si is fun but not practical enough. I came from a 2008 Mazda 3 5spd which I now realize was amazing, but figured would change it up. Inside is cramped, the center stack is huge and has no storage. Rear leg room is poor/worse. Auto transmission (not select shift) is hit or miss can be very smooth or very stupid. Fuel economy is not as hoped. The 3 got me 25 in mostly city driving (rated 23/29) and this gets 28.5.

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  Automatic transmission is a disaster - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By pintodw - June 7 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this car for good gas mileage as I have a lengthy commute. The vehicle performed well for the first 5K miles but since then I have been in and out of the dealership with automatic transmission problems. My Fiesta now has 23K miles and has been to the dealer five times for transmission work. The last two visits have resulted in major repairs in an attempt to fix the problem and still the problem persists. The transmission shudders, hesitates, and lurches in stop and go traffic or when slowing then starting up again such as at a stop light or stop sign. The dealership has acknowledged there is a problem with this transmission but thus far has refused to replace the transmission. Avoid

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  Buyer Beware of Engine Failure - 2005 Ford F-150
  By james294 - June 6 - 8:14 am

  Truck always regularly maintained and serviced at Ford dealerships. We take care of and expect our vehicles to last. It was running perfect until it immediately began idling rough at a stop. No check engine light, we just know our truck. Took it in for a tune-up (replaced spark plugs, etc.) and oil change. Perfect bill of health - couldnt replicate problem. Long story short - towed it back to Ford - they were able to replicate the problem - oil pressure dropped suddenly - need new $7k+ engine at 68K original miles. Others having same problem, but no recall. Unreal. Plus, while under warranty - had the four wheel drive go out and other engine issues. Not Ford tough.

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  Do no buy this car! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By megc85 - May 21 - 11:48 am

  I have had my car for just over a year 2013 Ford Fusion SE and it has spent 3 months in total in the shop. My pre delivery was messed up and no antifreeze was added. I have since had the heater core replaced and I now have antifreeze in my engine oil. My main computer control module had to be replaced and this is what took most of the 3 months as Ford had to rewrite the software because there were so many issues initially. Granted I had a loaner car, I was mortified it took this long! And the first time my car came out of the shop I had a crack split the whole way across the wind sheild as there was a tool dropped on it.... obviously never to be replaced by the dealership

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  Am I the only negative review? - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By jetsfever01 - May 14 - 9:52 pm

  With four star reviews across the board, what was the reason not to buy the truck? Oh wait, I forgot to read the reviews were based on people who had less than 80,000 miles on the stupid thing. WARNING TO BUYER! IF OVER 120,000 miles, your wallet is in for a treat! i ended up purchasing this thing for 5,000 back in may 2011 with 134,000 miles. (thought it was a good buy, right?) After barely 3 years of service in May 2014 and 173,xxx as the final tick on the odometer, Im on to another car. Ive spent 4,700 in misc. repairs the last three years thinking money well spent. The head gasket has just went and refuse to pay more for what I paid for. just remember: under 120,000 good, over = bad

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  2012 FOCUS SFE - Transmission died $4,300 fix - 2012 Ford Focus
  By eagleshot - May 12 - 3:33 pm

  I have a 2012 SFE that I purchased in Nov 2011 with 7 miles on it. Before I ever drove it, the salesperson told me about the shutter and explained why it was doing it and that it was normal. Within a month of getting it, I had to take it in to have the transmission "reprogrammed". That stopped the issues for a while but within another month I was back again. The service tech told me the same story and that I should keep driving it and it will eventually get better. I drive 120 per day all highway miles. At 84K miles I had to replace the transmission. $4,300USD.

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  Love to hate my car- filing a claim with BBB - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cduggan - May 12 - 10:43 am

  So as most of you have posted you love/hate your car as well. I love the luxury of this car in looks as the sportiness comes to mind as well. However, I have had my car less than a year! I bought it with a little less than 66,000 miles on it. Now after reading reviews, Im not the only one having issues with this throttle problem. My car too died on the freeway while going 72 miles! After reading the reviews Im happy I have the extended warranty, but they still want to charge me the deductible. Ive gone to the BBB dept for help. I do not feel anyone should have to pay for a known issue.

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  Very disappointed - 2012 Ford Edge
  By joneskmaz - May 8 - 12:37 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for nearly 2 years and continue to be disappointed. The battery died after 1 year, brake booster went out, Vista roof rubber rails fell off driving down the freeway, then the motor wouldnt close it. Air conditioning went out May 2013 and now again this May 2014, has been recalled for the fuel line. Ive had a mysterious grinding noise starting the car and it wont start then you can start it, they dont know whats wrong. The SYNC doesnt work correctly and does strange things, I spend hours at the dealer and most times they cant or wont give me a rental. I am at the point of never wanting to own another Ford and want to trade this in for something reliable.

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  Wont go past 100,000 miles - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By johcar - May 3 - 10:13 am

  Nice enough vehicle except access to the back seat in the 2 door model is close to zero since the drivers seat only moves forward/back 2". Ill never have a two door SUV again. With only 80,000 miles on it, the timing chain(s) are making noise. Apparently it was a recall issue that previous owners never took care of. It is expected to go out at 100K or so. Repair bill is $3200.00. Ford should honor this recall even though its ten years old. I feel like I got screwed here, and I was happy with two previous Rangers, -a 98 and 01.