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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  Horrible Value, Poor Workmanship - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jcmorning - December 14 - 11:17 pm

  I bought a brand new Shelby GT500 in December 2010. It was my dream car. However, four years later, that dream has become a nightmare. Everything is breaking on the car, which I rarely drive. The latest straw was the Clutch, which the dealership is saying is worn out. The vehicle only has 23K miles, and doesnt even need new tires! It has had one owner, and one driver(Me). Do not buy one of their vehicles (Ford). Buy an import instead, at least they are more reliable. I am broken hearted, and now just broke....

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  Dont buy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By CT - December 11 - 3:42 am

  I bought my car brand new. Within a month I had to have the trunk closure switch replaced. Shortly after the transmission and clutch went bust. Both my window switched for the front driver and passenger side stopped working. Ive taken my car to be serviced die to these problems dozens of times since I bought it. Its in the shop again due to transmission problems that have made it dangerous to drive, as it continues to lose acceleration.

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  No Faith in Ford Quality - Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tomen8r - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved the Sport Trac when I first purchased in April, 02. But one transmission, 2 other tows from my driveway, busted electronics, broken power window motor, snapped door handle, as well as many rattles and jingles, well, the thrill is gone. I purchased this new vehicle for dependibility, but it is the least dependable vehicle I have, and its the NEWEST vehicle I have! In process of shopping around for a replacement. Some areas are just thrown together, with foam here and plastic there, some which doesnt fit. That and the mechanical problems lost all faith in Ford for me and the fam.

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  My last Ford - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Brad Seaman - November 18 - 1:28 am

  Factory rear rotors need replacing at 20kmiles, valve cover leak at 30kmiles, O2 sensor at 35kmiles, another O2 sensor and throttle position sensor at 40kmiles. Any time it rains or snows its a crap shoot whats going to fail next. Factory tires were junk at 25kmiles. Stealing requires constant input to keep the car straight. Gas mileage not great, averaging around 32mpg, all high way. My car is a manual so I dont have the trans issues every one else has. My previous 2 fords were nothing but problems, thought this one would be different. I was sadly mistaken.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Ford Focus
  By drtygrrl - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2000 Focus brand new, only 6 miles on it. Since then I have put 46000 on it. The brakes have been replaced, the last time it was in the shop I was told it needed $1200 in repairs, including a new axle. It is currently in the shop again for a fuel pump, which they are charging about $700 for! I have completely wasted my money on this pile of bolts, this is the last Ford Ill ever buy!

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  Dissapointed - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Zapataro - November 8 - 7:25 pm

  I do a lot of car research. I rather enjoy it. So when I bought my 13 fusion I was fairly confidant. I hate to say that Ive been rather disappointed. I bought the fusion because I drove long distances and needed good fuel economy, comfortable ride and good connectivity. One out of three is not good enough for me. Ive never reached over 27mpg on the highway. My V8 Genesis would do over 30! The sync system is incredibly aggravating. Ive spent hours in the car trying to get it to work with my phone and I dont know how many times Ive just given up trying to use the voice control. And then there are the noises. The rattles, the tapping and the creaks. I think it might be worse then my old Jeep Cherokee. I would have expected that if the car had 150k but I bought it with only 4k! I will say that the ride and handling are quite good, it goes nicely through the canyons. But the power is only meh. Maybe my expectations are to high but Im ok with that. I will be trading this in as soon as I can. Too bad its not worth much.

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  it is not reliable! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By deryne - October 28 - 10:00 am

  the expedition is an ok car. it is real hard to find a spot because it is so big and there is not alot of room in the back row

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  Buyers remorse - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Michelle - October 20 - 5:43 pm

  The ride is not comfortable. Seats are not big enough. No USB ports in the back. Went it to dealership to buy a flex and decided on this. Should have done our research. Rented a traverse this summer and many times better ride and features. Nothing good to say about car design and ride.

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  DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Logan McInnis - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had NOTHING but problems out of my 04 Cobra. It is the worst car that Ive ever owned. The transmission was replaced before 400 miles. It has more squeaks and rattles than a babys play pen. The motor has a tapp that Ford says is normal. It isnt! I havent been able to get better than 19 mpg out of it yet regardless of driving style. Ford claims it should get 24. The dealerhip is unwilling and unable to fix the problems. I would get the car "lemon lawed" except most of the problems arent considered "major" and wouldnt apply. I have regretted buying this car since I first turned the key which sticks! Im get rid of it as I can! Youve been warned!

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  No more Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By casasmith - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We have had transmission problems, rear differential problems, leakage problems with back window, and door lock problems and that is all I can remember at this moment. No more for me!!