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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  Poor design and reliability - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By twigfield - April 28 - 2:10 pm

  As a business owner I bought this to replace my 1996 ford explorer with over 300,000 miles. I was suppose to get 21 to 26 mpg. I get 19.5, only 3 mpg better than my v-8 explorer. Same roads, driver and payload. This is most likely due to the extremely underpowered engine which has to work hard to pull hills in western MD. Needs to drop 2 gears to travel up hills on interstate. 6200 RPM right below redline to travel 70 mph on these hills. Forget acceleration-it doesnt exist. Good vehicle for around town but not made to drive on highways. Salesman told me power wuld not be a problem. Yeah, read any article.

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  Worst car Ive drove - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Ilqar Ilyasov - April 27 - 7:43 am

  If you decide to buy one you should buy a pack of earbuds :)) After hurricane hurvey insurance company offered us a fiesta from hertz. Im glad that Im not the owner. On the highway the noise really hurts your ears. Its unendurable. This is one of those cars that I would refuse even if it was given to me for free. I can think of only one thing about this car that didnt suck that is the mpg :) 35,6

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  Windstar from hell - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By purrsn - April 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I have replaced: Intake manifold at 50000 miles, transmission at 60000, both front anti-lock brake systems. Non covered by Ford. At least its comfortable while you wit for tow.

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  Watch Out - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford No More - April 21 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned for 6 months, 1 recall for bed. At 2500 miles new rotors on front and at 10,500 new motor. 5.4 lower engine problem. Underpowered and terrible gas mileage. Last Ford for me since Im a business owner and breakdowns cost me time and money.

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  Great until....... - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Dan Gianni - April 13 - 12:44 am

  I took delivery 1-3-17. I drive under 6000 miles /yr on average. As of today the car has only 350 miles on it. This car is loaded with all the bells and whistles and is the "top of the line" Fusion model. Last week the cars electronics had a total meltdown in my driveway and had to be towed to the dealer for warranty repair. Until I called Ford Customer service to complain the dealer was content to add the car to their repair queue, saying it would probably be two weeks until they got to the repair.......... adding that they had NO idea what was wrong with it. FORD stepped up and told the dealer to get it done and authorized them to do what was necessary to FIX the car and at least get me into a rental. When the dealer was forced to respond, they found out the audio system had a "draw" on the electronics and was never turning off, draining the battery. So, I still do not have the car back because they donthe have a fix for it at this at this point. Maybe I will get the car back before the 2018 models hit the dealers..........

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  Bad Ford - you should know better - 2000 Ford Focus
  By badcar - March 30 - 2:00 am

  There have been several recalls on this car including the rear wheel bearings. I wish I could get rid of this thing but the value has been dropping much faster than I can pay the car off. They have had to replace the complete breaking system after only about 25,000 miles and the wheel bearing went bad coming home on Christmas day with the kids in the car. Im about ready to tell Ford Credit they can have their car back.

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  Reliability is poor - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By E Texas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Performs well. Hauls family well. But the reliability is very poor. Had to have the front end rebuilt at 60K. Didnt even get it home from that trip when the transmission went out. Both items were covered under the extended warranty. If you are going to own one of these, the extended warranty is a must.

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  Let me count the ways - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Gene - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  Theres a lot good about the Fusion, but there are several things that have me saying, "I should have bought a Chevy". Economy, handling, appearance, all great. However, FordSynch is the dumbest piece of engineering Ive ever seen. It is redundant, confusing, and down right dangerous having to take your eyes off the road to keep tapping on that screen. Old fashion dials and sliders would be far superior. Engine noise: BAD. Wind noise: BAD. Seats: UNCOMFORTABLE (passenger seat vertical adjustment is an "option". You feel like youre sitting in a hole without it. Climate controls: HORRIBLE. (even the dealer had to tap the screen three times just to get vent air). To sum it up, I made a mistake.

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  Look elsewhere. 2015 Ford Focus = Lemon - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Tiffany - February 20 - 6:46 pm

  Before getting into my 2015 Ford Focus I owned a 2008 Ford Focus. My 2008 was unfortanlly wrecked and I loved the car so much I diddnt want anything else other then my focus back. I ended up landing in a 2015 Ford Focus. The first week I had the 2015 focus I brought it into the shop for a shakey transmission and poor acceleration. I was told nothing is wrong with my car. A year later having the same issues and a few more that includes the focus dying and stepping on the gas with the Rpms running up to 5,000 before it jerks and sputters and makes a final move. my focus currently needs a new clutch and a few sensors with only 15,000 miles. I come from a ford family and have owned fords my whole life but this will be the last "New" ford I will ever by. My 1997 Ford escort ran better then this 2015 Ford Focus. They changed the transmission in this 2015 Ford Focus and I think its the biggest mistake ford has ever made. I hope they recall this car before they lose a lot of valuable customers. My focus will be traded in at the end of this month once I was told they needed it for 8 to 10 weeks for repairs. My advice would be look elsewhere if you want a ford dont buy it new.

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  My Focus is a lemmon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Hill - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Only 7000 miles on it and its been in for repairs three weeks and counting. The engine shutdown and would not start. Towed in. Two weeks in shop. Three days later. Same thing. Towed in. Ford stopped paying for my car rental. Now I have no car to drive. Last Ford I will buy.