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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  Do not buy Ford Explorer not worth the money - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Hueber - October 10 - 1:04 am

  We’ve had older Honda’s over the years with no issues with them besides normal ware and tare when things “should” go wrong and we paid way less for these cars. So once we decide to give Ford a try and we spend a $30K on a car and get a newer car, all within a year of having a new $30,000 Ford Explorer with 20,000 miles on it we’ve a had a ton of problems with it since day 1. It’s pitiful a $30K car is made so cheap and is basically a [non-permissible content removed]. The first two weeks we had it the drive belt snapped in half while we were driving to Dayton. Within the next month both motors on windows broke and needed both motors replaced. Then we take it in to get brakes checked and they tell us all 4 rotors were rusted and had pits in them at like 28,000 miles, wow rust and pits in rotors already when the car is pretty much brand new. We’ve had the car looked at again prior to 36K warranty expiration for belts because it sounds so bad and loud and they supposedly say everything is ok but you watch one of these belts are going to break again. The leather seats in front are so horrible looking and look worn and wrinkled already and the heated seats barely work but it’s past the warranty and they wouldn’t do anything about it when we took it to Ford so we left as is. Then 2-3 weeks ago my passenger side door would not shut and a piece of the chrome handle fell off around the lock and we finally got the door to shut, went to open door the next day and the handle completely came off and lock fell off. I am surprised the whole door has not fell off the cheap ass thing. Really??? a 2 year old car where the handle completely falls off???? And now we are getting a $380 bill to replace all this shit in the door when Ford did not obviously put it together correctly in the first place. And it’s funny almost every ford has recall on their doors except of course the Explorer. This is so freakin ridiculous. Anyone know what we can do about the door issue with all the other recalls going on with all of their other cars??? Should we call Ford Corporate??? Once we fix the door, looks like we will be trading it in for a Honda Pilot and WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN.

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  Broke down on the side of the road in my 2016. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MB - October 4 - 6:57 pm

  We purchased this vehicle from Marysville Ford in Washington State. We are soon to have a new teen driver in our family and were in need of a safe, reliable vehicle. I am deeply concerned that I found myself on the side of the road in a rural area with my check engine light blinking and a shuddering vehicle with no acceleration. This scenario is exactly why we impeded on our family budget to purchase what we believed to be a sound investment so our teen driver would not be at the side of the road. After reading other concerning reviews regarding this model I am concerned what the dealership may respond with this fine day. We purchased in December 2016 and have 20,000 miles on the odometer. I would not recommend this vehicle due to these unknown circumstances and note all we have had done to the vehicle are oil changes at the dealership. Wish us luck!

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  Lemonade - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Ben Hamilton - September 27 - 10:00 am

  A brief summary: a great looking truck with a lot of technology (that sadly doesnt work) Almost fully loaded Lariat. Performance: Acceleration and braking are average; acceleration being modest except when put into Sport mode. Road holding and steering are quite good for a truck. Shifting is sometimes abrupt and not always intuitive (has failed to shift multiple times) Comfort: Road noise reduction is excellent (3.5L Twin Turbo is quiet and tires are exceptionally quiet). Aside from that, seat comfort is average, though not suitable for long drives. Interior: Lots of room for movement. Lots of storage everywhere. The rear cab is obscenely large, much to the joy of passengers. The logic of controls is poor; there are duplicates of buttons, some of which also have soft keys on the display. There is also no need for 6 buttons to operate the cruise control. Safety Features: Incredibly bright headlights (LEDs), the blind spot monitoring system works very well, and the truck itself does not have terrible blind spots. The traction is sub-par in weather (snow/ice/rain) and gets squirrelly easily (even with 4WD/AWD) Tech: All seems about average. The voice commands load quickly, only minor issues are with the entertainment center; radio occasionally cuts out and the sub-woofer audio package is incredibly underwhelming, along with trouble connecting to devices. All sections of Reliability were given a 1 star, as nothing has been reliable. I have spent more time than I would care to admit driving a loaner Focus, and found that to be incredibly reliable. Repair frequency has been more the 2x a month. Dealership support has been decent, though most issues are unable to be resolved or the dealer simply resets the computer (which does not solve anything other than clearing codes). Engine is incredibly unreliable. It stalls, it doesnt start (often) and it lies about its fuel mileage. Transmission can shift worse than I did when I was learning to drive a Semi. Technicians have said the transmission "learns," but I would say it is "learning" the wrong way (getting worse). Electronics have literally shut off while the engine was running. This included power breaks and steering. Ford said it was nothing to be concerned about. Currently has spent 53 days in repair since purchase for anything from minor defects (radio cutting out, AC on seat getting hot and melting, etc) to completely unacceptable defects (engine stalls/dies while driving or idle-ing, ALL electronics TURN OFF while truck is on, etc). Obviously a lemon, but not according to Ford, which has been very un-helpful concerning their responsibility to consumers, State and Federal laws (yes, lawyers are involved). All in all, 1/10 never buying a Ford again. (1 is for looks)

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  2013 Ford Focus Another unhappy owner..Stay Away - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Randy Ritter - September 9 - 10:32 am

  Terrible transmission (already rebuilt once due to metal in trans fluid) currently at 38K miles, Bluetooth and electronics never worked correctly, full of rattles, terrible Resale value. Transmission was repaired once, shifting is erratic and when you press the gas the response is inconsistent, sometimes it takes off and other times it just creeps forward. Bluetooth wont connect to devices, Microsoft SYNC is atrocious. In less than a year of ownership book value has decreased by half. THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD EVER. This car is a complete lemon that should never have been sold and all FORD will do is extend the warranty, I just want the car fixed but that doesnt happen and I cant get rid of it because it is almost worthless due to the reputation. Gas mileage is nowhere near claimed as well as 24 mpg is about tops compared to the advertised 35+

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  If you love your family DO NOT BUY - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Caligulas Ghost - August 26 - 11:48 pm

  Where do I start? First the A/C went out, then the original tires wore within the first year. I had to replace the battery twice. Alternator was replaced twice. Transmission went out at 40K. Air intake manifold needed to be replaced. Brakes wore earlier. Until the day I last had it there was an issue with the lights flickering (dealer said the alternator/battery were fine). The car made a terrible whirring noise. RPM gauge always fluctuated. I still have nightmares about that car. I spent 5K in one 6 month period to keep it running. Please STAY AWAY from this car!

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  cant understand possitive reviews - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By hatethislemon - August 20 - 3:50 am

  Ive had this for a little over a year. The body of this van has started shaking at 45mph and faster. Reviews from Europe say this is caused by the drive shaft or the CV. Ive had it into Bay State Ford, South Easton, Ma, and they claim that it isnt shaking. Ford Motor Co. says the mechanic is an expert and if they say it doesnt shake then it doesnt shake. If I take out another Ford mechanic he is going to be holding a cup of hot coffee.

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  Dont Buy this Car! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Amber - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car that I have ever leased or owned. It does get decent gas mileage. Ford Red Carpet Leasing was also a very worthless leasing company. If you are considering this pseudo-SUV, please do not waste your money.

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  Absolute Garbage - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - July 25 - 12:31 am

  This vehicle is a true Friday afternoon lemon. Both front calipers defective at 39,000 miles - out of warranty I have to replace. Exhaust system at 49,000 miles - i have to replace. Now, transmission gone at 58,000 miles - I have to fix. Nothing is covered under warranty, Gas mileage has never been better than 12.5 MPG. When addressed to Ford that a transmission under minimal use should not need to be replaced at 58,000 miles, Ford "regrets this, but unfortunately, cant help us." Junk car, junk company, worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would highly dissuade anyone from Ford product based on this vehicle and my experience with the company.

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  This car is JUNK - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jessica - July 24 - 7:36 am

  I have the same problem with the transmission as all the other 2014 Focus owners. I do not recommend this car to anyone! I know two others that have the same car and both had the same problem! I looked it up online and find this.. Seems to be the norm. POS car and very upset customer. Taking my car back to the dealer today for the 5th time!!!! Trading it in as soon as I can!

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  Dont buy this car. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Samuel - July 23 - 10:20 am

  The car is one issue after another. I have it in the shop every other month. I pay more in repairs than the payments. Im getting ride of it next week for a different car. I will never buy ford again.