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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  Ford needs to step up! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By m_a_t_47362 - January 11 - 9:11 am

  We got our Freestar in October of 2004. We were told it was new and that only the dealer had drove it. We ended up paying full brand new price, when it had over 16,000 miles on it. We get it home and immediately started seeing problems. The side mirror had been glued on, the door handle on the back gate kept coming off, we was supposed to had a bumper to bumper warranty on it, but when I took it in to get handle put back on we was told it would cost us a minimum of $300 just to get it looked at! There is something wrong with all the wiring, it dies all the time, door locks wont work, and driver window wont roll down. Engine light stays on, and brakes and tires cant last long on front end. All in all this is not a good vehicle. Do not buy!

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  Ford Edge - 5 Year Life Span - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Michele Bond - January 9 - 12:15 am

  I have (had) a 2011 Ford Edge Limited and maintained it according to service manual guidelines. I was out running errands on a Saturday and it quit moving. I had to get it towed to the auto repair shop and learned that it needs a new engine!!! Hello. That is a $7-8K repair for a car that is only 5 years old. Ford customer service was of little or no help other than to say that the car needs to be at a Ford dealership. Not happening...the car wont move and I would need to have it towed again. I suggested a 3-way call between me, Ford customer service, and the car repair shop, which was not possible. Did I like the Ford Edge? Yes...loved it up until 3 days ago when it stopped working and needed a new engine. Definitely not reliable and not recommended. And, Ford is little or no help. I dont think that it is acceptable for a car manufactured in this day and age to only run for 5 years and then require an engine replacement.

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  Avoid the Focus, buy Toyota instead - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Dean - January 3 - 9:51 am

  For starters, the transmission has some serious issues. It causes way more problems than buyers are aware of. The transmission is faulty, it messes with your entire electrical system, and Ford is the absolute worst when it comes to dealing with this issue. Just now, I cant even get the car to start sometimes. It will stall out on you in the highway and your radio will not work after 40000 miles. Trade it or get rid of it. Avoid any and all Ford cars. It will fail on you eventually.

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  Died after 300 miles - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Disappointed - December 8 - 8:46 am

  Bought the truck brand new and after 8 days and 300 miles, the engine died. Yes, died. Unbelievable! We liked the truck when it ran. Unfortunately, it didnt run for very long. You would think Ford would replace the truck. At this point, they have had the truck as long as I have.

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  2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jay Chesley - November 22 - 6:51 pm

  Just purchased a 2016 Explorer and had the following problems within 200 miles and Ford will not repair stating it is normal. 1. Clunk in driveline. 2. Smell of Gas 3. Knock in Engine 3.5 Twin Turbo. 4. Seat covers coming off. 5. Tran slipping

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  Horrible Lemon - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Kay - November 19 - 2:44 am

  I havent had my brand new for over 6 months and it has been in the shop over 10 times. Ford keeps coming up with excuses why they cant buy the vehicle back. When it comes to providing me with another form of transportation if they dont have any vehicles available they tell me I have to pay out of my pocket and they MAY reimburse me. Ford volunteers to pay one month note which is still not paid so I am receiving harassing phone calls from Ford credit all day plus it is being reported on my credit as delinquent payment. I will never recommend anyone to purchase from Ford especially a brand new car.

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  The worst car in automotive history - 2007 Ford Focus
  By roger hessman - October 23 - 6:17 am

  This cars electrical system is a nightmare. The alternator blew out 4 times in first year(6000mi). Now the battery warning light comes on randomly. Repair shops cant figure out whether its the alternator, voltage regulator, or battery. Iv installed new batteries 4 times. The parts for this car come from different sources all over the world. The whole design of the electrical system is moronic. I will never buy another Ford or any American car. From now on its Toyoto or Honda. One last note, the $2000 extended warranty that dealer [non-permissible content removed] try to sell you are totally worthless.

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  Found on Road Dead - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Disgruntled Ford Owner - October 10 - 12:38 am

  I own at 2016 Ford Explorer. I was on my way to Chattanooga, TN last week when the wrench light came on and the SUV lost its ability to travel over 3 miles per hour. It had 4,800 miles on the odometer when this incident occurred. This incident occurred approximately 35 miles from Chattanooga at 1:40 p.m. I called Ford roadside assistance and they are about the most useless group of people on the planet. Making a long story short, it took over 3 1/2 hours to have a service truck dispatched to take me to tow me to the nearest dealer. I arrived at the dealership about 6:50 p.m. The Ford roadside assistance people offered no assistance in helping me to obtain a rental car. Ultimately, I was left stranded at a closed dealership and had to take a $50 cab ride to the airport to rent a car. The problem with the SUV ended up being the throttle plate. It is very troubling to me that Ford is selling an automobile that they know can at any time leave you stranded by the side of an interstate. Even more troubling is the fact that when this happens, you are basically on your own. Ford roadside assistance is a joke and the people that I dealt with could not have cared less about my situation. The National Transportation Safety Administration should require an immediate recall of the 2016 Ford Explorer. If they fail to do so, eventually this problem is going to end in tragedy for someone.

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  should be a class action lawsuit against ford - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Beezies3 - September 9 - 6:48 pm

  Ford has known since 2003 that the dual clutch was no good yet they put it in my 2012 Ford Focus.

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  Last Ford I will ever own after 20 years. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By nobrandnames - September 7 - 11:12 am

  This is the worst car I had ever owned in my life. My first Chevy as a teenager beats this junk, and it was total junk. Good luck with getting parts made in Mexico Ford; like the transmission. I am buying VW for now on. This is the first car and with only 20000 miles I cant wait to trade it in. I would trade it for a lawn mower; at least it will get me places. transmission skips and you take it in and they say it is fine. My old sales man offered to trade for a fusion but afraid trading it in for one piece of junk for another. I feel sorry for the person who bought a fiesta.