2 Star Reviews for Ford

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.25/5 Average
30,482 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 261 through 270 of 30,482.00
  • Not made to last - 2004 Ford Focus
    By -

    I got this car from my brother with about 60K miles on it. The check engine light came on soon afterwards, the IMRC actuator was not working. Brake rotors wore out about every 20K miles, apparently thats normal. At 119K, IAC went bad, then everything else did too. Fuel lines, fuel pump, MAF sensor, O2 sensors, bad cat, and the brakes squealed even with new rotors and pads. It was a great car until about 100K miles, then it gave up. Oh yeah, the air filter is "lifetime" or 100K miles, then its 500$ Poor quality parts, disposable American car. My 93 Subaru has 180K on it, runs great, very few problems. Sad American cars cant really compete with Japanese cars that are made in America

  • worst vehicle ever - 2003 Ford Windstar
    By -

    This was our first time car buy for $9,500, within a year of buying the transmission went out and we discovered that the axle had cracked. we found that the ford had called a recall. within another year of having the transmission fixed the second one went out. The right side window motors went out, we had to replace the speedometer electronics, The interior light like to flicker on and off as well. I recommend avoiding this vehicle all togetherl.

  • Bad car to buy - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Car is very small inside. Driver side window wont roll up all the way after one year. I will bring back to the dealer this weekend and see what happen. I was thinking of supporting American economy by buying this brand new Ford Fiesta 2011. But the quality are disappointing.

  • Fed Up with Ford - 2010 Ford Escape
    By -

    This is my 2nd Ford in 5 years and my 4th transmission. I had a Ford Fusion that had a transmission fail 1,500 miles past warranty and was stuck 250 miles from home. Ended up working a deal with a Ford dealer in Los Banos and bought a 2010 Ford Escape with 38k miles. 3 months later the transmission failed. Got a new tranny from factory (no cost) and now a yr later it has failed again. Dealer looked up history and learned this will be the cars 4th transmission. There seems to be a lot of forums and posts about how bad Fords transmissions are. Car is no good if the transmission doesnt work. Wish I limped into a Chevy or Honda dealer down in Los Banos.

  • I made a huge mistake buying this truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I own a 2WD 2001 Ranger Edge with the 3.0L V6 and an automatic transmission with only 80,000 miles on it. So far in the year Ive had it, Ive had to replace the oil pan gasket (the 3L commonly has oil pan gasket problems, mine was pushed out from the pan/block seal at both ends of the engine), fuel pump (died), blower motor (died), blower resister pack (melted), dash lights (a few behind the speedo and tach died), and starter. And Ive still got to replace the seal around the third brake light (leaks like a sieve), and the PATS system (not aftermarket, its Fords antitheft system - it often decides the factory keys are not right and locks the truck down in theft mode) Do not buy this truck

  • Poor Choice in Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
    By -

    I purchased my 2010 Fusion SEL used in 2010 with 22k miles on it. At first I really enjoyed my car, but then the transmission flares started. The first time I took it in under warranty they kept my car for 26 days because the part was on back order. The second time I had a problem out of it they had it for 13 days. I replaced the rear brakes at 40k because they were horrible. I have replaced the front tires twice because one tire wears unevenly and would not pass inspection. The third time I had a problem I took it to the dealership I purchased it from and they bought it back from me for more than I owed. I am now the happy owner of a 2012 Malibu and will not own a Ford ever again.

  • Not safe to drive on hills!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I have always been happy with Fords - until I bought this Fiesta 2 months ago. I dont drive in the mountains, just some hills. There is a stop light at the base of the driveway into the place I work. The car cannot reach the 35 mph speed limit!! I stay in 2nd gear - the tach is over 3500 rpms - shift to 3rd and it slows down! Same problem on the highway - its ok if Im dong 60+ but otherwise, I watch the mph go down. down shifting doesnt do any good. Its a busy road with lots of semis. Dealer says its normal, nothing wrong with the car. I need to learn how to downshift. I have a co-worker with an automatic Fiesta hatchback... has the same problems.

  • Lags behind competition, some reliability issues - 2011 Ford Escape
    By -

    We bought this because we like the design. Whether or not it is dated is subjective. My wife can actually see out of it without blind spots. Reliability issues: Transmission "flashed" several times but it still clunks into drive when cold and has a dead spot around 2500rpm. Shifts can be irratic. Rear window seals replaced to fix water leak. Front end links (bushings) have been replaced 3x to solve clunking noises over bumps. Struts replaced twice to resolve combined front end soft/mushy handling. Round 4 for the same early symptoms. Sync is very problematic with many different phones. Dealer now reporting this is all normal. Several aftermkt fixs for known issues above!

  • Rides like an army truck - 2012 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We got the 2 WD thinking it would ride smoother than 4 WD. Unless you are on new smooth paving the ride is jarring. Seats are hard as rocks. Because they force the 3 rd row seating there is so little leg room that only a child can be comfortable in second row seats. If we would not take such a big loss we would get rid of the car.

  • First time Ford lets me down. - 2012 Ford Escape
    By -

    I got this car back in March and two weeks later it broke down in the middle of the freeway, left me stranded. They said it was the sensor and had to replace it. First time that Ford lets me down since I have been buying Ford cars since 1997. Also the car vibrates, shakes, and rattles like if it was an older car. Not sure what is up with that, but the dealer said that a lot of people were complaining about it too.

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