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!!!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Nolan - July 3 - 1:17 pm

  Save yourself the headache, the constant trips to the service department and being broke down on the side of the road. This car is beyond unsafe. Ive had it for 2 years and its had transmission issues the entire time and has a active recall on the transmission. Its on its way back to get repaired for the 5th time and Im sure it will break down again. Ford doesnt do anything to help. So Im stuck with a car that value is very low because of the recall. Im looking at a $6,000 loss if I trade it in. I will never ever buy a ford anything again. Please dont buy this car.

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  STAY AWAY - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By JWM - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  Simply the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Bought with 38K and only have 50k now. I have replaced the front axle, rear shocks (twice), front shocks and struts, and sway bars and it still feels like we are surfing. I have also fixed the brake sensor (twice), rear brakes and rotors, power steering pump, various gaskets, and the transmission had to be rebuilt and left my family stranded on our vacation. Driving it home from having the transmission rebuilt, the check engine light came on again. The front seat belt doesnt work properly and the power switch for the front seat has been broken for about a year. Even with the extended, this van is costing us money. Please dont ever buy this van.

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  BEWARE - driveline vibrations that Ford cannot fix - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By UltimateW - June 24 - 6:46 pm

  If you are considering buying one of these cars, be aware that there is an design/engineering issue which causes a vibration between 55-70mph. Ford cannot figure out the problem, many owners are having to leave their cars at the dealers for months waiting for parts to be ordered which may/may not be able to fix the problem. IF you are considering buying a S550 mustang (2015+) MAKE SURE you drive it to 55 MPH-70mph and pay attention to vibration. It may be subtle, it may be drastic. This isnt 1 in 50 this affects, its more likely 1 in 2 that this problem exists in. Reference: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15990 Recommendation: as pretty as they are, do not buy an S550 Mustang until Ford steps up and reengineers a solution to this problem. This may mean a completely new driveshaft, differential, and output flange for all users - BUT wait till Ford releases a TSB before you consider buying one of these.

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cmg2001 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After growing up in Detroit, I never thought I would buy a foreign car. I have finally had enough. After driving this car for 3 yrs and 90K mi, I am finally putting an end to my frustration. Hwy fuel economy of 23- 25 mpg/ 250 mile range - no power with the automatic transmission and recall after recall after etc... If you really want to see what a mistake this car is all you have to do is try trading one in, Hold onto your shorts. For me the answer is toyota or honda or mazda and finding somewhere to park down the street when i visit my parents. PS I am on my fourth set of tires with rotation and alignments done regularly.

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  DRIVER RETURNING ON FOOT! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Greg M. - June 9 - 4:17 am

  I was a Ford man; not after this piece of junk! 60,000 miles--transmission rebuilt 2X. A/C suffered catastrophic failure. Driven loaners for 6,000 miles already (I guess you could say this will extend my warranty approx. 10%) Ford should be ashamed of themselves! Transmission now (today, anyway) shifting better, but we have lost 2 MPG in the process! Bet the govs and EPA will love this! False advertising! SYNC is more of an annoyance than anything else; belongs in the sink! I should have bought a Kia Soul! UPDATE 12/2017-Fourth transmission went out--stranding my wife and daughter (who has special needs and a wheelchair) on the highway. More drama than I prefer. FORD--SHAME ON YOU!!! No more new Fords in my driveway! EVER!

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jend99 - May 24 - 4:20 am

  Worst experience with a car and a dealership in my entire life! I urge anyone and everyone to stay away from the Ford Focus. For the last NINE months I have had continuous brake problems with no resolution other than Ford uses cheap parts. That they do! The salesperson never told me I would have to pay to replace the brakes every 12,000 miles (as they now tell me!) or I would not have purchased the vehicle.

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  Get a Camaro ... - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By GTStylez - April 1 - 1:23 pm

  I have had it with this car. I find myself challenged by Camaros from the late 80s. Even the 5.0 Foxes of days gone can give me a good run for the money. Wheres the improvement, Ford? On the AutoX, because the rear-end is too high, I tend to fishtail out. Im not a bad driver, either. FOr the money I could spend in mods, I would rather save up and buy an F-bod. GM, come back, Im sorry!

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  Very Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RLF - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This model has been downgraded from previous Limited trim levels. The result is unsatisfactory. The ride is harsh and noisey. The interior is cramped and loaded with cheap plastic. The Lexus RX330 would be a much better choice for the money

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  FORD refuses to stand by their own vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Nicole - February 28 - 12:20 pm

  My husband and I bought a brand new 2016 Ford Explorer (which was in the showroom). This cost upwards towards $50,000. Less then two months later my roof started leaking and my center console had a puddle of water in it, electeonics were soaked, seats soaked and floor wet. Took it to the dealership and they claimed it was a pinched drain in the roof and the problem was fixed. Less then one week later I went to get in my car and it was soaking wet again. Took it back to the dealership and they stated they poured water from a hose on the car for "two hours". They took the headliner off and found the other drain pipe was NEVER installed from the factory. So now they poured water on the car for two hours while there was no drain pipe installed. Called the Ford manager of Ford (not the dealership) - his name is James - and he claims there is nothing they can do other then pay ONE lousy car payment and extend our warranty for 5 years ... this is funny because the warranty does not cover mold and mildew. I am highly allergic to mold and my 2.5 year old son is too. This allergy triggers my asthma. James did not seem to care and reall didnt seem to want to help in any way. We are now in contact with our lawyer. I will NEVER but a Ford product again and cannot believe the vehicle passed the factory inspection - how many more of these are out there? Now since it was a FACTORY defect, it somehow is now OUR headache. I will tell everyone I know to never buy a Ford.

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  Would not rebuy - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Erica Flores - February 22 - 12:23 am

  I loved ford, so much so I only ever bought fords, but this is BS. I just bought a 2016 ford Escape and its engine is suddenly just stopping. I would be going 65mph on the free way and go to try to pass someone or get over and try to accelerate just to see that my engine has shut off. All I see is a message to put it in park to start engine. It would start right back up but It has happened three times and the third almost got me smoked my a Simi, so I bring it in to Ford Dealership since it is under warranty. They keep it for two days to tell me they have no idea what is wrong with it. That it didnt happen when they drive it and there was no code popping up so they do see a problem and dont know what to tell me. PISSED is a understatement right now. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!!