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:

• 

  Love my Focus, But 9/28/10 - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Love my Focus, But - September 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Focus used with almost 45,000 in Aug. 2009 it now has 71,000. I love the design, very sporty with the chrome. The mpg is great at average 32. We have had no engine problems but we are starting to see others. Such as the front makes a rattling noise heard at low speeds and the motor mount has been tightened. The alignment has been fine. Just this week we noticed that the heat and ac isnt blowing out of the dash vents like it should. I absolutely love my car but I am really hoping that it isnt going to start nickel and diming me.

• 

  Not happy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By nothappy - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2010 fusion 3/2010. I really liked the car I never really own anything else other than a Ford. And after having this fusion am not sure if there is another Ford that I would like to own @ this time. I am having the same problems as for so many other 2010 Ford fusion owners. I wish I was for warned about the major transmission problems that is going on with the fusion. I have had to take my car back several times for the same thing. And needless to say my car is in the shop for a new transmission. This is so discouraging especially when a car note becomes due. Since my loan is threw Ford motor is there anyway to stop payments if you dont have the car?

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sandy Loam - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We had issues the very next day after driving it off the lot. The engine would die while driving. We took it back twice and when I demanded a free loaner while they fixed the problem, they replaced a sensor. At 30,000 miles, the transmission went and it took the Ford dealership in Sierra Vista, AZ 6 transmissions and 3 weeks to get the right one, they finally put in a Mazda transmission. AC went out, 2 dealerships could not find out why, it was never fixed.CD changer stopped working. After that, we had very little problems and we had to get rid of it after I hit a bear and totaled it out. It had well over 230,000 miles on it and was still going strong. Overall, great car & fun to drive.

• 

  Bad Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Nate - September 27 - 2:00 am

  *Contact Ford about your BAD RADIATOR! I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and I have had the same "bad radiator" experience that many other people have posted about. At 45,000 miles it started to leek and finally began to separate from the vehicle. I wrote a letter to Ford about the problem and they sent a letter back to me with a number to call. I called and spoke with a representative who took down all of my info, she told me if they get enough complaints they will post a recall and we can get a reimbursement for the repairs we had to pay for. If you havent already contacted them, do it!

• 

  Dual Clutch Auto Transmission Failure!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By talismanPHL - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission failed at 530 miles. The selling dealership (Camelback Ford in Phoenix) has no idea how to fix it - took it to another Ford dealer who said "the technicians havent been trained on how to troubleshoot the problem, so Ford has authorized a new transmission installation. I do not want this car if the transmission failed at 530 miles - we drive long distances to Salt Lake City two or three times a month. Want my 2007 Nissan Sentra back - had no problems with that car outside of maintenance! Never buy from Camelback Ford - theyre unhelpful and dont care about after-sale service. Sales Mgr tried to rip us off with added extras we didnt want!

• 

  love this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bud - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive this car from easton wa. to western wa. Over two passes one way. Once a week ( on average ) I love the comfort & handling, it has all the bells & whistle ( almost ). I hope to own it for a long time. Best Ford I ever had.

• 

  Ford ruined their reputation on this one! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By tommy - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I had car Certified, 3 mos. b/b warranty, 100,000 engine, tranny warranty. Bought every available warranty. Relative is mechanic at our local dealership. At 51,000 miles throttle body malfunctioned cost $800.00 to replace. Not under warranty. In April 2009 during routine maintenance oil leak in AC Compressor was detected, must be replaced for a cost of 1,200. Ford keeps the throttle body in stock, 2 week backlog on air compressor, should tell you something. Says tranny is a problem for this car too. Disabled, cannot afford these costly repairs. Where is the accountability Ford? Dont buy this car unless you can afford the repairs! If you get a good one count your blessings!

• 

  Built Ford tough - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By BRACK73 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This Mustang is my 4th and I love it. The 5 spd tranny shifts smoothly, and the 4.6L engine has plenty of GITTYUP and GO. I get around 22-23 MPG on the highway. The exhaust sound is awesome. The Mach stereo system is OK and the instrument cluster is easy to read and watch. the leather interior is very comfortable and being 62" and 225 lbs, I have plenty of room in the drivers and passenger seats. I do not have room in the back even if the seats are moved forward, but I did not buy it to carry people around. I bought it for the PERFORMANCE. I have had camaros and trans ams, and the Mustang is my favorite. Plenty of aftermarket parts, so your bank account wont go empty if a repair pops up.

• 

  My second Ford Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Mars - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my second 2006 Ford Taurus - never had any problems with the first as long as oil was changed every 3000 miles. Comfortable, roomy, easy to handle, V6 handles well, lots of things that work for a middle-aged woman who drives a lot. No complaints! Plenty of room for passengers, suitcases, and animal carriers.

• 

  Reliability issues and more - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Robert - September 26 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing what we thought was the perfect family vehicle for us, we have had numerous issues with no support from the dealership. After bringing the vehicle 6 times for font brake issues, we are finally made aware of a"service procedure(which is really a recall), but we are still waiting for the parts to arrive. We are now having transmission issue and are only being told by the dealer that is a "chip issue", but they are not willing to replace the chip. We also have issues with the rear folding seat not raising when activated and were told by the dealer to basically "live with it". Bottom line is that we are sad that Ford is not standing behind the product sold like other competitors