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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  Transmission Defect - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Betty - February 17 - 3:06 pm

  My Model is the 2016 Escape Titanium FWD (front, not 4-wheel) 2.0 L GTDI Echoboost Engine 6-SPD Selectshift Auto Trans, with a sticker price of $33,624.99. There is a bad "shudder" in the transmission which is felt and heard when going from reverse to drive. My dealer says, after I had it in for repair 2 times, once for 4 days, "Ford Motors is aware if this ISSUE in these models. However, they are not authorizing any repairs at this time", giving me no time frame as to when a solution might be found. I only have 1200 miles on this vehicle, and owned it for less than 90 days. My dealer (Sanders Ford, Jacksonville, NC) is offering me no solution, buy back, or promise that I might be broken down on highway or what this means for my investment. Service manager referred me to the Ford Hotline Consumer line to "open a case" on my particular vehicle, this was more of the same run around that it will be fixed as soon as the engineers come up with a solution. Then told me to try coming to a complete stop and very slowly take off, and I wouldnt feel the "shudder", which I loved being told to drive it differently to accommodate their defect. I am livid with Ford Motors, and the dealership who is still selling these 2016 Escapes right now from their showrooms and lots. Are they telling buyers today that there is an "Issue" with the transmission ? Did they know of this issue when they sold me mine ? Cannot get a timeframe on how long they knew of this issue, but know I bought one of the first 2016s from Sanders Ford. Looks like I am stuck with this vehicle and at their mercy, but I surely am going to spread the word about not being told and it having a warranty that they will not or cannot use to repair transmission. Next step is going to be the BBB in our area for misrepresentation of this new vehicle, sold with a known defect. Apparently, this "Hot Line" is just a drop box for these issues until they get enough complaints, then they issue recalls. Meantime their unsuspecting buyers/customers are making payments on something that may or may not be dependable. Ford had a "better idea" so they thought, about the Pinto, which they put people off for so long that many people were burned to death..then they recalled ! Think they would learn. Dont think I will ever be happy with this car, no matter how it ends, and will never buy another Ford.

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  Worst car Ive owned in 20 years of driving. Run. - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Russ D. - February 10 - 3:17 am

  Loses 50% of value in one year. Shifts horribly. Particularly from 2nd-3rd, as well as down shifting on down hills when applying the brakes. Not at all the time, but enough to make you flinch, expecting it to lurch you forward in your seat. Didnt happen during test drive or I definitely would not have purchased. Took it to dealer, was told this was "normal behavior" for this transmission and handed a print out of internal service bulletin ststing the same. Note to Ford: If you get so many complaints about an issue there is an ISB created for it, perhaps your definition of "normal behavior" should be reevaluated. Cheap feel to materials on interior, especially the doors. When you press on the door to exit, it just feels like dry-rotted foam behind it. Doors dont seal well, lots of dust/dirt spring through fall, doors freeze shut in winter. Trim doesnt line up, just a general lack of attention to detail. Rides smooth and quiet, perhaps the best on those 2 items of any car Ive ever owned. Beyond that...Beautiful aesthetically, useless functionally. Begrudgingly looking to trade in despite the huge financial hit.

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  Horrible SUV.. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - January 18 - 11:16 am

  Constantly having to repair. Ford put this thing together idiotically as to where they put everything making most of it impossible to fix without mechanical skills mostly due to inaccessibility..

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  Ugh. - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Elizabeth Z. - January 15 - 2:00 am

  So far Ive had to get the brakes done twice, a new clutch, tie rods, struts, and wheel bearings. And it STILL has front end problems! The engine rattles and the heater is lukewarm. The horn only works if you turn the wheel about 90 degrees to the left. The headlights are dim. Its uncomfortable-very little legroom & no tilt wheel so you have to squeeze yourself into it. And the cupholders under the dash console & behind the gear shift. It handles like a snowplow and is scary to drive in the winter (if it starts). I hate this car.

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  What A Nightmare - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By PO,D IN CT - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was great until the dreaded 36000 mile warranty cut off. At about 38000 miles all heck broke loose. 1st it was the heater ($1300), next the air intake thing ??,($900) then the bearings ($1400). $3600 later we traded it in for a real car (Honda). Through all the problems neither Ford nor the dealership wanted to even know us. In 1 yr. of owning the Windstar it cost us $3600 in repairs and $8000 in depreciation . After owning 4 other previous Fords I will never buy a Ford again!!!

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Archie77 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a Ford, and lives up the the name. It has been in the shop 4 times in one year. Get this, when they sell you a extended warranty everything is covered. When you need repairs it covers nothing.

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  Waste of money - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Unlucky - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We spent over $33,000 on this car new. It has had nothing but problems with the doors, stalling, horrible noises coming from stero speakers in the doors, steering has already gone as well as mulitple other problems. Brakes and rotors need replacing every 10,000-15,000 miles. Car died after pulling into traffic dealer couldnt reproduce the problem but I still paid a hefty fee for their diagnostic testing. Extended warranty we bought from Easy Care has covered nothing. Three years later, this cars resale value is only $9,000 what a waste of money! We will never, ever, ever purchase another Ford after our experience with this Windstar.

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  First Form Product - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford product Ive ever owned. Thus far Im very satisfied in general. Its a "big" car with rear wheel drive. Not used to that. Traded an Impala which was the second one I had owned but retired and wanted a "large" car. Car is not a responsive as Id like it to be but guess Im not used to the "bigness". Ride is perfect and wife loves it. See how it does in time.

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  The scariest experience of anyones life - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Very dissappointed - October 28 - 5:14 am

  Please stay away from this SUV. 3,760 miles on the car. Going 57 mph and the car completely shut down on a busy highway. Could not go forward, backwards or get out of the way of any cars. This needs to be addressed and stopped now before anyone gets killed. How can Ford continue to sell their vehicles with this serious problem? I heard it happens in the Fusions, F150s. How can this be?

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  Overpriced - 2016 Ford F-150
  By JPW - October 23 - 3:52 pm

  MPG overstated, by quite a bit. This truck will never reach over 14 MPG. Ever. Door seals falling out before the first oil change. Carpet in the cab pulling up for no reason. Transmission unresponsive, any acceleration requires a downshift. Maybe 2 downshifts. Incredibly under powered. Auto-kill very dangerous at intersections, unresponsive or delayed. This truck is not only poorly engineered and built, but dangerous. The sync "tech" is 5-10 years behind. It does not even have simple navigation. Its as if the "tech" was an afterthought. Generally clumsy and awkward to drive. Almost impossible to park in an urban setting. Wholly impractical. It doesnt seem like Ford invested a lot in the engineering of this truck. Cost driven up to unreasonable amounts due to American unions. A $20K truck, sold for over $50K. I would suggest a Ram truck instead.