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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  Poor quality - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Minten - September 27 - 11:19 am

  Many recalls. 3 car rentals. 3 door latches broken. (one came open while driving with the kids in the back seat, another I had to hold the drivers door shut for 7 miles and the last one I cant open) Both center door posts where seat belts attach rattles. Both passenger doors rattle. Rear trunk rattles. Dash rattled when new and the defroster didnt work(broken vent) Ford sync does not work about 90% of the time. Lane departure works about 25% of the time on well marked roads. Most important safety issues still unresolved.

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  lemon...agreed! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By IT_m1n10n - September 26 - 4:37 pm

  totally wish I hadnt bought this and will never buy another car not at least three years old. all these reviews are true. the transmission shakes and jolts horribly and is crazy embarrassing when driving around friends or a date. Ive also had three tires blow on mine in the last year and the tire pressure warning will keep coming on. I take it to Ford and they feed me the same crap, "oh not sure why this keeps happening but Ill look it up and for now I reset the warning light and yes, your tires are full so it shouldnt have done this". I mean really? There is no such thing as service or standing behind your product any longer. I am filing a suit as this car is a lemon and I hope a class action comes from it.

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  Mighty Mustang - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin D. Steel - September 26 - 9:34 am

  I bought this car new, actually drove it off the showroom floor. I now have just over 238,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. The only things I have done to it other than normal maintenance, is a new top after 13 years, (mostly garage kept) a fuel pump, and a distributor stator. What a great car! Its now over 21 years old and I hope to have it for another 21 years.

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  Ford Focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Nicholas Eckelberry - September 26 - 4:19 am

  The Transmission shakes at low speed. The trim and seats are already showing signs of deep wear after a year. This is a cheaply made car. Do not recommend at all.

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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Keith - September 25 - 10:29 pm

  I bought this car at 34,000 in 2009. At the time I was a service technician and had to use my own car. Before the end of the 2 year mark I had put over 100,000 miles on this thing. I live in Ohio and drove this car to the Carolinas and Virginia beach annually, including a 24 hour straight drive to Texas and 24 hours straight back 3 days later and never felt worried about making it home. My point is, I beat up my vehicles and this has been a beast. AC failed around the 140,000 mark (didnt bother fixing it), I replaced the thermostat and drive belt at 150,000, at 210,000 the radiator and transmission cooler lines were replaced, driver side window regulator at 215,000 and now at 217,000 the transmission valve body needs to be replaced so Im reluctantly trading it in before I press my luck any further. I cant talk much about labor cost because I do most of my own work, but replacement part costs arent terrible (except the valve body). And even with the age of the car its still averaging 27mpg! My biggest cons are the cheap plastic door handles and the radio display has bad soldering causing it to blank out. Basically very minor things. Ford bought my favor back from GM with this car.

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  Ford focus 2014 - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Damron Walton - September 25 - 9:46 pm

  Ford focus see 2014 great everything but one special auto transmission DCT junk horrible so I result test find out when traffic slow acc shake and vibration 1 and 2 gear horrible 3,4,5,6 fine smooth but stop and go 1,2 shake vibration try again when stop I try bit more gas fast no shake or vibration smooth1,2,3,4,5,6 look like bad eclectic control dual clutch????? Why ford do not redesign or update because made Mexico trans shot maybe not right lab test???

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  Ford Escape - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Robert - September 25 - 3:16 pm

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  The little engine that cant. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Chris Landis - September 25 - 7:12 am

  This vehicle was my first new vehicle purchase before this, i had mostly clapped out rusty trucks. To say this car dissapoints in the power department is an understatement. Its dangerously slow and underpowered. To climb any kind of moderate grade, it needs to be in a low gear and engine screaming to maintain speed. Forget about trying to gain speed if you need to. Mine has a 5spd manual, and its dopey and clunky to shift sometimes, and others its like working a fine bolt action rifle. Depends on the day. The clutch feel is non-existent. The seats legitimately cause pain after being in them for more than 30 minutes at a time. Making long trips miserable. On the up side, its a decent looking car. Gets good fuel economy for how much you have to tramp on it to go anywhere. I dig the Ford SYNC radio set up. Even though the AUX jack is junk. Its got fair storage and the rear seats fold down. Overall though, i wish i had kept the rusty old Dodge D100 i had traded on the Focus and kept putting monies into it. At least it had power...

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  Not a good choice ! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Christina - September 25 - 7:06 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Fiesta brand new and loved it . It was cute and drove great! Right when I hit about 30,000 miles , everything went down hill. My 2 rear doors flew open and wouldnt latch [non-permissible content removed] on the freeway (recall) then the clutch needed to be replaced due to is slipping and grinding . This last time , 1 month after the clutch replacement , my car would just start revving while Im at a complete stop. I should have purchased the extended warranty ! Im trading it in now , hoping for better luck with a 2016 Ford Fusion.

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  great 2014 ford focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By matt donham - September 25 - 12:04 am

  2014 Ford Focus SE I currently own a 2014 Focus Focus SE. I bought the car new in the fall of 2014. The color of my car is ruby red. The car is a hatchback, with the black appearance package. This package allows the car to have a black Focus ST spoiler, glossy black grill and mirror, along with black inserts in the headlights. The car has black leather interior, with ambient lighting. This is my daily driver, wouldn’t change it. I drive it anywhere, whether it’s to and from school, or drive 45 minutes to go see my family. I do plan on changing a few things to add my own touch. Looking to add a body kit next summer, also change out the stock headlight bulbs to give it a better appearance at night. Want it to look more like a rally car if ever possible. I do wish the paint was better because I have a chip that is noticeable when you are up close. I do get a lot of complements on how people like my car and wish they could get one. I do like to park in the back of a parking lot because I don’t want to take any chances of someone hitting it with their door or backing into me. I recommend buying this car if you are looking for great mpg, or something small to get around in a city. You are able to get this car in many colors and styles depending if you want the base model or on the higher end. Pros • Sport option for speed or auto for the fuel economy • Smooth to start up • Good acceleration • Great for the snowy streets, even going up hill • Inexpensive to fill the tank • Plenty of storage, even greater with the rear seats down. • A lot of head room and space, even for myself (6 feet tall) • Great ambient lighting colors to choose from with a twist of the dial • Back seats are comfortable • Very easy to customize to add your own touch • Being able to park anywhere Cons • Transmission does get stuck in low gear if you slow down quickly • Not a lot of leg room in the back seats • Have payments unless you pay cash • Taller people have trouble with little room