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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  Focus is next after VW fall - 2014 Ford Focus
  By FredGoose - September 22 - 7:34 pm

  Focus auto transmissions need to be replaced. Shame on ford for selling these cars when they know they are broken.

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  Engine Blew UP - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Jim Muckenhirn - September 22 - 4:27 pm

  I have about 86000 miles on my 2013 F-150 with Ecoboost. I was pretty happy with the truck, changed oil regularly, and always have properly serviced. Fords warranty is no good, even with an extended warranty it would have only been for 60000 miles. I was driving down the road and the engine quit. The Ford service has told me that the #6 piston is missing and two other pistons are very damaged. The head has a whole in it from the damage. There was no indication that the engine was failing. It will cost me $9,000-$10,000 for a new engine and I am still paying on this truck.

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  Cherry King Ranch - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Happy So Far - September 22 - 1:44 pm

  Bought in July 15 with 83,500 miles. Ive put 1250 miles on it. Nothing too bad to report. I figured with its age mpg would be a bit below the 14 city/18 highway mileage rating when new. City is right on. Highway its doing a bit better, around 19.5 mpg. Its smoother and quieter on the highway than I thought it would be, even with the Firestone Destination ATs I put on to replace the Continental Contitrac TRs that it came with. All the electronics and bells and whistles work fine. The only negative is that 2006 still suffers from paint bubbling on the front edge of the aluminum hood. Im told this is from a bit of iron corrupting the metal and the paint pops. Doesnt really rust, the paint just bubbles. It may also happen on the lift gate. Not much to do about it but touch up here and there before taking in for a fix. I understand this may be common on early 2000s Expys. As for me I can live with it. Thats the only negative I found so far. Im expecting a few years of good service from the vehicle.

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  The Eccelerator petal gets stuck deadly - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Terri Smalls - September 22 - 12:53 pm

  Do you research on your own. This model has a record of the eccelerator petal getting stuck. Over 3 million reports. It happened to me and I had to call 911 while I was driving!! They refuse to recall until a certain number of fatalities. I am still paying for the car and cant drive it. This is a nightmare. I dont wish this on anyone!! Do your research!!

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  Ford should recall these transmissions - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Kim rice - September 22 - 7:40 am

  The transmissions in these cars are junk I totally feel like the sales people are aware and instructed to hide everything and get rid of these cars at any cost .... I got totally screwed..... I feel ripped off and lied to I pay cash for this car and its been in the shop 4 times in less than a year 2 new clutches have already been put in. I wanted to trade it in and Ford refused by saying I would not get half of my money back on the trade in that I paid cash for this car ...one week after I bought it. Ford needs to recall these transmissions or at least stop making them if youre buying one get ready to be treated like its not fords problem. I bought this car for my daughters graduation for her to use in college and its sitting in my driveway right now I dont even want her driving it its so unsafe Thanks ford thanks

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  Ford Focus Long Term Review - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Jon - September 21 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this car summer of 2013 with 36,200 miles on it. Fast forward over two years later, i am at 90,600 miles and have had absolutely NO issues with this car mechanically! Smooth ride, great on gas, and love the upgraded stereo that my focus has. The only problem I have had are the 17" 16 spoke wheels. The finish is peeling off badly on all 4 wheels. I will soon either have to get them replaced, or paint them myself (though that may go horribly). I also wish my car had the 5 speed manual transmission. The 4 speed auto is just a little sluggish at times. Overall would recommend this car 9.5/10

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  not much of an improvement over the last one - 2015 Ford F-150
  By JM - September 21 - 8:09 pm

  My 2015 F-150 isnt my daily driver so I only have about 1,500 miles on it. I have owned it for 3 months. This is my 3rd F150. The others were almost flawless. I am Ford loyal so despite the misgivings about the aluminum body I bought one. First the good: it drives like a dream. Unbelievably good handling (it has the FX4 package). The interior is very comfortable, even for trips of 2-3 hours. It looks good. Acceleration is excellent with the V8. Now the bad: Within 2 months of ownership someone tried to break in. The police think it was to get to the tailgate (which can only be locked electronically now - bad). The driver window was on order for 2 weeks through the dealer (unacceptable). The dealer complained non-stop about the new aluminum body while I was getting an estimate. The instrument panel is a mess. I viewed it as a weakness when I was test driving it, but had no idea how much I would hate the layout until I bought it. Every button seems misplaced and awkward. The transmission is still a 6 speed and shifts a little oddly (mistimed). The radio and nav are below what I would expect for a Lariat level truck. Mileage is worse than I expected. Not sure Ford did its best with this one, but I will keep it for a while and see if it grows on me.

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  Great not so small car. Great milage - 2015 Ford Focus
  By John - September 21 - 11:26 am

  Love this car. Primary goal was to get a vehicle that got great mileage. Wasnt aware that Focus got this kind of superb mileage until I started researching. LOVE this car. Backup camera, Bluetooth, SYNC hands-free and a really nice sounding radio. The radio gets outstanding long distance reception that surpasses any radio in the past thirty years. Im a very large man and I fit into this car very easily. Drive an hour each way to work and an not cramped up and tired afterwards like I was in a 1998 Nissan Altima. Trunk has more usable space than my Lincoln MKS. Very happy I found the 2015 Focus. I have an Automatic transmission.

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  Great Little Gas Saver - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Phil Pankau - September 20 - 10:48 pm

  Bought mine for $800 with 72k miles on it, immediately got new tires and a tune up. Other than spending $100 on a reman fuel pump is been excellent however its not fast by any means and going up any hill is a challenge along with no power steering or AC but I average 40mpg and is great in the snow. Love the little guy.

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  What a ride! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Chaz - September 20 - 8:35 pm

  Bought this to replace 2012 Chrysler 300. Needed more room on road trips. The ride is excellent and as good as the Chrysler 300 which was great. Drove through driving rain on recent trip and this SUV was solid and no wind buffeting when you pass Tractor Trailers! For a mid size SUV, the ride and lack of wind noise is excellent. The Sync system works great and the Ac configuration is well thought out. The ac will freeze you out. I also own a 2002 Ford a Explorer which still runs great! The 2015 Explorer is a great SUV and will not disappoint you!