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:

• 

  Chose Explorer over Toyota 4 runner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Joe - September 16 - 1:53 pm

  Chose this Explorer over Toyota 4 runner at the time.... The wider stance and the look of Explorer won over Toyotas reliability and much better interior material. Bought mine in April 2005 with 33K miles. Currently it has 108K miles. I like its size and its handling no matter what weather throws at it. Never had any engine or transmission problems. Had the dealer do fuel filter, transmission service and transfer case /rear axle fluid changes. Have done belt, oil/filter, coolant, brake pads/rotors myself. With 55K miles on second set of tires, they look great and alignment holds well. Problem areas... Leather is super cheap. It folded, creased and aged very quickly on driver side seat very quickly. The seat frames anchored to floor had no coating and are rusted. When you open the back doors you can see the rust sear frames for front and back seats. No real heat directed to foot well. Some cold air is leaking in the front behind glove compartment. The recirc flap closes but there is still cold air coming in. The heater air blender actuator assembly broke last winter. Figured how to change the air to hot for winter so I was fine. Bought the piece and planning to replace it before winter. Noticed snapped rear coil spring on both sides ( one two inches from bottom and the other one about in the middle of the coil) when replacing rear rotors. The coil spring is part of rear shock assembly. Monroe brand cost about $100 each. Rear axle has the famous whine that affects all these Explorers. Paid to have it fixed and it is back again. Planning on selling this Explorer and my 2003 Ford Ranger and buy an Extended cab 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This Explore is 12 years old and I still like its look and its shape as much as I did 10 years ago when I bought it.

• 

  do not buy select shift 6 speed auto - 2014 Ford Focus
  By jerry m. - September 15 - 11:58 pm

  This vehicle shifted fine for 2-3 k miles then started acting crazy. I took it back to the dealer they said it just needed the computer reprogramed - on the way home it was still doing it. I took it to a different dealer a few weeks later with the same results. The two Ford dealers keep the car overnight both times and would not give me a loaner- one of them did have a shuttle to take me home and pick me up the next day. I dont think they know how to fix them and just tell they did something and send you on your way. This is a great car otherwise. I have tried to trade it in but at three dealers (different brands) I was offered 11,000 on trade in -very sad ! It is embarrassing to have friends ride in it. Ford needs to recall these cars and FIX them. I bought a Ford because my son-in-law works at the Louisville assembly plant but this is my last.

• 

  nothing to write home about - 2013 Ford Focus
  By vince smyth - September 14 - 4:45 pm

  Ive owned this for about 4 months and I was having difficulty with the auto transmission. I looked up some reviews/ technical information and found that Ford has a fix for the transmission issue and has even extended the warranty on these to 100,000 miles. Since buying it Ive learned to get around the transmission problem that I was having by feathering the accelerator or hammering it (heavy footed). This vehicle has adaptive learning and it takes a while for it to understand the way you drive (1500 miles) no matter if youre the first owner or the tenth. Overall the cars fit and finish is just ok, nothing to write home about. This is my first automatic tranny small car and I just had to figure it out. Check out that warranty, no BS on that.

• 

  Coming from a 3.7-V6, what a difference. - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  I owned a 2013 Premium V-6 for just over 2 years and always felt behind the more powerful 5.0, so I tried to modify my v6 to make up for the lower power. 5,000 dollars later I was happy with the performance, but all the bolt on ruined dependability. So i stumbled across a used 2012 performance white Boss 302, with only 6K miles. It was way more than I wanted to spend (36,000 Out-the-door). But I ended up getting over book value for my car and the Boss for under blue book value. I have owned the Boss for a little over a month and have put around 750 miles on it. Its my first 6 speed, and the Boss was a great car to learn on. I havent pushed the cars performance yet, so Im getting 22.8 MPG average being relatively fuel minded (75% backroads 25% City), also I only run 93 octane. Being 19 years old, Im not too concerned with features or comfort. But if youre looking for luxury and comfort, you better pass this car up. It lives up to its track car name with stiff, but manageable ride quality. I have the restrictor plates on the side pipes removed, which makes a lot more noise and causes a slight drone. I think Its awesome though, now I wont need a aftermarket exhaust. Theres a lack of entertainment/features but I think it gives what you need, and nothing more. How I define it when talking to other people about my car, is that they took all the money in interior add-ons, and put all the money into the engine and drive-train. With the longetivity of the coyote 5.0, but with forged internals and improved cooling (The Boss 302 engine is called RoadRunner Instead of coyote, since the only thing in common is the block) I think this car will last hundreds of thousands miles with proper maintenance, all while providing awesome performance, sound, looks, and adequate features. Just be prepared for more expensive oil changes, tires, and a more expensive gas bill for most people. And lets not forget insurance cost if your under 25 like myself, $1500/6 months for me. Over-all I am very happy with the 302, it is the ideal budget performance car that is easily a daily driver. Will definitely be keeping this car for a lifetime. Its like being a part of a unique club to drive 1 out of 8289 made between 2012 and 2013, compared to the 7 some-odd million mustangs ever made.

• 

  Not enough free time to own this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Justin - September 14 - 2:18 pm

  Nothing but problems. Axles breaking, stuff leaking, gaskets blowing out, muffler rotted from the inside out, etc. Overall terrible car. Would NOT recommend.

• 

  throttle body - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Renee Owens - September 14 - 2:05 pm

  Ok so we bought this 2005 freestyle had 18 months ran perfect. Monday we are driving down the road lose all power, pull over the car is still running but gas pedal will not work. We turned vehicle off started it back ran perfect until Saturday same thing happened. We coasted into auto zone they put it on diagnostics. Diagnostics said it was tps so later that day same thing happened pulled over turned car off it started back but now engine light wont go off. I took it to ford dealer they are saying its throttle body. There was a recall but ford wont honor because they are saying it has never been serviced but the warranty on it ran out June 2 So now we have to pay 940 to ford place for throttle body ridiculous but only vehicle we have so its got to be paid

• 

  Almost perfect - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Mike - September 13 - 11:59 pm

  So I traded in a Focus Titanium for an Edge SEL with all of the extra options. Ill start off by saying I absolutely love the look, the ride quality is great, and the 2.0 has great power. Ill start out listing the pros the hands free lift gate is a really nice feature to have and my wife loves the panoramic sun roof. The Edge drives really well and the base EcoBoost motor has plenty of pickup. The leather inside feels high quality and my wife and I have I issues with the seats as some other owners were saying. Now for some of the cons the Edge has some noises inside. I have not yet gone to the dealership to ask them to fix the issues but the biggest one is the drivers side door has an air leak somewhere up by the drivers left ear. Its a squeak once you are driving a certain speed. Another noise inside the vehicle is the back seat. The bottom bench cushion has two clips that rattle non stop even when the vehicle is just idling and not moving. I luckily did not have the water leaking like some other owners but I have noticed the hood moves and shimmies sometimes while driving. The only other issue I am having is with a bubble in the drivers side door in the paint. Again, I have not gone back to the service department yet so I cannot comment on how quick ford will help with the issue. Overall I am pleased with the purchase and will be extatic if the issues get resolved through the dealer.

• 

  Wifes Little Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ron Stephens - September 13 - 8:51 pm

  My wife looks great in this car. Folks point her out at the stop lights and parking lots. I did have to replace the coils but that was after several years. It was the same deal on the Lincolns having this engine. Only thing I wish was better the review mirror and the sun visors. Just kind of chintzy when it comes to those items.

• 

  A strong, spacious, unreliable ride. - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Oriley Conner - September 13 - 12:57 pm

  I Taurus used in 2008. At the time it only had 14,000 miles on it. The first few years of owning this car was great. It is roomy, comfortable to drive in for long periods of time, has ample capacity for passengers and luggage. The acceleration was pretty decent, and the front wheel drive made driving in snow and rain safer. For about the first 5 years the car was reliable and I never really had any problems with it. But then the car just start to fall apart. In last 2 years of the cars life I had to constantly put take it in for repairs and replacement of parts. The rewiring, replacement of spark plugs, battery, the solenoid, breaks, the flex pipe (twice... my mechanic told me that the Taurus is famous for breaking flex pipes.) But the real glaring problem with my Taurus is that the transmission started to act very badly. At first the gear changes would be a little clunky, then they started slipping when ever coming into or out of first gear. If I didnt hit the gears just right when starting from a dead start the gears would grind horribly, especially when making a turn from a dead stop doing this would make the whole car shake violently. In fact it shook the car so bad that it broke my flex pipe, my mechanic thought i had hit something. I cannot really recommend this car because of its reliability issues.

• 

  Excellent choice. - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Tall Rich - September 12 - 8:01 am

  Now have 15,000 miles on a car purchased new in early 14. Small (1.6L) eco-boost is plenty powerful.. Averaging 25.6MPG overall with mostly local driving. Nears 35 or 36MPG on the interstate. Im a big guy and have no problems entering or exiting or with interior space. SE model with leather and MyFordTouch system is perfect for me. The large screen for the rear camera and the avoidance tones are really helpful. Have spent up to 5 or 6 hours in the drivers seat and have had no aches or pains. The driver seat is infinitely adjustable and the power passenger seat is also a neat feature for those traveling with me. The instruments are also adjustable to just what I want to see. USBs and a SD port is also a neat feature. This car was bought to replace an 07 Fusion SEL and it hasnt disappointed at all.