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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  dont waste your time - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mustangbeffers - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the worst car I have ever owned I wouldnt recommend one person to purchase one of these cars the only vehicle that ford makes well is the F-150 series trucks!

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  Should have went GM - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Corey R - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I just purchesed a 98 Ford Tauras 3 months ago, and i just hate it, their are no special options like a GM product would have at this price range. I have a tip for Ford, completly re-design that POS tauras.

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  Front seats are horrible. - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By AB - May 19 - 2:05 am

  I am surprised that Ford offers front seats that are very very uncomfortable. They are short and narrow and they do not hold your body (I am 58, normal weight). During my first test drive I was moving my body around trying to find a sweet spot - I did not find it. Sales person was very helpful in adjusting the seat but we both failed to make it comfortable. I made two more test drives specifically trying to figure out where the problem is. Made some research and it looks like this is a design flaw. By the way Ford is very proud of its seats. The company recently reduced the number of unique designs and ended up with a generic design that "fits" all. Ford is trying to convince buyers that these seats are the best in the industry. My body says a different story. I planned to buy Explorer Sport for longer trips. I feel sorry that a great car has something that cannot be fixed. I switched my attention to Toyota Highlander - a step down in terms of performance but two steps up in terms of a seat comfort. My advice to Ford - if you cannot do it yourself - just replicate others. Highlander 2017 has an expandable front seats that could be extended in length by almost 2 inches. What a great feature plus seats are very comfortable. Love them. Here is an article posted by Ford about the chair architecture. It is funny that Ford thinks that they can use the same chairs in Focus and F-150 and all other models in between. They use the right words when they describe Fords chairs but they do not deliver what they promised. I found the name of the guy who is behind new seats design - thank you Dan Ferretti. You spoiled my fun and I did not bring my money to Ford. Ford should let Dan Ferretti who is Fords global seats senior technical leader and his team go. [HTML removed]

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  Worst transmission ever built - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Mike - May 17 - 4:00 pm

  Dont buy this car. Ford experimented with a dual-clutch transmission and it was a complete failure. Had a 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus that I bought for my kids and both were in the shop constantly due to the transmission. The 2013 had the clutch assembly replaced twice. Ford would never admit that the transmission was a flop even though the extended the warranty on it for 7 years. I contacted the regional customer service rep and they just gave me the standard line that "Ford will continue to repair the problem." What good is the car if it is always in the shop being repaired. This was my first experience with buying a Ford and it will be my last. Traded in both cars for a Chevy Cruze and a Toyota Corolla. Since Ford wont admit their mistakes and take care of their customers, I will never be a customer of theirs again. I guess the old Ford motto still holds true - Found On Road Dead.

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  Fusion Warranty Failure! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Will never buy another Ford - May 12 - 6:52 pm

  I bought my 2014 Fusion used with almost 40,0000 miles. I now have 74,0000 and the transmission has slipped sick Ive had it and it finally seized. The manufacturer warranty is only 64,000 miles so I now have to pay $4,000 and it has been in the shop for more than 2 weeks. Lots of other 2014 Fusions have a transmission recall but mine did not so its my responsibility. The delearship that sold me the car sold me an extended warranty with everything BUT power train coverage in my contract BUT the pamphlet they provided the sales associate circled transmission rebuild coverage so neither Ford or the delearship will take responsibility.

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  BAD BRAKE ROTORS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By cajun - May 11 - 1:50 pm

  I have 3800 miles on 04 f-150 and my brake rotors are scared so bad Im worried about my wife driving the truck. Ford will not honor their warranty, they said thats normal. So every one check your front rotors. Also the truck idles bad, a/c blows hot air until you reset by turning off & on, and my radio/cd player volume raises & lowers by itself while driving. Whats next?

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  Please do not buy save your money - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Marg - May 8 - 10:35 pm

  Bought the car with 30,000 miles. Only good thing about it is gas. It has major transmission problems has been to dealership 5-6 for this issue only in 2yrs that I have owned it. Car stereo wouldnt go off no matter what I did, problems with the car horn and steering wheel locked up twice, once this last year took In to ford and again this year. The car has gear problems and they want $1600. Its not a safe car and expensive repair costs plus it doesnt drive good. Please dont fall for the looks, its totally not worthy it!!

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  5.4L has serious issues! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Sean - May 2 - 6:09 pm

  Just look up the slew of problems with the 5.4L in this 2006. Apparently it has a lot of issues that Ford decided to hide from the public and failed to fix. There is a class action lawsuit on the spark plugs. Apparently, there are lots of other issues, including cam phase sensors. Mine started idling rough, wife drove it a couple of miles home, 2 hours later it was at the shop. The shop is about 1 mile away. Got the call today. It needs a new engine!!! Edit: We are now just waiting until the end of the year so we can donate it to charity. Its not even worth selling. Maybe I will get a small tax benefit out of it?

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  Why Ill NEVER own another FORD - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Jennifer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmition failed at 20,000 miles. ENGINE failed at 53,000 miles (yes, after the warrantee expired). A $4,500 repair. Evidently the engine block cracked and caused a rod to break. I am only keeping the car after this repair as a driving billboard against FORD. "Top-of-the-line" stereo replaced at 25,000 miles. Driver side seat pan failed at about 25,000 miles. Misc. interior trim replacements have been a yearly occurrence. FORD service department always keeps the car overnight even with an appointment.

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  Why Ill NEVER own another FORD - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By jennifer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmition failed at 20,000 miles. ENGINE failed at 53,000 miles (yes, after the warrantee expired). A $4,500 repair. Evidently the engine block cracked and caused a rod to break. I am only keeping the car after this repair as a driving billboard against FORD. "Top-of-the-line" stereo replaced at 25,000 miles. Driver side seat pan failed at about 25,000 miles. Misc. interior trim replacements have been a yearly occurrence. FORD service department always keeps the car overnight even with an appointment.