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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  Ford should be ashamed - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Dale Smith - September 11 - 11:29 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!! The dual clutch transmission is a joke. Ford has had chronic problems with this for 5 years yet they continue to produce this transmission. The transmission has as much trouble getting in and out of 1st gear as a 15 year old with a learners permit. I honestly cant tell what the 2.0L engine can do because whenever you jump on the gas the transmission hesitates trying to figure out what gear to use or the clutch starts slipping as you are trying to merge into a tight spot on the freeway. I drove the car for 2 painful years and just traded it in for a Prius. With 29K miles I only got half what I paid for it and I consider myself lucky to have gotten that much. I will never buy a Ford again!!!

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  Car shut off at 70 mph - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jessica - September 11 - 5:22 pm

  First let me say, I love my car. Except for one small problem, it keeps trying to kill me. My problem started in August of this year, the car would turn itself off while driving but would immediately turn right back on. We took it in for repairs at the dealership we bought it from. They kept it for 4 days and then called us to come get it. They said they couldnt fix it because they couldnt duplicate the problem. I called Ford Corporation and talked to their regional service area manager. She seemed very pleasant and arranged for my car to stay with the dealership for awhile longer and even made sure I had a rental. At that point I was very pleased with the service I had received. I bragged to everyone about it. I get a call from the dealership staring they reprogrammed the transmission control module on my car and I could come and get it. After four days of having my car back, I continued having the same program. This time I had a video of the incident. I started recording the driving of the car after the issue happened a second time. I took the car back into the dealership. Theyve had it for over a week now. They cannot duplicate the issue and all but ignore the fact there is a video. I called the Regional lady back and she was horrible. She told me to drive my and that the issue will just eventually get worse. I asked her how long was I suppose to drive it, until the warranty was up or I died in an accident? While this issue has gone on, the car has stopped dead on the highway while driving it. No control, no power. Just dead. This car is very dangerous.

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  satisfaction - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Mlinar - September 11 - 3:42 pm

  I am very happy with my Fusion, only several minor complaints. One the information on the dash are very hard to see, too small of lettering, all though when dash lights are on and bright they are ok. But some of these electronics are hard to understand, but my main disappointment is with all these super electronics and safety features, why didnt Ford put rear windshield wipers as standard equipment.

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  Worst vehicle I have ever owned! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By FORD, Never again! - September 10 - 8:32 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Windstar, brand new in October of 2001. Since new, this car has been nothing but problems. Major safety issues including the rear axle and front subframe (which are all over the internet), make this vehicle unsafe to drive. I have to say that FORD motor Company SUCKS, since they chose to not fix/replace my rusted and subframe. The metal completely failed and the subframe is ready to collapse! Additional problems include the instrument panel cold soldering failing, the intake manifold gasket failing, the plenum (which is sometimes called the upper intake manifold) isolated bolt gaskets/grommets failed, two alternators, one fuel pump, camshaft position sensor, coil pack, the struts, and the transmission all failed This van is a piece of crap and in my opinion, FORD SUCKS! This is the last FORD I will ever buy.

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  Engine Lemon - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Maureen Brown - September 10 - 2:22 pm

  I have never in my 36 years of driving had to replace an engine before. Now, I am currently on my second engine, and getting ready for the third, all before I hit 120K miles. How can these engines go bad that fast??? The first one died at 88K miles (after the warranty expired of course!!!), and the new engine (granted it was rebuilt) died within 30K miles. It is currently in the shop waiting on the third engine. When you pay so much for a car you tend to expect reliability. How reliable can a car be when it is fine one minute, and has an engine crash the second? Now that it is in the shop I will be without a car for 4 to 6 weeks. The last time this happened I actually missed my fathers funeral because the car was in the shop and the replacement car was unable to make the trip when the weather turned bad. The main reason I have this car is because of the snow, and the fact that it moves many people at one time, but when you cant use it then those points are moot.

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  Do your own homework before reading these reviews - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By carpens@alfredstate.edu - September 10 - 8:50 am

  I bought my car used with 30000 miles on it in perfect condition. I fell in love with it when i saw that it had everything that i needed and more. As a mom this car fit all my needs, and it was way better than my mini van. The My Ford Touch is wonderful! it can find even the hardest of places on the GPS and never fails on me. i have to admit at first i was a little overwhelmed with the touch sensitive buttons and all the buttons on the steering wheel, but i found myself quickly learning and it wasnt that hard. I have had no problems with my Explorer just the usual maintenance. the only thing i have found i do not like is when the third row head rests are up it does make it hard to see out the back but the fix was just not having them up when they were not in use, but that is also why the backup camera is a dream, and the other thing is it is a bit slow when trying to get up and go, but Im also used to a mini van that had a lot of get up and go power behind it. As i was reading these reviews i started to second guess myself because of all the negative comments people had to say about theirs, but people need to realize that not everything can be perfect and that sometimes parts are defective. There is no perfect car brand they all have the problems. with that i am still in love with my car and everything about it!

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  Best light trucks on the market - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jody Owen - September 9 - 11:14 pm

  This is my second Ranger. Between the two Ive owned Ive driven a combined 400,000 miles over 20 years on the 2.3/2.5 engine with manual transmission. The first was bought new with the XLT Lariat package. The second is an XL bought with 65,000 miles in it. This truck isnt a sports car. It isnt a luxury car. If you want these why are you buying a truck at all? Its a truck and it looks and runs like one. As it should. But it corners as well as my Spitfire and feels nearly as sporty with the excellent 4 speed/overdrive gearbox and peppy engine. And its comfortable and pleasant in the cab though not a luxury car. The interior is basic. It is well laid out and attractively designed enough, even in the XL base model configuration. In both my trucks the gauges are complete and well laid out. The seats are comfortable whether on longer drives or getting groceries. The interior is durable and well made. But yes, the extended cab would be nice for briefcases, groceries, dogs and so on. And this is not a family car or people carrier. Know what it does better than any of the 17 or so vehicles Ive owned before and during my 22 years of Ranger ownership? It starts, drives and stops with reasonable fuel economy every time. It hauls tools and material for my work and tows my tent trailer and small boat without problems. It costs little to maintain, being common and American. And repairs are extremely rare and pretty reasonable. Im terrible at maintanance. Over 400,000 miles Ive changed oil at most a dozen times. Rotating tires or chassis lubes? Never. But both trucks combined cost something like $1000 in non maintanance repair at my mechanics over 20 years. With my ridiculous neglect the truck simply just keeps going. Basically the bulletproof reliability of my Ranger enables me to afford the maintanance of British and Italian sports cars, to which the term reliable will never be applied. For me the manual transmission and peppy motor are just fun to drive as well. The handling and braking are good or a bit better than that. The ride is sporty. But they do bump steer when not loaded, and they are relatively noisy compared to a mid range passenger car or sport utility. Resale? In my area, suburban Puget Sound, I could sell the truck I bought 7 years ago for pretty much what I paid for it. After 7 years of hard use. These trucks are among the best things Ford ever made, itself a high compliment.

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  First Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By wick stanley - September 9 - 9:10 pm

  Love it. Smooth as silk. Tough, but stylish. Quiet and powerful. What else could you ask for? I have a black one. They should call it "The Panther" :-)

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  Should be better - 2014 Ford Focus
  By james carlson - September 9 - 3:26 pm

  This car mostly delivers as expected. It has great gas mileage, up to 40 mpg hwy, and decent power from the 2.0L 4 cyl. The ride is quiet, but rough. Visibility is poor, as this car sits very low to the ground, and has obstructive A pillars blocking the view to the sides at intersections. Rear seat is unsuitable for long rides. The trouble areas are the quirky My Touch entertainment/navigation system, and the faulty 6 speed automatic transmissions (expect a recall). If Ford would just fix a few things, it would be a really good small car.

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  Wake up Ford or I buy elsewhere!! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Rita Brands - September 9 - 2:32 pm

  Too many people have problems with the shift to park signal on the Explorer!! I have always driven a Ford product for the last 40 years. If Ford doesnt do a recall on the shift to park problem then I am moving on!!!