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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  Traded a 2014 for a 2015 - 2015 Ford Focus
  By SJ - August 29 - 10:55 pm

  This is our third Focus. First was a 2005 which was very economical to drive. Bought a 2014 SE automatic last year and liked it but there were a couple of options I wished Id gotten with it. A couple of things I didnt like about the 14 were no 12V plug on the dash and no lock buttons on the doors. Traded it in for the 2015 SE this year and glad I did. Everything I didnt like on the 2014 was corrected on the 2015, 12V plug on the dash, lock buttons on the doors, etc. I had no problems with the shifting on the 2014. Not as smooth as a full size car but it it shifted fine for the 12,000 miles I had on it. You have to realize even though its an automatic you feel it shift like a standard. If you dont like power shifting get a Fusion. The 2015 does seem to shift smoother than the 2014 and has the manual shift paddles which I tried and they work but for me the Focus shift points are fine in automatic so I wont use the paddles much if ever. I got the 2.0L engine for the power with larger wheels and get a steady 34 mpg around town. Longer trips on the highway I get a little better (mid to high 30s) but dont hold back on the speed. This car handles great. I drove others in this class Toyota/Honda/VW and this one is the most fun to drive. Electronics work fine and blue tooth and USB work as they should. Sync voice commands are still a challenge if you dont speak clearly. I like having both the analog and digital gauges on the 2015 (the 2014 only had an analog spedo). The heat/AC controls are great on the 2015 as there is a individual on/off button for everything including each vent/defrost. No more trying to figure out which position on a dial to use to heat your feet and the windshield at the same time. All in all the 2015 hatch is fun to drive, handles and looks great, and has enough room for our two large dogs in the back.

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  2500 miles and twice to dealership - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Roland K - August 29 - 2:46 pm

  Bought a 2015 Escape S in Feb 2015. As of August 2015 it has 2500 miles on the ODO, sleeps in a covered garage safe from the elements. It has been to the dealership twice for safety recalls. While I appreciate that the manufacturer issued the safety recalls, I think that their quality control is lacking and could have avoided these recalls. Due to these recalls, I have lost 2 half days from work and had to spend money out of pocket for taxi to get back to the dealer (they offer one way shuttle). I purchased a new vehicle because I couldnt afford to be losing time off work, but its a lesson learnt. It is also amazing that a cargo cover is an option that doesnt come with a vehicle thats listed for $23,500. To fords credit they had a representative call me to find out if the vehicle was working properly after the 2 dealer visits, but if they invest in quality control Vs resources for follow up calls, they would have prevented this review. This is my first experience with ford (I wanted to buy American) after being a customer of japanese manufacturers for 20+ years. I have to say that I am underwhelmed and wish I had stayed with a Japanese car. Im in the process of investigating trading in this vehicle for another brand because of my experience so far.

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  Give me my 2011Cruze back - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By donald k - August 28 - 10:27 pm

  I should have taken the dealers offer to take it this car home overnight. I test drove it on a good highway and the ride was quiet and comfortable. I found out after buying it that on the country roads I travel to my home the ride is harsh and lots of road noise. I like the automatic climate control, rear camera and the transmission is very smooth. The seats arent very comfortable for a long drive. The sticker claims 22 city 26 combined and 33 highway, so far the best I got was 21.9 and that is driving with a very light foot . I hate to think what will happen if I drive it a little aggressive. The last several vehicles I owned I always got at least the combined mileage rating. How could the EPA estimates be so far off?

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  Extremely Disappointed with Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa - August 28 - 7:08 pm

  own a 2005 limited awd..duratek engine is great, but CVT trans is junk. I first noticed the car started lunging around 80k miles. Progressively got worse. Then the transmission went. MANY transmission specialists told me its about a $6k job, and they didnt even want to touch it. Even the Ford dealership told me the car wasnt worth the fix. You cant even find a salvaged/rebuilt CVT because they are ALL junk, and if you do, no one will guarantee anything. And after reading everyone elses posts with the exact same problems, its an absolute abomination that Ford would not do a recall. Ford is well aware of these issues, even launched an investigation, but never made the recall! I still owe about 1k on the beast, and i will probably get a few more months out of it so im gonna drive it into the ground. Ive always been a Ford girl, and was especially proud that they didnt take a bailout. But Ford is still using this transmission, and their full knowledge of these issues and refusing to stand by their product has really put me off. Basically, we are getting screwed, and they dont care. I am extremely disappointed with Ford. I am no longer a Ford girl.

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  This car had run its course - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Marie - August 28 - 4:45 pm

  Im driving my dads old Focus now and hate it. Its not well-made inside and even with a Bluetooth, connectivity is iffy. There is nothing comfortable about it. Now looking for a Mazda or other, newer Ford.

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  Amazing Car Packs A Punch - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Kyle Cook - August 28 - 4:50 am

  This car goes way beyond expectations we have used this car as a get way car (toilet papering) and the stability and traction control are amazing it hugs the road great and the car goes the way you point the well unlike leading competitors such as the corOlla my focus has 87k+ miles and still running like a champ well built and economical design lacks some comodines like power seats but the handling is spurb compared to other cars in its segment

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  SLIPS & SHUDDERS in low gears !!!! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By K Turk - August 28 - 1:30 am

  Vehicle has known problems with the 6 speed automatic clutch assembly. They have so many widespread problems that the primary component is back ordered with Ford Motor Company for many months. The unit slips and shudders at slow speeds. Internet search this problem and you will clearly see this is NOT the vehicle to purchase !!! The first time the car was in for this issue the dealership had my vehicle 6 consecutive weeks.

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  Well made little economy car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Eric by the Bay - August 27 - 11:50 pm

  First, never buy a new car that is used by rental companies. After 1 year these rentals flood the market and while you have one that isnt a rental the value of the car depreciates 50% 23k car worth 13k as a trade in. Thats my main gripe with the car. Now those that complain about fit/finish... My interior is leather and it is super comfortable. and all the interior parts except the part the door are quality. Go drive a Toyota or Honda (quality/fit not happening) It also has sound proofing. I have had larger expensive cars that are more noisy than this car. Door closes with clunk not a hollowed clang like the Honda I traded in to purchase. Mine isnt a base one but one with all the goodies except a sun roof (not a Titanium) I would say the Navigation system has a lot to be desired. Voice activated and sometimes (most times) it dosent get where I want to go.. My IPhone is easier to operate for this function. Sony stereo is great and duel A/C is nice. My interior is black so it gets hot and the a/c cools down the car nicely. I commute to work across the SF Bay Bridge each day and this car has plenty of pick up and no problems getting around others when needed. Its actually a quick little car and very comfortable. It has a funky engine which you get used to its semi auto transmission routine. Kinda has its own little personality. It does as people mention here get jerky and some hesitation in stop/go. It reminds me of a manual transmission in an old VW. Mine has now 5200 miles on it and no real problems.. I dont know that i will keep it more than 1-2 years/or when warranty expires. I would recommend if your thinking about buying one to maybe look for 1 that is a year old with low mileage as its cheaper than buying new. Car easily gets over 30-35 mpg on freeway. Around town a bit less, but who does in City traffic or hills of SF.

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  Not Impressed at all - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Hypan - August 27 - 5:30 pm

  The transmission is a pure failure. Shutters like crazy under standard acceleration. The dealership and Ford are reluctant to provide a viable solution to this problem. I fear this car wont last at all. It will literally start shaking itself to pieces. Very dangerous when turning into streets as it just shitters and wont accelerate. During my research I have concluded that most (if not all) of the recent Focus models with auto trans suffer from this horrendous issue. Ford has been less than helpful in getting this straightened out. Very disappointed in the overall performance of this model as the looks and interior are top notch. Just steer clear of this one and save yourself the headache.

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  Beware before you buy - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Melissa C. - August 27 - 2:54 pm

  As far as the looks of my 2015 Ford Fusion, it is a very nice sporty looking vehicle, however, it has a lot of blind spots which makes me very nervous when changing lanes. I have a new teen driver in the house also and it makes it hard for him to see also when switching lanes. We took this car to Orlando, Florida from N.Carolina (9 hour trip) it was not a very comfortable ride. However it didnt seem as bad when we took another vacation that was only a 4 hour drive. I would not suggest this car to really tall people due to leg room and the roof being so low. My son who is 59" tall has a really hard time sitting in the back seat because of leg room. This is a nice vehicle for your average size person who dont travel alot.