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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  Repairs, Repairs & More Repairs - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brucel - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The transmission went out at 30,000. It was then rebuilt. It went out again @ 54,000. Ford will not take full responsibility for this hunk of junk. There have been many other repais as well as numerous recalls. I am unable to get in touch with the District Manager for Northeast Illinois. No one will give me that information,. Who does Ford think they are? This is my first and last Ford. I had bought it for its safety features. The transmission has gone out twice in traffic--really safe!

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  problem ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jennifer amerson - September 19 - 8:42 am

  I have had this car fixed 5 times. It still will not start. I keep a journal and I have to crank it up to 12 times to get it to start in the middle of the month every month, and 6 times every time on the first week of each month. I think this is an electrical problem. I have had the idle valve replaced and it still will not start. Also has had 3 recalls done on it and I just had the power steering hose replaced on it last week. I do not know what to do just keep begging Ford to fix it so that I will not be late for work anymore. Cranking problem started 2 years ago and I have been told that this car can not be fixed. It only has 30,000 miles on it.

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  Used to like Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Give Up on Ford - September 10 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had problems with my 2002 XLS since I purchased it. The rear gate would not latch and they had to replace the whole gate. It took All American Ford a week to do that. Front driver side door leaks when driving on highway during rain shower. The transmission constantly slips and thumps in and out between gears at low speed. Noisy cab at speeds in excess of 55 mph. The interior dash lights come on and off for no apparent reasons. Dealership claims there are no problems. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper. It is like a bug magnet. Not very roomy interior for a driver that is 64" either. Overall, I had a Ford pickup truck before the EXPLODER and I think that mechanically, Ford missed it!

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  I hate this car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Terrible car - September 10 - 6:16 am

  I was bored with my old car and gas prices were rising. I decided I would go and test some cars out. I ended up getting the Focus. 2 weeks after I bought it my door locks stopped working. 3 weeks after that I had to have the sway bar replaced. Then the motor mount. Then the alternator. Then my electrical system went out. 6 disc cd player broke. I swear it eats tires and headlight bulbs. Up to date I have had the car for almost 3 years. It has 137k miles on it. I have replaced the motor mounts 5 times. I bumped a curb and the side air bag deployed. I have had my car in the shop so many times the car rental people know me by name. Ford makes terrible cars and I would recommend you stay away.

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  No more Fords for me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Shannon Hewett - September 3 - 7:49 pm

  I purchased this car as an inside deal. It has been towed 3 times. The fuel pump went out, the fuel line leaked, the ignition went out, the front coil springs broke, exhaust is load, replaced catolac convertor, the number three piston went out (needs new motor). I sold it to the junk yard to a sucker for 250.00. I will never buy another ford. Oh... Two of Focus friends also had the same problems. This is the worst car ever. When the fuel pump goes bad, you cant let the fuel level drop below half a tank. That makes long trips fun. Dont buy it so Ford will stop making it.

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  Poor Quality. Nothing but troubles - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - September 3 - 12:16 pm

  Buy a Toyota or Nissan or Honda. This car is the worst. I have had nothing but troubles with it. I have had it in the shop at least 6 times in 11 months. Bad rotors, replaced rotors, ground rotors, air conditioning problem, brake out at 30K, loudest car ever. Save your money and buy Japanese. I just bought a Maxima and love it. Soon I will get rid of Ford forever.

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  So disappointed - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Mike M - August 31 - 5:31 am

  Unfortunately I have to agree with many negative reviews on this page. Recently I have just been constantly, constantly taking my car to the shop. The horn stopped working a while ago, and now I am having engine and transmission issues. Today was the last straw, was just too unsafe to drive. Will have to take it back into a shop. Ive never had a car have so many problems this frequently.

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  2004 Ford Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nadineb - August 28 - 9:35 am

  Worst vehicle that I have every owned. Feared for my safety in this vehicle. I would not recommend it to anyone. I will not purchase another Ford vehicle ever again because of having such a bad experience with this vehicle. Review NHTSA site for numerous complaints.

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  Dont buy!!!! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By frusterated at ford - August 27 - 12:23 am

  Biggest mistake I ever made, was buying a Ford Focus. Its used up 17 tires in 80000 km. 3 of the tires were legit, due to nails found. But the remaining were due to bad alignment, crappy suspension, and dust/dirt in rims. I will never buy a Ford product again. Also, the amount of dust that gets through the stripping around the doors is insane. My car is always filthy but I was told thats just a Ford Focus, its how theyre made. Its fun to drive and good on gas, but its the biggest mistake I have ever purchased.

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  Death Mobile - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Deane - August 25 - 3:57 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned it is dangerous, expensive & unreliable. It started with fractured paint (over the whole car. I was told by Licardi Ford, where it was purchased, that I had the car repainted not true!),the small back hatch exploding in my face, I then went on to replace: bad brakes,dropped transmission, broken front axle, broken rear axle, electrical system twice,the doors periodically go out of alignment & not close properly, and, when it rains, it rains in the car. Theres more but why continue this is bad enough.