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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  Muuuuch better than I thought! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Wes - August 19 - 1:26 pm

  Ive been a Toyota/Honda guy since 1987 because Ive always been very happy with their quality and reliability. When I started looking at a full sized pickup, however, I broadened my search to include Ford for 3 very large reasons: They have come a LONG way in the area of quality, their Ecoboost engines offer great fuel economy, and Ford did not take government bailout money. I originally wanted the SuperCrew, but it did not fit in my garage (about 4 inches too long). So, I went with the SuperCab. The major factor that won me over to the Ford over the Toyota Tundra is the gas mileage. Even at todays prices, I could not justify buying a Tundra that will not get better than 15-16 mpg (real world) on the highway. Ive now driven my 2015 2WD Ford F150 XLT for about 1500 miles. It may be a bit too early to draw any concrete conclusion, but at this point I do not think Toyota could have built a truck that is more solid or quiet than the Ford. Ive been blown away by how quiet the 2.7L twin-turbo Ecoboost engine is, and the power is more than abundant. Ride quality is pretty much what youd expect from a truck with an empty bed when going over things like railroad tracks and other bumps in the road. A bit jittery. However, when it comes to highway cruising Ive been very pleased with the smoothness of the ride. Im also very impressed with the sound deadening that Ford employed in the cab. This thing is quieter than the Toyota Avalon that I traded for it. Overall, at this point, I could scarcely be happier with my choice. This is my first ever full sized pickup. If things continue as they have, I think I can honestly say that I will be a Ford truck buyer for life. VERY impressed with the strides they have taken to produce a product with the advanced level of quality that Ive experienced in this F150.

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  Comfortable, reliable car with great mileage - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Kristina Wieland - August 19 - 1:27 am

  I am very pleased with my 2014 Ford Focus. I get great gas mileage: 31 to 38 mpg in town with AC on and 41 to 48 mpg highway driving with AC on. I was a bit concerned with the slight shudder I sometimes get from the transmission when accelerating from a stop. The first service technician I talked to about this said it was normal for the Focus. I found this explanation unsatisfactory. During another stop at the dealership, another technician explained the mechanics of the Focus transmission and then the shuddering made sense. With almost 17K miles on my car, it has proven to be very reliable, comfortable and economical. I will definitely be purchasing a Ford the next time I shop for a car.

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  13 Focus = serious issues - 2013 Ford Focus
  By AGGambler - August 18 - 5:14 pm

  Research before you buy! Nothing but issues. Transmission trouble resulting in 4 dealer trips until recall replacement. Speakers emitting a high frequency noise (with cracking and popping) causing safety concern which Ford will not fix. I would caution against this vehicle. Too many complaints.

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  The sleeper ! - 2014 Ford Taurus
  By Mike W. - August 18 - 12:51 pm

  I have purchased a new car on average every three years since 1968, everything from Corvettes and Cadillac to Volkswagen Beetles. This Ford is the first car that needed no adjustments, no repairs, no squeaks and no rattles since Ive owned it. All wheel drive and 365 HP make this one fun car to drive, 18 MPG on average with regular gas, 24 on the highway. It has a huge trunk and can seat five comfortably.

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  Do NOT buy this car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Madison - August 18 - 7:19 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Focus in September of 2014. I got it Pre-Certified with only 16,000 miles on it. When I test drove it, it was a great ride, pretty quiet, and comfy. I noticed a little jerking when starting from a dead stop and I thought it was just because it was touchier than my old car. So I fell in love with it and purchased it. About 2 months later, the jerking was so bad that my passengers were complaining about it. I took it into McCafferty Ford where I purchased it and had it serviced. The mechanic told me this was a common problem so he "reprogrammed" the transmission and sent me on my way. A month or two later I took it back and the clutch needed to be replaced after putting about 2,000 miles on it. Now, I am going through the same issue for the SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. When I go back to the dealership Thursday, I am claiming lemon law and getting a different car. I also got hit by a tractor trailer when I was merging because the transmission stuck and wouldnt accelerate. Its dangerous. Seriously, dont waste your money.

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  Beauty and a Beast - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Joe Cobb - August 17 - 6:28 pm

  I have owned Volkswagen for last ten years and wanted to buy one badly but could not justify buying a four door to get an R version. I am a two door guy and thats it. Many different cars made the two door short list and I looked at them all. After driving the GT though I looked like a deranged crack head I was smiling so hard. I opted for the premium with 20" wheels and navigation. I dont drive far every day so the mpg is not going to be a deal breaker but going from 52 to 21 is hilarious and worth it to me for what you get. I also got the automatic with paddles. I have driven sticks exclusively since 1989 and am enjoying the heck out of my auto now I can rest my hand on my ladys leg, giggity. The fit and finish is better than my German built vw tdi I had and the only complaint is the lame incandescent lights for trunk, glove box, vanity and map lights. Thirty five bucks fixed that from Diode Dynamics. This car accelerates like a cheetah and is a blast to drive in city or highway. I havent owned a muscle car since the 80s and Im glad I got this beauty!

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  Liked the flex until it tried to kill my family! - 2015 Ford Flex
  By MarciaT - August 17 - 10:20 am

  Was looking for a large, safe family vehicle to replace my minivan that was totalled in Feb of 2015. Found the ford flex. Loved the size, comfort and technology! Hate the gas mileage!! Ford should be ashamed of themselves! If my minivan gets 30mpg on trips - so can the flex! It gets 17!! 17 mpg - pathetic! Anyway - on Thurs Aug 13, on a vacation with my kids in the smoky mountains and the steering starts acting a little strange. No lights or warnings. Stopped to check power steering fluid and figured out its electrical - no fluid! We called 2 ford dealers and were told its fine and get it checked when we get home. Was told there is 1 recall on fuel delivery module - thats it. We continued our day and on the 2nd largest mountain on the entire east coast- Clingmans Dome - the power steering warning lite comes on. It bongs 5 times and BOOM - NO POWER STEERING. None! On a huge mountain. Took all my husband had to wrestle it away from a guard rail - avoid traffic and stop it so we didnt dive off the cliff!!!!! 2 1/2 hours to get a wrecker to bring us off the mtn! 2 traumatized kids that dont want to drive in the flex ever again! 2 hour drive to the Knoxville airport to get a one way car rental because locals wont do a one way rental. Do you know what Ford corporate says??? We would like to say that cars come off the assembly line perfect - but - they dont. Thats why theres a warranty!!!! Are you kidding me?? We could have died - LITERALLY! Will they reimburse me for the car rental? NO. Will they help me get my car back? No! I have to get out of work. My husband must get out of work. We must drive 3 hrs- each way- to get the car. Asked why they dont care that the car almost killed us? No response. Asked if they would be upset if I went on tv to warn others. They said sorry you feel that way. He will call me next week to see if we got the car back. DONT BUY A FLEX! DONT BUY A FORD! I used to like fords! My kids and I will never buy another Ford vehicle! They should be ashamed of themselves!!!!!!!!!

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  Terrible Transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Adam Leibenguth - August 17 - 9:17 am

  Im usually not one to write a review on anything, but I just couldnt get over the terrible transmission on the 2014 Ford Focus automatic. I am at 12.5k miles, and the jerking/shaking between 1st and 2nd gear is consistently getting worse. I first noticed it around 5-7k miles and thought it was just in my head, but a few thousand miles later it was obvious to anyone riding along. From an outside perspective, I must look like a man who cant drive a manual car. The car jerks the worst if Im starting out from an incline. Once I get to 2nd gear the car seems fine, but living in a city with many stops, it is very uncomfortable. If only I had read some of these reviews earlier.

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  started out good - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Tr76 - August 16 - 3:44 pm

  We bought this car new in 2007, it was great for years then at 125,000 we had to replace the transmission cost us $3000. Then it stated surging , got the throttle cable cleaned it worked great for another year , now the surging is so bad now that is dangerous to drive , and when we put it in gear it surges then the wrench light comes on and the car cuts off ... Just paid $1200 to replace the air conditioning system. Seems like everything breaks at once and its all expensive to fix ... I wish Ford would recall the problems and fix it !

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  Its no fiesta. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By JustSayNo - August 16 - 3:24 pm

  This is hands down, the worst car ever made. I have made cars with my Lego sets that are more reliable. Constant transmission problems along with a non functioning Sync system makes this car horrific. However, it is cute to look at but thats all it has going for it. Dont you dare buy this car!