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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  Worst Purchase of my Adult Life - 2011 Ford F-150
  By Hugh - August 13 - 10:54 am

  Coming from a Toyota/Honda - you WILL be disappointed in a Ford. Sure, it has more gadgets, flashy interior, updated styling, etc.. but the maintenance and expensive repairs will eat you alive. Compare either at 100K miles and the difference is clear. The Good: Big fuel tank, means less stops. Interior is nice, Color (Mine is Blue) is really nice. Big back seat area. Also, I was able to get 21-22mpg out of mine during road trips. The Mediocre: Handling and Suspension is just meh. Lackluster is the word. Also, the traction control is a joke compared to my old 2013 Tundra. In 2wd, I was getting stuck in the exact same places that my Tundra would just crawl through without any wheel spin. The Ford would dig a hole and then cut engine power. The 5.0 Engine seems weak for the size of the truck, it does the job, but struggles with a small trailer or load in the bed. The Bad: At 86K miles, this truck needs MAJOR work. Its sad. Rear main seal is leaking enough to leave spots in the driveway. Steering Rack needs replaced due to the "Service Advance Trac" light that is coming on almost daily, which leaves a dead spot in the steering and cuts off the turn signals as well. These are issues that most trucks had covered under the factory warranty, so known issues, but these issues didnt pop up until later. The driveline has a gnarly clunk when leaving from a light or during heavy acceleration. Was told it needed a new driveshaft and slip yoke. Power Steering lines are starting to leak around the fittings. Why this truck is a total turd: For the money, this thing just cant compete with a Tundra. I can get a 2015 Tundra Limited with many more features, a bullet proof driveline, and better warranty and service. The local ford dealer is kind enough, but acknowledge that these issues are known in these trucks, but cant do anything for us. Toyota has always taken care of its customers, many times well after warranty if its a known issue. Not finding that kind of support from Ford unfortunately. Resale - ugh... Im looking at losing 6.5K in just 1/2 a year, in order to avoid all these costly repairs (totalling nearly 5K in just 6 months) from trade-in value. However, given that I simply dont have faith in either the Manufacturer or the product, its a loss worth taking to get away from this vehicle.

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  Mysterious Problems Arise - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jsteph - August 13 - 10:02 am

  I have a 2011 Fusion SEL but not for long. Mysteriously it stops starting up. Ford dealer couldnt find an issue. Ford dealer called FORD in Michigan and they couldnt troubleshoot the issue either. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle. Ive only had it for a year and a half and poured over a $1500 in repairs just this year. Not worth it, Im switching to something more reliable. Another negative: Mechanics say that the rear break design is stupid and leads to excessive replacements.

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  whoa tranny - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By GiGi - August 12 - 8:21 pm

  Buyer Beware of transmission. Car has been excellent up until tranny just started going haywire all at once with no warning. Seen complaint after complaint about transmission and seems to be a defect that Ford will not acknowledge.

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  best car ever - 2000 Ford Escort
  By cali - August 12 - 7:05 pm

  Bought brand new 253896 miles runs great no problems replaced original clutch at 208197 love this car

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  Make friends at your local gas station - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Miller - August 12 - 6:10 pm

  I love the way this car looks and drives.... but, its never seen a gas station it doesnt want to stop at. Getting a combined mpg of less than 21 is simply not ok for a modern car with a 4 cylinder engine. Im sure its the AWD thats costing me at the pump, but I never expected to take such a huge hit over the EPA estimates. Im no leadfoot, and I regularly get better than the EPA estimates in most my cars. Finally, Ill never buy another car with a built in navigation system. Ive had one previously (in a 99 Volvo), but this one is much worse. First, it cant be used while the car is moving. I know. I know. Its a safety thing. But if my passenger cant use it while Im driving, then its simply not going to get used at all because we both have smart phones, and Im not interested in stopping to fiddle with the nav system. And of course, the navigation system needs map updates. Ford sets the price on these at $149 per annual(ish) update. Thats right, for the cost of a Garmin GPS with lifetime map updates, you can buy a one-time map update. Besides, why on earth would I buy another Garmin? Ive got a smart phone. Its maps are updated in virtual real time, and the google traffic updates are FAR more accurate. Im glad I didnt pay extra for the nav system, but it will always be there as a constant reminder of poorly implemented technology. Not sure how long Ill keep this car. Im just not interested in pouring money into a gas hog.

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  Save your Money and Buy anything but a Ford - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Drew - August 12 - 11:48 am

  So my experience with fusions has been nothing but poor. Had a 2013 with 22,000 miles on it and the transmission went bad. Got rid of it and got a Toyota Camry. Not one issue with the Toyota. Have a 2011 fusion sport with 45,000 miles on it. Feel transmission going already and it could not pass emission test because the OBD is not functioning correct. Time to go get another Toyota. Save your self the poor product issues and do not buy a Ford. They seem to want to sell build poor products!!!!

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  Ill be buying another one! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By PB - August 12 - 11:41 am

  Ive had my Fusion for almost five years now and other than maintenance that comes around 90,000 miles, I havent had to do anything to it besides routine maintenance. We recently got into an accident, running into a stopped Ford F150 going about 60 mph--complete front impact. I am more in love with this car after the accident because of the fact that we all walked away with minor injuries, with my 13 month old having none. Now looking for my replacement car, Im looking for another Fusion. The car is roomy, comfortable, and the trunk has a TON of space. Great gas mileage and an overall great, safe car.

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  Do not recommend - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Lis - August 12 - 10:24 am

  Bought this car brand new back in 2011, I have had issues ever since. Taken to the dealership several times to be fixed and they never get fixed. Mainly transmission and the my ford touch technology. Just terrible.

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  The worst car i ever had - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Sherita - August 12 - 10:18 am

  Great fuel mileage, but everything else sucks, had the car for 3years, and i have had to go back to dealership way to many to get repairs made, now my starter is gone out, i really regret buying this lemon

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  Rental good enough to own - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Dean C. - August 11 - 2:52 pm

  Very car like ambience, ride quality and handling. It feels like the center of gravity is much lower than it actually is with flat cornering and a composed ride. Impressive NVH suppression in Titanium edition despite the bigger wheels. Wait for 2016 and Sync3, as the current touch screen is often counterintuitive and as slow as molasses. Good connectivity and power supply options available except USB below center stack is almost impossible to reach. Hands free lift gate leads to cavernous and well finished cargo area. Back seats roomy and with easy ingress/egress. Not sure about structural build quality as you can watch the hood sheet metal vibrating a bit along the power bulges stamped into it, but the cage structure seems quite stiff and protective. Flashy lighting and upscale features. A very good Ford.