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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  Very dissapointed - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Chris - August 6 - 11:53 pm

  Where do I start, mmmmmm. All 4 wheel bearings went bad before 90,0000. Sunroof was designed to let water in, I think. Well it had to be as bad as it leaks. Fans dont work so car overheated. Stereo would not work from steering wheel controls. Gas gauge goes from 3/4 full to empty in a second and then the car died, TWICE. The good news about that is that it only happens when it is 20 below or colder, so it has that going for it. Seriously. I have worked in the car industry for twenty years and I have owned many cars and this truly is the most disappointing car we have ever owned. I wanted to support Ford after they refused the bailout money. Unfortunately I will be going back to a Honda or Toyota. In my experience, these companies have given me the best value for my money. Simple as that! Back to sarcasm: All 4 wheel bearings out before 90k, really? Ford knew they were bad during testing, they had to know. So I assume they treated it as a profit center and said the heck with the buyer. Well, two can play that game, so the Heck with Ford!

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  Pulsating vibration 60-75 - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Josh Gilman - August 6 - 6:23 pm

  Have had the car for 3 weeks already been in the shop 5 day. It has a pulsating vibration between 60 and 75...horrible and feels unsafe to drive. Replaced driveshaft and rear differential on a car with barely 1000 miles and still not fixed. Lemon law is next if its not resolved ASAP.

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  TRUCK GOOD - CUSTOMER SERVICE HORRIBLE - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Jeff chenery - August 6 - 3:31 pm

  The truck is good but developed a shimmy when starting off up to 10 MPH. We asked the service department at the dealership to look at it over a year ago and at that time they did not acknowledge that there was a problem. We continued to note the problem every time we went to the dealership. Finally the dealership did acknowledge the issue in May but have been unable to fix the issue. We contacted FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE three weeks ago and have not spoken to anyone from their regional management group. We did receive 1 message on the 30th but have not been able to get anyone to call us back since. Also really low gas mileage compared to what was said on the sticker. Ongoing saga.

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  Versitile Economy. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Devon Nelson - August 6 - 10:19 am

  I bought my 05 ZX5 back in 2013 with 76k on the clock, it now has 93k and nothing major has gone wrong.The worst problem being the driver side rear door lock going out, I bought a used part and replaced it myself. I wish the fuel economy was better I seem to get 28mpg max but other then that the hatch has allowed me to haul big items and 4 doors make passengers getting in easier. My friend got a brand new Fiesta ST and its a pain to get in and out of and the car feels downright claustrophobic despite being a great deal faster. The Focus is a great used car bargain.

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  Everything breaks after warranty expires - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By monique - August 6 - 5:22 am

  my air broke about 2000 miles after warranty expired along with my rack an pinion breaks. Then my latch to open my drivers door. This caris driven by a single driver.

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  Love iy - 2015 Ford F-150
  By A - August 5 - 6:25 pm

  Past several years Ive bought a different truck every year or so. But this seems to be my favorite so far. Love the ride, fuel economy, power, and its a great looking truck.

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  Transmission, radio and electrical problems!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By melinda - August 5 - 2:21 pm

  transmission awful it grinds up hills looses power on acceleration ! The radio works when it wants to , only controls 3,4 work on ac and heat 1,2 slower fan speeds do not work . Oil service light and low tire air lights stay on even if oil changed and air put in tires !! This car is a nightmare !! My first and LAST ford EVER !!!

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  Wish I had known..... - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Freddy Ford - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  I have to say I really like this car, it drives great. Recently it was in for a service and some recall items to be taken care of, nothing major, the dealer gave me a 2014 Fusion with the 2.0L ecoboost engine, oh man let me tell you this engine runs strong compared to the 2.5L I have. If I had known it was available in the SE model I would have defiantly bought it. If you are going to get one of these good looking cars, get it with the 2.0L it is so smooth and powerful, you will regret it if you dont. Go drive both and youll see what I am talking about.

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  STAY AWAY - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Izzy Schwartz - August 3 - 12:19 pm

  Dual-clutch auto trans is a living nightmare. It was horrible originally, is still terrible. ITS A FAILED DESIGN. If youre considering a Focus, go rent one (with 10-15k miles on it) for a week or so and drive it on your normal routes.

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  trust me dont buy one. Im a professional driver - 2013 Ford Focus
  By mark lacroix - August 2 - 12:01 pm

  Let me first start off by saying Im a professional truck driver for over 20 years Ive owned my own trucks and I know how to get the most out of vehicles . This car has severe transmission problems. I naught a Ford focus 2013 to reduce fuel and to have a little fun in it. I put 122000 miles on it . Yes that wasnt a typo. 122,000 miles. Comuting to sanbernadino to hinckley daily 94 miles one way. First I experienced at around 80 thousand miles the computer module completely went out left me stranded in the middle of the dessert for hours. Towed it back. They fixed. 2nd time at 122 thousand going up the mountain towards big bear dam near killed me and 5 people behind me transmission said it was overheating and went to crawl mode and completely disengaged while cars behind me were spinning put to try to avoid me there was no turn out to get the car too. Finally got it back to dealer and same problem but this time that computer module actually prematurely wore out the clutch witch they wanted 1800 to fix the computer module was still under warranty but they would not fix clutch. I tied to trade it in they would only give me 2500 credit to the car. Yes you Hurd me write 2,500. they know that car is a pile [non-permissible content removed]!!! I had a 2003 ford ficus with 267,000 miles on it and it ran like a top same motor same clutch. Someone T boned it sadly. So I thought I would get same mileage out of new one. Another thing is suspension it wore out to quick and gave tires flat spots witch led to a bummpy ride. Please take it from me get rid of this car as fast as you can. There menu more problems with this car but I dont feel like writing a book about it.