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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  had few issue - 2014 Ford Escape
  By GReg - July 16 - 7:41 pm

  10 K radio stop working for 1 hour dealer could not explained why battery disconnect thats all they did to reset issue 13k ac stop blowing for one hour on long trip from Detroit on hot day..gate inside handle already broke loose If u do oil change good luck to remove oil filter no room for hand or any tool

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  Overall great truck, some not-so-great points.. - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Donovan Moser - July 16 - 5:30 pm

  Just to be clear - I think it is a great truck - XLT supercrew with 5.0 2wd, 6.5 bed. Maybe i would not notice some things but I am coming out of a 2013 that is pretty much exactly the same truck configuration. Ride is rougher, air conditioning seems a little less efficient - The vent arrangement seems a little less controllable as to direction and circulation. Fuel economy - contrary to reports, seems to be averaging right on 15 MPG calculated and on the trip computer, where as the previous truck was averaging 16.7 in the same driving conditions. Side mirrors seem to be a little smaller horizontally.

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  "I thought I was going to die driving this car" - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Cindy - July 15 - 7:04 pm

  I have always purchased Ford products in the past but, I am really re-thinking did I get a lemon with this 2014 this Ford Focus You should feel safe when you drive a new car not worried about it bogging down on the road. I have taken my new car in twice now, once the dealership replace the clutch and now they replace the transmission modules. The dealership told me right off the bat there is backlog of cars waiting for a new clutches again. I drive on the highway and was horrified when I tried to get car to speed up so a semi-truck could get off the ramp and my car acted liked the transmission stuck in gear. I am scared to take my grandkids in my car just in case the transmission locks up and caused a wreck that could hurt them. If Ford can fix the problems in a timely manor either by putting another transmission in or they should have to buy the cars back from the customers for want they paid for them. Buyer beware please do research before you buy this type of car for your own safety.

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  I mean, itll get you halfway there at least - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Zack S. - July 15 - 2:38 pm

  Despite it getting great gas mileage and the interior being very spacious for the size of the car, the car is far from a glorious car. No matter how you drive the car, the engine will give out easily. The engine or transmission is bound to blow. The interior is spacious, but it is also very, very, very cheap feeling. Everything in aide is made of cheap low grade plastic and does not have a very pleasant feel. The steering wheel is the only part of the interior that feels like any effort went into finding a proper material for it.

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  Bad Decision - 2012 Ford Focus
  By denise chiles - July 14 - 4:31 pm

  Ive had one problem after another. The door trim fell out, had to buy battery for remote key, Tires had to be replaced, all four in first year. Now my car wont start, no jump works, just wont start! Lights, radio, all electronics work, so far, just wont start-REALLY FORD! This car is a lemon! My sister has same make and model hers stop for no reason also. Ford after 3 times in shop finally told her its a transmission modular. I hate to find out what mine is.

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  I couldnt be happier. - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Todd Christopher - July 14 - 9:03 am

  I am a repeat Ford F150 customer. My previous F150 I had for 11+ years. That truck was the replacement for an F150 that I drove for 9+ years. My trucks haul firewood, lumber, gravel, building materials, etc. My new purchase is the 14 STX Supercrew 5.0L with the Sport Package, and Tow Package. I have about 500 miles on the truck and my avg mpg is 19.5. My home is on the top of a mountain and I travel over a lot of country roads during my day. My biggest surprises are the amount of room in the crew cab and the mileage. The 5L V8 has plenty of get up and go. I chose the 5L V8 because of my concerns about the longevity of the turbo charged V6. Because I keep my trucks long past any extended warrenty I could buy, I decided that the proven 5L V8 was my best option. The interior appears to be well done. The bucket seats are comfortable as is the rear bench seat. The truck handles like a truck should. If you are looking for a car like ride then look somewhere else. That being said the handling on this truck is miles head of my previous F150. I actually had planned to purchase a different make but ended up back at the Ford dealership. So far, I couldnt be happier.

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  Waste of my time... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By VMT - July 13 - 4:14 pm

  ... (trying to get this fixed) and money. This model has a dual clutch and it starts "shuddering" around the 7k mark. I was told by the dealership that it needed a new clutch (warranty) so a new clutch was put in. After another 7k miles the new clutch is doing the same thing. Took it back to the dealership and they said the PCM/TCM software needed updating. Ok... but it didnt fix it the problem. Now awaiting another new clutch. Ive been told that there are 50!!!! Focus at that dealership waiting for a new clutch and they only get a couple in each month. Its been over a month and they still dont have a clutch for my car. This clutch issue apparently has been going on since the 2011s. WHY didnt the dealership tell/warn buyers so we could make an informed decision??? WHY cant the dealership get in a clutch that will fix the issue permanently? WHY dont they just give us a new transmission without the dual clutch??? This car is a P.O.S. and not surprising, despite the name.. it isnt considered American made!

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  My first new car! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Natalie - July 13 - 12:54 pm

  My parents bought me this car for my 18th birthday early 2015. As soon as I saw the car at the dealership, I knew it would be perfect. As a newer driver, I wanted to be driving a car that was not only easy to drive and gets good gas mileage, but is safe and comfortable as well. The Ford Focus Hatchback SE meets all those expectations. Originally we planned on getting a 2014 Ford Focus, but the 2015 was only about $1k more so we decided to get the newest model. The car itself is very sporty, with black and silver rims as well as paddle shifters on the steering wheel (for those who would like to drive the car in the optional sport/manual mode). The cloth interior is very durable and comfortable. The radio, bluetooth, and climate control are also user friendly for those who may not be used to having more technology in their car. Driving the hatchback is smooth, and especially quiet on the freeway or on bumpier roads. The one thing I found surprising in this car is the sensitivity of the accelerator you do not have to press down hard on it for the car to accelerate quickly. The only downside to the car is the leg room for the back seats. However, it wont matter as much if you are driving with one or two other people. There is a ton of trunk space, which can even fit a couple sets of golf clubs/bags. This car is great, and perfect for newer drivers and students.

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  2010 Ford Fusion with 99,000 when Purchased - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bryce Martens - July 12 - 9:22 pm

  Purchased this car from dealer used with 99,000 miles on and purchased the extended warranty. Ran great up until around 130k miles and then started having acceleration issues and when we took it to the dealer they couldnt identify the problem. Drove it a couple thousand more miles and then maintenance light came on and the dealer took a look said it was loose hose connected to the transmission. Problem was fixed and then a few weeks later it started making another noise while accelerating and now the dealer says that three of the engine blocks need to be replaced which isnt covered by the warranty. Not impressed with the new Ford models and their attempt to reinvent the brand.

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  Poormileage - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Bill lever - July 12 - 1:27 pm

  I only got 21mpg a gallon.19950 miles on car gas mileage is terrible. It never went above 21mpg some trucks do better then this