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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  Where are the automatics? - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Zolar1 - August 16 - 8:47 pm

  Mine is not listed. 2.2l 4 cyl, automatic w/air I strongly suspect that the vehicle was seriously wrecked before purchase. Clicking noise in the steering, rubbing noise in the front, bad mpg, painted masking tape behind the front grille, hood not aligned on ds with fender, missing rubber flap inside ds fender, erratic rough shifting, squeaking rear brakes, front of bed too flimsy to strap an appliance on it (you can push it in with your hand), near deaf service writers/mechanics cannot hear noises, 17 gal gas tank (should have been a 20gal), other problems.

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  Poor exterior workmanship - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By mark haslett - August 11 - 5:24 am

  I purchased a performance package GT convertible in January. The exterior body panels were not bonded correctly by the roller at the factory causing noticeable creases at the edges of the trunk, passenger door and hood. The car has been reviewed by the dealer and 2 body shops and all agree this is a factory defect. Problem is that FORD CORPORATE says it is NOT their problem. Dealer is working with me to correct the poor workmanship but I am concerned that after the trunk, door and hood panels are all reworked and repainted that the value of the car will be depreciated. FORD should just take this car back and give me the straight car I paid $44k for.

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  A review to read - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Car buyer - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Explorer a year and a half. Since the day I bought it I have had on going problems. All four of my brake pads were cracked when I got my Explorer. Secondly, the silver paint chipped off the radio and both door handles. Later this year my car wouldnt start due to a faulty part. I have had nothing but problems.

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  The Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Focus
  By William Sparrow - August 4 - 10:11 pm

  The Instrument cluster died first, that alone was around six hundred dollars. Three sensors were defective and it failed inspection. A vacuum switch was followed by a major transmission malfunction. The trunk can be problematic at times. The visors are poor and the ignition switch is faulty. I have put 21000 gentle miles on this sedan. I drive like an old man and have this car serviced regularly (when it is not being repaired). I am a teacher and find myself struggling financially as a result of this purchase. The repair costs have far outweighed the fuel savings. I believe that Ford is negligent beyond reason. Ford should be ashamed of this abysmal car!

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  Never Again - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By L - July 31 - 3:09 am

  I have always had faith in Taurus until this one. I have put less than 10K on this car and more than $2K into in in less than one year. Now, service engine light on and probably another $1K bill. Already had transmission rebuilt at 80,000 miles, had freeze out plugs replaced (low cost part) high labor job $1200 for that job. After 4 months had to replace all sway link bars (twenty years of driving never heard of them), I do oil changes regularly. Brake design and trans stinks as we all know. Owned the car less than 1.5 years and I can say this is the worst car I ever owned. I got more use/mileage out of a $200 1994 Ford Taurus. A lot of people have had heat issues, my turn Im sure.

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  Angry but Fair - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Timmy T. - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  4.2L engine with electronic throttle body. No good. When you break into a corner, and then accelerate out the response time was generally 3 seconds. A member of my gun section worked at dealership told me that Ford is aware of the problem, yet has no new "strategies" for the computer, and had been given no indication as to when fix would come. Transmission was in 4 times in 2 months: 1-2 gear "strategies" reprogrammed, 1-2 gear valve body replaced, milky tranny fluid additive added, 2-3 gear valve body replaced, along with 1-2 valve body again. Went lemon law, was offered a collateral exchange, got a 05 Freestar w/3.9L engine. The van was 100% better than the Explorer.

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  Roundn Roundn Round We Go... - 2012 Ford Focus
  By acskurt - July 27 - 2:06 pm

  Bought the 2012 Focus April this year. Within 500 miles had it back in the shop twice due to tranny shifting bad. This transmission is the worst thing Ford has snuck onto its public since the Pinto. Even after reprogramming the transmission TWICE, the cars driveability is the most unpridictable of any car I have driven. When I pulled into traffic on June 5, it shifted from 1st to 4th within 15 feet and nearly got me killed. I took the death trap back to the dealer and gave it to them. Dealer says "talk to Ford" - Ford says "talk to the dealer". Ill probably Lemon Law the car unless Im made happy this week.

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  Will not honor warranty - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By skydiver1 - July 21 - 1:41 pm

  The high voltage battery cooling fans are under warranty for 8 years, 100,000 miles. Ford will not honor this warranty and I had to spend over $900 to get this fixed. Others have gotten Ford to honor this exact warrantied item after much runaround. I will be taking Ford Motor Company to small claims court very soon.

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  The car decides when it goes into 4WD, WTH??? - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Peggy - July 20 - 5:08 am

  This vehicle is provided to me by my employer. They were robbed! How do I despise thee?? Let me count the ways: 1. You can NOT put the vehicle in 4wd when you think it is necessary. Only the car can make that decision. 2. Radio is a joke. Frequently have to turn it off and back on the be able the switch stations. Programing the radio isnt easy or logical. 3. The backup camera is inset so far it makes it difficult to see and if the sun is out at all the reflections and glare make it useless. 4. Caller ID on screen seldom works. You will get the phone number but not the callers name. I could go on, but whats the point. Ford likes to make vehicles look good but doesnt care if anything actually works.

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hayyou - July 19 - 1:26 pm

  my car is a lemon 28 Repairs Latest one was a broken front spring this one was very serious could have caused a death