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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  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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  Approaching 100k and Near End of Life - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Paul Gyergyek - August 13 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car in Dec 2011 (w/ only 72.8k miles on it) for my son in college. Almost 4 years and 25.5k miles later, I learned a valuable lesson in used-car buying: a older, low-mileage car is not always a good deal. It cost a ton to maintain this car - I think Ive replaced everything once, some things twice (front brakes, portions of exhaust system). The upstate NY winters (no car washing = lots of rust damage) & rough roads have aged this car tremendously. However, lots of items that shouldnt have failed, did - CD player (it wont play ANY CDs), speedo, odometer, blower motor resistor. My sons hard driving, especially on some bad country roads, and not taking good care of it was a major contributing factor to its rapid decline. However, honestly, I think the previous owner simply sold this car at the right time. Best Features: The gas mileage is fantastic! 32-36 MPG on most of my trips. I own an 07 Mustang GT, and this car, though it doesnt compare, is still fun to drive. Even though the 03 Foci I owned were better-built and performing cars, I prefer the ZX2 stying. Pretty roomy for me, a 250 lb guy. Stereo system sounds OK, for a lower-end vehicle. My son didnt care for A/C (which is good, cause it broke in 2014), but he loved driving with the moonroof wide open. Worst Features: Auto tranny downshifts very hard & violently into 1st gear when you stomp on the gas - but the car does move fairly quickly. In the northern rust belt, this car abhors water (and the damage it does) more than the Wicked Witch of the West. Definitely needs a drivers arm rest. I highly recommend snow tires for winter driving - its snow/ice traction is poor.

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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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  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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  2nd owner NOT happy - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Carl - August 11 - 9:27 am

  Transmissions, 5 in 14 months, mileage 14ish. Lots of road noise. Drivers seat worn out, way too early.

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  2nd Taurus but, Very Disappointed in the 2007 - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Michele - August 10 - 9:15 pm

  I bought my 2007 Taurus in 2009 with approx. 40xxx miles on it. It was a pretty decent car until I paid it off a couple of years ago. Since then Ive had numerous problems. Its on its 3rd starter, 3rd battery, the brake fluid leaks and has been refilled numerous times, transmission leaks and whines horribly when it shifts, vacuum line disconnects easily and the paint on the hood has been steadily bubbling and peeling off. I have just under 129,000 miles on it now. I had a 1999 Taurus prior to owning the 2007. It had over 175,000 miles on it before I had to start putting a substantial amount of money into repairs and I drove it until it had 260,000+ miles.

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  Hopeful - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Jax - August 10 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased a used 2014 with a little over 14k miles. I had issues from early on but Im hopeful once things are reconciled it will all be ok. Transmission seems to stall between shifting, AC stoped working, Gas mileage is horrible...Im getting 15.3 highway/city it moved up from the 14.9. Automatic lights was killing my battery. Battery replaced Autolights out and battery is still draining. Im hopeful.

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  JUNK!!! - 2012 Ford F-150
  By Brian - August 1 - 12:44 pm

  More problems than anything I have ever owned! Engine was replaced under warranty before I bought the truck (I was not told about this at the time I bought it. Dealer "didnt know"). After owning the truck for 2 years, it STILL does not run right. Tired of taking it to the dealer. Transmission is GARBAGE. Very sloppy shifting and has developed a slipping problem between 2nd-3rd gears. Numerous squeaks and rattles throughout cab. Rear window defroster overheated and caused window to shatter. Had to fight with Ford to get SOME of the cost covered under warranty. Very sloppy repair job, broken glass in the bed and under the back seat when I picked the truck up. There is rust all over the body, the truck is impossible to align. I am sure I am forgetting a few other things as well. Warranty support from Ford is WORTHLESS!! Either they cannot duplicate/diagnose problems or Ford will not cover the repairs under warranty. Do not let them fool you with "bumper to bumper" warranty coverage! Ford should be embarrassed!

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  Contantly broken - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Jade McDowell - July 24 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 2007 Taurus used in 2011 with 44,000 miles and while the gas milage and spaciousness were great, the reliability has been a nightmare. Over four years (Im at 69,000 miles now) Ive had to replace the battery, the synchronizer, some air conditioning part, two different cowels that were causing rain water to leak into my car two separate times, get the throttle body cleaned out and for the past six months the car has developed the habit of stalling at random times. Three different mechanics havent been able to diagnose the problem, which it turns out is a common one for Tauruses, and so Im looking for a new car several years ahead of schedule.