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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  2005 f150 horrible - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rich - September 28 - 3:48 pm

  Bought2005 f150 Lariat new in 05. Put 2 engines and 2 transmissions in it by 13k miles then truck caught on fore and burned to ground. Have had many friends with 04 to 08 that have had major engine trouble. Do not buy!!!!

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  Poor quality - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Minten - September 27 - 11:19 am

  Many recalls. 3 car rentals. 3 door latches broken. (one came open while driving with the kids in the back seat, another I had to hold the drivers door shut for 7 miles and the last one I cant open) Both center door posts where seat belts attach rattles. Both passenger doors rattle. Rear trunk rattles. Dash rattled when new and the defroster didnt work(broken vent) Ford sync does not work about 90% of the time. Lane departure works about 25% of the time on well marked roads. Most important safety issues still unresolved.

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  lemon...agreed! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By IT_m1n10n - September 26 - 4:37 pm

  totally wish I hadnt bought this and will never buy another car not at least three years old. all these reviews are true. the transmission shakes and jolts horribly and is crazy embarrassing when driving around friends or a date. Ive also had three tires blow on mine in the last year and the tire pressure warning will keep coming on. I take it to Ford and they feed me the same crap, "oh not sure why this keeps happening but Ill look it up and for now I reset the warning light and yes, your tires are full so it shouldnt have done this". I mean really? There is no such thing as service or standing behind your product any longer. I am filing a suit as this car is a lemon and I hope a class action comes from it.

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  Ford Focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Nicholas Eckelberry - September 26 - 4:19 am

  The Transmission shakes at low speed. The trim and seats are already showing signs of deep wear after a year. This is a cheaply made car. Do not recommend at all.

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  Not a good choice ! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Christina - September 25 - 7:06 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Fiesta brand new and loved it . It was cute and drove great! Right when I hit about 30,000 miles , everything went down hill. My 2 rear doors flew open and wouldnt latch [non-permissible content removed] on the freeway (recall) then the clutch needed to be replaced due to is slipping and grinding . This last time , 1 month after the clutch replacement , my car would just start revving while Im at a complete stop. I should have purchased the extended warranty ! Im trading it in now , hoping for better luck with a 2016 Ford Fusion.

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  Do not buy this car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Mr. C - September 23 - 4:36 pm

  ITS A LEMON!!!!

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  Attorney mails letter to about my car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Maybe alive ? - September 23 - 5:02 am

  We bought this car for the gas mileage and the cargo space of the hatchback. Little did I know, we bought a brand new night mare! It goes forward when it wants to, not when it needs to. Hit the gas and it stutters surges and stutters. Now u have moved 10 feet and about to be hit by incoming traffic. As our grandchildren grow, the second stage car seat can not fit behind the driver. Went to trade in for a car with a larger back seat and the dealer did NOT want to take in trade, do to the transmission issues! 2014 is worth half of what I paid for it and it is in mint condition! Than a letter comes in the mail saying the can help with the Ford Focus transmission problem !! What the heck, we were told it was because of two different driving habit, the computer needs to readjust ! This is criminal . Currently driving the car waiting for parts! Hope the come soon.

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  Never again - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Cheyenne chatmon - September 22 - 9:12 pm

  So I bought my brand new 2015 Ford Fusion from Maryland thinking I made a good decision I was wrong. To start as soon as I started driving it back to my home in NY I heard a loud whistling noise. Told me it was the air conditioning. Said that if I didnt have all my vents open it will do that. Sound a little fishy I had all of my vents open. A month later I hear an even louder noise coming from the rear end driver side. Took it in said they couldnt find anything wrong that its normal and I will just have to endure it.....excuse me? I didnt even have my first oil change and it already sounds like im going to break down somewhere. Im so upset its my first car and now Im stuck with this piece of crap. Thanks ford.

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  Focus is next after VW fall - 2014 Ford Focus
  By FredGoose - September 22 - 7:34 pm

  Focus auto transmissions need to be replaced. Shame on ford for selling these cars when they know they are broken.

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  The Eccelerator petal gets stuck deadly - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Terri Smalls - September 22 - 12:53 pm

  Do you research on your own. This model has a record of the eccelerator petal getting stuck. Over 3 million reports. It happened to me and I had to call 911 while I was driving!! They refuse to recall until a certain number of fatalities. I am still paying for the car and cant drive it. This is a nightmare. I dont wish this on anyone!! Do your research!!