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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  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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  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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  P.O.S. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Ron m. - July 10 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased my 2014 Ford Focus in May of 2014. I liked the car at first, but in the first few days of driving it, I noticed the quirkiness of the automatic transmission. When I was test driving the car the salesman told me not to punch it because the engine was not broke in yet. But now I know why. It was because the car will hesitate we attempting to quickly take off from a stop. And the hesitation is significant. At the 3,000 mile mark, the fuel pump in the gas tank went out, leaving me stranded. I had to have it towed back to the dealer to have them install a new fuel pump (Under warranty). At the same time I had them replace one of the back passenger windows because of a scratch inside the glass itself (Also fixed under warranty). Now at the 10,000 miles, the car is starting to shudder when in slow traffic. Theres also a clunk sound when accelerating from a slow speed. Ill never buy a Ford again, and Edmunds needs to re-think their review of this car. I should change my review to a two star rating but Ive already spent too much time on this POS.

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  Dont buy the hype - 2015 Ford F-150
  By clearwatereq - July 1 - 1:52 am

  Nice truck, no doubt there, interior among the best out there. Mine has been back to the dealer for several annoying faults, and a major issue with stalling out. Also not fond of the overly harsh ride and interior rattles. Ecobust performs OK, but theres no eco to be found. Im getting a steady 14mpg mixed highway/city.

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  Do your homework. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By atxaggie - June 30 - 8:22 pm

  I got thrown into buying this car for $12,000 with 14,000 miles. I originally thought that how it changed gears was just how I was driving in traffic. Until the other day when I was driving in traffic home from work and my car jolted forward. I googled and found out that my car was recalled last year and that these transmission issues are common. I called Ford to see when I could take my car in and the guy talked to me as if I was a stupid girl. They wont give me a loaner car either, even though this is their fault.

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  Not reliable - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cpearsall - June 22 - 8:35 am

  I do not recommend anyone purchase this vehicle. Despite research that informed me that there were transmission issues, I went with good faith that the car would perform well, so I purchased the vehicle. It had 17,500 miles on it and the second day I had it in my possession, the engine malfunctioned - forcing me to pull over on the side of the road. I am not getting this vehicle again. If this happened on the second day I had it with barely any miles on it, I can only imagine what may happen months down the line. DO NOT PURCHASE. The specks inside the vehicle does not make up for the car breaking down on the beltway!

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  Disappointed - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By bemon - June 19 - 2:06 pm

  I picked up a used 2009 Taurus limited in December 2014. As of June 2015 its been in the shop 4 times, and has totaled over 4k in repairs. Its racked with electrical gremlins, has required multiple sensor and gasket replacements and worst of all a timing chain job. Im the second owner, and it has lest than 100,000 km on the clock. I made the poor decision to finance this car, so Im stuck and can only continue to throw money at it and hope Ive seen the last of my problems. Its a comfortable car that gets compliments, but its had so many problems I feel nervous driving it.

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  Own up to your problems Ford or we wont own You! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By dannieb - June 14 - 3:59 pm

  Do Not buy a Ford Ecoboost. My husband & I bought a 2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost we loved it so fun to drive, but 70k miles in we started having engine issues. Took it in to the dealer for them to tell me the timing chain was shot and it was a $4k fix with no guarantee that it would fix the problem. A quick google search of this vehicle and I was shocked to see we were not the only one with this same exact issue. There are YouTube videos and forums galore about this engine issue and No recalls from Ford. We got rid of it yesterday before it left us broke and on the side of the road. I wont be returning to a Ford anytime soon after that bad taste in my mouth.

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  Might as well just flush all your money down the toilet - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By hawkeye25 - June 4 - 6:11 pm

  To be fair, I have heard people say that theyve gotten nearly 300k with few problems, but that was not my experience. I bought mine with 105,000, thinking it would be good for a few years. Not long after the transmission failed. When I called the transmission shop asking about my Taurus, the mechanic said, "Which one, I have seven here," so Im guessing this happens often. In the two years Ive owned it its been in the shop at least once a month. Ive spent over twice the purchase price in repairs. I would caution you not to buy this car. A Honda or Toyota with twice the mileage is still a better buy.

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  Wish I didnt buy it! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By whatalemon - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  We just hit the six month mark & the the car has been back for service twice in the past 2 weeks. We thought it was recalled, then were told our car was not made at the LA factory or in the month for the recall. Had oil change+ tires checked & rotated while there. The very next week the lift gate handle came off into my hands and the inside tailgate panel was loose from the right hand side to the middle. Back it went for service. Now another week later and the tire pressure light is indicating a problem. My previous car was a beloved 2010 Jeep Liberty that NEVER had service other than oil change. I really regret trading such a great vehicle in on this Escape which I now believe is a lemon.