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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  Ford Focus are for crap 2014 - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Juan Santana Jr. - December 29 - 10:32 am

  My Ford Focus is a 2014 and having problems since the day I bought it with a recall on the Transmission and yes they Fixed it because its covered under our warranty, been having oil changes there at the dealership where I purchased this car and the recent oil change that I had done now has a oil leak and now the transmission is acting up again. I will be complain to Ford company and getting all the info I need and getting to see if I can get the Refund on the Lemon Law.. Very sad that we have to spend so much on these cars and they are crap and not to mention that the mileages on these are for crap as well.

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  Third One - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Dave - December 29 - 12:17 am

  Have owned 3, a 2007 SES, a 2010 SEL and now a 2015 Titanium. I have found all three to be what I expected. Good all around drivers with some minor issues but no major ones. My iPhone connected well and works well. Mileage is good, around town so far is 29-30 MPG and freeway looks to approach 40 MPG. While intended to be our run around town car, it is comfortable enough to travel in. Instrument cluster initially confusing but now is OK. I do not understand why you can reset the "Oil Life" but cant find a percentage left... Makes no sense to me. Vehicle is smooth on the road and quiet on the freeway. I have not noticed any clutch issues, my guess is that they have been corrected. Have had the vehicle for a bit over a month and have a quiet rattle in the rear that is not always noticeable. I may take it in but I get easily frustrated with the "No problem found" response from dealers. Overall, I would recommend this car to those considering something in this segment.

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  Solid Sedan - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By Matt - December 28 - 9:02 pm

  Couldnt be happier! The car rides smoothly with very little outside noise and the cabin is big, comfortable, and reasonably well finished. The trunk is massive also! It is very attractive and surprisingly efficient and powerful. No problems passing and get 21 mpg city/30 mpg hwy but have gotten up to 39 MPG at one point. Handling isnt fun but is very secure and steers right where you want it to.

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  Good handling, peppy, and cheap! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Justin - December 28 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this focus so I could gift my 2005 Mercury Mariner to my wife to haul the kids around. It is my third focus and I have loved all of them. The worst part would be the cheap interior materials and the layout of the armrest and cup holders leaves a bit to be desired however.....the engine and 5 speed make those issues simply minor annoyances. Its a 2.3 and it feels faster than it is. It grips the road well and goes where you want it to. I know its boundaries like any car so I have a lot of fun driving it and its a cheap reliable car. I bought it with 119k miles over a year ago and I currently have 141k and the only problem I have had to change was the front brakes, rear wheel bearing, and the alternator. All these things are normal especially a car its age so I dont count those as faults. I would love to upgrade to the Focus ST or wait and get the RS but financially I will stick to my little silver bullet.

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  So far so good... - 2015 Ford Focus
  By M M - December 28 - 12:54 am

  Purchased a 2015 Focus Hatchback Titanium with 5-speed manual transmission. Ive driven the car for about 2,000 miles so far and am surprised by the handling and gas mileage. Ive been getting around 35 mpg on the highway which is more than the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero Turbo I traded in. After having so many problems with Dodge and the Auto DDCT I decided to cut my losses and get the Focus. The interior is great and really comfortable during my 100 mile a day commute. Ford has really changed the Focus since the last one I had driven which I believe was a 2001. The interior is somewhat comparable to the feel of my BMW 325i except way cheaper price wise. I guess some people have mentioned some issues with the automatic transmission but the 5-speed manual has been very smooth and havent noticed any issues. Havent tried E85 fuel yet since the price of regular gas isnt much of a difference at the moment and has better MPG. I almost went with a Focus ST but thought I would prefer the luxury feel while commuting 500 miles a week.

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  Wife loves it kids hate it - 2013 Ford Flex
  By Mark - December 27 - 6:56 pm

  Car is wonderful, except third row seat is cramped and hard to access.

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  First Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Chase M - December 27 - 1:58 pm

  Overall this is a great car! My ford focus is currently at 166,000 miles and is still going strong. The only things weve had to replace so far is the tires, battery, spark plugs, etc. Comfort is great in the front seats, however if you have multiple people in your family or have a carpool, you should know the back seat is VERY tight.. still comfortable just not designed for anyone tall.. The other complaint would be the fact that they offered lighter colors in the focus. I believe most all cars should either have black interior or VERY dark gray.. We got an awesome deal on the car because of how stained and gross the inside is.. floorboard carpet and cloth seating looks terrible.. even after Ive used several stain removers..

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  Best "car" Ive ever owned - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - December 27 - 1:16 pm

  Traded a 2013 Toyota Highlander. First full size pickup Ive owned. The F150 has a smoother ride, is quieter on the road, is much peppier and gets better gas mileage than the Highlander. Its a solid, well built truck with plenty of interior room. Puts SUVs to shame.

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  Tundra no more - 2015 Ford F-150
  By TD - December 27 - 10:28 am

  I have been driving Toyotas for years, four Tundras,the last a 13 platinum great trucks terrible gas mileage, also briefly owned a 2016 limited tacoma terrible truck to drive,comfort,power,drive train,ect..I took a leap of faith and looked at other brands, I test drove a Ram Laramie great truck but was concerned about reliability,drove the new chevy high country with the 6.2 8spd great truck also but a little to square for my taste,and the ride was a little stiff,then I test drove the 15 f150 platinum with the 5.0 the ride was as good as the ram I believed,and maybe even more quite it was getting better mpg than tha 16 tacoma averaged 21.7 driving a 300 mile round trip at 71 mph 6-7 miles per better than the tundra,and a little better than the tacoma I really like everything about this truck if it is as dependable as the Tundras have been then I guess the 16 tacoma could be my last toyota purchase

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  2010 F150 super crew platinum - 2010 Ford F-150
  By KF - December 26 - 11:35 pm

  Original tires wore out at 33k miles , headliner saged after 41k miles (Ford now uses Velcro to attach headliner to roof...REALLY?) after 2 trips to Ford they finally sent it to upholstery shop to glue headliner. Now at 46k miles passenger heater and defrost are out! this is my 5th F150 (all bought new) since 1998 and is my LAST...Ford , Ive had it...next truck/suv wont be a Ford. Oh and the 2005 F150 i had the transmission went out at 20k miles and even though it was under warranty it was a NIGHTMARE getting Ford to replace it...after 8-9 trips to try and fix it they FINALLY replaced it...think long and hard before you buy an F150