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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  Too Many Repairs - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Toni E - August 9 - 9:55 am

  Here I have a 2003 Ford Focus wagon with 52K miles. Decided to go on road trip had to be towed twice. Started smoking, Ford dealer said it was battery. Then it died again this time alternator replaced. Made it home and was told the a/c compressor is going. Real nice at this low mileage. In repair shop at least 7 times since I bought it. All about the brakes and rotors. No one could fix them right, still squeaked loudly. Final answer from mechanic that all Ford Focuss do this. Give me a break. I went to brake specialist and they fixed it. Doors sound like tin. Cant open left side passenger door. Just a piece of junk. The money Ive spent on this car I could have had a wonderful vacation.

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  Utterly Awful, Unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Galiana - August 8 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car at 20k miles. At 30k, it needed new brakes and completely rebuilt calipers. The mechanic told me that it was very common for the factory installed plastic calipers to fail at 30k miles. The car is now at 60k miles and has gone through 3 sets of brakes (I do not drive like a maniac at all) 4 sets of tires, and 3 stereos. The factory-installed 6-disc changer on this car is a piece of junk and fails constantly. Recently, the engine has started leaking copious amounts of oil. With all of these problems, I have been told that they are common with the Focus (especially the 2002) but not with other cars in its class like the Toyotas. No pickup, bad car.

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  Very lousy record of Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wasiala - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous repetitive problems including A/C, heater, Heater core and other leaks. Never gets fixed right without numerous visits. In garage at least once per month. Pinion and diff bearings, front seals, hood shocks, noise in front wheel area for several years, speed control, rear wiper, radio, horn relay, on and on. Will never buy a Ford product again.

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  I have this as a rental, and I am disappointed - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By stevefromtheburbs - July 29 - 9:57 am

  As a car guy, Ive owned and driven lots of cars. This is one of my most frustrating rentals. I have been more comfortable in a nissan versa note than this. Why? Getting in and out is like sitting on the ground. But also, the legroom, if you cut off the person in the back seat, is horrible. And there is a place to rest your non-pedal foot, but it is sloped sideways. And the brake pedal is too far up in the air from the accelerator. The part of the roofline where you get in and out, I have banged my head many times and the seat is down really low. The roofline is cut so low it doesnt allow you to do a drive through window very well. Im 511 and about 275lbs, so Im a bigger guy. But Ive gotten into other smaller cars without this much trouble. The car is well equipped for the price point, but that is where the love affair ends. Oh, and the trunk space is very generous, a big bonus. But for comfort, my wife and I cannot wait for this to go back and to get my RAV4 hybrid back on the road - it is having the windshield replaced due to a crack from rock chips. I had much more comfort in a Camry than with this Ford Fusion. The car has a backup camera, but the screen is really small....really, really small. The air seems to struggle to get cool, but it does have little air vents for rear passengers. The car has a nice feel to it, as far as the finishes, but the space/comfort thing is a problem. It handles well, but the ride is rough and bumpy. That is being said by a guy who normally rides in smaller SUVs.....so that should be a warning. If you like a smooth ride, get something else. Over even the smallest of bumps, it feels like there is a guy with a sledgehammer banging on the floor of the car. And it really thrashes you about too. The rear brake lights are LED and bright. The dash area has plenty of info, and follows the current Ford theme. the radio and controls are within easy reach. The visibility isnt too bad. And the equipment on the SE is good compared to others in its class. But when I priced out what they start going up to in price, after the SE, or when you put some features into it, and I cannot believe people are buying these. I would not buy one of these...Id highly encourage you to look around and rent one before buying.....Im so glad I never entertained buying one of these. My CMAX I owned, while full of problems and sounding like a hupmobile, still had more comfort than this.

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  Not All That Great - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - July 28 - 3:10 pm

  Underpowered, fuel eating V-6. Not very comfortable to drive, blinker lights go to signal detent too easily when you select them for changing lanes. R\rear window wiper switch hard to locate and turn on. Power seat buttons hard to operate without opening door. You can feel the torque converter or something like it when you slow down from 70 to 55 same with going down a steep hill. Rear hatch leaks when it rains. All in all in my opinion this is not such a great vehicle for the money.

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  broken - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ronnie - July 28 - 4:27 am

  04 Ford sport trx is the worst truck iv ever owned has 143000 miles on it pulled up in my driveway cut it off and it jumped time. iv now been told the 4.0 ... v 6 is the worst motor they ever made lot off problem on jumping time if the problem was that bad there should been a recall on the dam motor like the truck in all just go head get 302 in it you thank me cause Im stuck with no WAY FIX THIS PC CRAP I BOUT

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  Do Not Buy This Car! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jemone2005 - July 27 - 12:51 pm

  My wife parents bought this car for us because our 1994 Cavalier(which was a good car) got wrecked and we were having hard times. I told them not to do it! They paid $3000 for it. The check engine light came on after my wife got it home that same day. Where do I begin with the problems? Broken speedometer, cloudy headlights, multiple emission problems (catalytic converter costs $450+installation in 2004!), bad transmission, poor gas mileage, cheaply made seals so something always leaks. I know it is 2006, so if you re looking for a cheap secondary car do not buy this one. The reason people are selling Tauruses for a song with very little miles is because they want to get it out of the driveway.

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  junk on wheels - 1999 Ford Contour
  By giggles_16 - July 27 - 12:23 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever seen. It has left me stranded about 3 times, and that is not good because Im just a high school student. An important note - NEVER consider this kind of car for a beginning driver. It is way too undependable. We have had to replace the engine transmission, brakes, just about everything and there is still something wrong. The inside is falling apart, the windows are starting to go off-track, and one of the doors will not open anymore. It was a big mistake for me to choose to by this car. It might have been kinda cute but looks are definitely NOT everything.

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  Junk - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By big barn - July 26 - 12:13 pm

  Up until 50000 miles the vehicle was flawless; after that it has been nothing but down hill. Coil pack, plug wire, starter, a/c (several times) rear wheel bearing (twice), all kinds of electrical problems. I have been a Ford man all my life, but I will never buy any Ford product newer than a 96 model again. I would not recommend the 2002 Ford Crown Vic.

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  Good Bye Ford, Hello Nissan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jon - July 26 - 9:52 am

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar used 4 years old with 42000 miles on it in the hopes it would last me several years and provide dependable service. I have spent far more maintaining this vehicle than I would have with another vehicle. The transmission is slipping (75,000 miles), struts need replacing, power door locks not working, fuel economy is 17 mpg (which is harder to swallow closer to $3/ gallon) and vehicle has always had problems with alignments. The worst part is that given the dependability and performance of the Windstar, Ill lose a significant amount of money today as I trade it in on a (yes) foreign car to take advantage of the Japanese ability to build dependable vehicles that hold their value.