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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  Rangers...they run, no matter how ugly it gets. - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By stevec81 - June 19 - 4:16 am

  I bought this Ranger as an used vehicle in 2003 since then Ive put just under 100,000 miles on it. Its a XLT regular cab with a long bed and the 4.0 V6/automatic. While not necessarily in the market for a truck, I needed a vehicle to drive, and it was the right price. For the most part, it is true that these things last forever and that these things are hard to kill. However, unless they are taken care of better than perfectly, they have a tendency to attract dents and rust like a magnet.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By burninrubba - June 18 - 9:59 pm

  I have the 1.6 with the manual transmission. I love the Sync, the voice commands work so well, you can say the complete address all at once and it understands 95% of the time. Very comfortable ride and very quite. The only thing I dont like is the MPG, I do a lot of highway driving and I cant average more than 28, and Im not driving hard. The car only has 3,000 miles, hopefully the MPGs will improve over time. Overall Im very impressed, its a lot of car for $30K.

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  This is a great car! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By jengi - June 16 - 6:20 pm

  I thought this car was going to be too small, but I was very wrong. My husband is 64" and he sits comfortably in the driver and passenger seats. The look of the car is stylish, and it handles very well. The manual transmission shifts beautifully. It was a great value, too! Overall, this is a great car. My only complaint is the lack of leg room in the back seat. As a result, this is not our main family car because we have 2 growing kids and another on the way. But for just my husband and I, the car is great.

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  2004 Tardus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By bsr2 - June 15 - 7:46 pm

  I bought a 2004 Taurus SE 3.0L. I paid $400 for it. Second owner. I put new rear brakes in myself for $124. I bought the car at 209000. Its now up to 306000, all highway km. The windows quit working at one point, simple design flaw in the boot between car and drivers door. 10 min fix have windows working. This car will not stop. Still doesnt leak oil, shifts nice. The car is still tight. Its alright for comfort and the road noise is rather quiet. I doubt Ill buy another, but this car doesnt owe me a dime.

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  Strange Transmission - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By lovenohate - June 15 - 5:10 pm

  I just read a review about the way the transmission shifts on that 6 speed auto. It revs hard between shifts as if I was shifting manually and downshifts hard when the car decelerates - not smooth at all! I thought there was something wrong with the transmission so I took it to the dealer. They told me they reprogrammed the transmission computer, but it still shifts the same. It has also slipped into manual shift unexpectedly. I think this is really odd. I am worried about having trouble with this transmission in the future. Someone mentioned not being able to see out of the rear deck. True!! I have replaced a turn signal light is all and have 83K on it now. I bought it with 71K for $11K.

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  420 HP is Awesome - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By roadman03 - June 15 - 10:03 am

  Just upgraded my 03 GT to the 2014 GT. What a difference. The HP and ride is amazing. Bought one fully loaded with 6-speed, Nav, leather, & GT track pack. I have loved Mustangs since my 1965 in high school. Im now 58 and like this one the best. Smile on your face every time you get in. Ford has really outdone themselves at this price range. $3000 rebates help. Not a fan of the 15 yet that is why I grabbed this one. Sterling Gray color with black leather.

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  A good vehicle with some critical flaws - 2012 Ford Focus
  By quasirev - June 14 - 2:51 pm

  The Focus is a fun to drive and comfortable car. The exterior styling is well done. Thats all thats positive with owning this vehicle. Negatives: 1)Automatic (DCT) is awful, and seems to perform worse as the vehicle ages. Three Ford dealers have been unable to fix its behavior, simply stating that its performing normal. 2)MyFordTouch is so maddening in its design and performance that I barely change the radio station or use any of the other features or inputs. Sync Services is a disaster of voice recognition and insufferable prompts. 3)Ride quality is great on smooth roads, messy on uneven pavement. Make sure you test drive it on roads youll be driving it on. 4)Cramp rear seat

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  Surprised - 2014 Ford Focus
  By flbntz - June 14 - 12:50 am

  Test drove 2014 Ford Focus SE 5spd, and was surprised. Thought it would be too small, that wouldnt like "overly busy" infotainment area of car. Liked it, bought one. Good manual transmission. Heard people didnt like auto trans. Had driven dual clutch auto-manual vws, didnt like. Car is small, need to plan out where to put things, small car ride. Could use a sixth gear on highway, but fun to drive, feels well-made. Getting 39mpg+ on ride back and forth to work. Curvy, hilly back roads. Do upshift when lighted arrow tells me to do so. Seems engine would lug, but it doesnt. Am in fifth gear by 35mph! Very likable car. Got great deal. First black car. Handsome.

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  LOVE THIS VEHICLE - 2014 Ford Escape
  By missie601 - June 12 - 10:02 am

  I traded my 2009 chevy Colorado for the 4wd, 1.6 liter Titanium. Although I loved my truck and was sad to trade, I have not missed my truck at all! I now get 27 mpg on highways and have even gotten 33.5 mpg on 2 lane country roads, depending on how hard I drive it. It is a super fun vehicle to drive. We have driven it 8 hours to the beach and it was very comfortable. Everything has worked perfectly on this vehicle. I was worried about the acceleration due to going from a V8 to a 4 cyl, but the acceleration is great. I have no complaints whatsoever about this vehicle. Very happy!

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  I would not buy another - 2009 Ford Focus
  By cherrie1 - June 11 - 7:51 pm

  Do not believe the reviews and best lists info. I owned this car. Got it used for cheap. The engine ran well, and I did not have many maintenance problems though I got it to 70000 until I was rear ended and totaled. It totally lacks comfort. There are so many other cars that run better than this. I traveled in it and could not sleep so cramped. A windstorm almost made it go over embankment had to drive in the fast lane. The seat became loose being Im a bigger person. When I was rear ended it tore up my knees because I hit forward. Way cramped. Unless you are short and wt 100-lbs, buy something bigger. Forget good gas mileage if the comfort is lacking or you dread driving in it.