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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  Transmission issues - 2008 Ford Escape
  By msgomez1 - June 4 - 1:30 pm

  Back in 2011 my 2008 Ford Escape was found to have a cracked transmission, leaking fluid, etc. This fix was covered under the extended warranty I bought when I purchased the car. Yesterday I took the car to the dealership for transmission issues and was told my transmission was shot and its a $4000 fix. Shame on Ford for doing such a subpar fix job in 2011. I did try contacting Customer Service for some financial help...what a joke...in 5 minutes they decided they could not help me unless there was a recall. BTW if you call and get a Dylan, just hang up, he is no help.

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  My 5.0 GT Premium Convertible 6 Speed - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By corvettekev - June 2 - 9:46 am

  There she was - 5.0 vert with a 6 speed, loaded, white with a black roof and interior. The car is very spritely, almost go kart like, especially after trading in a Hemi Challenger. She rides on rails, stops on a dime and is jack rabbit quick. The interior fit me better than the SS and sight lines are better in the GT. The interior, its comfortable & ergonomic. Its not gadgety or gimmicky. The GT is more suited to a 50+ year old than the SS. Wrap up - For me, its a great choice with no regrets. Enjoy the ride.

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  Freestyle First Owner with 270,000 miles - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By schopster - May 31 - 11:48 am

  I bought my Limited AWD new in 2005 and have found the car to be very reliable. Just turned 270K miles as I drive a lot for my work. Gas mileage is consistent at 21 mpg now for mix of highway/town driving. I do alot of general maintenance myself. Things that have been replaced include all wheel bearings, front struts, some front suspension items, normal brakes/rotors/calipers once. I change oil at 5K with ford semi-synthetic and the engine doesnt use a drop of oil between oil changes. Drivers seat heater stopped working a while back. CVT had filter/fluid changes at 190K and as been rock solid. Once a year you should clean the butterfly in the throttle body- if not it can surge at idle.

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  The next pivotal moment came and went! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By smoo4asw - May 30 - 2:28 pm

  We had to get the F-150 emissions tested to get our tag and it sailed through the emissions test like butter after we sat there and just bought regular maintenance items (albeit several of them.) If you can have a truck, that its a full size if entry level truck, and it can blow away everything except its 1994 Ford Ranger companion (at least comparing main to second vehicles), thats proof of how tough Ford built it (unless of course you want to regularly change vehicles, but then again were incredibly risk-averse, so were not going to push a desire we dont even have.) I love this Ford F-150 and I love my Ranger and unless I have to let go of one of them I will not, and thats it!

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  Great ride - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By shogie - May 30 - 9:24 am

  I purchased my 95 T-Bird new and have put almost 300,000 miles on it. It is the 4.6 V8. I just put a Ford rebuilt engine and tranny in it as it was burning too much oil after all those miles. It still ran great, however. I have not had any unusual problems with it other than normal maintenance. It still has the original rotors after 3 sets of pads on the front. Top speed is 105 mph as the governor shuts it off at that speed. It goes back on as soon as it gest under 100. I am now in the process of getting the body redone due to the clearcoat coming off. I have nothing but nice to say about this vehicle. I do agree with other reviews regarding the cup holder. Not good planning on Fords part.

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  Killer Hotboxer - 2001 Ford Escape
  By nick152 - May 29 - 5:09 pm

  Decent car that gets you from A to B. There are better options in the same price range but this car is fine. Great car to light it up in.

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  I Love my Escapee! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By missg3 - May 27 - 7:49 pm

  Bought this when married to a paraplegic whose wheelchair fit in the back without taking the seats down and my bicycle fits in the back, with seats folded down. I have owned this car for just over nine years. driven in all kinds of weather and road conditions, only with recommended maintenance, tires and one battery. This year the power steering pump was recommended for replacement after 120,000 miles I think thats pretty good.The only thing that has failed is the sunroof motor. It is a fun vehicle to own! Whips in and out of parking spaces, turns easily, but still rugged. Not my first Ford, but definitely my most favorite!

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  One great car! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By pugman1948 - May 27 - 1:32 pm

  I bought the 2014 Ford Fusion S (2.5) in ruby red Metallic paint. Although new car search engines dont show the premium red on the S model, indeed it is available. I saved a lot over the SE but lack some of the SE bells and whistles like power front seat, and rear view camera. The only visible difference on the exterior is the rocker panels are black vinyl which works very well with the red. At 1500 miles we took a 2000 mile trip. I kept careful records of the mileage. It seems that the results were 35 mpg highway and 26 city. I was very pleased with the results with the 2.5 liter base engine. It had plenty of power driving over the mountains of West Virginia The ride is incredibly smooth.

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  im MAD - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By tami14 - May 27 - 10:15 am

  Just got a brand new 2014 fusion. This weekend we took her on her first trip, 200 miles down to Vriginia Beach. An hour in, the transmission slipped and sent the tachomenter racing. Took my foot off the gas to let it catch again. It kept doing this, especially on inclines. I was very scared. Then a wrench icon popped up. Great, in I95 traffic with a brand new yet screwed up car. Well, didnt do much on my vacation in fear of breaking down. Driving back I only allowed myself to go 60mph, even in a 65mph zone, because I didnt want to break down. It worked. Also when I am at a red light, the car shudders and wants to stall. This started a month ago.

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  One Awesome Truck! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By tearex63 - May 27 - 9:18 am

  I purchased this truck in December 2012 with 54K miles on it. The truck had already been modified with an oversized blower drive pulley, tuner, cold air package & Bassani exhaust. I had the truck dyno tested and it pulled 383 HP at the rear wheels. Needless to say, this truck is WICKED fast. Random people come up to me and compliment me on how cool it is. I love the sound of the blower coming on and the fact that I can light the tires any time I feel like it. Starts and runs just like a regular truck, great exhaust tone & instant throttle response. Only bad thing is the 10 MPG around town, but what the heck, Ive got motorcycles & junky cars to drive to work.