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:

• 

  Dual-Clutch Auto Trans is a bad idea - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sirhawkeye - March 16 - 3:43 pm

  Overall an OK for the money. BUT... Beware of the dual-clutch transmission though. the 2012s had a lot of problems with them (clutch notise, which Ford dismisses as normal, which is not true if you ask any true auto tech or engineer). That and carbon build-up on the engine due to direct injection (Google it and youll find out pretty quick). Its a sporty car, design is nice, interior is nice (just wish the transmission lived up to the hype that Ford put into it). Even the Fiesta has the same transmission problems.

• 

  Has been a great car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By benny2014 - March 16 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Ford Focus new and now have about 11,000 miles on it. I optioned for the SFE package for better fuel economy. I have getting about 36 mpg combined city and highway. It has been a great car and very easy to drive. I would recommend this car.

• 

  2013 Fusion - Have you had this experience? - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By fusion_2013 - March 16 - 1:35 pm

  I bought a new 2013 Fusion SE June 2013. In Feb 2014, at 7,500 mi. the engine light came on. First fix was to replace the transmission (??) because Eco-boost engine design caused over-heating. 3 days later engine light came on. Faulty igniter coil (??) was the cause this time & replaced. 2 days later engine light came on. Engine needs to be replaced (!!??) due to initial over-heating problem engine either "warped" or cracked. Its the Ides of March Ive been waiting for my car for 2 weeks. Im supposed to get it back in 2 days the following day, Im driving it from Albuq NM to LA CA. I will let you know if I make it back w/ no issues. Wish me luck.

• 

  not a good truck to own - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By truck_man1 - March 14 - 11:01 pm

  I had a 99 ford ranger 4.0 liter and they are such gas hogs and the breakes they put on were not good at all and dont want another ranger at all

• 

  Great value! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By osawe - March 14 - 1:19 pm

  Cheap, reliable and fun crossover vehicle. Cheap on gas, reliable and fun to drive. Best from Ford in the last 10 years. If you own one, hold on to it!

• 

  Stalling and Gear Issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jenn74really - March 13 - 11:12 am

  Purchased the 2012 Ford Focus in 11-2011. It was slow initially in responding to the gas. The reaction time is delayed and losing power. Over the past year, I am stalled approx. 50 times. Recently, the gears dont seem to be lined up properly. When the vehicle is in park, it has rolled. When the vehicle is in reverse, then drive, the car is still in reverse. I nearly hit a parked car backing out of a parking lot. Right after that happened the vehicle stalled and quit completely. Engine light was on for a short period. After several attempts to start the vehicle again, I was forced to have a tow truck retrieve the vehicle. Non-operable and unsafe. Ford does not see a problem.

• 

  A Great Value after Discounts - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By cpurick - March 12 - 6:23 pm

  The Taurus wasnt on my list, but I gave it a test drive while shopping for a quiet, smooth car. At the time, I was considering the new Fusion. Id driven the Taurus in 2010, and I was quite surprised by how much nicer it has gotten. Ford refreshed the design in 2013, and paid close attention to NVH concerns. Because the front seats are a little confining for a car this size, they even added softer surfaces around the driver. I would never pay sticker for any car, but the Taurus is a value with $7000 in manufacturer and dealer discounts. Be careful which tires you get. I found that the optional 20" tires really hurt ride quality. The 18s and 19s produce a posh ride, though.

• 

  Love It!! - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By wschoeb - March 12 - 6:19 pm

  I have read good and bad reviews on here. First, to clear things up, I am 54" and my husband is 66". We both fit into the vehicle just fine, he prefers to be in his truck, but said that in any car, this one still gives him head room. The styling inside and out is what drew us to this car, Ford needed to step it up on their vehicles other than their trucks and Mustangs. The sync, my touch, and my key has not given us any problems so far, (23,000 miles) They all take getting used to, but ford has very good videos on how to use them if you are unsure. It has plenty of back seat room for two teens, and if you need more room, you should upgrade to a limo.

• 

  Terrible Car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By thumper055 - March 12 - 1:23 pm

  Nothing But problems with this car. it has just over 51,000 km on it and has been through 4 fuel pumps, 2 water pumps, a transmission rebuild and all engine gaskets have been replaced. It recently bogged down on the highway with foot to the floor and only being able to maintain 70 km/hr. Luckily got it home and parked it before it shut off on its own. When brought to the dealership they could not find any problems and couldnt do anything to help solve the problem. It was purchased new off the lot and have had nothing but problems since. Over 3 years of owning there has been around $20,000.00 of warranty work done. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  2014 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 liter ecoboost - 2014 Ford Escape
  By waltmye - March 12 - 1:05 pm

  Bought the 2.0 liter 2014 Ford Escape Titanium from AutoNation Ford in Jacksonville, FL. I now have about 2,500 miles on the vehicle and am perfectly satisfied with all options and accessories including but not limited to Navigation, Sirius radio, sync, My Ford touch, panoramic moon roof, tow package etc. This is a comfortable and smooth riding vehicle which is also well built and easy to look at. I traded in a 2012 Ford Escape for the 2014 and have been very pleased with Ford quality in general and in this vehicle specifically.