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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  Mystang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By mystang - February 11 - 3:01 pm

  Well my mom got this Mustang in 03 for a real good deal. Its one of a kind (black w/ white top and white leather). Now I drive it mostly and I have to say it is fun. It is quite poor at low rps however when its up there, its really up there. Had tranny problems and power widow control sank into door. Fog lights are constant problem. Back seat is nonexistent and front is uncomfortable. Stereo is awesome though. other than above mentioned problems, this car seems quite reliable.

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  A few quibbles - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Mike LaBella - February 11 - 12:52 pm

  We purchased a 2013 EDGE SEL 4wd with 38,000 miles on it and it appeared to be in mint condition. Several months later, I noticed that one of the rubber door gaskets was twisted out of position, and could not be reinserted so we had to have it replaced. Several months later, another gasket detached from the drivers door when I grabbed the top portion of the door, although it was easily put back in position. Ive owned 15 cars in my lifetime and never had a SINGLE door gasket fail. When test driving our Edge, I had not noticed how the doors close with a clank, unlike my sons 2014 Corolla that close with a "THUD." Im no engineer, but all four the doors seem kind of flimsy for a nearly $40k retail vehicle. I dont care for the rear bumper top surface, which on many SUVs (including my Hyundai Santa Fe) have a black protective plastic shield. I already have a have dozen scratches and dings in the bumpers pearl white paint from normal wear. Ill look into an after market protector. The transmission shifts strangely from a stop into first gear, or when downshifting from first, as it kind of slams into gear, which doesnt inspire confidence so Im glad I bought an extended warranty. Although I will bring it in to have it checked out, but in my experience with other vehicles with the same kind of problem, it usually doesnt show up as an error code... Road noise on the highway is higher than I would have expected, which could be the factory Michelin tires. Ill have to have them inspected but Im not confident they will find anything. Seating and visibility are excellent, and interior materials seem to be of good quality. When braking, the EDGE doesnt slow down smoothly as other vehicles Ive owned. I have to apply more brake pressure than Im used to, and the Edge kind of stops abruptly. Thats probably my biggest complaint, so again I have to bring it to the shop to have it looked at. The rotors were replaced at no cost to me a week after we bought the vehicle, as they were found to be rusted and noisy, but the dealer should also have replaced the pads too but did not. I dont like the USB ports hidden in the center armrest. If the road noise were less and the brakes operated more smoothly, Id be a lot happier with this EDGE.

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  Wish they still made these.... - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By naaziz - February 7 - 10:17 pm

  I own a 6.0 Turbodiesel. This is one of a kind. Bought it for towing capacity (Have my Prius for commuting & Range Rover for off roading) and I am surprised how fond I have become of this truck. It is a shame Ford discontinued this truck. For space, power and functionality, nothing comes close. I have hauled plywood in the back (with doors closed), multiple people with their bags and a 6000lb boat behind me and it does not even break a sweat. I am planning on holding on to this truck as I do not know of any other vehicle on the market that offers all the functionality that Excursion offers. Unlike other reviews, I think mileage is fine for size and weight of the truck.

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  I4 2.5L auto 6-speed transmission woes - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Shawn - February 6 - 3:10 pm

  I want to love this car so much, but please do not buy the 2.5L 4 cylinder 6-speed auto like I did. The transmission is different in the two larger engine sizes. The tranny mated with this engine WILL fail. Do some research if you dont believe me. Our transmission problems started a week after ownership. The problems go like this: High RPM "flare" during acceleration on gear shifts 3-4 or 4-5 @ 35+ mph. The car will jerk forward violently. Theres also a very loud "clunk" when you go into reverse. The dealers will not help you until the car is dead. I took it in 3 times before they found a fault. Our fusion has been in service since Feb 8th. Today is March 2nd. Ford has not taken care of us

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  would not recommend - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mitch - February 6 - 7:48 am

  Had an 88 Taurus that had 193,000 miles on it before i had to get rid of it...it was a shame. Bought the 98 Taurus with 16,000 miles, and currently have about 120,000. The transmission had to be replaced at about 30,000, but thankfully it was under warranty. The car has always had problems, but never one to warrant selling it. The last 2 years have been plagued with heating issues. Gas mileage is acceptable, and has decent acceleration (although it takes about a half second to kick in after you push the pedal). The car, overall has been more trouble than its worth.

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  If a do-over, would not buy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 1driver3 - February 4 - 4:07 pm

  My 2006 Ford Hybrid with only 30,543 miles needs major repairs. First it was new tires, replacing those the car came with. So, at 30,000 miles I got 4 new tires. The car now has a bad rear end differential which can not be repaired but must be replaced to the tune of at least $2k, maybe more they say. No warranty, very low miles but 5 years old. I was told by the dealership that Ford and the dealership dont have the same level of customer service/loyalty because of the economy! We have probably purchased our last Fords. I may trade in but definitely not for another Ford!

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  Completely Bi-polar car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By daddy7 - January 28 - 7:13 pm

  Just received my SEL Hatchback, I opted for the 301A, Nav, Winter Package, and Remote Start. This car is driving me crazy. So many pros and then a few super annoying cons that have completely ruined this new car experience and have me wishing I had gone elsewhere.

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  Junk - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jimbo - January 27 - 5:41 pm

  I have always bought Fords, but this one is junk. I garage and care for my car. Serviced only through Ford, I do not beat on this thing and for some unknown reason: 1) The battery dies 2) Car decides to stop running 3) Brakes lock up. My next car is a Toyota. If Ford goes belly up after 5 years, they brought it on themselves.

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  Dont Buy This Car! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By hiker78 - January 24 - 9:06 pm

  Im at 128,000k and its sitting at a repair shop right now waiting for the auto salvage guys to pick it up...tranny finally blew and Im done dealing with this hunk of junk, multiple and frequent problems beginning 3 months from purchase date alternator, blower motor, brakes, sway bar links, outside window trims, temp gauge that burns out every 6k miles, serpentine belt, wheel bearings, broken cup holders, gas cap cover had to be pried open every time, various inside lights constantly burned out, paint peeling off front end, heat slow to warm up, weak A/C and the fuel pump wiring was at the point where I had to lean back and hold the plug down while turning the key to get the thing to start.

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  Should Not Have Broken - 1997 Ford F-150
  By I got a Lemon - January 24 - 4:34 am

  Poor fuel economy. Transmission died at 77,000 miles. A/C was blowing a foul smell. Turns out to be a leaking heater core. Replaced that at 105,000. Both were expensive repairs and neither should have gone out that soon. To top it off, I replaced the battery and got two starts out of it. Not the vehicles fault, but leaves me wondering what is next. I dont trust my Ford to be there for me. Im looking at other manufacturers.