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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  2014 ford fusion SE 2.0 Fuel Tank Problem - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By jimmyd11 - January 8 - 9:46 pm

  I have a loud fuel slushing sound in my fuel tank when tank is 3/4 to full. Ford technical staff told my selling dealer this is a normal characteristic for this vehicle. The dealer filled one of his other se 2.0 fusions on his lot with a full tank of gas, and sure enough it did the same thing as my car. I have had 5 previous NEW Ford cars before this Fusion and they did not make this loud slushing sound. I remember the fuel fire problems that the Ford Pinto had in the 70s and I dont feel safe in this car. Please, anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to resolve this.

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  Update to an earlier review - 2003 Ford F-150
  By smoo4arp - January 8 - 7:47 pm

  During the polar vortex-initiated temperature drop, we had to take someone who desperately needed protection from the cold (since he was about 7 and a half miles away from work and he was going to have to drive through ice-specifically the nasty black stuff.) With a far from top flight battery and less than a quarter of a tank of gas, it sailed through taking our friend to work and getting us back home and all the features worked from the air bags to the radio, overhead, and odometer displays-it was a sight to see. The Chrysler van we could have had to settle for was having problems in 50 degree rain, but this truck just works, even in the 0s. (Granted, it was sunny, but cmon now.)

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  Fun Car - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By fl_surfer - January 6 - 11:50 am

  I havent had a "fun" car in 30 years due to family & company car requirements. My 2014 basic 6cyl manual is a totally fun "toy". I use the Mustang for daily cummute & weekend erands. The car gets an amazing 25.5MPG & the attention the Mustang gets at the gas station is surprising. The 6 speed manual is more fun the longer you own the car.

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  Traded up to Titanium 2.0 - 2014 Ford Escape
  By terra4m - January 6 - 2:19 am

  I purchased a 2013 Escape SE 4wd w/ the 1.6L engine and loved the vehicle. I wished I had gone with more features, so I traded it on a 2014 Escape Titanium 4wd with the 2.0L engine and all the goodies. I love this vehicle! Ive owned a lot of cars, from most all manufacturers, including high-end cars, and this new Titanium is my favorite all-around vehicle. I get very good gas mileage, its very comfortable, and the NVH, fit and finish are on par with the luxury brands. Sync w/ MyFordTouch is terrific, and intuitive. I can also use the manual controls easily if I dont want to use the voice or touch controls. Ford has really done a great job with their new vehicles.

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  Last Ford Car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By texasmilitary - January 5 - 6:58 pm

  Im terrified to drive this thing. Much like the other reviews, the shuddering was an issue from the start, but I was told that it was part of the new design. Two years into it, I can tolerate it. However, now the car just decelerates for no reason and the check engine light comes on. Keep in mind that this happens anywhere and anytime, even on a major highway going 70 miles an hour. The first time it scared me so bad. I took it in and they claimed it was an engine light issue, kept it for two days, fixed it, and sent me on my way. Less than a week later the car has decelerated and come to a complete stop 3 times. I took it back to the dealership...I will update you on their response.

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  OK Subcompact, Needs slight changes- Automatic, not 5-speed - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By commuter247 - January 5 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car 9/20/12 and have put over 31,000 miles on it, in a mix of city, back roads (northern New England) and highway. Probably 25%/ 40%/ 35% if I had to break it down. I am in this car up to 8 hours a day. I am 57" and mostly torso. I have owned all Fords. The car handles great- my favorite roads are empty, curvy back roads. I have driven in all but 1 snow storm since I bought this car and I have every confidence in this vehicle in the weather. The clearance is higher than the Focus by about 1.5", which helps in a storm. I have gotten hung up on an ice shelf once, but its to be expected in a FWD. I recommend this car for a 1-2 person ride, but expect to make concessions.

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  Very reliable - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By gp8283 - January 4 - 6:14 pm

  I have a 5.4L XLT that just passed 160K. Hardly any problems at all except for the air suspension needed to be worked on. Engine, transmission, and suspension are solid and runs great considering the mileage. Very roomy and can fit lots of people.

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  One of my all time least favorite cars - 2013 Ford Escape
  By thorpaj - January 4 - 4:57 pm

  This car has been in my possession for 9 months. I drive a lot of company vehicles and rentals through my job, and this is just not a very good vehicle. It is noisy, does not handle well, has very hard gear shifts at times, absolutely terrible rear view site lines, gets about 22.5 mpg with almost all highway driving (cruise control mostly). For the price get a way better sedan, there really is not all that much more room it he trunk to warrant getting this over a good sedan. Heck I had the fusion hybrid as my previous vehicle and it was great. Oh, one last thing, the acceleration is inadequate, sometimes I need a quick burst for highway driving and there is a dangerous 2 second lag.

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  TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By merc51 - January 4 - 11:29 am

  Beautiful car. Purchased in January 2013 for wife who loved it. White with hardtop and black and white interior. Had only 73000 miles on it and looked hardly used. came with all service records. Car was fun until the summer when the HVAC fan controller would only run at full blast. Found out that part was unavailable EVERYWHERE in the world but just as important cost to replace was over $1600 in labor! While still trying to find part 3 of the coil on plugs modules failed. Then transmission started to make noises. So car had to go . Loved looks and ride but!

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  Business Driver after 150,000 miles - 2012 Ford Edge
  By tn_driver - January 3 - 9:18 am

  I drive a 2012 Edge SEL as my work vehicle approx. 5000-6000 miles per month--currently has 148,000 total. Proven an excellent car. Had GMC Acadia prior to this, and though unfortunately not as large cargo capacity, the Edge has been far superior to that SUV. MPG has averaged 24.5 for entire life. No mechanical issues at all except headlamp bulb and turn signal switch. Very comfortable driving position and seating at long distance--and I should know. Only real issue has been SYNC system as relates to Bluetooth to Iphone. This performance has improved with Ford updates, but still sometimes phone to system link is faulty. Overall an excellent car--replacing with another Edge this year