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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  C-MAX Go - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmaxgo - December 29 - 9:55 pm

  fast,quick,quiet,smooth ... got it up to 110 on open road , smooth as silk. fun to drive, drove a GMC Yukon for years and prefer the C-max any day. Good vision, easy to pass. In town, cant beat it. Avg 44-50 mpg in town. 36-39 highway depending on how much fun I want to have. Plenty of headroom, leg-room. My teenager is about to drive and has been eyeballing the C-Max, dont think I want to let it go. so far, best car ive ever owned.

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  Id Buy 10 if I could - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By greg - December 29 - 5:43 pm

  We have 2 96 Aeros. One shortie, one cargo. Both are very reliable and run and handle great. No major problems in either one. We use them for our commute and business. Also have an 89 Eddie Bauer, very comfy. The Bauer is so well made and sturdy. A friend has several that are almost at 300K miles, and loves them. We rotate ours, and they all perform well. Will buy another one or two soon. They are inexpensive to buy, and are very reliable. They arent hot looking (the Bauer is nice, though), but they are a lot of vehicle for the money - and - they are paid for!

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  Very pleased - 2009 Ford Flex
  By HRM - December 29 - 3:23 pm

  So my husband went in for an oil change on his beloved Mustang a few weeks ago and I ended up with a Flex! We were looking for a new car for me as I am requiring heated seats before moving from GA to Ohio. The consumer reviews were a main selling point. Once he drove it we were sold. It does drive remarkably well. The Sirius is addicting. I am avg height & have not noticed the issue with the headrests. My first drive was going through mountains from KY to GA. I hate driving downhill but felt way more comfortable than in my previous SUV. This week I had to drive home through flooding rain and the car handled as if the roads were dry. People at work stop me to compliment the car.

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  Surprised at some of the poor ratings - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jpw1138 - December 29 - 12:57 pm

  I guess I am lucky, but the only thing I have had to repair on this vehicle since purchased new were the actuators on the power door locks. Other than that, it has never seen the shop except for routine maintenance. I am sort of sorry I paid for the extended warranty because I dont think it is likely that I will need it. Very reliable car.

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  Best new car I ever owned - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ftn - December 29 - 5:33 am

  Bought new in June 2001, our Ford Focus Street Edition has been a great car. Comfortable, handles GREAT, very good gas mileage, very reliable. A few relatively minor issues have occurred but overall weve had a wonderful experience with this car!

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  Dangerous transmission - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cheryl - December 28 - 2:08 pm

  I bought a 2012 Ford Focus in November 2015. I was very happy because my old car was a 2000 Ford Focus. It is very sporty and nice looking. I was driving on HWY 30 from the grocery store when it just stopped. Everyone behind me was honking and whizzing by me. I was scared to death. I didnt know what to do. I prayed to God and then I got the idea to shut it off and re start it. It was very slow and I got a notice that I had a transmission malfunction and to fix it NOW. I could have been killed. Ford please take care of this problem.

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  06 Escape 5 Speed - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Drew - December 28 - 2:06 pm

  My family and I really love our new Escape. Gas mileage is wonderful averaging about 25 mpg with mostly city driving! And its 4X4! Plenty of power with the manual trans. Would like to see more options available with the 5 speed. i.e. fog light, power seat, sunroof, 6 disc privacy glass.

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  a good car except for awful vibration - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Dave S. - December 28 - 1:13 pm

  This car is not a comfortable car, especially not for a mature adult man. For what I paid for this car, one could expect tilt steering, cruise control, and power seats. My ZX2 has none of those features. (I bought the car for my wife in a hurry and have regretted the hasty decision ever since.) The 2001 ZX2 has a SERIOUS VIBRATION problem. The word "vibration" does not even begin to describe the shaking and rattling experienced while seated in the car. Evidently the problem is that the engine runs very roughly at idle speed, which is what happens when the car is stopped but in gear. I would not recommend this car to anyone who cares about comfort. It might be a good 1st car for a teen.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J D - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Read Edmunds.com reviews prior to purchase and previous comments were on target in regard to benefits and limitations. My choice was between the full size Explorer and the Escape. Feel I got a better value (considering my needs and affordability)buying the XLT Excape versus an XLS Explorer. Lots of zip with the V-6, feels sporty and more car-like. Console shifter a plus. Love the cargo space and the fact that the rear seats fold flat. It fits my two needs-- haul a few passengers comfortably or haul some gear efficiently. Looking forward to driving this vehicle on an upcoming road vacation.

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  Well,so far............................. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jdfrmky - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I really do not need a truck which is what I found out about an SUV and this fresh looking vehicle seemed the place to start to see if truckdom will work out.If it does not at least it will have some residual value come time to sell.Ive not had it long enough to tell any tales yet.My first Ford and based on the wifes experiences with her 2 Escapes Im more concerned with customer service and support which has been miserable for my wife.