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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  Too nice of a car not to sell in higher volumes - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By MDS - October 12 - 10:46 am

  Ive been scratching my head for the last year (thats how long Ive owned my C-Max Energi) as to why Ford doesnt market this car (the regular Hybrid and the plug-in) against the hot-segment "subcompact SUVs" where it is essentially the same size (though different styling), and is cost-competitive (with the continuous incentives) while being so much better in so many ways - quieter, much better passing/merging power, much better mileage, higher-quality interior, better visibility, etc...My spouse has the Subaru XV Crosstrek, one of the more popular subcompact SUVs and while its a nice car that we like, my C-Max Energi is better in almost every respect, even though I paid thousands less (after tax credit and incentives) than my spouse paid. Other than the lack of all-wheel drive (which I dont care about) and the XV Crosstreks higher ground clearance, the Subaru has essentially no advantages even though it costs more. By the way, the exterior dimensions of the two cars are within about an inch or so on length/width/height, and my perception is that the C-Max has a higher ride-height for the driver than the Crosstrek, though that may just be my perception. I think only marketing the car as a Prius alternative (when they market it at all) has severely hurt the C-Max sales, since the C-Max will clearly not win purely on MPG; but it is such a better car in every other way that its a shame they dont do more to broaden the appeal/category. Even letting it be pegged as a hatch-back/wagon hurts it since it really could fit into a few different categories (my view). Anyway, as someone who years ago swore I would NEVER own another Ford, Ive been very pleased with my C-Max Energy. I would also like to say the Sync / MyFord Touch system gets a bad rap; as Ive driven many different brands with their proprietary systems and Fords is fine - certainly no worse than any of the others Ive used, and because there are redundant ways to do everything if you dont like one way to do something, you have other options. I understand that the early versions of Fords system (before most other brands had their own) had issues, the grudge in the auto press seems entirely unwarranted based on my experience. I hope Ford finds a way to keep this car going because its a joy to drive and own. I was not interested in a hybrid when I started car-shopping, but bought it because of everything else it offered (and at a lower price) than the cars I was shopping it against it. I likely would not have considered it without all of the incentives it had, but have been very happy I landed on this car.

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  Take that! Foreign automakers. - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By ADM HALSEY - October 12 - 10:15 am

  Pound for pound & dollar for dollar one of the best purchases one could make for under $15,000. Excellent for highway travel and not too bad around town for mpg. Very comfortable & quiet, similar to older Lincolns. I added a trunk disk changer and new mats via Ford. A/C renders ice and heat cooks steaks. Wish I had bought it in teal instead of maroon. I feel like a fleet car escapee. Will buy as long as are available for a second car.

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  STAY AWAY FROM - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Invknight - October 12 - 2:03 am

  Had a transmission replaced FIVE TIMES IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS - ONLY TWO WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Horrible customer service cost me $8K in legal costs just to get out of vehicle and Ford was horrible - owned four Ford vehicles before this and WILL NEVER OWN one again after - even sold my FORD stock before it hit junk price, congrats Bill Ford - you know how to ruin a family name.

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  Money Pit - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By Samantha - October 12 - 1:25 am

  This car is basically a money pit. Id be better off financially by throwing my wages into the fireplace. Everything on this car has broken. The transmission is appalling. This car is disgustingly unreliable. I would not buy another Ford product. In fact, I wouldnt even take one for free.

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  Love My Ranger/ Very Nice - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Brogan - October 11 - 8:38 pm

  This has to be the the best truck I have ever owned. It gets great gas milage, and is very Comfortable.

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  Finally Got It - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Tycoonmd - October 11 - 4:10 pm

  Wanted one for a long time and finally could afford it. Love the size. Im a big guy so it is very comfortable for me. Love the sound system. Subwoofer is great. DVD player is great too. Mine is loaded. Being a big guy, the A/C & heated seats take a while to feel them working but its a nice feature. Im realistic about gas mileage. Its a big truck, what do you expect? Stock tires are TERRIBLE! BEWARE! Mine cupped at 13,000 miles! Also, theres an annoying ticking noise coming from around the moonroof. Dealer said they need to schedule a day to find it. Overall, love my truck. Wish Ford would sell with suitable tires. Im upgrading to 24" rims and tires anyway.

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  2006 Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Dhill - October 11 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this truck because I needed a long bed truck that would offer good fuel economy. After driving an F150 for a few years and paying too much for gasoline, I found the opportunity to purchase this automobile. My gas mileage, mostly highway, stays around 28 mpg. This is summer driving with the a/c running in Texas. I drive highway speed of about 68 mph and sometimes I leave the tailgate down. The truck offers plenty of room for carrying my loads, and Im pleased with the overall performance. I bought because I needed the 7 foot bed. No other economy truck has a 7 length. The dealership had to travel 450 miles to pick up the truck, and I paid, walk out the door, $14K.

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  Ford Engine Problems - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By tom browne - October 11 - 12:25 pm

  A great car except it requires about 50 seconds from a cold start before use. During this time the lifters or tappits do not receive oil, make extremely disconcerting noises, and are very irritating expecially when the dealership says there is nothing wrong. Well, there is! This car will be sold before the next one is purchased. A Taurus-probably not!

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  Best first new car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By chris - October 11 - 11:00 am

  OK for one my family has owned Fords for a long time and I think they are some of the best cars made. I test drove 15 cars before I test drove my Ford Focus and I fell in love. I do have some stuff to say. The head liner isnt cheap it is a safety thing the side airbags come out of the whole top so thats why it looks cheap. Next the side vents to do stuff if you set them right they help remist/defog ur window and also its ment to blow on your arm not face thats what the two center one is for. Some bad things about the car are minor though there is no trunk release inside the car and the trunk liner does not stick to the floor if you put and heavy items in it over all the car is great

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  interior fabric suck stains - 2005 Ford F-150
  By T. R. - October 11 - 12:40 am

  Driving is very good control. The interior arm rest hits your knee. The interior material stains even with water on it. I have already covered the seats.