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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  Solid and fun car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mattv9 - September 2 - 2:09 pm

  I have a 2.0 SEL AWD Escape bought last May. Ive put on 5000 miles so far and Im really pleased with it for many reasons. First of all, its is really well made. The interior is high quality and really comfortable (Im 62"... not all cars work for me). I liked the build quality much more than the CX-5. Its a blast to drive, it puts a grin on my face every day. It tracks true and is very sure on all sorts of conditions. I hardly can wait to try it in the snow! My gas milage averages around high 26mpg in mixed driving and 29 highway. With 2 kayaks this drops way down to 23-24mpg.

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  It saved me! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By stefff - September 2 - 2:11 am

  My first beautiful 2000 Mustang V6 coupe, purchased in 2010, saved me when some tattooed meth freak hit my drivers door at 60mph as I was making a left turn on a small two lane (no passing zone). I was dazed but the car was totaled, as was f-wits Honda. He walked away, donchaknow. The replacement, another base 2000 coupe, is even nicer, with fewer miles and the same excellent reliability. It has a bit of clutch chatter, but nothings perfect. I enjoy every mile and am happy to have some steel wrapped around me!

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  1998 explorer 2 door - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By joe440 - August 31 - 11:31 pm

  had this suv about 3 years,and always run good,but started having some things going bad,the first thing,is a skip in the eng,and we had a comp,tuneup.and we stil have the skip,and they have tested it and theres no codes showing,and also were having trouble starting this car,sometimes it will start,and the next time sounds like theres no fire,but u let it sit for awhile and it starts.if anyone has had the same trouble,and u got it fixed,please post and let us no what u found, we have already spended to much to go on.over all we like this suv and would like to get it fixed.

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  Total LEMON! Buyer Beware! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By soldiermorale - August 31 - 8:44 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Fusion just 10 months ago and have had nothing but problems with it. Within the 1st week of owning it, I had to take it in for computer updates because all the electronics kept shutting down. 2 months into ownership there was a recall on it and it was in the shop for 3 weeks! Last month it was in the shop because it was literally leaking gas and there were 2 more recalls on it. It was there for 2 weeks this time. Now 3 days ago, it had to be towed BACK to the dealership because everything went batty as in every alert imaginable came on. Brakes, engine, oil, engine temp, coolant. Everything went wrong and it completely shut down. I told the dealership to keep it, Im DONE

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  2013 Focus is huge mistake! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By hugemistake1 - August 30 - 4:27 pm

  I bought a Ford Focus 2013 a couple of months ago being told it had an automatic transmission. It jerked and acted weird during the test drive, but the salesman said it would "learn" my driving style in 2 weeks. After 2 months and 450 miles , took it to service dept for low gas mileage (less than 20 city) and jerky transmission. They said it takes 1,000 - 3,000 to break in. Read the other blogs and asked them to take it back. Ford offered us a lousy deal, so we traded it in and bought a new Camry. Real car with a smooth transmission and gets better gas mileage than the Focus. Ford needs to recall the "automatic" Focus. The transmission doesnt work! Buyer beware!!

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  Wow. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By jdesmond - August 30 - 6:43 am

  I have never been a big car fan. They have always simply provided transportation. Something however happened when I looked at the Ford Fusion. When I got in it for a test drive, I was amazed by the comfort. When I put my foot on the gas, I was impressed with the performance. The features - that make it fun to drive as well knocked my socks off. Add to this a dealership (Paul Cerame, St Louis) and salesman (Tony L.) who did not mess with me and I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Experience with Leased 2013 Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmckay395 - August 29 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my Fusion for 5 months and it has been great. Drives well, good fit and finish, quiet, great sound system and electronics. Exterior styling is excellent and gas mileage is good (averaging 25.4 miles driving mostly city). MySync is good but has had a couple of hiccups that required taking it to the dealer to get a newer version of the software installed. Dealer did the job quickly and threw in a free oil change so I was happy. Highly recommend the vehicle.

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  Buy the Manual Trans. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cwfam - August 29 - 3:25 pm

  First off I opted for the Manual transmission and am not dissapointed one bit with its performance. Most of the complaints on this car are about the about the auto transmissions and the MY Ford Touch system. Eliminate these options on your future Focus and you are in the clear in my opinion. 43,000 miles and have only had to replace the rear deck lid because they used some cheap foam in the cut outs near the rear window. Easy and free fix in the original warranty. 32MPG average in a good mix of city and highway driving. The S and SE have the manuals but why on EARTH they didnt include it in the other models is beyond me. A huge mistake Ford should correct.

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  Great car so far - 2013 Ford Escape
  By 75hoo - August 28 - 7:07 am

  Bought in early April and have 5000 miles so far. I love it. It has never been in the shop. I get 29 mpg or better if I drive 70, but that drops to 27 at 75-80. I use regular gas. If I mix highway and town driving, I get 26mpg. Live in FL and drive fairly gently. Have never had a problem with pairing my iPhone 4s. I love the Sirius radio and how you can optimize it for driver listening. Great quiet ride.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By focusjp - August 25 - 7:38 pm

  I love this car! Got it in April, now have just 6000 miles on it. Mileage started out a little low, 31 mph, but am now getting right around 37 mpg and I drive various traffic situations. I waited a long time to get a Focus, rode in several other Focuses and knew this is what I wanted although I had to trade in my 2000 Explorer XLS to get it. I do miss the extra cargo space, but the overall ride, flip down rear seat makes up for it. I have the Focus Sedan SE with 6 cyl. automated manual transmission. Did not see a selection for it.