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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  Dont buy a Fusion Energi - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By hermanator1 - May 13 - 9:10 am

  I have driven my Fusion energi for 3000 miles. I have had one flat and two sidewall tire failures , caused by BRUSHING curbs in parking lots. OF COURSE NO SPARE. Many hours waiting for road service and over $700 spent. This car cannot be driven anywhere safely. Unlike other manufacturers no compact spare is available and a full size spare will not fit in trunk. Obviously Ford has not considered customer convience or safety. Never get vehicle with no spare tire

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  Rolling disaster - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By grayling - May 1 - 1:24 am

  Everything on this car breaks or is a "software problem" that Ford admits there is a problem but they dont have the fix for. Transmissons lights are on, does not detect the key, the My Ford Touch system is a joke and a waste of money. They havent been able to repair it for 4 years and now they are going to another software provider. Bluetooth sound quality is horrible and I travel a lot for work and drive a lot of different cars. Drive a GM if you want a reliable car with a simple bluetooth system that is crystal clear. This is my 3rd Ford and my last, their quality has gone down hill and they have no interest in improving it.

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  What a disappointment - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By gimmeabrk - April 29 - 4:33 pm

  I recently purchased a CPO 2012 Ford Fusion SEL with the 3.0L V6 FWD and the piece of crap gets 14 to 14.5 mpg in the city. Ive taken it to two dealerships and theyve told me that I need to drive it like grandma in order to get better mileage. Believe me I am NOT driving aggressively - I wouldnt be able to afford it! Im taking off from a light so slowly that people behind me are getting angry with me. The EPA estimates for this car (FWD) are 20 City and 27 Hwy with 23 combined. One dealership ran a computerized mpg test and got 20.5 mpg combined Hwy and City driving. So by Fords own admission, even when you drive the car like grandma, you dont get the EPA estimated averages.

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  14 Escape SE 1.6 - 2014 Ford Escape
  By mosher41 - April 18 - 12:39 pm

  I bought the Escape new on Black Friday and after 5300 miles and several trips back to the dealer....The dealer agreed to pay me back the entire purchase price on this very challanged vehicle. (1) the heat doesnt work very well, (2) the breaks squeal, (3) the interior rattles. I owned a new 2010 and that was a VERY good vehicle 70K miles and only 2 trips to the dealer for recalls/TSBs.

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  Worst truck I have ever owned - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bestbrewmaster - April 15 - 12:21 pm

  I still own the piece and have 92000 miles one it. By the time I had 55000 miles on it I was on my 3rd Rear Differential. I have never driven it off road. and Im an older gentleman. I have replaced the 4x4 actuators 5 times. The truck sounds like a diesel truck and clicks all the time. Ford Said that was normal of course the said that when it was in warranty and now they say I need new engine. Junk Junk Junk

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  wish i never bought one :( - 2010 Ford Escape
  By usedtobeford - April 9 - 3:54 pm

  purchased new in 2010. Brake issues at 40,000 km cost me $1000. Had to replace hatch latch as door wouldnt open $420. Now have hard shifts, clunking underneath. Brakes shot again. Dealer wants to replace lower control arms as well, says cant advise if transmission problems until control arms are changed. Grand total of $1600+ Tax. For real!? might have to trade it in for a real car... guess Im going to hyundai for a santa fe

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  Worst vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Ford Escape
  By walrusx - April 9 - 2:21 pm

  I bought a used Escape with just under 70000 KM on it. In two and a half years the vehicle required 5 brake calipers, one O2 sensor, a front flex pipe, 2 emergency brake cables, 2 wheel hubs, 6 rotors, 12 brake pads, 3 oil seals, 2 U-joints, 3 lower control arms, 2 sway bar links, 1 serpentine belt, 1 battery, 2 half-shafts and 2 sway bar bushings. When it worked it was great, but 95% of the time there was something wrong with it. It cost me about as much in repairs and parts as it did to buy it in the first place. I took a huge loss to get rid of it but it was worth it. It has been replaced by a 2009 Santa Fe which is a far, far superior vehicle.

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  Shimmy and Shake - 2012 Ford Focus
  By butlersride - March 28 - 4:09 pm

  I FINALLY got out of this car but it did cost me. The transmission was faulty from the get-go and youll regret the day you ever bought it. At parking lot speeds the transmission cannot make up its mind, but worse, many times it gets stuck in neutral and then catch and thrust you forward. In my car the "reverse sensor" frequently came on while I was in drive. The MPG is horrible, in the City I got 23, they vastly exaggerate how efficient the car is.

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  Please Dont buy this car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By trev80 - March 28 - 12:15 pm

  I had to have major engine repairs after 11,454 miles, the timing belt wrapped around the cam shaft, pulling it out just enough to lose power in the middle a Big Rig filled highway. I promise no one wants to be in that situation. Was fixed "Good as New" under warranty but the car is much worse now. PLEASE just go with something else. Maybe it was bad luck but it can still happen to anyone.

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  Terrible Car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By thumper055 - March 12 - 1:23 pm

  Nothing But problems with this car. it has just over 51,000 km on it and has been through 4 fuel pumps, 2 water pumps, a transmission rebuild and all engine gaskets have been replaced. It recently bogged down on the highway with foot to the floor and only being able to maintain 70 km/hr. Luckily got it home and parked it before it shut off on its own. When brought to the dealership they could not find any problems and couldnt do anything to help solve the problem. It was purchased new off the lot and have had nothing but problems since. Over 3 years of owning there has been around $20,000.00 of warranty work done. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.