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:

• 

  Why did I wait? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By susa4 - July 17 - 8:49 pm

  This is a review of my 2010 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew bought new in March, 2010. I have 48,000 miles and zero defects or problems. The 4.6 24 v engine gets 25 mpg on the interstate at 68 mph using cruise control. This truck is so quite and rides so much better than our 2008 Ford Explorer. The interior room is abundant and the kids have plenty of room in the back seat. I have the original Michelin tires (but they should go after 5000 more miles). When I pull our 28 foot Greywolf travel trailer the mileage declines to 9-10 mph but I have no trouble towing and no problems with sway. The built-in trailer break is fantastic. Grab one ifyou are looking for a great used truck!

• 

  New Car, Bad Transmission - 2012 Ford Escape
  By mitchelld - July 16 - 8:27 pm

  This was our 3rd new Escape (2005, 2007, & 2012). We have always liked the box for use ability. However, our 2012 XLT V6 Escape developed transmission problems at about 10,000 miles. Ford adjusted trans and slipping seemed to disappear ... initially. Over time it got worse with terrible slipping, hunting for gears, & loud clunks as it found 1st & 2nd gears. At 20,000 miles Ford now tells us the transmission will need "several new parts" (which they have to order). No, they will not replace the trans ... just fix it as they tried before. Our goal now is to get the car running and dump it. We are the 3rd generation of loyal Ford customers and, we are the LAST.

• 

  Lets be honest - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By wildbill17 - July 16 - 7:25 pm

  OK, I do like this car, but there are somethings that are problems. First, when your a merging into traffic at around 20 mph, then you have to accelerate fast. Well you better mash down the accelerator hard, because otherwise it simply falls on it face. The dealer says its normal. Next when you park on a grade, put your transmission in park, you better figure the car will roll another foot before it stops. Dealers says this is normal. If you are over six feet tall, you better remember to bend your head down, otherwise you will hit it on the door frame. I bought this because it was a Ford, and a American vehicle. Future vehicle purchases might be different

• 

  Loaded up like a Lexus - 2013 Ford Focus
  By puffinalong - July 16 - 2:01 pm

  fun ride

• 

  Do not buy this car!!! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By avatheps - July 16 - 12:56 pm

  Bought it on 1 May 2013 after much looking and online comparing. Wish I had been able to test drive it longer and in more realistic conditions as I would never have bought it. I live on a fairly steep hill and it can barely climb it in 3rd gear. Put 6500 miles on it in in 2 months so have given it a good test. It does get good gas mileage. Went to Florida on $80 and the same coming back. Does fine on flat thruway drives up to 85 mph, but includes lots of down shifting. It skips and bucks during rainstorms or wet weather. On board navigation is worthless even on I81 and I95 where you dont turn for hundreds of miles. To much wrong to report it all. Please reconsider buying this car.

• 

  2014 Ford Escape SE - 2014 Ford Escape
  By vtfordman - July 16 - 12:48 pm

  Just bought this vehicle and so far I Love it, downsized from a 2012 F150 Supercrew with the Eco-Boost engine and was wondering about feeling cramped inside but it doesnt at all. I got the 1.6 Eco-Boost and so far with only 150 miles on it is getting around 23 miles per gallon mostly around town driving. Plenty of power and love all the options. Panorama roof is great in this summer weather all most like having a convertible. Will let you know more after I have put some more miles on it. Also very sharp car gets looks everywhere we go..

• 

  2014 Ford Fiesta Titanuim Hatchback in Blue Candy is AWESOME! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By karenmarieg1 - July 14 - 10:44 pm

  I love this car! I got the Blue Candy, Black leather interior and upgraded Sony Stereo System and love, love, love, this car. Its zippy and rises to any traffic occasion. 40 HW MPG is as advertized. The interior is roomy for a sub-compact. I got the optional rubber floor mats, and theyre very high quality. Opted for the tinted windows at Auto Definitions in Claremore, OK and it just looks meaner than before. Responsive steering, braking, and acceleration make this a fun car to drive. Weve turned heads and brought men out of a barbershop to check it out! Love the car. Great Value!

• 

  2012 Taurus - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By larryk0202 - July 14 - 1:20 pm

  I purchased this car in May 2013, had 35K miles on it. Great on mpg and comfortable. No problems yet.

• 

  Disappointing - 2012 Ford Focus
  By crash308 - July 12 - 4:54 pm

  Ordered my Focus SEL in July 11 with My Ford Touch, moon roof, and premium stereo. MFT module failed within a few weeks. The dealer replaced the computer and its been mostly reliable since. (Ford increased the warranty to 5 years on the module because of ongoing problems). DON"T BUY MFT - its a waste of money. Its a pain to remember all of the voice commands and everything that SYNC is capable of doing can be done in 10 times faster by adjusting a knob. The transmission is TERRIBLE. Unusual hesitations, bad shift intervals, and unpredictable acceleration are common. The recall improved performance, but didnt solve the problems.

• 

  Problems, Problems, Problems - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ian_labell - July 11 - 1:57 pm

  After purchasing in May of 12, the first problem arose after only 4000 miles. The clutch was making a squeaking noise when being used. I had to take it to the dealer twice, wasting two days before they would fix the problem, which happened to be an adjustment. Then at 30000 I noticed fluid leaking from the vehicle. Turns out it is the front axle, and the dealer wont be able to get me in until next week, and stated "well it should be fine until then." I thought Ford had made large strides in building better more reliable cars but I was incorrect. Never buy a Ford product, you WILL be let down.