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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  What I expected - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By donalp - July 11 - 1:52 pm

  Great car, I work at a fords plant so ofcourse I bought the car with my A PLAN. I bought the 1.6l EcoBoost. I have achieved at the greatest 39.9Mpg on highway so far. On an average day I get 35-36 with cruise control on going 60. And in town I get about 22mpg, 20 at worst. The only complaint I have with the car is the Sync is a little glitchy, rarely, but sometimes. And the cup holders are close to the gear shift and its a little uncomfortable if youve got like 2 44oz drinks in the cup holders and wanting to autoshift. But besides that it has been a great buy for me atleast.

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  Third Ford in under two years 2nd Taurus - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By escape12 - July 9 - 9:37 pm

  Great vehicle, had a SEL 201A NAV for about 7 months. Traded for another 2013 SEL this time with 202A NAV/Moonroof/Leather/Spoiler during a end of June Sale. Total fluke that this new one was the same color as the 201A but price was price and I probably would have jumped on that markdown whatever the color was. V6 is plenty powerful in the mountains, and PA turnpike. Leather is soft, and supple and heated for winter. Girlfriend has back problems and she occasionally uses the heated seats as a heating pad. High trunk line, I highly recommend the 202A package with back up camera...other parts of the package make it worth it such as keyless start/adjustable pedals/ambient lighting/ SYNC

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  Loved it at first not sure now - 2011 Ford Escape
  By bmeg2012 - July 9 - 8:57 pm

  I bought my 2011 Ford Escape V6 AWD Limited Edition may 2012. I did great until the mileage hit 48000. While on my way to work one morning the transmission went out and left me sitting in the middle of the 4-lane with no gears. I finally was able to get in the low and get a wide spot to get off the road. We took it to he ford dealership and left it for 4 days only to be told that their is nothing wrong with it. This was 3 weeks ago. The transmission is still slipping horrible and this afternoon my RPMs went to 5000 before it shifted gears. It is still under my powertrain warranty but they wont fix it. Ford needs to do something it is not safe to drive this way.

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  Pleased owner - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mementomori - July 8 - 8:54 pm

  33,000 miles on it & no problems. Fun to drive, comfortable & excellent fuel economy. The car has a very upscale feel. Those complaining about the transmission- you have to understand it to appreciate it. Its not an automatic transmission its an automated dual-clutch manual. Its GOING to act like a manual transmission (some rolling, hesitation, shudder- a result of the "dry-clutch" design). These are not "problems," theyre characteristics. Did you not notice these things on the test drive? Im loving the car my worst tank has been 28 MPG, which included all city driving with lots of idling and sitting in traffic. Easily exceeds 40 MPG on the highway. Power/acceleration was surprising.

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  Everyone wants my Truck!! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By flyastinson - July 8 - 10:26 am

  The sharp design has continued to baffle people as to its age and I am often asked if Id like to sell it. NO! It is almost to 140,000 miles and runs like a bear. While I take very good care of my vehicles, not much as been necessary with my truck other than routine care and minor repairs -- very minor! The power is excellent, driving is smooth and easy and easy to switch to 4x4. The leather seats adjust perfectly, especially on long drives. I have hauled boats, cars, and heavy closed trailers without any problem. Ford is excellent...my 1966 F100 has almost 500,000 miles on the original engine!

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  Its not worth it. Run away. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ih8ford2 - July 8 - 9:17 am

  Worst purchase I have ever made in my life. Have had nothing but MAJOR problems with this car. its always one thing after another. I have owned this car for less than 5 years. After my spark plugs and coils went then it was the transmission. After that it was the catalytic converter, and after that the ABS. The final straw came last night when I was driving home from work and the alternator had apparently gone out. now Im driving 70 on the highway when all power goes out, my power steering seized up and I have to fight for my life to get this junk of crap off the road without killing anyone. Never buying a ford again. Complete and total POS.

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  Great engineering!Great car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By joser93 - July 7 - 8:03 pm

  Awsome car its been in the family for 13 years never huge repairs just maintance that i have performed always did oil changes on time transmission service a/c blows ice cold at 35 degrees engine has 120 hp and it beat a 2011honda si an audi s4 , audi v6, audi 1.8 turbo. Honda hatch 1.8 vtec honda crx with a 1.8 gsr so my focus can take them. Over all car has been great no major issues with motor has passed all smogs with no problems iys still runs at 14.67 :1 afr i get 35-40 mpg high way even at 3000 rpm

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  No Support From Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By swaldron - July 6 - 2:05 pm

  We purchased this new in 2009 and overall have been please with the vehicle. However, I had to rate build quality and reliability low here due to the following: at about 30K (warranty) it needed a new front hub & bearing at 44K it then needed a right rear caliper ($500). We were very disappointed that the dealer would not contact Ford about what they could do about the caliper (I currently also have 2 GM vehicles with well over 100K miles on them with original hubs and calipers!). The dealer had the nerve to tell me that he had a concern about using aftermarket calipers... I just looked at him and said "really, right now I have to pay $500 to fix a Ford OEM caliper!" Going back to GM!

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  Flex number 2 - 2013 Ford Flex
  By flashflex - July 4 - 8:18 pm

  My First Flex was a 2010 Limited with EcoBoost. It was one of the first production models with Ecoboost and I had some growing pains with turbos brakes, calipers, and fuel injection. Ford covered it all with no complaints. I just bought a 2013 Flex with Ecoboost and this car is a total upgrade to the 2010. Ride, power, comfort, quietness, amenities are totally transformed. Ford totally believes in this car with the engineering upgrades they have done. I put a lot of windshield time behind the wheel being a salesman. This car rocks for someone needing carrying capacity, comfort, yet entertaining to drive, its quick. Its a Mini Cooper on steroids.

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  One Shocking Mustang - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By matsmith7 - July 3 - 4:22 pm

  I have owned nothing but V8 muscle cars in my life. So when I decided to look at the new V6 Mustang I was confident it would disapoint. However, to my surprise it was fantastic. So great in fact, that I bought one! The car handles great and is a real joy to drive. The steering is just fantastic. I also got the 6 Speed Manual which is great. I have added a few aftermarket things throughout and are now pushing around 350hp at the engine. The car will get to 60 in 5 seconds flat and if im quick enough it will even get in the high 4s to 60. Thats incredible! The car just goes and looks good getting there. I got 32.5 MPG last week with mostly highway driving. Its the first great V6 Mustang ever!