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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  Really Wanted to Love This Truck - 2011 Ford F-150
  By canuman7 - May 30 - 8:38 am

  Was happy with it until after the 36000 mile warranty ran out. Synch quit working twice and the service manager said that had been an "Issue." The stereo became "Possessed" and would scan continuously and would just have to turn it off for a few hours. Then, the transmission would occasionally slip out in the hills and far from dealer or help. Unfortunately, it was an intermittent problem and dealer couldnt find it? Then there was the head light switch that quit working and trip set, etc, etc. Electronics failing right and left at 50K miles. The visibility was very poor. I had to remove all the rear headrests to see well. The beds sides were weak a trucks bed should be stronger.

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  2007 V6 Coupe 4.0L Automatic with Pony Package - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By andybear957 - May 30 - 8:30 am

  Just bought this (new to me) 2007 V6 Coupe with Pony Package, 4.0L black/black leather with all options. Came with 104,000 kilometers (64,600 miles). Excellent condition, both inside and out. Only thing I didnt like and will have to fix is the racing stripes from the hood to the trunk (was part of this Pony Package in 2007). They have cracked over time and peeling in a couple of places, plus I just dont like the way they look. Black is just too beautiful on its own. The car is fast, comfortable (great lumbar support in the seats), sleek looking...get comments all the time from passersby. It has no customizations or modifications at the present time but I plan on making some soon.

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  An OK buy.. - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cappecan - May 29 - 4:59 pm

  The only reason I bought the Escape is because the Escape is one of the best selling mid-sized SUVs on the market. There are many differnt models to choose from, including an AWD hybrid model which is amazing if you ask me. If I am correct, Ford holds the title of introducing the first AWD hybrid model, and they have done a good job of upholding that title. The Escape is perfect for throwing all kinds of stuff into it from 5 average adults, to ski and snowboards on the roof racks, and a few kids inside. The only bad thing I can say about this SUV is the build quality. The parts are cheaply made and break quickly over time. Ford needs to fix this, or the Escape will die off as we know it.

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  New 2013 Fusion Titanium - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By fordguy27 - May 28 - 8:01 pm

  Just got a 13 Fusion Titanium 2.0 with 19" tires and have approximately 400 miles on it. I was concerned reading some reviews about the mileage but the first tank returned 26.5 mpg in mixed city and interstate driving. The car is very comfortable, great technology which is easy to use. I havent had any problems with MyTouch but Im familiar with Sync. The MyTouch responds as I expected without issue. The Sony sound system is very good.

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  Ford Focus 2012 Titanium : Nightmare - 2012 Ford Focus
  By gillesm - May 28 - 2:28 pm

  The ford Focus 2012 Titanium Last september 2011, i have bought a Ford Focus 2012 Titanium. That day was the day when i did my worst error ever . Just one week later – not one year, but one week – i was driving in Montreal city when strange noises were coming out from transmission. At low speed and especially during a stop and go situation, some strong vibrations and stalling occured regularly. Since september 2011, i visited Ford dealer more often than the last 10 years driving Honda and Toyota. Despite - so far - four computer update trying to resolve that transmission nigthmare, the situation got worse.

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  Miss Mexico - 1997 Ford F-150
  By missmexico - May 26 - 11:54 am

  (xlt 2wd flare side 4.6 v8 4sp automatic ) Bought new in 97 love her. Did have problem with a blockage in oil pan that caused the engine to lock up around 90k mi. (factory fluke) Ford was a dick about it, but has still been good truck. She has had her share of small problem from parts breaking from old age. The transmission sucks and has now power in 2nd and I wish I could change that, but still going with around 200000 miles on her. Truck gets around 14.5 in city and 17.5 on highway. She got rear ended on may 8th, totaled, or I would driver her into the ground. Not a fan of the gas mileage, but would take her over another truck.

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  BAD transmissions - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By wanderinwoods - May 24 - 9:55 am

  I bought the car a week ago and one the way home thought I heard some noise from the car, just told myself its breaking in. well after a few days of the wife driving it I drove it again and the trans is shot. It grinds HORRIBLY. so with only 600 miles exactly on it I took it to a dealer and had the tech ride along to see what the issue was. he said yeah its got a problem but nothing I can do about it. so took it to the dealer that sold it and at first they said they found nothing wrong with it. after I went with as the service writer drove it she decided it was extremely bad and did not want to finish the drive. so now I wait to see what happens.

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  first time hybrid not so well - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mrblue3 - May 23 - 8:42 pm

  bought the car only six months ago and its running in to problems. the first couple months it ran awesome what i expected, good mpg for a suv with awd. now the cooling system for the HV battery is falling apart piece by piece, that seems to be just one of fords flaw with the beginning years of the escape hybrid. first it was the cooling fans the whole kit actually, parts plus labor about 700 at dealer. now the blend door actuator is not opening to allow air in to cool the battery. from what i was told by another diagnostic the ac is not working proplery, had that diagnosed and the rear ac line going to the battery is punctered. cant wait to trade it in for a fusion hybrid

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  Love My 2011 Fiesta SES - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By jimies - May 23 - 7:52 pm

  I do a lot of driving in the City. I wanted a car that was easy to park and drive in tight places. This car works perfect in these situations. The heated seats, push button start and the Sync system are all nice pluses. To date I have just over 37,000 trouble free miles on this car.

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  Fantastic Car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By ampwatt - May 23 - 4:18 pm

  I just leased a 2013 Ford Focus Electric and am very pleased with this vehicle. Ford did a lot of homework with this effort and it shows. It is the most solid car I have ever driven, including the best German and Japanese. The doors "thunk like a vault. The ride feels like a much heavier car. The steering is accurate and handling nimble. The cars range varies depending on driving techniques and other electric accessories used such as headlamps and air conditioning. I can count on at least 80 miles before needing to recharge. 120 volt recharging is OK but slow. 240 volt is the way to go - 3 to 4 hours for a full charge.