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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  Transmission issue - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By tster1 - May 23 - 11:50 am

  there is a well documented transmission/cruise/torque converter/PCM relationship issue I have experienced. Tranny blew and dealer says not torque converter to blame. It was a sudden and catastrophic failure.

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  Stop Safely now - 2008 Ford Escape
  By josephcallendr - May 22 - 6:37 pm

  I have been driving my parents 2008 ford escape hybrid for the past 6 months twice i have had the problem where a lights comes on and on the dashboard it says to stop safely now and the engine huts off and i have to coast to the side of the road and turn the car on and off again it is really scary and not safe when that happens

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tjh9 - May 22 - 11:15 am

  I purchased my 01 Focus Wagon SE from a dealership in 2011 with ~190,000 mi on it for $2850. It has been almost 2 years now and this car has given me almost no grief. The A/C went out once (A/C is a luxury anyways, who cares?), front coil springs had to be replaced, and the muffler hit the ground once while going over a speed bump (temporarily fixed it with shoelaces, haha) All in all, great performance great value!

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  transmission failure in 2006 - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By judysmith43 - May 19 - 8:07 pm

  my ford 06 freestar has 55,000 miles. I was pulling out onto a busy street. my transmission stopped working with no warning and I was able to coast to the middle lane. luckily some men helped push me across a lane of very busy traffic where I called a tow truck who took me to a repair shop. the tourque converter was shot and my transmission had to rebuilt and cost almost 3000 dollars. the 2005 and 2004 freestars were recalled for this very same problem, but the 2006s have not. this is inexcuseable and very dangerous. I and my two young passengers could have been seriously injured or killed.

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  falling apart - 2013 Ford Escape
  By strssed - May 19 - 4:51 pm

  my 4wheel drive 2013 escape has 50000 miles on it.My air quit working and Ive been told it has a problem in the line somewhere also was getting new tires told the front bearings are bad.My suv also clunks when I apply the brakes who knows what the nexy problem will be. I traded a 2004 toyota with 130000 miles on it with no problems.Should have bought the 4 runner.I wont be keeping this car much longer.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By longtime68 - May 18 - 10:26 am

  I purchased the SE model but with the optional 2.0L Ecoboost. I was looking for performance and was not disappointed as its on par with the 250HP V6 vehicle it replaced. Front end styling was the most appealing factor - a pleasant departure from everything else on the market. I purposely avoided the Titanium model. I did not want a ridiculous spoiler on the trunk lid and feel its loaded with too much non-required tech. The Fusion handles well and has excellent braking. The interior is quiet and comfortable although the seats are exceptionally firm.

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  Model not listed, 2.0 4WD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By pdawg1 - May 15 - 3:33 pm

  This is a fun vehicle to drive and nice to look at plus we get lots of compliments. Then there is the MPG which is not as good as rated and the fuel range also seems less than the 15.1 gallon tank should indicate. I am hoping more owners will bring these concern up to Ford and have them addressed........

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  A nice step up. - 2013 Ford Edge
  By charbojr - May 15 - 2:13 pm

  After owning a 2010 RAV4 for the last 3 years. We decided that we couldnt take it any more. While capable the RAV 4 Sport was not a very comfortable or rewarding car. Fast forward to the Ford Edge. This car is quite nice. Quite, powerful, and comfortable. Was pleasantly surprised by the engine note from the base V6 and while its not an eco buster, MPGs are above average for a heavy SUV and now that its broken in a bit we are seeing an improvement. The Sync system is a little clunky and the worst characteristic is its in ability to keep accurate time. Not sure if its a bug, but never the less and bizarre fault. Should have opted for the panoramic sun roof.

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  [non-permissible content removed] - 2012 Ford Focus
  By maniac4 - May 15 - 9:51 am

  The automated transmissionn says it all. For those of you who love the car be patient, It wont be long before the tranny goes ka-putt. I really liked this car till it started messing up. Gas mileage is hard to get a number. /you would have to ask the dealer or FOMOCO cause they have it more than me. What a let down.Sad. But thats normal after all. the grinding, normal,the slipping clutches normal. the screwings we got normal. the I dont knows. normal. Screw me once shame on you. screw me twice shame on me.DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR.

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  2010 Ford Fusion 6 cyl Sport - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dideerooster - May 14 - 5:32 pm

  Bought my fusion 2 1/2 yrs ago with 3000 miles on it. At 18000 miles had to replace the brakes all around. Now at 25000 miles its in the shop for the transmission. While on a trip, the tach would rev back and forth while loosing power when "trying" to shift into high gear. When it finally did shift, it shifted hard. Did this 7 times before we got it home. Took it right to garage and it sat there exactly 7 days before they even pulled it inside. Now they have it torn apart trying to find the problem.. Really shocked at the problems. My husband has had 3 as company cars and never had an ounce of trouble with them.