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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  Awesome SUV built to handle the worst - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By txag1995 - May 8 - 11:17 am

  I bought the vehicle new and it now has 84000 miles on it after 26 months. I use it daily on construction sites and as a family vehicle. This vehicle sees extreme duty on the job site. There are days that I come home covered in mud and the engine has not shut off since I got in it that morning. No rattles, no creaks, no loose parts, no engine issues, tires never need alignment, getting about 65000 miles per set of tires and it handles great. If you are looking for a full size SUV give the Expedition a shot. I used to have a Tahoe and older Sequoia and the Expy is my favorite of the three.

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  Very fond of this car. 1,000 miles on it. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By pastuszak - May 7 - 12:15 pm

  About a month ago my 2012 Mazda 3 got totaled. I loved the car, but the ride was too firm and the A/C wasnt the best. So I went with the Focus hatchback titanium. MyFord Touch takes time to get used to. It has a bit of lag delay. However, I prefer MFT. The car has good handling and acceleration while maintaining a smooth ride. Many people have complained about the transmission. It feels different, for sure, but its a very good transmission. In sport mode, it will happily downshift when you accelerate and retain decent MPG. Currently Im getting 32 mpg combined. Im a little disappointed by the 35ish mpg highway Ive gotten. Not getting near that 38 no matter how I drive.

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  2.0 L FWD SEL - After 6 months & 3000 miles - 2013 Ford Escape
  By lsw74 - May 5 - 4:02 pm

  I am aware of quite a few negative reviews and am often 2nd guessing myself on the purchase of my 1st new car (at nearly 40 yrs old). I dont have to drive as much as I used to because I work from home so my driving experience with this vehicle is not as extensive. Overall I love it. There are things I would change but the ride is great, the power is great (2.0 L but not an option here for SEL), and its very comfortable. It feels like a sports sedan. I average 25 mpg, spot on the EPA est. People need to remember that highway rating is not highway/interstate slow & go driving. My mpg drops when my husband drives it so how you drive really does affect mpg.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By bdegrand - May 5 - 8:46 am

  Ive owned my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited for over a year. I am totally satisfied owning and driving this outstanding vehicle. I love the wide track stance (3 inches wider front and back than the Buick Lacrosse and Impala). The car is so quiet yet Motor Trend has a 0-60MPH in 6.6 seconds! Its fast and its not a SHO! Ford has a winner in the Taurus . My daughter has a 2010 Taurus and loves it. My neighbor also bought a 2012 and raves about it. I am keeping this beauty for a long time. The ride, comfort and reliability from Ford on this car is outstanding. Made in Chicago by an AMERICAN COMPANY!

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  Taurus Wagon: backup car/ recreational car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By twedt3304 - May 4 - 10:31 pm

  Ive had the car since 2002 and gets driven about once a month When I dont drive my 09 focus coupe. Its a great recreational car: I go camping in it: Just fold down the back seats flat and you have a perfect bed, with plenty of head room left for a 5 7" guy and my kid. Another great thing is the fact is seats 8 comfortably. Overall very comfortable and great build quality, other than my son says it looks like a potato. I Highly recommend it if Your looking for a Family or recreational car.

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  Impressed so far.... - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By jjanicek - May 4 - 9:27 am

  Weve owed our Fusion for just over 24 hrs now I can am impressed with the handling, comfort and styling of the 2013 Fusion. My family fits nicely in the Fusion with room to spare which is a difficult task seeing as how my husband is 64 yet the Fusion has ample space behind him for our kids to sit without their knees in their chest. After owning a Dodge Ram for many years, going to the fuel savvy Fusion is a breath of fresh air. The Fusion flashing new body style is appealing to the eye and the interior isnt lacking either. The real test of over all approval will come the more we drive it but so far, not too shabby.

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  Its Still Junk!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - May 3 - 10:24 pm

  This is a 22,000 mile up-date. The trans shutter, hesitation and noise are even worse. City driving in this car is awful, terrible and irritating. Weve given up dealing with Ford and their dealerships. They cant fix the piece of junk they designed and built. Well just pay it down and get rid of it! AND we will NEVER purchase another Ford product ever! This has been a terrible experience. Stay away from Ford and their dual-clutch junk!!!!!

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  Economy with Style - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rockdog77 - May 3 - 3:29 pm

  We took delivery of our 2012 Ford Focus Titanium 5dr Hatchback in Blaze Yellow in Jan 2012. It now has over 18,000 trouble free miles on it and is our main family car. We have had it in for 2 updates, and I have processed 2 sync updates at home which were lengthy but fairly easy. The daily commute is over 40 miles and we have averaged 32-33 mpg since new. On long highway trips we can usually get 41 mpg. Overall we love the car and feel we made the right decision.

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  TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM CONDENSER - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ashleyohio - May 3 - 12:09 pm

  My 2008 had been diagnosed with a transmission fluid leak from the condenser on May 2 2013. I am 8 months out of my warranty and 10,000 miles under my warranty. This is a $300-$800 repair. The only way to get reimbursed for this issue is after a recall has been published. Only way to get a recall is for about 150,000 complaints to be filed. They must be filed through Ford (1-888-392-3673) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (888-327-4236). It take 5-10 minutes for each of those calls and we are steps closer to a recall being issued.

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  FORD HAS A WINNER! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By rebert - May 3 - 9:51 am

  Traded my 2013 Nissan Altima which was an absolute piece of crap! The Fusion is as close to perfection as any car Ive ever owned. Quiet, smooth, great all around. Absolutely no complaints and hoping itll stay that way.