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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  CLUNK TRUCK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE (KENTUCKY) - December 29 - 2:00 am

  AFTER PURCHASING THE EXPLORER I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND A HOWLING NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WOULD DRIVE YOU CRAZY. THE TRUCK HAD 45000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO EXTENDED WARRANTY I PAID $1200 DOLLORS TO GET IT FIXED,WELL PARTIALLY FIXED, IT STILL HAS A CLUNK AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION WHEN TAKING OFF. IF YOU BUY ONE "GOOD LUCK". DAVE (KENTUCKY)

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  06 Escape XLT Sport - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ron S. - December 28 - 5:10 am

  I actually am quite fond of my Escape in spite of some dissapointing quirks. I must say it is way better than my last car, a Jeep Cheerokee Sport. The escape is an all around great vehicle and does every thing it is supposed to. I do agree with the person that said the tilt wheel does not tilt enough, this feature is like "Whats the point?". Also mine has a very annoying suspension rattle that drives me crazy. I think it needs the sway bar connecting links replaced. My 05 Ford Focus had the same problem. Not hard or expensive to fix but a design flaw just the same. The padding in the front buckets is breaking down in the seat backs, my wife and I are just average size. Hey Ford????

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  Nightmare on Ford street! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chiefd54 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Many problems, many recalls! Less than six months after I purchased, one of the plug wires went out. I had 3 recalls in the first year. Right front bearing and trunion went out at 3 1/2 years, air conditioning control door went out a month later. And the last straw was replacing all of the spark plug wires one month after the a/c problem developed. The ride is very stiff. Sounds and rides like a truck (Ok its an SUV). Get the extended warranty you will need it!

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  I sure miss my Stang! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By glennt - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased new GT back in March of 02. I was thrilled with the car in every way. Sadly, I only had it for about 3 months and 4,000 miles when some kid (without insurance) lost control on a wet road and t-boned me in the drivers side door at about 40 mph. The fire department had to use the jaws of life to pull the door off of my lap. However, all I came out of it with was 10 stitches in my elbow from the glass and a really sore hip for a couple of weeks. After I finally saw the outside of the car, I saw just how well it had saved my life. In conclusion, I had full insurance and will be getting the "exact" same color and model sometime this week.

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  A capable people hauler - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Steve May - December 27 - 8:53 am

  No, this is not a Honda Odyssey or a Toyota Sienna - both of them IMO are overpriced and you might as well as go for the Korean vans then. The FORD is a capable, SAFE, comfortable and quiet people hauler. It has sufficient room and handles fine. It feels and drives built solid! The steering is good and the brakes are strong. The motor is quiet and is plenty of torque whether its loaded or not - 4.2L will do that. And yes, it does not get 20 mpg in town but the engine barely works to get the job done.....that means a long life providing its taken care of. We have a friends with an 4.0L AERO STAR with 190K on it...going strong! A good van and a good deal!

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  Not bad - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Jason94519 - December 26 - 6:48 pm

  Had the truck for a little over a year, put almost 12,000 miles on it and not a hitch. Bought it with 142,000 and was a bit weary, but got a great cost and I know the Ranger reputation to be good.

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  A Joy to put the Pedal to the Metal.... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dzweifel - December 26 - 4:23 pm

  Our lease was up on the 2006 Honda Odyssey so we decided upon this great little car i.e., the engine is a copy of the Mazda 2-liter 16 valve engine. With a K&N performance air filter she gets up on her hind legs and moves quite spritely. We drive 18,000 miles/year so youve got to have something fun to drive and with the euro-suspension package shes a real treat to put her through the paces. Weve just added pure nitrogen to the tires at the dealer and this has enabled her to be even more fun to drive as the sidewalls dont flex as much. We drive with the sunroof open here in Orange County year-round and love it. Do plan on supercharging her in the near future though....

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  Initial Review of New Vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By First Impressions - December 26 - 2:17 pm

  2010 Ltd AWD. Bought this over RAV4. Excellent Sync features and controls on steering wheel. V6 and ride is smooth and quiet. Ground clearance a plus but easy to get into. Running boards not needed. Ergo is great. Love pentagon shaped side mirrors, give better depth near vehicle and w/ integral blindside mirrors. Six speed is smooth and vehicle feels very solid. Factory tow package unlike RAV4 which is prep package only. Sound system is awesome with Premium package and can read music directly from USB flash drive or MP3. Rebate, dealer discount and built in USA a plus over RAV4. Ford web site inventory search a plus, can see sticker for each vehicle in your area. Found good match.

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  Having fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By S. Taylor - December 26 - 10:20 am

  Im having the time of my life! After years of minivans & sedans, my wife decided I needed a "fun" car. Ive wanted a Mustang since drooling over the 67s as a kid. This has all the style of that vintage, with the benefit of some 21st century engineering. The V6 has plenty of get up and go for my needs. I enjoy the modestly "throaty" sound, especially on startup. The leather interior and Shaker 500 sound system just add to the fun. While I would like to get even better gas mileage, its hard to complain about 20 mpg (my average so far) given the power available. No more "lugging" up hills!

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  Riding the Log Flume - LEAKY NEW 2015 FORD EDGE! - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Carla Bisher - December 26 - 6:33 am

  *Updated 4/7/16 - Scroll Down We purchased a new 2015 Ford Edge SEL (3.5 L Cyclone V6 Series 4.0) on 2/2/2016 in Kenosha, WI. We noticed the windows fogging SEVERELY after taking it through a car wash, and then anytime it would rain (to the point the windows would remain fogged even with the defrosters on high). Also noticed water droplets in the tail lights. Took it to the dealership on 3/25/16 and learned it is LEAKING inside the interior of the vehicle! As of yet, our dealership is unable to diagnose the exact source of the leak. We have since learned that there is a LEAK PROBLEM WITH THE 2015 FORD EDGE AND DEALERSHIPS WERE INSTRUCTED NOT TO SELL IT. In researching this vehicle, this issue might escape the attention of consumers because it is not officially labeled a "recall." In hopes of a resolution, we spoke with the Ford Regional Customer Service Manager (866-631-3788) who was adamant that Ford WILL NOT buy back from us this structurally defective vehicle. They insist our VIN# is not included in the leak issue - although the saturated interior of our vehicle seems to suggest otherwise. If we attempt to sell this vehicle in the future, WE will have to disclose to potential buyers the very same defect that Ford concealed from us - and incur a financial loss. After all, who would pay full market price for a vehicle knowing it leaks inside? This situation puts us in a bind in many ways. To date, weve made only 1 car payment to our bank. Will this vehicle even last for 59 more payments? Besides the financial repercussions, theres health and safety concerns. Our son has severe asthma and allergies, including a documented allergy to mold. How long was this leaky vehicle subjected to the elements in a dealership lot before we purchased it? And, whats lurking inside the moist carpeting and overhead material, the cracks and crevices? We expressed these valid concerns to Ford, as well as to the dealership, to no avail. They refuse to buy back their defective new vehicle, insisting their only obligation is to repair it and "dry it out" by running the vehicles heater. We can only conclude that the well-being of children doesnt rank high on Fords list of priorities. In exchange for buying back their defective vehicle, weve even proposed buying another Ford - a 2016 Ford Edge, or even a Ford Explorer (assuming no defects). As long time GM owners and first time Ford owners, we were excited about our new relationship. It appears that Ford does not reciprocate that zeal in their customer service, however. It ceases the moment the customer signs on the dotted line. UPDATE: We stopped by the dealership on 4/2/16 for an update. Last wed heard our vehicle was taken to a glass shop and the windshield resealed, which failed to stop the leaking. Next, it was taken to a body shop where a new windshield was recommended, and then ordered. To our horror, on 4/2/16, we stopped by the dealership and found our new vehicle - leaks and all - sitting uncovered, in the pouring down rain and sleet, in the dealership lot - where it has been for days awaiting arrival of the new windshield. In the very least, they could have covered it with a tarp. To be continued.... UPDATE (4/7/16): Update: A "pin-hole size leak in the body caulk of the upper right passenger window" was discovered and filled. A glass company came again, squirted window cleaner and blew air from inside the vehicle. The leak revealed itself on the outside where the glass cleaner started bubbling. Dealership said water was in the carpet and flooring, and on some wiring, but that the vehicle subsequently passed the leak test and water should no longer enter the interior. Ford also is replacing the right and middle tail lights. Hoping no further water damage surfaces in the future from this leak. Our vehicle should be done Friday, April 8th!