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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  2013 Ford Fiesta SE - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By mykey1 - March 22 - 4:05 pm

  Great car to replace our 13 year old ford with. Drives great and has great fuel mileage.

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  Consider a different vehicle - 2007 Ford Focus
  By ndowner87 - March 22 - 2:21 pm

  Poor engineering with the backing of a company that doesnt know what customer service is. 4 years of ownership with visits to 5 different Ford dealerships I never want a Ford again. The vehicle is known to go through tires fast so no tire company will replace them during the "warranty". Brake lines wear at 40k and the dealership I bought the car from along with a premium warranty said that at 40,001 miles it wasnt their problem. The 2 visits beforehand all it needed was silicon spray to fix it. My transmission has had problems from day 1 of delivery, but again its not their problem. Please consider alternative vehicles and automotive companies before purchasing a Ford.

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  planning a long trip - 2005 Ford Escape
  By leavingjersey - March 22 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased my Escape in 2010 from Ford dealership in Mount Holly,New Jersey the minute I took it home I had problems with the censors. Called Dealership and after much heated discussion they repaired it. Mileage is about 21 mpg. Should have inspected the undercarriage better. Found lots of rust. After living in New Jersey and driving in snow and ice, which we have plenty of, Im planning to drive to San Antonio, Texas. Im a little nervous to attempt the trip. Will update after my arrival in Texas.

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  0 Miles to "E" with a 1/4 tank - 2009 Ford Flex
  By designqueen83 - March 22 - 12:28 pm

  I have had my Flex since August of 2010. I have put on 78k miles total. With in the first winter I had 1/4 of a tank of gas and the reader told me there were 60 miles to E. I was in good shape to get to work then get gas at lunch. My car dinged, read 0 miles to E and then shut down. This has happened a few times since and the dealership cant pin point the problem. They have even made it die the same way too (b/c they didnt believe me). Now I am left with a solution of dont drive it under 1/4 tank and dont get down to 90 miles to E. Seriously? Is anyone else having this problem? I am the second owner and the first time it happened was at 30k. Senders have been replaced and other parts.

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  A Big Waste of Money - 2013 Ford Focus
  By puffinalong - March 21 - 7:52 pm

  The Focus Ti I have looks sharp,but its not dependable technology wise . I have been locked out of it twice.The 8 inch display has frozen on me so as I coulnt call to get help.The phone unpairs three times a week as Ford after 5years hasnt got syncing their cars right yet. Just Google all the complaints by owners who bring their cars back and the service people blame the phone or the weather. Served my country and got screwed and tried to belive in an American car and got screwed again. Not the dealers fault or the poor mechanic whos not a techie,Ford is in one big mess. Ill have my German car by 2015. What a waste of $25,585 sticker price I had to pay excise tax on.

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  12 1/2 years - first repair! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By islandlife1 - March 20 - 7:28 pm

  Unbelievable, but other than regular maintenance such as oil changes, battery, tire and wiper replacement there has never been one thing wrong with this truck. Just replaced the fuel pump, had it completely checked out, everything in perfect condition. Have loved this truck since the first day. Okay, lousy mileage, but use it for hauling and long distance trips. Purchased 3 days before 9/11 - still own with no intention of replacing. This truck far surpasses the Suburban by having a better turning base, more pick up and much more comfortable. A true Texas truck!!!

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  2005 Taurus Wagon - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By diane_s - March 20 - 3:31 pm

  Great value! Very useful for our needs.

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  Junk Wheels - 2013 Ford F-150
  By hoser150 - March 20 - 3:04 pm

  Love the truck itself BUT check out the wheels on the one you buy before you buy. Mine has 18 inch what I thought was stainless. Turns out to be easily damaged steel with a plastic insert that looks like chrome but is junk plastic. Mine had big chunk out at 13000 miles from the car wash I think. Dealer told me to " buy new wheels, not their problem" Ford complaint line told me the same, not their problem. No more Fords for me. Also never ever got 22 MPG.

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  Should of stuck with Honda - 2013 Ford Escape
  By danc80 - March 20 - 2:10 pm

  After having 4 Honda CRVs in a row I got very bored and decided it was time for a change. I had seen newspaper articles and tv ads about how Ford was really coming around and producing a better product so I decided to give Ford a chance and go American! Wow was I wrong. The car was in the shop less than a week after I bought it and then back in again 3 days later. I have had issues with the sunroof rattling annoyingly. The door lock not functioning properly and the Sync system has major flaws including not recognizing major Roads!!! Never in my life have I ever had an issue with any Honda ever. Ford is not ready I really made a mistake I feel like I bought a used car

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  MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmitrius - March 19 - 5:13 pm

  The MPG is horrible on this car. I have a 1.6L Ecoboost, and I dont even get 23MPG which is the minimum advertised, and I drive it gently. At the best I am getting 22.5MPG. I am really disappointed.