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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  Run away as fast as you can - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Dan - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  This has got to be the worst car ever made by any car company, including Yugo. This car should auto qualify for a lemon. If you buy this car, chose a lemon law attorney the same day you drive off the lot. The ford sync system is terrible and never works properly, and i mean NEVER. The transmission is a constant problem. It sound like its grinding during every shift point and even when no power is applied. It shifts erratically, surges, stalls out and sometimes leaves me stranded at red lights. Dont buy this car, dont even look at it.

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  Whaaaat? This is a Ford?? - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Genevieve - November 26 - 11:36 am

  This is one of the best prices vehicles for all its options. I literally was able to get every option I could think of (outside a heated steering wheel) and most car brands didnt even OFFER all these options or wanted $10k more for all of them. I exceptionally happy with the mpg, handling, and technology. They are truly putting Out their best effort and my consumer confidence is rapidly climbing. Go Ford!

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  2014 Focus SE Hatchback: Buy a manual transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By brooke - November 25 - 8:10 pm

  I recently came to terms with the fact that my 1983 VW GTI was no longer serving my family needs. I held on to it for many years because it was the most reliable and fun car Ive ever owned. After test driving several cars and not loving any of them, I drove a Focus hatchback with a manual transmission. It was like driving a new version of my GTI. I often find excuses just to drive it because its so much fun. I love everything about it. I handles like a much more expensive, performance car. I hear so many complaints about the Focus. However, almost all are about the DCM Automatic transmission. If you want a great, fun car, buy the manual transmission version. Im very glad that I did.

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  Lightning strikes twice - 2003 Ford F-150
  By John dulisse - November 25 - 4:07 pm

  This truck gets a lot of attention at car shows. I have 92,000 miles on it and still this truck will rip the balls off these newer junk !

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  Ex- Chevy guy - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Timothy Netzley - November 24 - 11:53 pm

  Finally, the new GT lives up to its reputation and becomes an adult" within the global community of entry level super cars. The lines, and styling are on par with any high end European vehicle, yet, retains the Detroit muscle look at second glance. The interior is no different, the word luxurious for an automobile that usually cries out, 20 year old kid with a wrench, can be used legitimately. Controls are ergonomic, easy to reach, and have a high quality flar. The front seats fit like an Italian glove, and make high speed cornering slip past with little notice. Shaker system needs no further explaining, nice. The suspension is surprisingly nimble for a heavier car, planted, but, not jarring. The IRS is a welcomed addition, and long overdue. An engine that not only makes short work of highway miles, is rev happy, willing to grunt out any twisties that youd be more than interested in finding, and finding often. The 6 speed manual is light, crisp, and not a chore. Reverse issues have been resolved, and the added backup camera easily makes one feel in charge in tight situations. I cannot fault this new generation of Mustangs, other than a few more gallon capacity tank could provide more time carving up pavement...but, then again...pulling up to a crowded gas station? The smiles and nods of adoration warms the owners decision for their purchase.

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  Midsize Station Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Rolland Elliott - November 24 - 10:18 pm

  Transmission failure was way premature. Little things quit working including left outside mirror vertical control and radio wont work in hot weather. Theft prevention works great. Somewhat smaller than Sable wagon.

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  Looks great and stylish, but build quality is poor - 2012 Ford Focus
  By John - November 24 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle is all about looks and style with the only exception the great gas mileage. The suspension is sub par with problems keeping the wheels in alignment. The interior build quality is poor - the headliner is poorly constructed and is noisy. There are dash board rattles at all moderate speeds. The sound system is poor at best. You get what you pay for - as the old adage goes.

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  Reliable, and trustworthy 200K mile workhorse... - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jose Rodriguez - November 23 - 8:20 pm

  I bought mine with 186k miles, 5 speed stick shift and everything worked great on her, and it kept on going for the 14 months i owned her, i live in Las Vegas where most cars can overheat, she never did (except for the time in which a 21 year old hose broke, replaced the hose and refilled the antifreeze, good as ever). Only malfunction it had was a alternator gone bad, and it took me 3 belts to figure it out... my bad... We arrived in the US and owned absolutely nothing, except for her, so she pretty much hauled us and all of our belongings from our first apartment to the next one, she never left us hanging not even when the belts were broken because of the alternators pulley getting stuck (bad bearings i was told). Parts were always available at any local auto shop, and they were also cheap, which is great too... We changed the oil every 3k miles, and i changed the spark plugs a couple of times, i also did the front brakes when i got her. Only problem was the famous ford power steering leak, and a couple of noises here and there. It did pass the smog check when i had to register for the first time, and guess what, it did it again the next year without any hiccups, i saw my neighbors having to spend money on their newer flashier cars, and i did nothing to her, she passed without any effort, and the last tune up had been like 15k miles before. A really comfortable ride, even for our family of four, of which 3 are taller than 6, a bit tight on the backseats but could easily go from Las Vegas to L.A. without having to stop and stretch the legs. The best part is that i sold her for a profit of a 50%, so i can say im a happy customer, and needless to say im getting another ford, im sure ill continue to be a happy customer for the years to come. Glad to keep up buying american instead of imports.

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  Big disappointment! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By T - November 23 - 8:02 pm

  I was completely in love with this car when I first bought it back in aug. 2014. I was upgrading from a falling apart suzuki forenza. Honestly, even though my forenza was falling apart, it drove smoother and was a lot more quiet. My focus shutters, hesitates, sticks in gear, has loss of power, sometimes I can barely get it to move which is scary when I am turning at a traffic light....It is also very loud! The entire interior rattles like a tin can, the dash, the door panels and the headliner and its super loud. The engine does this really annoying ticking sound that nobody at the dealership seems to care about. I have brought this car in over 5 times now and to 2 different dealerships and I keep getting the "its normal" for that transmission to drive wacky. But seriously, I pay good money to have a car that drives rough and sounds like a rattling tin can and you cant fix it or even attempt to because it wont give the "proper" readings for them to be allowed to order the parts? This is my first and last Ford and I gotta say it sucks. I am bummed out because I really do love the car but I hate the things that are wrong with it even more.

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  2000 Ford Ranger 2.5L 2WD - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Brian Duty - November 23 - 5:18 pm

  Ive had this truck for about 10 years, she had around 50k miles when I acquired her. She now has 200k miles and still runs like new. Im not a Ford or Chevy or Dodge person, I firmly believe that how well you maintain a vehicle is far more important than who put the parts together. Sure Ive done a lot of maintenance (fuel pump, timing belt, alternator, shackles and hangers) including all of the regular stuff (tires, regular oil changes), but that is to be expected. I would still feel comfortable driving this truck across the country, more so than most vehicles ten years newer. Ive invested a lot of money into things such as premium audio with bluetooth and European smoke headlights and a brushguard just to make her feel new again and caught up with the times. Im also a really big guy, tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds, and I have tons of room in the drivers seat and the seatbelt fits with plenty to spare. Shes hauled anything Ive thrown at her, far more than she is rated for. Pulling a trailer results in a pretty slow speed since she only had 119hp from the factory, especially trying to go uphill, but she has never once overheated. I had a 2004 Durango Limited with the Magnum 5.7L V8, and Ive had a 1987 Mustang 5.0, so I do miss the raw power those muscle engines bring, but this 2000 Ranger is my favorite vehicle that I have ever owned.