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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  Approaching 250k - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - November 23 - 8:03 am

  Very impressed with this car. Great versatility and reliability. Very few problems

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  Ford Fusion SE 2015 - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Owen Baker - November 22 - 5:30 pm

  I bought a 2015 Ford Fusion SE in February and there is a design flaw since 2013 and Ford refuses to fix their heated seats that go on whenever they want to. Ford issued a bulletin in April of 2015 telling their dealers No REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED. They refuse to fix a problem that they caused. I think the Government Safety Board should get involved. Boycott Ford. They dont even return some phone calls. Do not buy your car from Vista Ford in Woodland Hills, as they do not help you with Ford.

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  Great economy car - 2011 Ford Focus
  By James Smith - November 22 - 7:32 am

  This is a great economy car. It does a lot of things well and is very easy to drive. With Traction Control and Anti-Skid, weve never had problems getting around in bad weather. Includes blue tooth phone and 6 air bags...just a very nice small car. It has been very reliable.

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  Grat car for round town - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Ken - November 22 - 12:26 am

  I bout mine in july hade no problem with mine. Mine is a five speed manual with only 50.000 mils on it price was ten thousand 20012 se great gas milg on it mine has cruse cantrl tilt ac power window s and no sat radio butt has the aux in it for my ph ps tks ford i did my homework on mine i would re driving a manual

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  RIP. OFF. - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Disgusted - November 21 - 5:53 am

  This car is a death trap and an embarrassment to drive. The transmission is constantly jerking, grinding, hesitating, etc. This is a common problem that Ford is apparently doing nothing about. It should be illegal to sell a car like this. Of course the fact that the Ford salesman lied to me when I purchased the car doesnt help. Will not ever purchase another Ford. Cant wait to get rid of this piece of garbage.

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  Best fun car Ive ever owned - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Jim McLawhorn - November 20 - 10:36 pm

  My 89 Probe LX, was a dream to drive. It was the only model that had a Ford body and Mazda drive train, and was the best fun car that Ive ever owned! I dont know why others had poor gas millage, but I got 37 mpg "consistently" on the highway. In town it was close to 30!!! The drivers seat was great. I could drive 5-600 miles in a day and never get tired from driving. Boredom was another thing. The only problems I had was the window regulators broke. One just over 1 year, and the other after 1 1/2 years. Dont know why the passenger side broke. It almost never got used. The other problem was the dash computer cover broke from the heat in Florida. I could lay the back seats down, they never got used, and use the back are to sleep in. Wish I still had it!

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  bad headlights - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By dan watts - November 20 - 8:56 pm

  test drive it at night the headlights are horrible . had i test drove it at night it would of been a deal braker.i can only drive it in the day time.

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  Do not buy Ford Focus!!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Erwin Rempola - November 20 - 3:00 pm

  I made a big mistake buying my 2014 Ford Focus Hatchback Titanium. I bought this car brand new. After a year, it started to shake or jerk al low speed. It is so bad that I felt unsafe driving the car. I took the car to the Ford Dealership at Capitol Ford of San Jose, California for service and nothing happened. They have my car for 8 days now and they have not fix anything yet. One of the service advisor said that Ford have no fix for this issue. There have been a lot of lawsuit against Ford about Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. Before you buy Ford please check online for Ford Transmission issue. I dont know what to do with my Ford Focus. Ford has not issued a recall for Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta (2011-2014). I cannot believe a company so big like Ford will not issue a recall. They would rather fight the lawsuit or wait until someone dies driving Ford Focus until they finally admit that there is something wrong with their cars.

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  The Worst Vehicle Ever, Glad I Escaped from Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By Jim J - November 20 - 2:30 pm

  Oil Burning Odor being drawn into the cabin from the engine compartment, FORD NEVER figured out the problem. Hood seal was bad and something was letting off a burning oil smell, smoke under the hood. Transmission Failed and was rebuilt, rear differential was rebuilt. All of this happened before 3 years 36,000 miles. Safety restraint computer needed to be replaced under recall... It took Ford almost a year from announcing the recall to actually have the part available. FORD Seems to put their sales before taking care of their current customers... They got your money, now you dont matter to them...

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  All around good vehicle so far. - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Brock - November 20 - 1:39 pm

  I bought the 2.0 AWD Titanium addition. This model is not included in the drop down box for the 2015 model year. I dont know why but whatever. Anyway, I bought this vehicle as opposed to other SUVs on the market mainly because it had the towing package. I am a big fan of Hondas as they have been very reliable for me but the styling of the new CR-V did not impress me. I have the same minor gripes as other people with lack of cubbies up front and that the back only fits my golf clubs diagonally and just barely. Also the gas tank is way undersized. Just recently filled up and trip computer claimed I had 362 miles to empty. Not the case, generally have to fill up around 300. Overall I have found the vehicle comfortable and the Sync system works great. Acceleration and handling seem very good. I think for the price of the Titanium trim, you should get the LED headlight accents/daytime running lights included in the trim level rather than having to pay additional. Thats about it.