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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  Outstanding All Around Vehicle - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By f18aoc - January 23 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned my Explorer for a month now and have logged just over 1,200 miles on it and I can assure you Ford hit a home run with this one. Not a single rattle or squeak, a very solid vehicle. Have not had a single issue with the Sync or the My Ford Touch. Touch screen is very responsive and my iPhone 4S syncs up every time with no call issues. Road noise is only an issue on rougher paved roads or highways when using the Sync during a hands free phone call. However it never overpowers the call. Would appreciate a larger, more powerful engine, however the 3.5 is plenty large enough for everyday driving.

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  Dealer uncooperative - 2012 Ford F-150
  By socwkrman - January 23 - 7:06 pm

  Generally I like the truck, smooth, quiet ride, gas milage good for a vehicle this size.Edmunds list does not have the 3.5 eco boost engine. Some folks have had problems with it. So far good power and smooth. My complaint is with the headlights and taillights fog up on the inside. The dealer says it is not a problem. On an adjoining lot I found several other ford trucks, not my year, had leaking lights. I may go to another dealer or contact ford directly. Big blind spot on the passenger side where the doors meet and the pass. head rest. XLT Nav system is primitive/ confusing, probably will replace it with a Kenwood Garmin.

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  2006 Freestar vs 3 boys - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By moetzierocks - January 22 - 9:00 pm

  We purchase our 2006Ford Freestar used with 45k. We have had one minor and one major repair since then. We had the repair a piece for one of the auto sliding door to work. And we had to replace the entire drivers central console due to the led communication panel failure. I could have lived without it but an odometer is required to pass state inspection. Other than that we love the car. We use it to trailer our 1500 lbs of gear to Cape Cod. The big high torque engine is amazing. Always power to spare. We love the entertainment system with DVD and wireless headsets. The car has plenty of room for even the longest trip. We even have used the trunk as a junior RV for long weekends.

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  Electronics - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rvandry - January 22 - 3:28 pm

  Way too much electronics. Where are the buttons to change the preset radio stations or the "seek" button to find a non-preset station while traveling? I have to take my eyes off the road and look at the display when changing stations, not very safe. Also, what happened to the map reading lights and the 60/40 split rear seat? I had them in my 2009 Focus but there arent any in my 2012. Not very handy. But the worst is that this 2012 Focus with only 3200 Kms wont start in very cold temperatures. My dealer tells me its an electronics problem that, despite 3 visit to the dealership on the back of a tow truck, has yet to be identified. Electronics are a good thing but too much isnt.

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  Best 5.0 V8 Pickup ever - 2013 Ford F-150
  By peureux79 - January 22 - 3:25 pm

  I dont have the ecoboost, I have the 5.0 V8 but its not an option on this form. The ecoboost is truly amazing, but has a limit on its high end and tends to just thrash. The 5.0 is in my eyes even more amazing. From 0 - 110 its just pulling and tugging with an aggressive roar. Love the seats, Sony Subwoofer, sunroof, and Navi. Touch screen and auto start logic are great, with auto handling of defrosters and seat temperatures.

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  Best Truck on the Road! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By alan556 - January 22 - 2:25 pm

  Purchased a 2009 F-150 Platinum about 4 months ago from a dealer. It had higher miles (about 79K). I bought the extended bumper to bumper Ford Warranty (4 years/60K miles) just in case and would recommend it for a Lariat, King Ranch or Platinum because of all the electronics. So far, no problems. Just had the oil changed for the first time and had it checked over and the mechanics couldnt find anything wrong. The F-150s are absolutely bullet proof. The 6 speed auto shifts seamlessly. Great exhaust note! Love all the features and the back seat it huge! The kids love it! My wife even likes driving it because it sits up so high. Great truck and the best vehicle buy of my life!

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  Early days. but some observations - 2013 Ford Escape
  By laa5 - January 21 - 6:49 pm

  When my MB ML350 lease ended I decided to buy a cheaper SUV (tight budget and all that). Escape is nice size and for a 4cyl is a zippy quick little car and it handles fine. But I know its a lot cheaper than what I had but I hate that I can feel it. Interior feels plastic and arm rests are not in the right place for use. The brake pedal is so far in front of the gas pedal I have really lift and my leg and in heels this is a bit awkward. Ive had the car for just a short time and Sync has already frozen up and crashed. Navi needs your phone to work (not a built in system) and takes time to download instructions. But at least it understands my voice.

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  Average car, Average price: Its a Ford. - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By blake0605 - January 21 - 12:45 pm

  I just purchased my 2010 Mustang V6 Automatic about 6 months ago, used, from a Ford dealer. The best part of this car is the looks, its a very pretty car, and the interior has a nice look (though lacking in quality). The power is lacking. It drives and handles like a Toyota Camry not what you would expect. This V6 is just a family sedan on a sports car platform, for a little over 20 grand, THAT is why the mustang is desirable. If you want overwhelming power or speed, then get the GT, the real mustang. Long story short, Id prefer a 2007 C230 over this, but, the Mustang is a nice vehicle.

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  2011 Lariat EcoBoost SuperCab - Loaded - 2011 Ford F-150
  By mikem40 - January 21 - 7:49 am

  Over 32,000 miles and 1.5+ years of ownership. No real issues. Front rotors glazed by 20K so I replaced them with better high-carbon rotors and higher end pads - big difference. OE brakes are so so. Power is very good. Mileage was 27 highway - now about 20. Excellent in mud, snow, gravel. Way better and nicer than my 2009 Tundra. Rides great on trips. HUGE rear seating area. Fit and finish is not that great but if BMW made a truck like this, it would cost $90K. Got mine for $38K with a $50K sticker price! Great value!

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  2011 Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By widrick - January 20 - 1:30 pm

  Had a great experience at Grappone Ford. I had a 2005 ford escape and decided to trade it in. After driving the 2011 Escape with the new inline 4 engine, I was amazed. I truely love driving this vehicle. So reliable a vehicle, I recommend it to anyone looking for a great ride in comfort.