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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  Love it so far! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By jrbrad89 - January 19 - 11:30 pm

  Choppy ride on the freeway but thats what you get with a truck. The leather seats really sold it for me. Gas mileage sucks but the 4.0 has power when you need it. Not a lot of cargo space in the back. I love the rugged exterior look. I wish it has stereo controls on the steering wheel. All in all I think its a great truck. The Level II has great style and is quite capable.

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  Piece of Junk - 2013 Ford Escape
  By bbgun1 - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  I have had this car for 3,000 miles. It does nothing well. Poor fuel economy, 22 mpg at 75 MPH. Car was designed for around town and not for highway driving. Suspension is to stiff in poor roads and will cause fatigue. Gearing is incorrect for the motor. Zippy around town, nothing left after 60mph. That is why it does not get gas milage, rpm tWhy do I need a warning light on my dash telling me my door are locked. This car was designed by weezel engineering for sure. I have people in my company that refuse to ride in this car due to its harsh ride. Seat belt buzzer will not shut off and you cant fix it! I call it the buzz box, motor buzzes and that is what you listen to all the time

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  Pretty decent - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By michaeldav1234 - January 19 - 6:00 pm

  Going from a 97 Acura 2.5 TL to a 2003 Taurus was a bit different at first. I miss the sunroof and leather seats and climate control system my Acura had. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Royal Blue 2003 Taurus SE. I bought it on Valentines Day 2012 and almost a year later and more than 20,000 miles putting it at 130,000 miles, Ive only had to replace the starter, alternator, and battery which were all under warranty from JD Byrider (hence the 1 star for value because Im overpaying for it). I have driven it from Jackson, MS to New Orleans and to Ole Miss numerous times and it has not failed me. Will keep til I can get a brand new black Ford Taurus SHO.

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  Good car, serious safety flaws - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By ponycar - January 18 - 9:05 pm

  This is a great car, with a huge potential flaw. I, as well as others, have experienced a crucial flaw in the stability control system on some 2011 and 2012 Mustangs. The stability control has a tendency on some vehicles to engage itself at around 50MPH for about 15-20 seconds. During this time, the car cuts throttle, and engages the brakes - and can cause the car to buck, sway, and behave violently. Ford has yet to acknowledge this issue or supply a fix.

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  Gives Premium Brand SUVs a run for the money - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rhut - January 18 - 4:52 pm

  Some of the comments on here must be by people payed by competing brands. To call the new Escape poor engineering is just plain WRONG. We took delivery of a fully equipped Titanium model a few weeks ago. This crossover is incredibly refined, has good build quality, nearly all the technology of an 80k luxury car. On the road it easily out handles and out accelerates any SUV/crossover in its class and surely some cars. The engine is incredibly smooth and quiet, with ample low end power, the ride is near luxury and wind/road noise at an effortless 80 mph is as low as in my other car..a 2012 MB CLS 550 4matic. The Escape is great, dont be misled !!

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Escape
  By cool9 - January 18 - 12:08 pm

  I have had my Escape for 2 months now, and I love it. The engine is second to none in this class. Seats are extremely comfortable. I only have one knock on the vehicle and that is the brake and gas pedal too close together. Other than that, I strongly recommend the car.

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  Ultimate Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By crushchevy - January 17 - 9:35 pm

  We bought the truck in febraury with 125,000 miles on it. Got the brakes fixed and windows resealed. So far this truck is great. It communtes me to and from school everyday, and has always started in the morning, even with -10 to -30 temps. I baby her, she doesnt pull trailers, and nobody drives her but me. I dont let anyone else start her either. Its quite fun to intimidate GM Ethuthusiants at my school, and I think Expeditions look WAYY better than Suburbans. Overall, definitly get this vehicle, you will not regret it.

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  3-month followup - Ford has stepped their game up - 2013 Ford Focus
  By weelman13 - January 17 - 2:09 pm

  I have 2800 miles now after 3 months from Oct-Jan. My driving habits are mostly city (90%+): 27.4 MPG. On a short road trip, i get around 30, and dont know how to get the EPA 36, maybe 80mph doesnt bode well for fuel econ. The ride is good(not too stiff) and the handling is very good, but the 18"pilot sport 3 are bad in snow but are great in rain and dry. The sync is fine, it does change my media upon start-up about 30% of the time. The bluetooth works good (podcasts/pandora/etc) and i am using both an SD card and USB stick. Making phone calls is very easy, the phone features are always on. Going for my first oil change soon and no problem issues that i know of.

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  Not a good car for babies - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By twins10 - January 17 - 11:31 am

  Ford Xlt v6 with leather and bench seat. Wife bought car while pregnant but before we had car seats. We had twins, so two car seats britax. With car seats install driver and passenger knees are against the dash. I am 6 ft, wife is 5 ft 10 in. Traded with mother-in-law for her 2013 gmc Acadia. Nice exterior lots of good comments Interior looks nice Sync system voice recognition is slow (as compared to my Hyundai genesis coupe) Leg room is poor with car seats Drive is more responsive a better than the Acadia

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  Theres a reason why these sell... - 2010 Ford F-150
  By student4life - January 17 - 7:52 am

  I purchased my Truck for work purposes, and its performed very well for over two years now. Its comfortable, very roomy, looks great, and gets over 800km per tank of gas (120L tank option). I always admire the fit / finish of the interior and it looks great when cleaned up. I have nearly 60,000 kms on it now and its only been in the dealership for minor issues, like the tailgate and drivers door not closing perfectly, turns out just realigning the pins fixed it. Nothing else has been an issue, just scheduled oil changes and maintenance as per ford. Its got the 6 1/2 foot box so its 20 feet long overall, but never been an issue to park or drive in the city, great turning radius.