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:

• 

  Ford Fusion SEL 2012 FLAWS - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By r5b - December 7 - 7:00 am

  I leased a new 2012 SEL Fusion in late August 2012. An unsavory neighbor got a hold of my keyless entry card. She has the master code. My car was used nightly by this woman as her hangout and smoke den. Ford told me you can change the codes and add codes BUT "the master code NEVER CHANGES" anotherwards some scum bag can always get in my car because she has the main keyless entry code. I had to pay 499.00 out of pocket December 6th, 2012 to replace the module and get a new code. Ford kept the old one??? and by the way the battery was virtually dead. Thankfully that was replaced under warranty free of charge. Talk about disgusted with FORD. The transmission sucks. Ford makes CRAP still!

• 

  DO NOT BUY This car with ecoboost engine - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By stayaway6 - December 6 - 9:38 pm

  I bought the 1.6L turbo SE engine with the Leather package. I had the car for one week and at 200 miles the car had and engine temp error message. I then found out the next day the car has been recalled for possible fire when engine overheats. There have been 13 fires with this engine. Do not buy a turbo engine from FORD. They have major design flaws. They recalled 15000 fusions and 80000 escapes and they dont even have a fix for it. I got a loner from Budget rental who Ford is paying and Budget keeps putting holds on my CC. Up to $307 in 3 days. Budget told me they would continue to do this.

• 

  What a waste of 10 Grand - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By 4freese - December 6 - 7:43 pm

  We bought out Freestyle used and was assured that it was a great automobile with no known issues. After a year of owning it the car died and it has to have the CVT transmission fixed. I replaced the mechatronic unit and it still is not fixed. Dealer said that the best thing to do is light a match and drop it on the floorboard. A new trans is $6000 and a throttle body is $500. Mechatronic unit was $800. What a money pit. If it had a better transmission it would be a great car but it cannot move without this working.

• 

  Ford Fiesta six speed - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By booter09 - December 6 - 5:57 am

  I have bought a 2013 ford fiesta and it is the best choice that you can ever make. I have put three hundred miles in the last three days. Im six foot three and sit very comfortable. The only thing that is weird about this car is the transmission, i have the power shift six speed. Must drive to enjoy

• 

  Chug Chug Jerk Choke - 2012 Ford Focus
  By susmak - December 5 - 6:44 pm

  $27K vehicle, my 1st Ford and my retirement car. At 6,500 miles: 1. Major issue - "known" transmission issue. Upon acceleration the vehicle feelsl like it is not getting gas, chugs, and it feels like it will die. Dealer reprogrammed PCM /TCM with no improvement in performance. Was told not to bring the vehicle back because there is nothing more that can be done. Totally unacceptable. 2. Gas mileage is less than 30 MPG on the highway. 3. New rattles everyday. 4. On some music the speakers get crackly and sound like you blew one out. 5. Cheap interior carpet - major wear on the drivers side. 6. Rear seat belts have weird position and functionality.

• 

  Second choice was best choice - 2012 Ford Focus
  By colo4o - December 5 - 8:59 am

  I have the 2012 Focus SEL. I have just put my 4th tank of gas in the car and am averaging in city driving 33.5 mpg. I am 63" 200 and have lots of room in the car but would not want to be sitting behind me. My first choice was to be a Chevy but when i went to pick it up it was not ready so to kill time i looked at others that led me to the focus and i could not be happier. The car was purchased from GO Courtesy Ford and i worked with Tony Upton and highly recomend contacting him on your purchase.

• 

  best truck ever - 2006 Ford F-150
  By buzz1439 - December 5 - 3:16 am

  ive had this truck for over 4 years and has 38000 miles on it. not a lot of miles i know, but ive never had any issues with it. i love this truck. ive owned a lot of vehicles, mainly trucks, and this is by far, the best. i would never trade or sell.

• 

  New focus automatic transmission and warranty - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 10snyder - December 3 - 7:55 am

  Have a 2012 Focus with 16,000 miles, the car shutters and jerks extremely bad when shifthing from 1st to 2nd gear. Local Ford mechanic agrees with me that a new car should not shift this violently but Ford will do nothing to correct the problem. Apparently Ford simply needs to say that other cars of this type do the same thing so this is a normal characteristic of the car. Everything else about the car is great but the warranty is not worth the paper its written on.

• 

  EXCELLENT SO FAR! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By myescape2013 - December 3 - 2:41 am

  3,000 miles and very pleased so far. The center console armrest is too short for comfort and armrests on the doors are poorly designed and useless on long trips. Fun to drive, feels solid and handles very well. Gas mileage is quite good but gas tank capacity is too small. Hand brake on the console is annoying...I prefer the foot operated ones. Overall a nice vehicle but a bit overpriced for what you get.

• 

  Lessons from KIA - 2013 Ford Escape
  By buddyn - December 2 - 2:03 pm

  The Ford advertized mpg on this vehicle is a joke. On flat AZ hwy at 75 mph, with ac off you get 25 mpg. No way near the advertized 33mpg . The EPA went after KIA & Hyundai why dont they go after ford. Don,t buy this car if you expect good milage youll be very dissapointed.