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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  Beware! - 2015 Ford Expedition
  By Catherine Gipson - December 21 - 6:28 pm

  I have been driving Ford vehicles for 25 years. My 2015 Ford Expedition King Ranch is perfect in every way, except one of the most critical....the windshield. The windshield cracked just 1 month after I purchased the vehicle and has been cracked for more than 3 months now. Apparently, Ford is unable to obtain replacement windshields for Expeditions with rain sensors. I paid more than 60k for this Expedition and it has been totally useless for 3 months. The rain sensing windshields are certainly a convenience but I would advise consumers against this upgrade until Ford is able to produce replacement parts.

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  Ok in the city gave me moneys worth. - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By bob - December 16 - 4:05 am

  1990 to 1996 had transmission problems and Ford paid out generously to repair. After improving design they decided in mid 2000s to use the old style transmission and they went out again, but Ford refuses to repair past 36000. That cost me 2000.00. The rack and pinion steering handles well on the road and at high speeds. Ive gotten 185000 out of vehicle. The accelerator pedal sticks when starting out from a stop. If you expect it just pump the pedal and that unsticks it. The catylictic convertor is bad and their design requires 3 converters be replaced at cost of 3500.00(happened at 150,000). I didnt replace instead use mystery oil in the gas tank eliminates any performance problems(8 oz per week)

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  2013 Fusion SE 1.6L Turbo ecoboost - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Jim - December 15 - 11:49 pm

  Overall happy with the car. Pros: Drives well, roomy, solid no rattles, ok fuel mileage, good visibility, creature comforts ok. Cons: Recalls that take multiple days with no loaner vehicle, Rear brake rotors and pads need to be replaced at 34K miles and dealer says not covered under warranty (normal wear) Front arent too far behind. Every other vehicle Ive owned (6) have gotten 60k miles before replacing brakes. Chalk it up to Ford using inferior parts. Not a fan of the transmission, Not smooth and mostly due to the fact that youll be coasting downhill and then all of a sudden the tranny shifts down to where the engine is revving 3k rpm. Feel like Im in a big rig yanking on the jake brake. Real eventful driving in the snow when you need to slowdown and the engine is revving off the charts. Many times I throw it into neutral for better control or to simply glide better for efficiency when not in weather. I came from an accord and have to say Ill probably go back when the time comes which is a shame as I prefer to purchase USA. Mildly irritating yet tolerable.

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  Just ok - 2010 Ford Escape
  By stev sc - December 9 - 5:35 pm

  Overall an ok car. Cheap materials inside. Switches failed. Minor problems turned into big things quickly

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  Not like my old Ford Escort - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Tania S - December 7 - 7:39 pm

  I am still making payments on my 2011 Ford Focus. Bought used in 2012 only 36,000miles. Now 114,000 and I will need new rims alloy rims arent worth anything when you have lousy high profile tires! Miss my old steel rims with descent rubber. Also had to replace wheel bearings already, never had to with old 1995 Ford Escort and that car lasted me 11years and 354,000miles. I dont think focus will last that long!

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  Good car, but if you can buy a Navigator or go GM - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By Adam Tristead - December 7 - 2:19 pm

  I bought my Expedition with high hopes, big engine, nice looks, and some high-end equipment, and for $56,000 I couldnt beat it. After dealing with the tedious process of negotiating I left the lot with my new car. Emidiatly I noticed that the steering felt quiet numb, I mean its a truck, I didnt expect sporty, but I was hoping for some feel. My other major dislike about this car is that the interior quality isnt the greatest, uneven gaps, poor materials, and hard surfaces, some thing I wasnt expecting for almost 60k. Overal, Ive put almost 90,000 miles on my Expedition, and the resale is looking good, and it still feels put together. If your in the market for a full-size SUV, I say look at it, but much more recommend the Lincoln Navigator, GMC Youkon, or the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban.

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  Consider other makes or another Ford product - 2014 Ford Focus
  By eric ericksen - November 29 - 1:29 am

  While I bought my 2014 in March 2015 it has continued to have issues with transmission and lurching forward or rolling backward. Cant have car that rolls backwards in San Francisco with its hills. Then if its on a steep hill and you accelerate it wont go... Same with merging from stop not freeway traffic or bridge. Not a safe vehicle and especially on freeway. Horrible resale value and because these are used as rental cars the market is flooded with them.. I paid 23000 for a fully loaded one with leather, heated seats, navigation... I traded it in with 9000 miles at Ford dealer on an Escape and was given 12000 for trade. If you buy one buy it used as no matter the mileage a less than 1 year Focus will cost 11-14k.. It did get very good mileage in its defense the interior quality was excellent ..

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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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  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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  Hits and misses - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Alex L - November 19 - 12:15 pm

  I actually have an XLT Supercrew 2.7L Ecoboost FX4. Love the quiet ride, smooth and powerful acceleration from the 2.7L Ecoboost and the interior is pleasing. The FX4 package definitely has a stiffer busy ride on an empty bed - would have preferred regular 4X4 but they only had FX4s in the configuration I was looking for. Although still in break in phase, fuel economy is disappointing so far - averaging about 16.2 mpg on very gentle mixed driving. Read the Edmunds review on the fuel economy on the 2.7L which they have found to be well short of the EPA rating. I think it ends up being maybe 1 mpg better than the V8. Given the negligible price difference between the 2.7 V6 vs the V8, I would have purchased the V8 instead had I know about the poor real world fuel economy. Also, when just purchased, I already noticed surface rust on the rear differential housing and a couple of other small areas. Worried about how well the rust issue will hold up in the long tem.