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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  A car that I am forcing to love - 2013 Ford Escape
  By foxdared - December 2 - 12:14 pm

  First of all, I do love this car. But 3x at ford dealer for the nav system that works 5-10 mins after your running seems not worth the cash I paid for this. Basically told me the last time that there was nothing they could do. I drive from buildings to and from small suburbs, and its the same story. It has severe difficulty to connect. My ford touch also is super glitchy. Wife has a toyota and night/day difference in computer systems. Also fuel economy regardless of driver or babying, will get you 19-22mpg. Using 87 octane costco, tires checked, no load, long roads. So if you know those 2 things and accept them, the car is amazing. Do not believe other estimates as i have when i got this:(

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  97K miles, 2nd Escape & its a great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By christofferson - December 1 - 9:35 pm

  2008 is my 2nd Escape, previous 2003 that transmission went out at 119K. This one I have 97K miles on it today, and have had no major failures or problems. I like it and it was an excellent buy and value. Mileage is good for a 4X4 and it has handled very well in water, mud and sand (Rocky Point, MX--not 4-wheeling, just the circumstances--rare). I am buying a 2012 right now. I dont like 2013 body style 3.0-V6 This Escape & all small SUVs, have lot of road noise. Seats get tiring when you driving long. Thats the nature of what you get and what you pay. Buy good Michelin tires. People complain about seats staining--very easy--use carpet cleaner or expecially Oxyclean---works!

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  So I purchased the car of my childhood dreams. - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By rc112 - November 30 - 9:15 pm

  After lusting after Mustangs since I could remember, I finally got one. Its a base model v6 with an automatic transmission and a black pinstripe. It looks amazing. It handles well and its very fun to drive and fast. However, I mention some cons: The interior is badly utilized. It looks cool, but theres little space to put things. Your ipod and phone take up the cup holders. And then the center console where youd have your arm is the only other place to keep things. Its deep but not very wide. The glove box is TINY. A little tiny compartment under the radio controls would have been nice. And the gas mileage is a lie. 30 mpg? I am lucky to get over 22 on avg. And I dont go over 70.

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  Another bad tranny. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By susanh48 - November 29 - 11:04 pm

  Ive had my 2005 freestyle 2 years. Its miles 112,000. When stopped it would lunge forward. Had mechanic look at it but he couldnt get it to lunge. Then the rear traction light came on. Tried to take it to mechanic & was fine. A few more days go by and then the check transmission light comes on. Again go to mechanic and it runs fine. This time I had it looked at & was told it had 5 transmission codes, none of which he could fix. Drove it for weekend made an appt to take to tranny shop, told it needed a new tranny $4500 plus labor of $1500 and backordered 90 days. I am like others and stuck making payments while it sits. This will be my last Ford.

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  My main problem is with SYNC I have had nothing but problems from the word go. Between Ford and Microsoft it one of the worst products to be in a car. I own a 2011 Ford Fusion SE and a 2012 Ford Focus and because of SYNC being what it is I will never buy - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By musicgeek - November 29 - 7:19 pm

  Car is good but Sync stinks.

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  Jury is still out - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mrmonty - November 29 - 3:44 pm

  So far Ive had the car 2 months, 1500 miles. I traded in a Mercedes GLK, so I was not expecting the same car in return, but I feel like I get all the same features and power for 15 k less(GLK was 45K, escape was 30K fully loaded). The build quality is not the same, but what do you expect. The power is great. Almost no difference from the GLKs 268HP V6. The ride quality is a little bumpy with the 19" wheels. The interior is as quiet as the mercedes was. Ill give the seats a "B" on the comfort level. MYFORD TOUCH is a great display but like almost every review talks about, it has BUGS! Its unreal that Ford has not figured this out? It does not pair my phone 50% of the time.

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  Focus for average people - 2003 Ford Focus
  By connemara - November 29 - 12:47 pm

  Cheap to buy used, good solid reliability, few issues, good mileage, fun to drive, very easy to service

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  A small, sporty car with a higher purpose - 1995 Ford Probe
  By moderntorque - November 29 - 1:48 am

  The 2nd Generation Ford Probe GT CAN BE a very fun car. Lets remember they are all in various states of repair, YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. It pays to spend a little more for your 17 year old car. The Probe has a GT a revvy, V6s with the ability to push as hard into a corner as you would like. It isnt a Vette but 110 miles an hour is no sweat. Like a few other Fords of this generation (namely the SHO of which I have 2) It makes all its torque over 4,000 rpm. So getting on the freeway is somewhat interesting. Have your mechanic look at this car before you buy it. You WILL NOT REGRET IT! In spite of what teenagers have posted here, there IS A WAY to buy a used car of this age. #ijs

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  Best Car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By lawnboy270 - November 29 - 1:36 am

  This was our first new car. From day one it has been awesome. Now almost 10 years and 244,000 miles later it continues to do whatever is asked of it. The Duratec 24v 3.0 is quite trouble free. It still has the original starter, alternator, and water pump. The trans is the same one it came with in 2003 and has never gave an issue shifting. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Oil changes every 5k, trans fluid change, and fuel filter every 30k, coolant every 100k. Why I would ever buy a import after owning this car? It made us a Ford family for life.

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  Not what I expected - 2011 Ford Edge
  By flangilotti67 - November 28 - 6:54 pm

  Ive been a honda owner for the last 15 years but decided to buy american this last go around. I loved the exterior look of the Edge but our love affair ends there. The sync features are great, when they work. I loved that the map would show me traffic speed & accidents, it worked for about a month. For the last six months ive gotten an error message that the front collison isnt working but dealer cant find anything wrong. the placement of the emergency lights is horrible, right under the sync screen and i constantly set it off. trying to give the navigation verbal information, like a city or address is a nightmare. I also really dislike that the headrest are fixed and cant be move