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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  2011 F-150 FX4 SuperCab (3.5L V6 EcoBoost - not V8 as classified above) - 2011 Ford F-150
  By fx4alltheway - November 21 - 6:46 pm

  Ive had this truck for just over a year now. Its already made two cross-country trips and has been driven everywhere from the Colorado mountains to the Arizona desert. I have not had any problems whatsoever with the reliability or performance of the truck. It rides extremely comfortably and handles well in terms of breaking, acceleration, and turning. I have not gotten the advertised fuel milage based on the calculations the Sync system displays. I got 18.0 MPG driving from San Diego to Charleston, and get 17.3 MPG averaged city and highway regularly. Still good for a full sized truck. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase. If I had to do it again, Id get the same truck.

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  Nice vehicle, when & if everything works - 2013 Ford Escape
  By pzam - November 20 - 11:43 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 mo and 3k miles. Likes: quick engine, comfortable interior, reasonable gas mileage, loaded with features. Dislikes: 6 service visits in 3 months Sync is buggy some of the electronics features still dont work right. The electronics are great when working. I have 8 GB of music on a mini zip drive, and Sync recognizes the names of all the music. The voice recognition is really superb. Unfortunately, sync has bugs. Read the various forums and you can see a list of issues ranging from the clock to lock-ups. Ive had two software updates, but the dash display still doesnt update with the Nav display like it should. Much fun when everything works

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2013 Ford Edge
  By screenname14 - November 20 - 10:30 am

  Almost didnt buy because of negative reviews of Ford My Touch glad we didnt listen to them. My Touch is the easiest system we have encountered. Our Mercedes 350 GLK had a terribly awkward Nav & Communication system and the Cadillac SRX we had before that was just as bad. My Touch is extremely user friendly and the center stack with multiple information is excellent. Vehicle exceeds our expectations for quietness and fuel economy. Seats are a bit stiff, and even with the 10-way option dont tilt enough to get really comfy on a trip. Unlike our Benz, this car actually has a rear seat that adults can use. Best bang for the buck that weve had. Would definitely recommend.

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  headlights are very poor - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By starter352 - November 20 - 9:29 am

  I recently purchased a 203 ford explorer. This was my very first ford and will be my last. Do not buy this car if you plan on driving at night on anything but a very well lit road. It has been back to dealership several times, everyone that drives it concurs that the lighting is an issue, but since Ford says it is a character of the car nothing can be done, even though they have received numerous complaints. The lights perform so poorly that my wife will not drive it at night. I am hoping this posting keeps someone else from making the mistake I did.

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  A Nice car but has flaws - 2013 Ford Escape
  By fpconlult - November 19 - 2:23 pm

  Pros: The first impression is this is a good looking car. The interior is well laid out and includes what all back seat passengers want, rear air vents. Acceleration is good and the car handles well. Cons: Steering over compensates in panic situations. The Air/Heat controls not easy to use, unles using the display screen. The entertainment system starts with music on low then suddenly blasts you. Entertainment system changes mode when car starts(radio, MP3, Satelite). Only get 310 miles per tank of gas. Driver seat occasionally adjusts full forward when engine turned off. Too many controls on steering column is distracting and confusing.

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  Watch out - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mae52 - November 19 - 7:36 am

  Bought used 6 months ago a 2006 Ford Freestyle SE AWD with CVT. Power steering pump went I had it replaced. Two weeks later rack and pinion steering making noise, took it in to have it looked at and he said the following, the front sub frame on your car is completely rotted out and is unsafe to drive. The sub frame was replaced at a cost of $1000.00 plus labor (used sub frame). The rest of the frame is strong. The sub frame must have been rotted for years. This is a six year old car! All I can say congrats to the drunk or stoned UAW workers who put this car together. You must be happy, you must have had a good laugh. By the way, the front brakes needed replacing and a caliper was seized.

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  Wanted to like this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ranner1 - November 16 - 6:11 pm

  I bought our 2010 fusion late 2010 and have had no major issues with it and then wham! The transmission began giving major problems. We took it to the dealer first with no real help. We then took it to Mr. Transmission and they found a catastrophic failure inside the transmission. $4000 repair later and out of warranty we contacted Ford to look for help and at least for them to help rectify the issue with us and all we got was a "Sorry its your problem". Granted the milage was at 150,000km but a modern transmission should not fail this badly this soon. I am sorry I bought this car, for anyone else out there with this problem, report it to Transport Canada. Perhaps they can do something.

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  Dont Believe the Estimated MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By pvlawyer - November 16 - 2:56 pm

  I have had this car for a month and bought it specifically for the mileage since I drive over 20,000 miles per year. My Jaq S-Type with V8 got 20-22 mpg, and this 4 cylinder only averages 22-24 mpg. Even on straight highway trip with no traffic, it reached 29 mpg, not the 36 advertised. Ive only reached 29 mpg once. Extremely disappointed! I see a class action in Fords future just like Hyundai and Kia just had. Dealer says it will be get better mileage after break-in period (1000 miles), but with 2100 miles on car, no change. Last tank averaged 22 mpg. I could be driving my V8 luxury car!! I rated performance low because the car doesnt get mpg it advertises!

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  Good to the End - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By sinaskafitch - November 16 - 9:02 am

  I bought my Ford Taurus 2 years ago at around 65,000 miles. I heard bad things about Fords so I was leery to try it, but once I got in the car it was love-at-first-turn. It handled beautifully, safely taking me through 20+ miles in 2 seperablizzards. The car is very roomy, somehow able to seat 6. The only mechanical problems it gave me was a one-time coolant problem and a tiny plastic clip that held up the muffler, but for the miles I put on that thing thats not much work at all. Unfortunately, this January I crashed it. The airbags timed perfectly and my friend and I got out of it okay. I cried though. I loved that car. If I didnt need better mileage Id get it again.

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  NOT LOVING IT! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By bren77 - November 15 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my 2013 Focus SE a month ago. I cried for two days over the crazy transmission. I now have 500 miles and it is driving better. The drivers seat is uncomfortable and lots of road noise. Not enough cup holders or storage space.If I could do it again, I would not buy this car! I am not trying to be negative, just stating what I feel about the car. I talked to the dealership about the road noise and the seat and they acted as though they have never heard any complaints, but I have read several. I do like some of the features and like the way it doesnt feel like a small car. Anyway, I am trying to love it because I have to pay for it for six years :(