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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  Car, Love It, MyTouch, Not So Much! - 2013 Ford Edge
  By claymoore - October 27 - 1:48 pm

  I get a lot of coments on my Edge. I have the Deep Impact Blue SEL with Vista Sun Roof. Ive had it for almost 2 months and I love this car. Its fun to drive, it has plenty of power when you need it. Im a big guy, 64" and I have plenty of room vertically, could use a little more room in the hips, snug but comfortable. Im avg 16.4 mpg but I do a lot of stop and go driving. I am looking forward to a long trip. The didnt think I would like Vista Roof, but it was the only SEL in Blue the dealer had, but driving down the Paliseades with the wind in my hair and the sound system blairing, makes me feel young again! Did I say I love this Car?!?!

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  Should have kept the Honda - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jeaniem1 - October 26 - 2:01 pm

  Bought the car in June 2012. Have questioned that decision every other day. Started out with sluggish low speed performance with hopping and rough/delayed shifting in the transmission. Was told I had to let the car "break itself in" and the shifting would improve. Im at 10,800 miles and now Ive graduated from hopping to shuddering in the first few gears. Especially bad on hills. Like the car just doesnt respond until it has shudder a few times getting into gear. Finally, the Sync system is the absolute worst. Buttons on the screen go missing, GPS gets lost, stays on after the car is off, random loud thumping sound through speakers when car is off. Many updates, still not fixed. Annoying.

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  The Focus SFE is a Fuel Sipper - 2013 Ford Focus
  By cadrvr4 - October 25 - 4:28 pm

  We purchased a 2013 Ford Focus SFE in September 2012 and have driven it 1,200 miles so far. No problems at all. This model is a Focus with SE trim to which the optional SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package is added. For 2012 the SFE package cost $495. For 2013 the SFE package adds only $95 to the cost of the vehicle making the additional fuel savings over the SE a no-brainer. We recently got 42 MPG on 70-mile highway trip. 32-33 MPG is typical for our combined driving. The dual clutch transmission (DCT) drives like an automatic transmission but is actually a fuel-saving automated manual transmission. Great materials, inside and out: best in class. LLR tires by Continental handle very well.

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  Pizza Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By funglemuffin - October 25 - 12:57 pm

  Ive had this car for two and a half years now and regrettably looking to get rid of. As a student i dont have time to fix the massive oil/coolant leak and fix whatever is making it run lean. had about 140000 miles now and got it with 116000. Replaced clutch at about 130 both tie rods, timing belt, turn signal switch and regular maintenance. Great when its working, but here always seems to be a problem. I will admit i did drive it pretty hard delivering pizzas.

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  Old Reliable - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By dieselcoyote - October 24 - 9:37 pm

  My Ranger was given to me when I got my license back in 2009 from my grandpa. It only had 211,XXX miles on it. Well now it has 286,675 and still going strong. Have never had a problem, gets me from point A all the way to point Z even. Couldnt have asked for a better first vehicle. The truck may not be the prettiest thing on the road but who cares, its very dependable and gets fairly good gas mileage. Cant really complain with 18-20 around town and 22-26 on the highway. The only serious thing that needed to be replaced was the battery cable which was a cheap and easy fix.

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  First Ford in 40 years - 2013 Ford Escape
  By docwalleye1 - October 24 - 1:42 pm

  Replaced wifes 2005 Rav-4 with a new Escape. First Ford I bought since my Mach 1 Mustang back in 1970 (wish I still had that one). Love the car! Test drove several SUVs and it was love at first drive with the Escape. Had it all. Comfort, performance, and style all great. Especially like the interior design. It is so smoooooth and quiet to drive that I leave my car and take hers when I can. Got basic SE model and added leather seats in the aftermarket for $950, for a total of $24,600, plus TTL. I agree with one magazine review I read that said the new Escape puts the "Sport" back in SUV! Am getting 28 mpg in combined, mostly rural driving. Got 32 on a trip down I-90.

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  Not one regret about buying the Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By matt_sevier - October 24 - 9:51 am

  I have had my 12 Focus SE with sport package and 5 spd manual transmission for a couple months now. I have driven it about 4,000 miles so far and Im still in love with this little hatchback. The other two cars I was seriously considering when shopping were the Mazda 3 with the SkyactivG and 6 spd manual, and the new 13 Dodge Dart II with the 1.4l multi-air and the 6 spd manual. Based on test drives I found the Dart II to have the best power, but it took quite a trip into the higher end of the tachometer to wring it out. The Mazda, by far, had the slickest transmission, which felt like I was in a Miata, but the interior felt dated and generic. The Focus is was the best all around.

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  New Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rtp_owner - October 24 - 3:48 am

  Purchased a brand new Escape - for mileage - went from 07 Suburban to 09 Mariner (slightly better MPG but no go) to 11 Edge (about same MPG but more go) to $4.00 gas and hence the Escape. Very cool car. Did NOT get nav - $800 - did NOT get park assist (miss rear radar though) $1000 and did not get sunroof ($1 zillion). Consequently ended up with leather my ford touch (much improved over 2011) heated seats dual climate control etc for $26K. Seats much firmer than the edge - videos on ford website actually discussed seat design. Rear air is great. Rear passengers however had no control over their reading lights. Car handles very very well - surprisingly so.

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  Very Happy with Ford Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By rtp_owner - October 24 - 3:30 am

  We purchased a 2011 Ford Edge - for gas mileage we went from a 2007 Suburban (great but thirsty) to a 2009 Mariner (OK on gas but no go) to the Edge. Did not realize Edge was so heavy, but appreciated how solid it was. Great car. No issues whatsoever. Bought low end FWD model. No touch screen etc. Cloth seats were warm in winter so seat heater no missed. Little bit of hesitation on times at acceleration but really strong engine. Brakes were solid and steering was also OK. Climate control worked well. 30,000 miles and only routine oil changes. Zero mechanical issues at all. Did not tow with the car but dont think it would have been an issue. Highly recommend the Ford Edge.

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mws5535 - October 23 - 7:40 am

  I might as well copy and paste the many comments I on here as mine as the same. Weve had the car for a year and all of the same issues are happening - transmission or clutch system replaced, shifting issues, been in the shop, going back in now because it just wont turn over - it is like owning a wind up toy. BUY FOREIGN CARS ONLY! AMERICAN VEHICLES...AND I HAVE OWNED A FEW...SUCK!!! My 2007 Hyundai has been a great car. [non-permissible content removed.]