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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  Dont buy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By mattm93 - October 22 - 7:55 pm

  nothing but problems with this truck, I am a fan of Ford still but this truck has its problems and is in the shop a lot so not so reliable

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  Near perfect SUV - 2012 Ford Escape
  By billf5 - October 21 - 2:32 pm

  I have had my 2012 Escape Limited with the V6 engine for 10 months and 10,000 miles. There has been no reason to bring it back to the dealer since purchase. I am getting 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. I love the looks and features of this well proportioned SUV. With full time 4 wheel drive it handles great in rain and snow. Never any slipping or sliding. For the money I think you get a lot of vehicle.

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  Couldnt Wait to Get Rid of It - 2012 Ford Focus
  By justaguy6 - October 20 - 10:04 pm

  This car was nothing but problems. Owned it for 5 months and had it in the shop with transmission issues 3 times and the screen console went blank on 2 occasions for 1 week intervals. Overall, I really wanted to buy American and thought that this would be the car that would keep me buying American. What a mistake! Have traded it in for a Hyundai - took the loss and couldnt be happier.

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  Ford has always had better ideas - 2013 Ford Edge
  By awaya - October 20 - 4:08 pm

  This car surpassed my expectation. The quality is very good and came very well equippted. The seats provide good support both front and rear. The Ford My Touch is vastly inproved. I test drove the 2.0 engine for 1 week but felt it to be a bit under powered and had too much down shifting for my liking. Although the 3.5 engine is more than capable, quiet and reliable it seems to fall short in overall gas milage. Overall the car is great and we look foward to many trips with it.

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  More than what you expect, but know what you are buying - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By chicoandee - October 20 - 3:24 pm

  First, I must say that Ive read some horrible reviews on the transmission of this car. It is sold as an automatic, but it is actually a manual with a computer controlled clutching system. It ran well until about 500 miles when after it broke in, some hesitation in shifting and noises could be heard - just like a manual transmission. This is normal but the dealers should be upfront about this. Other than that, MPG is as advertised, it has lots of interior creature comforts, and overall I am very happy with the car.

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  1 year and 15,000 miles later... - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By rhalpin002 - October 20 - 8:30 am

  If youd be upset with a creaky front end, having to return to the dealer a few times in the first 10-15K miles for warranty work (front end bushings), and a potential wheel bearing failure, then this is not the car for you. With all of that said, the style and performance far outweighs any squeaks, creaks, rattles or noises (plus the fact that its under warranty until 36K). I will most likely be trading this in for a 50th Anniversary edition of the same model, not only because I am sure Ill want one, but also because if Im having bushing trouble and a fairly loud wheel bearing noise at 15K miles...I cant imagine that the long-term reliability is good.

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  Failed engine - 2007 Ford Edge
  By micktoll - October 19 - 5:14 pm

  My 2007 Ford Edge just had a major engine failue with 91K miles. I was driving on a major roadway when I began to hear a tapping noise. Before I could take action the engine icon appeared in the dash. Whithin minutes the engine stopped and I was fortunate to have been able to pull off the road. Bottom line: engine failure. Vehicle always properly maintained all fluid levels correct. Ford refuses to offer any assistance. New engine $7000 plus! This is after spending $1100 on a "common" transmission problem 6 months ago!

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  Basic 08 Focus S - 2008 Ford Focus
  By focusedbi - October 18 - 8:41 pm

  Purchased with 950 miles 8/08 2yr additional extended warranty. 51K 10/12. Very basic model, no options this car. Regularly record 39-40 mpg highway comparing gas gallons at fillup and trip odometer. Acceleration is decent for 2.0 L normally aspirated engine. My vehicle is not listed on the 2 recalls on 08 Focus. Change oil every 3 months at dealer with my oil/filter. No problems to date except upper radiator hose leak at 90 degree plastic elbow. Changed myself due to expense quoted by dealer. I have been in 2 front-end accidents. NOTE: Body repair shop overtightened battery cable terminal. This wore the tin off the terminal, exposing it to rust. Had to replace battery early.

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  My FIRST SUV - Loving it ! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By gwsmith - October 18 - 7:25 pm

  First off, this is my first new car in 30 years, and have been a Saturn owner for the last 10... I needed something to transport my keyboard gear to the shows. Now, there is plenty of room for all the equipment now. Owned for only 6 weeks and the OD just turned 1800 miles and it has been 100% problem free thus far!

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  Its a truck. - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By kdub989 - October 18 - 12:39 pm

  Bought mine used off Clist. Love my truck! The 4cyl isnt fast on steep grades but neither am I. However, with the 4cyl and 5spd, Im averaging 29.5mpg combined and 32.2mpg hwy and thats running the a/c and with a Leer canopy. The truck is very quiet and comfortable that we prefer to take it on long road trips instead of our honda, subaru or dodge caliber. Our ranger is a 2wd but I installed a powertrax no-slip in the rear end and off road its fantastic. Ive pulled a small utility trailer with 2 motorcycles on it with no problems. Ive had zero problems with our truck. It handles well on windy twisty back roads and is a great truck for exploring those same roads.