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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  2014 Ford Focus se - 2014 Ford Focus
  By novakjmn - February 1 - 10:13 pm

  Well I love my car. But its transmission sucks. Its not sporty when it should be and it isnt efficient when it should be either. It only gets 24mpg and I have to replace the shitty tires already. But I get a lot of compliments on the looks and the interior. And it does drive so damn good.

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  The most underrated car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By rmerch2000 - February 1 - 1:27 pm

  I purchased this car used at 80k miles and now have put on another 80k miles. The only thing Ive had to do (besides scheduled maintenance) is ....now that I think about it, I havent done anything besides the usual stuff! Its been a wonderful car and I love it. Whenever my friends get inside my car, they are shocked that they are in a TAURUS. Even though the thing is 6 years old, it still has a modern design.

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  Good Truck Just Typical Ford Reliability Issues - 2006 Ford F-150
  By mjm714 - January 31 - 9:00 pm

  Great truck look wise and quality wise. Very reliable the first 80k miles now experiencing occasional stalling in reverse and when coming to a stop. My solution since there was no code to go off of: put a new fuel pump module which cost me $160 for the part which I installed myself to save an additional $400. My original fuel pump module was mildly corroded. Hope it solves my prob after taking it to Ford and them not knowing how to diagnose, solve, and fix.

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  Nice overall car. - 2013 Ford Edge
  By mat375 - January 27 - 1:33 pm

  Overall this is a pretty nice car. The ride is fairly smooth, the cabin is quiet and comfortable, the engine has plenty of power even for a crossover that is a bit overweight like this one. The my ford touch is a bit of a pain to use, could have been made much simplier, and the transmission is a little rough shifting at times. The awd is better than not having any, but it will never have the ability of some of its competitors like Subaru, Audi, or even Toyota, just not nearly as capable.

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  A Lemon! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By looking4adea1 - January 20 - 9:32 am

  I bought my 2000 Ford Taurus about 3 years ago. My grandma had purchased it new and my sister had been driving it for about a year. I knew my grandma had taken good care of it and it had low mileage (under 60k). I am a student commuting to school so I did put a lot of miles on it. By now it has approximately 90k. I have poured thousands of dollars into it for repairs over the years. It constantly broke down. There was a consistent list of things that needed to be repaired. It was just a matter of what was priority. Now it just blew a head gasket and is basically done. It didnt even hit 100k miles. The car was a complete lemon!

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  Best Mustang Ever Infotainment is Nightmare - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By simplecars - January 19 - 6:10 am

  I ordered my 2015 Mustang GT AUTOMATIC (for some reason Edmunds only lets me pick a 6 spd manual for this review) in MAY 2014. Needless to say, I wanted it early. Styling: Love it. Each angle has another inspiring look and sexy curve. WARNING: You will get compliments and questions at gas stops, etc. Car is real head turner. Performance: Outta this world. It moves quick, and the 5.0L v8 is smooth, powerful, and WOW just perfect for this car. If you like Mustangs or pony cars, you should love this car. Interior is high class, well thought out, and after 1600 miles, still wows me when I get in the drivers seat.

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  11 MONTHS--20,000 MILES--NO PROBLEMS - 2014 Ford Focus
  By texasaustin - January 18 - 7:21 am

  Writing because see negative reviews. 2014 5-door Titanium--loaded. No problems at all 20,000 miles. "Auto manual" transmission is a little quirky-adapt to it. Power more than adequate-flooring it has a 1-2 second delay--plan ahead. Usually add oil when 1/2 quart low-wanted to see how long before must add oil. 5w20 full synthetic not quart low after 10,000 miles. Wish less firm ride but it came with the package. Every car should have capless fuel filler, auto/pushbutton start, auto climate control, auto answer phone system, auto on head light. My Ford info system-learn it-seldom malfunctions. Gas mile average 29.9-30.4. (Saw 46.6 on 26 mile loop@71 speed control--40.6@71 over 50mi on IH-35.

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  My first four-door sedan in 10 years! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By paulsnj - January 12 - 2:26 pm

  I replaced my aging and heavy Chrysler Pacifica with this Fusion, knowing that it shares its engine and platform with the Mazda 6. Hondas and Toyotas are too expensive to buy used, so this was a good option. I drive about 35,000 miles a year so brand new is out. The four cylinder is suprisingly powerful and smooth wont win any drag races but the six-speed seems to find the right gear to suit the situation. Seats are a little hard on the bottom cushion but supportive. The interior has a little too much black plastic but fits together well, and all controls have a nice soild tactile feel to them. Leather seems to be of the "harder" variety which means it should be durable as well.

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  Has been excellent - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cayman6 - December 31 - 1:39 pm

  Have had the 2010 Sport 3.5L AWD (with Nav) for over 5 years now. No problems other than battery replaced under warranty. Has been very reliable, not even a squeak or a rattle. Ride and handling fine.

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  mixed emotions - 2014 Ford Escape
  By swalcher - December 31 - 12:13 pm

  14 Escape 2.0L AWD Titanium / Bought used with 25,700 miles on 12/11/14. Bought used thinking all possible issues should be resolved. MPG is terrible at 21 HWY and 17 city. We have now driven this vehicle a 1000 miles and I am ready for my fifth fill-up. The gas gauge appears to be off. At the quarter mark, I am only able to put in about 8.5 gallons. After reading the manual, I discover the term Eco Boost has nothing to do with fuel economy. I havent really figured out what it means. This vehicle is really easy to get in and out. It has great acceleration but the ride is little bumpy but as short wheel base will cause this issue. The wife loves the car and thats what counts.