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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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IN A 4 CYL - 2012 Ford Escape
  By ewalker2 - September 25 - 10:13 pm

  This car is terrible in a 4cyl. It has no pick up and go from a stopping position. A honda civic can accelerate faster then this SUV. Not to mention this car hold no value. I went to trade it in and I bought this car brand new, it has 9000 something miles, great shape its a 2012 and the dealership offered me 13500. even though i just bought it 9 months ago for 23500. Waste of time and money now Im stuck with a horrible vehicle.

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  2006 Ford Fusion SE FWD 4cyclinder SUCKS - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mogulprinceton - September 25 - 6:28 pm

  This car doesnt come with any safety features at all the ABS,Traction Control and Side Air Bags all come in a package group. Electronic Stability Control isnt even a option at all. Handles well but could handle better if it had Electronic Stability Control.

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  Piece of JUNK - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jcstubbs - September 24 - 9:43 pm

  We actually have the automatic transmission, it wasnt an option though. We bought this car at 99k, now at 109k we have replaced more than we could ever imagine in this beater (granted, we knew we would need to replace a few things). Replaced both back window motors, replaced the alternator, replaced two separate pieces related to the radiator (both of them exploded while driving, shooting radiator fluid everywhere) not to mention, 3 of these things broke while driving and left us stranded. We fixed a leaky transmission, the valve gasket cover was leaking oil. It dies while idling- it also continues to accelerate even when NOT pushing on the gas pedal, thus eating up our brakes. Dont buy it

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  Great reliable car! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By drew72 - September 24 - 2:44 pm

  Overall this has been a great car. Weve had our explorer for almost 10 years, and we bought it used. Its going on 230,000 Miles now, with the original engine still running strong. Weve only had to get the transmission changed once, and other than that it has been nothing but your regular maintenance. This is a great car for Michigan winters when youre driving through a half foot of snow and ice in the mornings, and has an amazing a/c for the summer. The tinted windows are nice as well, and theres a lot of room in it compared to other cars the same size as it. This is definatley no the car for you if you are worried about your gas milage though, i average around 17-18 mpg

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  Ford won me over with the Boss 302 - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By drdub - September 23 - 9:29 pm

  Ill be honest...Ford has been the punchline to many of my jokes for the last 20 years. But I traded my 556-HP Cadillac CTS-V for a 2013 Boss 302 and Ive never been happier. This is a "drivers car". Its simple, its fast and it has a driver-car connection thats unlike any Ive ever experienced. Its balanced and nimble, has miles of grip, race-spec brakes and copious power. The note from the quad exhaust is absolutely sublime. But as hard and loud as it can be when driven in anger, its very comfortable and quiet when highway cruising and has just enough tech to be modern (cruise, Sync, USB/Aux, Bluetooth). The Recaro/Torsen LSD option is a must-have.

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  Excellent SUV for family travel - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By skarland - September 23 - 8:47 pm

  This is my first SUV. I bought in 2010 with 96,000 miles. Now it has 125,000 miles. Things I have done: brakes, a set of new tires, regular motorcraft oil change every 3k miles. No major repair. For people complains the transmission problems, its better to customize it with an external ATF filter and extra big ATF cooler. You should check the ATF level regularly and also its temperature (I also add a temp gauge). Because ford put a sealed transmission with this SUV, there is no way for regular person to check the ATF fluid level. With all these done, you wont have a failed transmission. Recently I drove this car from Austin Texas all the way to Buffalo NY, and back to Austin, never failed.

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  Amazing car i am in love with it - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By carreviewer99 - September 22 - 6:33 pm

  This car is very fast, and its a great family car, they are not Fibbing when they say you can drop the kids off and go to the track, this car is the best car i have reviewed by far, and ive review BMWS AND MERCEDES and i consider some of those models below the Taurus just so much Luxury and Sportiness and Awesome gas mileage!

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  LOVE MY FORD ESCAPE!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By pumpkin2008 - September 22 - 4:09 pm

  I recently purchased an 08 ford escape limited used. I love this SUV, it drives so smooth for a 4WD and handles very well. It is very roomy. I cant wait to try it out in the snow this winter. Gas milage isnt bad for a 4WD, very happy with my purchase.

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  2013 Escape Not Ready for Prime Time - 2013 Ford Escape
  By ggbear - September 21 - 5:49 pm

  I have owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL AWD with the 2.0L engine for nearly three months and have driven it for about 4,300 miles. I have had multiple issues with the vehicle since the day of delivery. We chose this vehicle over several others based on reviews, the perception that Ford has turned the corner on quality and seeing at an auto show. We ordered it before any were available for a test drive. Sadly, a potentially great vehicle has been one bad experience after another.

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  Mistake in buying this car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By displeased1 - September 20 - 10:00 pm

  Car handles pretty well, looks good, gets great gas mileage on the highway, ok on city miles. Some good accessories. That annoying transmission does NOT get better, gets worse. Had issues of parts not being installed completely, screws left off, etc., which were fixed mostly by the local dealer. But I have been disappointed and wanted to trade up at dealer where I bought it Sunny King Ford Alabama...4100 miles only on car. They know all the issues I had and acted like they would make it right for me. They offered me almost half what I paid-4 months!! Resale is pathetic! So really think before you buy.