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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  worst vehicle ever - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By cheyluck - September 2 - 10:04 am

  This was our first time car buy for $9,500, within a year of buying the transmission went out and we discovered that the axle had cracked. we found that the ford had called a recall. within another year of having the transmission fixed the second one went out. The right side window motors went out, we had to replace the speedometer electronics, The interior light like to flicker on and off as well. I recommend avoiding this vehicle all togetherl.

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  Lovel our Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By jslpal69 - September 1 - 4:24 pm

  We traded a top end CR-V for our new Escape about 2 months ago. While we enjoyed our CR-V and felt it was an excellent vehicle, we really love our new Escape even more. While the CR-V was efficient for getting from point A to point B, the 2013 does the same thing with lots of class and pizzaz. It is peppy, handles like a go cart on rails and has lots of quality features as well as "bells and whistles" that make it fun to drive. Everyone who sees it raves about what a sharp vehicle it is. Being a retired couple, we are not terribly "tech savey" but we have been able to figure out most features of MyFord Touch with no problem. Glad we bought the Escape instead of others we drove.

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  Apprehensive - 2011 Ford Escape
  By sparkywatts - August 30 - 8:18 pm

  I have the 2011 Escape XLT with the 3.0L, 6 cyl. It says 4 WD. 6 speed AT. Purchased Dec 2010. I love the "boxyness" and visibility. I did not want a cushy car or AWD. It rides hard but I do not mind. I wanted a small 4 wheel drive vehicle. I am concerned about the transmission and 4 wheel drive capability. The transmission broke 2 days after purchasing the vehicle new. 75 miles. Ford said it was a simple fix but took 10 days to fix. It still whines and has a vibration. Ford says that it is normal. I wanted the 4 WD to go on the beach but I am worried. This is replacing a 4WD 1 ton pick up so I am not use to the new vehicles. Can I use the Escape on the beach?

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  Another disappoinment. - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By beeryan78 - August 30 - 2:33 pm

  I have been a Ford man my whole life. However, the last 3 Fords I have owned have been severely problematic. The older Fords we have are excellent and have been a great value(00 Taurus, 02 F150), however, this new Taurus has been a disaster. First, the clearcoat is cracking and the paint on the trunk was poorly executed. Ford has offered to repaint, but I am afraid they will make it worse. Next, the interior materials could be better. I barely rubbed my finger on the faux wood and scratches galore! Ridiculous! Now, and apparently this is a know issue, the trunk(when closed), rubs on the bumper and the paint is rubbing away. Also tearing up the tailight. Unacceptable! My last Ford.

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  2008 Edge SEL - 2008 Ford Edge
  By hmayan - August 30 - 10:51 am

  Good car over all. Bought it new and owned it now for 4 years. Pleasant to drive. Interior design is a bit poor. I saw a 2012 model and they made a lot of improvements. Gas millage is worse than advertised which is the biggest drawback for me. I get 16-17 mixed according to computer, from day 1.

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  Bad car to buy - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stran00 - August 30 - 1:14 am

  Car is very small inside. Driver side window wont roll up all the way after one year. I will bring back to the dealer this weekend and see what happen. I was thinking of supporting American economy by buying this brand new Ford Fiesta 2011. But the quality are disappointing.

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  I love my GT - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By bob501 - August 29 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 2000 GT with 147,000 miles on it and have put another 30,000 on it since. The only mechanical failure was the throwout bearing went out on the clutch thats it. This is my 3rd mustang and my favorite one. This car just keeps getting better.

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By dmw82 - August 24 - 7:11 pm

  When I saw this car come out in 2006, it stole my heart! Traded in my 2007 ford focus for a 2008 fusion. The first three years of having the car was great. By the fourth year things started going on the car. The leather was ripping and noticed harsh shiffting. Come to find out there is a problem with the valve body which is inside the transmission. Then my ac went in the car. Had to replace the air temperature sensor, evaporator core, and heater core. In Florida you cant be without ac. Total cost was $1600.00. Now looking for a diffferent car and it wont be a ford. Thats why they nicknamed Ford (Fix Or Repair Daily)!

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  Fed Up with Ford - 2010 Ford Escape
  By calguy1 - August 24 - 10:42 am

  This is my 2nd Ford in 5 years and my 4th transmission. I had a Ford Fusion that had a transmission fail 1,500 miles past warranty and was stuck 250 miles from home. Ended up working a deal with a Ford dealer in Los Banos and bought a 2010 Ford Escape with 38k miles. 3 months later the transmission failed. Got a new tranny from factory (no cost) and now a yr later it has failed again. Dealer looked up history and learned this will be the cars 4th transmission. There seems to be a lot of forums and posts about how bad Fords transmissions are. Car is no good if the transmission doesnt work. Wish I limped into a Chevy or Honda dealer down in Los Banos.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trclark23 - August 24 - 4:02 am

  To start this review, Im not sure why Edmunds doesnt have an option for the single cab XLT 2.3L Automatic, because thats what I drive. Anyways, I bought this truck brand new in 2004 from Town and Country Ford in Madison, TN. Aside from a transmission recall before I hit 1,000 miles and an Oxygen sensor going back, this truck hasnt given me ANY issues since Ive bought it whatsoever in the past 8 years. The truck doesnt drive smooth like a Cadillac but its a truck and its not meant to. The 2.3L Duratec engine (found in Rangers from 02-11) are literally bulletproof and will last 200-300-400,000 miles easy with regular maintenance. Ford screwed up discontinuing this truck.