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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  beware of oil leak!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By fiesta1 - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car yesterday with 20 miles, today at home I woke up and went to see the under of the car and it was leaking oil from the union of the tranny and engine in one of the bolts, so I did research and saw it is a common issue for the fiesta, I got mad and called the dealer and they swap it out for another one which does not leak, make sure to check if it is leaking before you buy, other than that awesome car, also the tranny is very noisy and the automatic shift feels weird. I cant believe a new car can leak oil what a shame ford

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  Most Reliable vehicle Ive ever had!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jimmyz26 - August 10 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned a Nissan, Mitsibushi, and a Pontiac, and have to say Ford is best vehicle Ive had yet! Ive had far less issues with my Ford Explorer and love driving it. I bought it in 2006 and put 37K miles on it. It currently has about 75K miles and only had routine maintenance on it. My only complaint is the crappy gas mileage 15mpg. The rear panel recently cracked, but you can avoid this. I had sprayed winshield washer fluid on it during a very cold Colorado winter day. The repair is outrageous, close to $700. The handling is excellent and the ride roomy and comfortable. Well built inside and out. Engine has plenty of power and 4WD is nice. I plan on keeping my Ford for a while.

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  40 K and going strong - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bobmilan - August 9 - 8:37 pm

  Our Edge is 13 months old and has over 44K miles due to mix of family and business use. Very happy on both long trips and short. Overall mileage is 26+ mpg with 28+ on long drives - impressive. I agree that the ride is a bit harsh, but glad for solid handling when needed for avoidance or quick turns. Glad that I bought extended warranty coverage considering recent reviews but I still hold hope of getting $$ back if not used. Synch phone service works well as does I-phone podcast replays. Agree that system is not ideal, but upgrade has helped. Now pretty intuitive.

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  Built FORD Tough - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By xrodriguez - August 9 - 2:42 am

  I got my 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L as a hand me down form my mother. with 165,000 miles. It is a very reliable truck and it lives up to its reputation. I have had many electrical problems. Dome light failed to go off and I had to take off the bulbs myself with a rag....ouch. Also, the dash lighting is starting to go out, and the trip and mileage reading went out. Took it many long trips. Had a friend in a Camaro try to take my reputation away with the ladies in High School. When we got off road I showed him out. And for a 2.3 threw a little dust and rocks in his face. Though I wish the back had a little more room in the back. It is a shame that Rangers are being discontinued. It is a mistake

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  one of the best cars ive owned - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ford_351 - August 8 - 9:24 pm

  When I was 16 my parents gave me a 2002 Focus Wagon SE they had since brand new at 154k miles. Me being dumb at the time and still in Highschool, I beat the living hell out of it on the back roads like nobody would believe and it just kept going and going. Timing belt finally went and then the motor was toast. Thats the only major problem with these cars if you have the 2.0 DOHC engine, you HAVE to replace the timing belt every 70k miles. 4 1/2 years later Im a mechanic and happend to come across another 02 Focus again for a price I couldnt pass up. With 192k miles this car runs / drives so smooth and quiet I couldnt believe it. Just replaced the timing belt today for peace of mind.

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  Love my 2011 Ecoboost 4WD SCrew - 2011 Ford F-150
  By flford - August 8 - 6:38 pm

  I have 11 months in my F150 4WD SCREW with the V6 EcoBoost, just about to turn 20K mile, and I am loving this truck! The EcoBoost is living up to the hype with plenty of power to pull my 22 Foot Center Console with T-Top. Does not even feel like its attached. I do a fair amount of both highway and city driving and I am averaging from high 17s to low 18s MPH but admittedly I am lighter on the gas than I used to be. Ride is not as "car-like" as my 2004 but still a great ride for a 4WD and all the power that the V8 had. (Not sure why Edmunds will not let me select my truck as a 3.5L V6)

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  17 years mint condition survivor - 1995 Ford Escort
  By mrebate - August 6 - 2:02 pm

  170,000 miles. 2nd owner for 11 years and 100K. There would be many more of these on the road if the typical owner maintained them properly. AC never serviced and still blows ice. Orig exhaust still looking good. 4FEAT auto tranny works flawlessly due to regular fluid changes. Less orange peel than many newer cars. There have been a few erratic idle issues in the past 5 years. Rebuilt head installed in 2006 due to bad lifter, and to avoid valve seat failure issue some owners mention. I have calculated the TOTAL cost to own and operate (fixed and variable expenses) will be around 22 cents per mile, EVERY cost, including insurance and registration. I perform the maintenance

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  300, 000 miles little work - 1997 Ford F-150
  By arobe - August 5 - 4:00 pm

  I bought my truck in 2000 w/ 54,000 miles on it. I just broke 300,000 miles with maintenance consisting of oil changes, brakes, heater core, basically a new front end, starter, and alternator. I had an 86 f150 prior, thought it was the best truck ever. i was wrong this one was. the sad part of the story is the motor just locked up on me. However, i will either put in a new one or buy another 1997 with 100 or so thousand miles. cant say enough good things about this truck! it may be 15 years old, but if u can get ur hands on one for a decent price, run with it. Born and raised a ford man

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  WORTH IT! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By jawmonkey1 - August 5 - 8:40 am

  Bought it 3 years ago at an auction for $200 with a badly rebuilt engine. They the put the head gaskets in upside down. Replaced all the rings and the bearings on a fresh block and all new gaskets. Most of the outer engine parts where original. Since then weve replaced water pump, alternator, battery, plugs,plug wires,clutch fan,ball joints,tires,radius arm bushings,door panel,MAF,Fuel filter,and clutch. Much of this was because I wanted it to perform at its best.Would have did just fine without it. The gas mileage on the 5speed manual 4.0V6 is 18/20 City /22/26 Highway. But for 200 bucks this was a deal. Makes it from Phoenix to Denver no problem. Reliable and fun! Great on gas and roomy!

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  2013 Explorer Limited FWD - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mustangman308 - August 5 - 7:20 am

  Really like the room & Technology of Sync & MyTouch on the controls. I know a lot has been said about Microsoft & MyTouch but its easy and I have not had any problems. It feels like the future and using a new smart phone when playing with the navigation screen. The 3.5 V-6 engine has plenty of power and the cabin is very quite & smooth ride with the 20 inch wheels. Its more than I expected when you compare the price with import luxury models. One Test Drive is all it takes !