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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  My Limited saga continues - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By jan56 - July 24 - 11:31 am

  First of all let me say that I love the car itself and were it problem free, I would love it that much more. I picked up my vehicle on March 17, 2012, as of 7/18 it is at the dealer for the 3rd time with the same problem and a new one. All the warning bells go off and I have no tachometer, no speedometer, no air, and all the warning lights are rotating and flashing, then the blind spot fault light and front end collision lights stay on. Replaced computer, fixed a lose connection, still happening. Now on 7/18 it also wouldnt start for a while. Not really sure how to gauge the value or the performance cause as of right now, been without it for a total of 4 weeks.Not a happy consumer.

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  Simple Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By 97vq30de - July 24 - 12:51 am

  I got this car with 27k miles. It now has 31k. Exterior is okay, not all that great looking. Interior looks cheaply built. Its comfortable though. Engine is very noisy, especially under load. Transmission seems very responsive. Tires are lame I can hear them screech on a not very tight curve. I am disappointed that cruise control is not a standard feature. Breaks seem to be responsive but the car leans too much forward. It has a very stiff suspension which I like. There seems to be some squeaky noise on the rear suspension sounds like its coming from the spring/trailing arm. Its very fuel efficient. Visibility is awful. Makes it harder for me to park or change lanes. Audio is okay.

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  Well done Ford!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 2013_explorer - July 23 - 12:16 pm

  This isnt your daddys Ford thats for sure! WOW! I have had the pleasure of owning a Ford Ranger, Explorer Sport Trac and an Escape (all leased vehicles) and this new 2013 Explorer not only sets the standard for others to follow, it has its fingers on the pulse of what Americans want in a Made in the USA vehicle. its about time Ford and an amzing job! The ride, the ammenities, the quality of the interior and exterior and the comfort are outstanding in my book, the Explorer is a tad bit shy on the towing but 5,000 lbs in a 7 passenger, wil still allow the urban family to get away for a weekend and the gas wont hit you in the pocket. Give it a look and drive. You wont be disappointed!!

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  2011 Ford Escape - Lemon - 2011 Ford Escape
  By fedup31 - July 23 - 10:08 am

  Purchased end of June 2011 brand new. Has been in the shop 4 times for back window leaking, 2 times for struts and 4 times now because of stalling, and transmission problems. Car just loses power, bumps hard and goes dead. Was in the shop 12 days, Ford put a new throttle body on it gave it back on Friday afternoon. Monday morning the same thing happen. Revs up, loses power, booms and goes dead. This car is not safe to drive. Going today and start LEMON law process. Dont buy one.

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  Built Ford tough! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By theboss3350 - July 22 - 7:32 pm

  I bought my 05 f150 v6 back in 2009 and has never giving me any problems. It started off at 19,000 miles and just hit 70,000.This truck is great if your looking for something dependable and big. my only problem would be the lack of power and torque. It is very safe too I got rear ended by a expedition at a red light and it only made a small dent in my bumper. The passenger air bag also shuts off when a child is in the front, this feature could save a life.

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  All i can ask for - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mrfixit1993 - July 22 - 7:26 pm

  I got this truck for my 18th birthday/ graduation gift. i love it i drove a 95 s10 for a year befor loved the s10 but the ranger has more power. the only thing i miss is towing we have 2 seadoos together they are about 2300 lbs full of gas the truck pulles them good but not fun going up the boat ramp. only thing i wish is that is was the x cab im 5.10 and my head hits the roof and the seat rubs the back window. 5 speed trans could shift better. i get about 21mpgs doing 80 no ac with ac i get like 18 i miss the 20 gallon tank the s10 had. i have put mine through hell and just keeps going change the oil every 3500 miles only problem i had is the thermostat ($150) other then that fine.

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  Reliable & Great Value - 2007 Ford Focus
  By focus2007 - July 22 - 1:37 pm

  After owning this car for 5 years & 100,000kms later our family has had not one mechnical issue with this car. Reliability is the most important factor we consider when purchasing a vehicle no one wants to be broken down on the side of the road in these Canadian winters and this car has delivered great reliability. We have done 40+ mpg (imperial Gallons) on many road trips. The heated leather seats were the best $800 dollars option i ever bought they are so much more comfy than the standard seats, a 1400 kms trip did not leave me stiff or sore all over like most econo cars. Yes we did change those Pirellis prematurely. this is the only thing people have to complain about?? such easy fix

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  2011 F150 3.5L FX4 SuperCrew - Good Bad and Ugly - 2011 Ford F-150
  By kirkcarver - July 22 - 9:11 am

  Ive owned my 2011 F150 3.5L for 20K miles, and just under 18 months. Im a long-time Ford buyer (this is my 4th Ford truck), and I can summarize my experience in three categories: The Good -- the 3.5L Engine. I was concerned that I would not have the power with a 6 cylinder engine. We drove to CO towing a 10K pound trailer, accelerating up the hills and mountains. Never once did the engine hesitate. Truly remarkable, it feels like a diesel The Bad -- fuel mileage. The truck performs on highway, but will guzzle gas in town (incl. urban freeways). I avg 15 mpg on 20 mi one way commute. The Ugly -- MyFord Touch/Sync. Impossible to use / dangerous interface. Ford should be embarrassed

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  Lags behind competition, some reliability issues - 2011 Ford Escape
  By jdac - July 21 - 7:34 pm

  We bought this because we like the design. Whether or not it is dated is subjective. My wife can actually see out of it without blind spots. Reliability issues: Transmission "flashed" several times but it still clunks into drive when cold and has a dead spot around 2500rpm. Shifts can be irratic. Rear window seals replaced to fix water leak. Front end links (bushings) have been replaced 3x to solve clunking noises over bumps. Struts replaced twice to resolve combined front end soft/mushy handling. Round 4 for the same early symptoms. Sync is very problematic with many different phones. Dealer now reporting this is all normal. Several aftermkt fixs for known issues above!

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  FORD FREESTYLE IS A PIECE OF JUNK - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By trishaiam1 - July 21 - 10:56 am

  Purchased this car from a auction 6 months ago. The freestyle has a smooth ride but not kid friendly at all. Easy to get dirty. Ive had transmission problems since. I took it to a transmission mechanic and he said he just replaced one 6 months earlier and the lowest transmission he found was 3k used, a new one is 6k. Ive emailed Ford because I am driving a Ford and not a Lexus. If I could afford a transmission that cost 3 or 6k I wouldve bought a Lexus. Ive emailed Ford and Dan responded that hes glad I purchased the freestyle, sorry for my problems and good luck. So they are not standing behind their junk....Im stuck with a piece of JUNK. Please dont buy this car.