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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  2013 GT Premium Convertible Fun to drive - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By taki12 - April 28 - 6:52 pm

  V8 Engine smooth and fast, Car looks great but when I hand wash or it rains water gets in door sills, trunk wells, hood, leaks out of plastic around fog lights, and rear lights, front and rear bumper crevices. After 50 years youd think Ford would have learned how to build this car tighter. At a Sticker Price with tax of over $50,000 they need

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  Dont buy it! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sharon63 - April 23 - 12:27 pm

  I bought my Focus in 2012 with 27k miles on it. I sold it 8 months later with 47k. The dealership even let me take it home for 3 days to make sure i really wanted it. Fair enough. But 1 wk after the purchase it started bucking especially when going up a hill and in the 1st and second gear.intermittantly. I traded a Mazda 3 manual and it felt like somebody was driving it that didnt know how to shift, and that wasnt me, because this is an automatic transmission. I took it in 3 times and was told thats how it drives. Then the engine light came on. took it back in and they replaced the clutch and it fixed the problem. also, the vaporizer was bad. Nothing but a headache.

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  Disappointed Overall - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By clovjul - April 23 - 10:42 am

  This car look great--rivals a luxury car in my opinion. But I hated it after a few days. I drove it for 650 miles and returned it. The MPG never got above 21 mpg and that was even with driving like an old lady. It took a long time to accelerate, the shifting was jerky (like a manual), and was really loud. The eco-boost engine is a joke. I got better gas mileage with my Murano, filled less and paid less overall. Plus, it was not fun to drive. And it was really uncomfortable. The headrests stuck out and I was constantly adjusting the seats and could never get comfortable. Not a good fit for me--I am 55 so maybe a taller person would fit better. And it was hard to park.

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  Run Away! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mel1898 - April 20 - 9:07 am

  When I turned on the AC for the first time this year it made a loud grinding noise for a few seconds, then never cooled. Took it in to the dealership to check and for regular 45,000 mile maintenance. Dealer called and gave the following description of the problem ..."in the AC dryer there is a filter bag with "little blue balls" of dessicant. It seems that it is a very common problem that these filter bags burst and flood the entire AC system with the balls (aka "debris") which causes all the parts to fail and or clog. Many of the parts cant be effectively flushed so the have to be replaced." The cost to replace the entire AC system (all valves, tubes, hoses, evaporator, compressor, condens

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  Mileage, SYNC Very disappointing - 2013 Ford Escape
  By pasosteve - April 17 - 6:29 pm

  I thought the turbo 2.0 liter engine and 6 speed automatic would provide OUTSTANDING mileage. Not so much. Best Ive ever done at freeway speeds is 25.6. Been in shop three times for SYNC problems. Finally the shop told me its either my iPhone or my iPod that causing problems. Ive driven for two weeks w/o either plugged in and so far so good. Not up to my expectations

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  had it since january and i think the dealer has had it more than me!! - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By loewenhagen - April 6 - 10:42 pm

  I like the car in general, but as far as quality its junk!! This thing has been in the shop on and off since day one, it has vibrations in the drive terrain, clunks in the seat, and squealing under the hood , and the my touch, sync stuff is total junk! phone disconnects and screens do screwed up stuff all the time.. I have heard ford is having alot of problems with the sync and my touch system. Now my car is going in on wed to be completly gutted on the interior, to try and find this clunk they are unable to fix, just what i want is a brand new car that has been all tore apart!! And they wont willingly take it back, but very soon there will be a lawyer involved!!!!

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  Multitude of Flaws... And Ford has been making cars for 110 years?! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By monroviaguy - April 5 - 6:48 pm

  Always a Honda owner, I switched to the Escape because of cool gadgetry and improved reputation. Incentives sealed the deal, but its been downhill since the purchase. Its been recalled for a potential fire issue. Fuel economy is horrible!! My previous V6 Honda got 20 mpg driving the exact same daily commute, but my Escape only gets 21 (should be closer to 27)! The Sync MyTouch (upgraded) system is terribly glitchy, sometimes freezing up, telling me the wrong time (by hours), losing all audio... infuriating!! Ford doesnt know why. Apps (as advertised) arent available on the more expensive system, only the base Sync! I had high hopes, but Ford will never earn my business again.

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  poor customer service - 2013 Ford Escape
  By phx13 - April 3 - 11:06 pm

  bought brand new Escape. at just over a 1000 miles the car died. would not start. called dealer bought car from they offered me a free oil change, and stated what a great deal I got. they did not address the issue the car would not start. called road side service, got a jump start. went to a Ford dealer close. they only charged battery for 3 hours, refused to run a diagnostic. Called Ford Corporate office, their rep told us if the car kept having problems just keep taking it back in.

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  First and Last Ford forever - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fordhater224 - March 30 - 9:09 pm

  Hadnt owned a Ford in years. Liked the 2010 Fusion v6 SEL AWD. In past 6 months, replaced throttle body (scary to have no acceleration suddenly in 65 mph traffic). Drivers side seat warmer went, and last week wife was 60 miles away on business and it wouldnt start. Towed to dealer for new battery (??) Traded in that piece of junk today for a 2013 Accord. We had owned Hondas for over 15 years and other than normal wear and tear, had 1 oxygen sensor replaced in 4 year old car and muffler and exhaust system in my now 14 yr old civic. I feel sorry for whomever buys my trade in!

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  0 Miles to "E" with a 1/4 tank - 2009 Ford Flex
  By designqueen83 - March 22 - 12:28 pm

  I have had my Flex since August of 2010. I have put on 78k miles total. With in the first winter I had 1/4 of a tank of gas and the reader told me there were 60 miles to E. I was in good shape to get to work then get gas at lunch. My car dinged, read 0 miles to E and then shut down. This has happened a few times since and the dealership cant pin point the problem. They have even made it die the same way too (b/c they didnt believe me). Now I am left with a solution of dont drive it under 1/4 tank and dont get down to 90 miles to E. Seriously? Is anyone else having this problem? I am the second owner and the first time it happened was at 30k. Senders have been replaced and other parts.