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:

• 

  Great truck! Poor MPG. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By greerdavidj - December 4 - 10:38 am

  Ive had this truck for 3 years now. I really enjoy how the cab just fits. I love having 7 cupholders within reach from the drivers seat. The vents look nice and are very easy to adjust without breaking. The power is good on this truck for what I need (pulling trailers, pulling out trees with a chain, squalling tires to be a show-off, accelerating, etc.). The back seat is fairly comfortable. We really enjoy the small supercab windows. Theyre perfect for our two dogs to put their heads out of. My biggest complaint would be the gas mileage. They say, "Its a truck! What do you expect?!" Mine gets 14 at best on the highway and 10-11mpg in the city. Doesnt touch the EPA 13/17.

• 

  Surprisingly an excellent car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By spdr870108 - December 3 - 2:07 pm

  I never had much faith in ford. I tend to like the Japanese and German automobiles. I have owned 2 Taurus and 2 Explorers. I was in a position where I needed a car. This little mustang ended up being in my price range. Purchased at 153k mi this car performs quite well. I travel regularly from California to Las Vegas and Arizona. This car 6k mi and a month and half later, it has not let me down. Its cheap to fill up and averages 28.4 mpg Hwy and 24.1 City. Tho it lacks the power Im use to in my bmw it compensates for it in fuel cost & gas mileage. Very fun to drive and handles quite well for an American car.

• 

  Great value in a sporty package! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By 773badger - November 29 - 7:27 pm

  Overall, I really like my Focus Titanium hatchback. It has everything that make it a comfortable place to drive over short or long distances and it gets great MPG. Its a solid ride on the hwy at high speeds and was a good combination of value (mpg and price) and comfort (leather, nav, push button start, other tech).

• 

  2013 AWD Ford Fusion Titanium - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By andgan - November 29 - 5:13 pm

  Overall this is a very reliable car. It performs well in all kinds of conditions. Once you figure out the cars quirks, they are not that bad. I am a sales rep and drive about 55,000 miles per year. I have had my car since June 2013 and it has over 80,000 miles. It has the original brakes. The original tires needed to be changed at 50K. The car has push button start. It is the only thing on the car that failed that I would consider outside normal maintenance/wear-tear. The dealership had to fix this. Dont buy this car if you expect superior fuel economy. I drive 80% highway. I average 23.7 miles per gallon.

• 

  Not bad - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By crow_5 - November 27 - 3:06 am

  I just got a 2014 mustang its my first brand new car as Im only 17. I love it. It drives well and handles great. Not to amazed by the interior. Looks cheap. Also had a squealing noise in the the transmission well I think thats where its coming from. It gets louder in reverse and drive. But over all I love the car. Not to happy about the stock wheels Ford hands out the car. I know its a base v6 but cmon its a mustang. Im purchasing new wheels for it soon anyway. Its an automatic, there was no choice for automatc v6.

• 

  Oldie still going strong - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jenennis06 - November 15 - 11:37 am

  I owe a 1999 Ford Explorer. I love my truck. I live where it snows a lot and it rolls over all of it with no issues. I has enough room for my family and our pets. I can easily say this is the best thing I have owned. Bought with a newer motor (under 20,000 miles on it) and it says it over 224,000 miles on the truck its self. The engine runs smooth. Starts every time. Has some cosmetic rust. But I figure thats normal. Replaced normal wear and tear items. I bought a new radio by choice. With all the bad I find the good and would buy a Ford again.

• 

  First Ford... - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By gbriank - November 14 - 3:18 am

  Never owned a Ford product before.. and the SHO was an excellent first car. Im ever impressed by the refined engine and AWD system. It provides effortless power all the time. This is a HUGE car and drives like it. In a straight line, no problem...but when you push it in the corners or try to make extreme corrections, the car LOUDLY complains. Build quality is lacking in a few spots (center console, a few attached body pieces that have come loose), but overall has been very good. Discounts abounded when I leased my SHO, along with 0% interest, made getting this car no-brainer.

• 

  Great Looking Repair Job - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By wilsoncl6 - November 13 - 11:51 am

  I loved everything about my Expedition except the need for repairs. I did all of the recommended maintenance in accordance with the recommended mileage and at about 90,000 had to replace the transmission. One year later, had to replace another transmission. In the meantime, I had to repair something that broke that was connected to the front right axle. Now, at 133,000 the car cut off while I was driving on the freeway and a message comes up to check the electronic throttle control which I found out is a common event on this year, make and model. Ford has a problem with transmissions in their vehicles and this one is no different.

• 

  Great Experience - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By waterdr1 - November 6 - 12:22 am

  Took delivery of a 2014 Black on Black Titanium with the 2.0 in March 2014 and have 20k on it as of Nov. I drive a lot and comfort, safety, reliability mean a lot. I have driven well over a million miles on numerous cars I have owned in the last 20 years as a traveling consultant and this is one, great car! Dont bother with any other power plant than the 2.0 IMO. Fit and finish has been perfect and it has not seen a shop other then oil and tire rotations. My only issue is I could use more trunk space and Ford does not seem to use very good all season tires. I will be putting snow tires on it this winter.

• 

  Reliable car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bull_gator - October 29 - 7:51 am

  Only a few problems have shown up in 107K miles. I have replaced the fuel pump, alternator, battery, tires, and suspension. Of those, only the fuel pump was unexpected. The rest are things you expect to replace.