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! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By zerpantes - May 4 - 7:44 pm

  I have a 2007 Explorer that I bought new in late 2006. It worked flawlessly until about september of last year. By then it started having transmission problems so severe that it has been out of the shop for only about a month in the last eight. About two weeks ago I got it back and since then the battery died and now a white smoke is coming out of the engine, so I guess on Monday it will be back to the shop again. The problems have been so severe that I havent been able to repair a minor scratch to put it up for sale. It simply never works long enough between shop visits to repair the scratch! This is my second Ford (after a 2007 Mustang) and I will never buy another again!!!

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  Ford Escape 3.0 ~~Great Vehicle - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Den5276 - May 3 - 3:39 pm

  Ive had the 2012 Escape XLT FWD 3.0 engine since Early April. We just drove it from NYC to Knoxville, TN & back again. It was a pleasure to drive. Got gas mileage around 22 miles a gal but I had a load in the vehicle and had a Thule Roof carrier which no doubt affected the mileage. I was amazed to see so many Escapes on the Road. A winner !!

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  A great first car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By rocksbocks - May 1 - 8:49 pm

  I got it from a friend for $500. It had previously been used off-roading. The AC didnt work, there was a power-steering leak, and the odometer had broken at 125k miles before he owned it. We guesstimated around 180k miles, give or take. I can tell you, I didnt expect much. I was pleasantly surprised. The car ran great, never had any problems starting or overheating. I drove it for 3 years before a bearing went bad and I failed to get it fixed, leading to brake problems. Otherwise it was completely reliable and very fun to drive. Itll treat you right as long as you treat it right (regular oil changes/general maintenance). A great first car. Ill miss you, Thundy!

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  frustrated - 2010 Ford Escape
  By dontdoit1 - May 1 - 8:15 pm

  purchased my 3rd ford (2nd escape). what a mistake - no probs 1st 6mos, then recall on transmission - now neutraling out - dealer fought me on fixing it - had to go to ford corporate, said they fixed it, still having issues, will not fix it...have water leaks AND the hitch handle lining continues to come out and has been fixed twice...feel like i have been taken advantage of and wish i could get rid it - sucks...dont buy it...with the lack of help from ford, i doubt i will ever buy another. if customer service and service was better, they would may be a ray of hope that i might buy ford again. you lost my biz and many of my friends/family as well.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dizzylizard444 - May 1 - 11:36 am

  I love this car! I bought it brand new almost 3 years ago. The only trouble I have found with it is that if you get into the car with snowy boots on (live in Buffalo) and the mats get wet and you turn on the heater, sometimes it fogs up the windows. Did it once when I was on the highway! Very scary! I took it to Ford and they told me they had had similar complaints and it has to do with the angle of the heaters. Other than that I love this car. *knock on wood* havent had a problem with it.

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  Fantastic Edge - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtschida - May 1 - 9:16 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Edge around Thanksgiving of 2011 and wrote a review in January. Wanted to update. I drove 1200 miles through Wyoming and then the mountains of Colorado recently. While AWD Edge is rated at 25 mpg, I consistently get better mileage than that. My first long trip right after purchase was a little better than 22 mpg. Most recent trip averaged 29.4 on one tank. With wind, it dropped to 27+. Driving it daily around town and home in the country, average is 24.5. My husband, who has a heavier foot, gets the same. My mileage is so great that I wondered if they stuck the wrong engine in it.

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  FORD? Surprisingly yes. - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By biggrey58 - April 30 - 9:58 pm

  Had a 2007 MDX so went out and drove a new one plus a Lexus and the new Infiniti SUV. Was about to go with a new MDX and took my wifes Shelby to Ford dealer for oil change. Sales Manager asked if I looked at an Explorer and I politely declined. He gave me one to drive for the day. I bought one that night. This vehicle has options Acura and Infiniti dont even offer, at $1,000s less. Push button start, dual sunroof, parking assist, lane assist, blind spot lighting in mirrors, adaptive cruise control, rear seatbelt air bags (seriously), and electric rear seat feature.

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  2013 Explorer Rocks! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By top7172 - April 30 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had it for about 7 days, and it is fun and comfortable to drive. We almost bought an XC90 and Im happy we didnt. The front seats are two side by side Lazy Boys and the technology package is overwhelming. Ive already experienced a locked screen and a few disconnects but nothing that my iPad or iPhone hasnt done to me. Anyway, the car looks awesome, drives awesome and has a bunch of fun technology in it. This is my first Ford in fact it is my first American Car. I would have never considered a Ford ever and here I am, a happy owner. Hopefully the miles and time will be kind to it. This isnt the Explorer that I remember.

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  Reliable and efficient car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By codynight26 - April 30 - 6:48 pm

  This Taurus is a great little car that does everything asked of it. It has over 128,000 miles and all we have done besides regular maintinence is replace the battery and fix some dents. It has withstood driving gravel roads every single day. The V6 engine offers enough power but is also fuel efficient. Edmunds says 25 highway, i get 26. Its not the most luxurious car, but it is great for a family car or a school car. If you need an inexpensive car to use as a family vehicle, this car is definitly worth a look.

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  If I could go back in time, It be this car AGAIN! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By gigiaguy89 - April 28 - 9:31 pm

  I had 2 options. Yaris, or Corolla. Went to two Toyota dealer and had them try and rip us off real bad. They wanted 17 grand for Yaris and 20 grand for basic Corolla. We walked away and were about to give up when we passed a ford dealer. We stopped in to see what they had. Fell in love with a black, focus coupe. Dealer gave it to us for 15,700 w/trade. Had it since 2009 and its running GREAT. Gas mileage is AWESOME and stereo system rocks! Trunk is huge, and back seat is comfy considering the car is a two door. Interior design is pretty cool considering other cars in its class. Love the message center and ice blue lights. The cluster instrument panel has a nice sporty look to it.