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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  Ford Edge 2007 - Many problems - 2007 Ford Edge
  By amn67 - January 24 - 4:51 pm

  We have had many issues with our Ford 2007 SEL. Back hatch will not open. Only way to fix is disconnect battery and after a few cold starts it will start to work again. Breaks squeak extremely loud when you first use them. This weekend transmission went out and Ford dealer wants $4800 to replace it. I found multiple internet posts about this issues. Dealer said have never heard of ford edges having this issue. Last fix a couple of months ago cost $2000+ and service man told us it was a known issue but no recall. My colorado engine died and Chevy dealer rebuilt it for no charge even without recall because it was known issue. Owned fords forever but longer ford fan.

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  Electronics - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rvandry - January 22 - 3:28 pm

  Way too much electronics. Where are the buttons to change the preset radio stations or the "seek" button to find a non-preset station while traveling? I have to take my eyes off the road and look at the display when changing stations, not very safe. Also, what happened to the map reading lights and the 60/40 split rear seat? I had them in my 2009 Focus but there arent any in my 2012. Not very handy. But the worst is that this 2012 Focus with only 3200 Kms wont start in very cold temperatures. My dealer tells me its an electronics problem that, despite 3 visit to the dealership on the back of a tow truck, has yet to be identified. Electronics are a good thing but too much isnt.

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  Early days. but some observations - 2013 Ford Escape
  By laa5 - January 21 - 6:49 pm

  When my MB ML350 lease ended I decided to buy a cheaper SUV (tight budget and all that). Escape is nice size and for a 4cyl is a zippy quick little car and it handles fine. But I know its a lot cheaper than what I had but I hate that I can feel it. Interior feels plastic and arm rests are not in the right place for use. The brake pedal is so far in front of the gas pedal I have really lift and my leg and in heels this is a bit awkward. Ive had the car for just a short time and Sync has already frozen up and crashed. Navi needs your phone to work (not a built in system) and takes time to download instructions. But at least it understands my voice.

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  Piece of Junk - 2013 Ford Escape
  By bbgun1 - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  I have had this car for 3,000 miles. It does nothing well. Poor fuel economy, 22 mpg at 75 MPH. Car was designed for around town and not for highway driving. Suspension is to stiff in poor roads and will cause fatigue. Gearing is incorrect for the motor. Zippy around town, nothing left after 60mph. That is why it does not get gas milage, rpm tWhy do I need a warning light on my dash telling me my door are locked. This car was designed by weezel engineering for sure. I have people in my company that refuse to ride in this car due to its harsh ride. Seat belt buzzer will not shut off and you cant fix it! I call it the buzz box, motor buzzes and that is what you listen to all the time

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  The Good, Bad and the Ugly - 2011 Ford Escape
  By student4life - January 17 - 7:34 am

  My wife and I purchased our Second Ford Excape after our first one (2010) was involved in an accident that wrote it off, but it saved my families life, hence the second one which is a 2011. We like the vehicle, and have the V6, which has more power than people expect. Its kind of rough around the edges, loud road noise and engine, and drives kind of like my jeep YJ used to in many ways. Its not as refined as I expected, but on the plus side, its small and easy enough to park and manouver in traffic, build quality is superb, had original transmission issues which were fixed under warranty, and the rear hatch doesnt open all the time (needs to see dealer). Overall quite happy though.

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  LAST FORD...EVER. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By sea_warrior - January 16 - 9:11 pm

  The car is just...BAD. Sync feels like a really rough Beta program and is unrefined and just not useful. Lockups, pauses, stutters, hesitations. I had a 2008 BMW X3 and thought the "infotainment" system in it was bad, but as amateurish as it was, it was at least functional. The car died with 300 miles on it and is still in a coma while Ford "decides what they are going to do." The dealer has had it for a week, and they havent even STARTED to repair the problem. The last word from them was it could be "another 3 or 4 weeks." Between the Sync, the hinky Navigation, the mechanical unreliability and the lack of support from Ford, I rate the car a clunker. Run away from it.

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  Hated to Get Rid of It, but... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By car314 - January 10 - 8:58 am

  I bought my 1998 Ford Explorer XLT brand new from the dealer, and it gave me many good years. About 3 years ago, though, it began giving me issues. I ended up consistently putting money into it nearly every month. Honestly, the body began to go before the engine did... but once the little things started going wrong, it added up very quickly. The last thing to happen was a cracked thermostat housing, once I fixed that, I sold the truck. I really loved my Explorer, would recommend one, and bought a new one after selling my 1998. It did have awful gas mileage, my 2009 gets better mileage than my 1998 ever did.

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  Terrible Engine, do not buy this car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cremebrulee - January 8 - 6:57 am

  I own a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE. Ive had more mechanical problems with it then any other car Ive owned. Bought it new, and has been making a grinding noise since I bought it. Replaced the clutch and is now in the shop again for the 3rd time, they cannot figure out what the grinding noise is? I dont understand how Ford can get away with this? They are not standing by their product. Ive also read, that they were replacing transmissions quietly due to this terrible grinding noise it makes?

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  Dangerous stalls - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By omg2010 - January 4 - 10:38 pm

  My son was driving this car at night and started stalling until he pulled over. Gave me a call and went over to switch car. Drove it for about 10 minute when it started stalling. Turned it off and back on and still continue to stall. Waited a minute then turn it back on and continue to stall-turned it off and waited another minute and finally it ran fine. Had heavy rain during the prior weeks and there is no gas cover for this car to stop water from entering. Nice car when running and not stalling.

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  Ford Does Not Support - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jstaples15 - December 28 - 7:15 pm

  I have a 2009 Ford Flex that was involved in an accident with a deer. According to the repair shop, there is a necessary part that is needed on the vehicle, P/N 8A8Z16138A, that is not in production and not available anywhere in the US. I contacted Ford Motor Co. several times and they have informed me that they have no planned date for production, due to tooling issues. Their stand on the issue is that it is not their problem. I have exhausted all contacts and Ford has no answer when my car may be drivable again.