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:

• 

  not a fan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Erin Lynn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was too light, so it was bad in rain and snow.

• 

  Disappointing - 2013 Ford Escape
  By crd1029 - July 17 - 9:24 pm

  I had been researching small SUVs and hatchbacks for months, anxiously awaiting several of the new offerings. One was the 2013 Ford Escape. My wife and I arrived at the dealer the day their first base S Escape arrived. We really liked the exterior look of the car and were excited to drive it. After 20 min., we were very disappointed. The levers and knobs were cheap plastic and the seats were very hard. The ride was extremely stiff and we felt every ripple in the road. The engine was buzzy and loud starting from the rest position. We quickly realized this car may be all right for zipping around town, but would tire you out on any longer trip. We ended up buying a Nissan Rogue. MUCH nicer- fun

• 

  Transmission Issues - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By karent4 - July 8 - 6:31 pm

  2006 Ford 500 transmission bushing shot $1,200; that hurts!

• 

  Have You Experienced This? - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By petsitter711 - July 4 - 11:03 pm

  Purchased a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid in Sept. of 2010 with 30K miles. Have driven it 90 days now, and lately, I "feel" more of a surge when I brake and/or accelerate and it changes from the electric mode to the gas. It didnt seem like I "felt" that surge before. Took it to the dealer (unfortunately I ended up purchasing it from a Toyota dealership, not a Ford), and they said that the computer indicated there was nothing wrong with it. Hummm, I dont believe them?!! Any thoughts on this? Also, my gas mileage went down from 34 mpg city when I first purchased it to 28 mpg city now. I live in Illinois if that makes any difference. Anyone know anything about this?

• 

  Buy a Honda civic instead - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Bend me over - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for just over a year now. I paid between $17-18,000 for it and it is only worth about $6500 as a trade in now. That is only about 1/3 of the selling price. they also need to do something about the seats. my drivers seat is worn out already.

• 

  transmission clunking - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By jmlws - July 2 - 11:17 pm

  Bought car used with 128k miles, shortly transmission started clunking loudly in lower gears between 2 & 3 on the CVT tranny. I guess Im not the only one with tranny problems on these cars. If Ford made a lemon you would thing they would do the right thing and announce a recall to keep their people happy. It would actually bring them more new business. This will be my last Ford unless they fix it.

• 

  SAVE YOURSELF!!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Depressed - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a used Focus in early November 2002. By Thanksgiving, it was in the shop for a belt, plugs and wires. By Christmas it needed a new steering rack. (Can I just say no car with less than 150K miles needs a new STEERING RACK???) I fear what will happen next with this car. Also, the car has ABSOLUTELY NO VALUE once you drive it off the lot -- three long, long months of ownership has devalued the car by nearly $4000. Now I cant even trade the thing away. Gas mileage is nothing special - I expected more from a car this small. Overall, I should have kept my 95 Nissan Pick- up. They have about the same gas mileage, and I would still have 4WD.

• 

  STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR! WALK AWAY! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Rebekah - June 28 - 9:38 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Ugh. My husband and I were basically bullied into buying this car. The sales guy kept telling us that they had all these fiestas that needed to go, this should have been the first sign to walk away. But no. We bought the car 6 months ago and I absolutely HATE IT. My husband doesnt mind it but thats because he doesnt drive it. The ONLY nice thing about this car is the fuel economy. Right now Im averaging about 37-38 mpg. However, since DAY ONE the car has been doing this weird jitter/shake any time I try and accelerate out of a light. It really struggles to get out of 1st gear. After having the car for a week I took it back to the dealership to get it looked at for this reason. The mechanic gave it back to me and said everything was fine. I know nothing about cars so I shrugged my shoulders and left. I was back within a week to have it looked at AGAIN for the same issue. This time the mechanic told me that there were THIRTEEN (13) OPEN RECALLS with the vehicle. Like WTF??? So I left it with them for a day, came back and they told me the same thing. Everything was fine. Nope. 5 months later my car STILL shakes. And to make things worse, my car battery died TWICE this morning. The dealership told us that we had a brand new battery in the car when we bought it, so whyyyyy did it die on me...TWICE??? And to add to it, my car is now telling me that it has a TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. My car is not safe AT ALL to drive but I dont have a choice. I still have to get to school and work and how am I going to do that without a car?? So frustrated. I want my money back.

• 

  okay - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus queen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The cars is great. Can be fast of the line, you go 50 without paying attention.and the ac is chilly. Overall i like the Focus.

• 

  Warning: for city use only! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By carlota - June 17 - 12:56 pm

  When I first drove the 500, it was a pleasant experience. My first impression was that it was a nice, large sedan that handles well, despite the "plain brown wrapper" design. Then I drove back home. I live in a rural area on a dirt road. All the roads in my area are dirt. Dirt turns to mud, and thats when the 500 starts to slip and slide. It is terrifying to drive this car on anything other than smooth, dry pavement. Big problems in the handling. Yikes! Also, my knees bump the dash. Im short, so by the time the seat is up far enough, there is no leg room left.