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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  Love it! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By 75hoo - May 25 - 9:11 am

  I looked at 2015 Mini, Jeep, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda,and Chevy and decided that I liked my 2013 Escape SE with 37,000 miles the best. Got an email from the Dealer that advertised a dynamite price. After some bartering on trade-in, I picked up the 2015 Escape SE with the convenience package and lowered my monthly payment. No problems at all with the 2013, its just that the deal was too good to pass up. For me, the only vehicle that was better than my 2013 Escape w/ 1.6 liter turbo was the 2015 Escape. Comfort, power, quality and economy just cant be beat for my needs. The 2015 has a number of improvements over the 2013, but they add up to a better vehicle.

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  Makes driving fun in this segment - 2014 Ford Focus
  By minesok - May 20 - 4:10 pm

  Had a 2012 Focus SE, actually purchased in 2011, and only issue it had in 4 years was a software fix for the Dual Clutch transmission. After the new software was installed it was fine. SO with the great rebates and incentives on 2014 Focuss I traded in the 2012 for a 2014 to get much more content for only a few more dollars a month. Looks great and drives great, so far.

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  Exactly what we expected! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By vawarren - May 19 - 11:52 am

  We need to replace my wifes car and the Fusion was our first choice. We have had our 2015 Ford Fusion SE for a month and love it! Love the interior design/layout, really love the exterior looks, and have not seen or experienced any quality or reliability issues. We are getting gas milages higher than the MPG listing! We do not drive heavy footed, so that helps our MPG. Would I buy another or recommened it to a friend? YES, absolutely!

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  2.0L Turbo AWD Escape is a Great Car for my needs - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sigma1 - May 19 - 10:37 am

  Bought a used 2014 Escape 2.0L turbo AWD and have driven over 2,000 miles along the Colorado Front Range of the Rockies. Acceleration and handling are superb on twisty mountain roads and on 75 mph interstates. Cross winds of 40 mph do not affect steering this car at high speeds due to a good aerodynamic design. I purchased the Escape 2.0L AWD because I wanted a performance car with a large interior carrying capacity. I have no complaints and am exceedingly happy with my purchase.

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  1 &1/2 years later -2014 Limited Flex w/eco boost review - 2014 Ford Flex
  By nai571 - May 17 - 7:27 am

  I traded I my Mercedes r350 for my 2014 limited w/eco boost Ford Flex and all in all Im glad I did. While the Mercedes was solid as a tank, The ford flex styling is much more me. Its deceiving in that it looks like some slow mom/pop car but when I pull up to a red light and a luxury vehicle tries to out gun me, they are quickly left mouth open in my 365 horsepower dust. This mom/pop car is pretty fast - and I love it. I love the color too, its a unique white diamond tri coat (its somewhat sparkly in the sun) and has a black roof. Very unique, although mini-cooper and Range Rover make a similar combination. Actually looking at it from the front the flex could pass as a Range Rover.

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  Upgraded from a Yaris - 2013 Ford F-150
  By daf62757 - May 15 - 10:31 pm

  I had a Yaris and wanted something with more room and comfortable. I really wanted a new 2015 with the aluminum body but the price was going to be more than a house so a used lariat was my trade off in cost and feathers. The truck is near perfect. I wish it had come with Navigation but another trade off for price. The brakes are my main complaint. They make a humming noise when braking in a turn and while it is still under original warranty, I havent had the time to bring the truck in for a look. I would have gotten a Tundra but they dont make many 4.6L engines anymore and I didnt want a 5.7. So overall, a great truck and mine for the next 10+ years.

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  Great car, great value - tight, quiet ride - 2015 Ford Fiesta
  By findbrian - May 15 - 11:44 am

  Sold a 2012 Civic LX to my daughter and bought one of these a few weeks ago for $15,000 (SE model, Magnetic gray). Have about 700 miles on it and the ride is tight over bumps (very solid suspension!), handles and steers great, and is a genuine fun drive. the 120hp engine is pretty peppy all things considered. Averaging 31mpg mixed driving so far, which is about what my Civic gave me. Really a fun car with great exterior styling. Threw a all-around tint job on it and Im done! So far loving this thing. Really saved a chunk off MSRP, as all I wanted was the factory Ford aluminum wheels and the SYNC system, and thats what I got. Fords 0% financing was great as well (interest-free is great).

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  owesome truck! others just cant beat it! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By pinkmelrose - May 14 - 10:16 pm

  i just got platinum on last month and ran 500iles. the style is absolutely gorgeous and people looked at it or turn around their neck easily. may be because its new model. the review said that it may a bit lighter when empty bed, but it isnt. it felt much stabled when i cornered aggresively. it is a most quietest truck ever i drove and driving comfort is just owesome. i owned 2008 chevy and am so glad to switch with this. only thing that i dont understand is why the ford wasnt inspire this f-150 distinctive looks to brand new navigator. if they apply this f-150 looks to navigator, i will buy that one.

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  I usually dont give 5 star reviews - 2008 Ford Edge
  By djscotec - May 12 - 7:22 pm

  Bought my Edge at the beginning of 2009, was a demo with 9000 miles, to this date i just went over 52000 miles. Knock on wood ive had very little problems with the vehicle, mechanically or electronically. the rear tail lights burn out unusually fast, should have a recall on this. the sockets appear scorched. other than that its been basic maintenance on the vehicle. i changed the transmission oil at 50000 miles just to be safe. I also change the oil every 4000 miles with full synthetic mobil 1. the oil still looks good after 4000 miles! the front end seems to be riding hard as of late but it may need some gas struts replaced, most of my miles are city driving and joy riding

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  One Year In and Very Satisfied - 2005 Ford Focus
  By fcaruso213 - May 12 - 8:10 am

  I bought my Focus in February 2014 with 66,000 miles on it. So far, I havent had any issues with this vehicle at all. I am a rather large individual and Im very comfortable in this car. The interior is very spacious and the Focus fits 4 comfortably. So far, I have only had to perform routine maintenance on this car. The gas mileage averages around 32 mpg and is an excellent choice for a daily commute.