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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  Rons Review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ron Jean - June 23 - 2:00 am

  For the most part the new f150 is a fine truck. My main complaint is that they droped the ball matching this motor with this truck.I find it very slugish on the lower end of the power band. The truck i traded in had a 4.2 6 cylinder with 110000 miles and it still had more bottom end tourque. They need to put more horsepower under the hood!!!!!

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  Avoid Ford -- especially this one - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fixed_or_repaired - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Were 3 months from end of 3 year lease and want to return it now; 38000 mi, leased at 15000/year. Broke again last week. $2 spark plug, $167 fix; took vehicle into leasing dealership every scheduled maintainence. Ford replaced entire transmission; leaving a parking lot, transmission died. mechanics found lots of "ground up metal"; theyve replaced steering column twice, most of the front suspension twice, plus an innumerable HOST of "minor" problems (rear heater control died, mechanic said "due to some bare wires"). The rear window has a low frequency rattle; the steering now has a dead spot after they "fixed" it twice. After 35 years, Ive bought my last Ford.

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  Owner - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Lee - May 28 - 3:16 am

  Rear axles went bad 2 months after warranty was past, but less than 36,000 miles. The car was on recall for this problem if it was a fleet vehicle, but not for a private owner. Rotors went out of shape at 39,500 miles. Wind noise around the front doors at highway speeds. Its interesting that Ford now gives longer warrantys for the same car. Is Ford hurting? No more Fords for me

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  2003 was a bad year for Focus. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jerome Barry - May 27 - 5:46 pm

  I bought mine used at 19,000 miles, and have had it for 13 months now. The drivetrain has performed well, except for the 1-2 shift issue appearing at sudden brief stops. I dont typically drive that way, so its not a problem. My problems have included the windshield wiper motor control, which had to be replaced, the cruise control, which had some connector that had to be replaced, the remote control trunk latch, which had to be replaced and even then had to be taken back and adjusted to proper operation, and the ignition cylinder, which caused a short and had to be replaced. All told Ive had the vehicle in the shop 6 times in a year for warranty repair and re-repair.

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  I regret getting this car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By joe shmoe - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Let me just get over the good stuff first.Pretty nice-looking car from the outside and smooth ride...Thats it! This car is SLOW. And talk about a POS engine: a 3.0 liter V6 that ONLY makes 155hp?! thats ridiculous, only 52 hp per liter. The interior looks as if Ford designers TRIED to make it look cheap. It handles terribly and feels like its going to fall apart above 70 MPH. My wife was car shoping and test drove the taurus only because she thought it was pretty. The day after, she brought me to the dealer and we bought the car. She rushed into it and now she hates the car too. The car was only $19,000, so I guess you get what you pay for eh?

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  Disappointed - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ickaris - May 17 - 4:04 am

  I purchased the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE in June of 2014 and have since driven 9,000 miles. To be fair, I do think the ride is fine. It has decent leather, and appearance. But to be blunt, you will not get 47 mpg city/highway in normal conditions. Driving uphill, against the wind, or with the heater or AC turned on. It will all draw more power than it can keep charged. I was sitting in a drive through waiting on my food and was watching what happened with a fully charged battery. The electric mode would not engage with the heater running. I always have a 97%-100% brake score and watch my acceleration trying to improve efficiency. I have reached up to 60 mpg on 3 mile trips, and have also h

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  Transmission Silliness - 2012 Ford Focus
  By backindasaddle - May 15 - 7:16 pm

  Just got a 2012 Focus Hatchback SE. Company car, no choice in the matter. No options except for the 6 speed automatic tranny. I like the car and think build quality is very good. Ive now got about 2 weeks driving and 1300 miles or so on it. There is one thing that I really dont like. The 6 speed auto transmission. Its not that its bad. It actually shifts nice and firm and I like the idea of 6 gears. The problem is the shift point programing. It just shifts to higher gears so quickly and wont drop a gear to accelerate unless you mash the gas pedal. The programers set it up to maximize gas mileage but ridiculously at the expense of drivability. Absolute foolishness.

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  Safety! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By fordcrap1 - May 14 - 7:38 am

  I am the original owner. I got a powersteering failure when it reached 38000 miles, immediately after 3 year/36000 miles warranty.I had it fixed with $850 from Ford Dealer with OEM parts. Six months later, power steering failed again with the exact same problem. Not recommended.

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  Unhappy with interior redesign - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Carolyn Walker - May 12 - 2:47 am

  I drove a 2007 Ford Edge until I purchased my 2015 Ford Edge. Overall both have been great cars as far as fuel efficiency and smooth ride, however, I do have complaints about each. The 07 had very little range of motion for the AC vents, which could not be completely closed off and could not be directed off the passenger seat which meant traveling with my husband I had to keep a heavy blanket in the front seat as he likes the AC cold. The seats were not comfortable, especially the middle back seat; VERY hard. I couldnt wait to get my new Ford Edge and immediately, on the test drive, discovered that the seats were far more comfortable than the 07 and the AC vents had full range and could be closed off completely. Thank you Ford! Unfortunately for everything Ford fixed, I discovered other nuisance problems: 1)the storage in the door, where I keep my water bottle - because of the contoured design of the door handle, I cannot easily remove the water bottle without bumping into the contoured handle, causing the bottle to slip from my hands an spill on the floor, and I am a small person, with small hands; 2)the convenient tray in front of the gear stick in the 07, which was the perfect place for me to place items while driving to work (about 4 x 6 or so)- cell phone, vitamin container, office keys, is no longer there so NO place to set my stuff; 3) the center console and cup holders are now so far back that for a shorter person like me, I cannot grab a cup from the cupholder or open the console with my right hand as it is all set too far back. I have to reach over with my left hand while driving to pick anything up from the cupholders. En the 07 the cupholder was beside the gear stick, not behind it and the armrest was in a comfortable proximity to the seat; 4) the door handle, 07 design was a closed handle so if I wanted to drop a small item - paperclip, Tylenol, whatever, for ease in grabbing quickly - is open now so NO tiny, convenient little door storage. I realize all these may seem petty, but they made enough difference in my daily travel routine that I will NOT be purchasing another Ford Edge not do I plan to keep this one for any length of time!

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  Good not great. - 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  By fredbt - May 11 - 4:08 pm

  Much nicer to drive than any other van Ive owned, good suspension, quiet and better gas mileage, though I only get 19 or 20 mpg. The latter probably because I carry about 500 pounds and most of my driving is in Los Angeles. I badly need a back up camera because the van has a ridiculous design flaw, the handle on the rear gate is level vertically with the rear bumper face so if there is an unseen wall or pole they both make contact at the same time. The bumper should stick out at least 2 inches more.