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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  Great Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By snyderjam - September 12 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2000. V6 5speed. Its now almost 12 yrs old and what a ride. I will have 200,000 miles on it this month and the only things that I had to have had to fix, besides routine maintenence- Fluid changes, Brakes and Tires- are the water pump and the ignition coil. The v6 with the manual tranny has plenty of power and dose great on the highway. If you need a good dependable truck, this is the one.

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  Total Disapointment!! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By sibonium - September 12 - 6:11 pm

  I cannot recommend this vehicle....at 5900 miles and less than two months old, the automatic transmission failed. During a tire rotation, technician discovered ATF leaking from the tranny. Ford Dealer removed the transmission, replaced forward seals, and a "gear pump". I cant be more specific because Ford worked to a Technical Service Bulletin, but refuses to let me see it or copy it. Car in the shop for 12 days...not what I imagined when I bought it!

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  performance - 2011 Ford Escape
  By llf2 - September 12 - 9:39 am

  My 2011 now had 1800 mi. From the time I took delivery until now it has a vibration when idling in drive waiting for a traffic light. Ive had many 4 cyl cars and never had this problem. I dont know if its a wrong idle speed or maybe a transmission problem. Ill be seeing the dealer soon. I pointed this out to the dealer when I took delivery and he said give it awhile. If he can solvethis problem then Ill be happy.

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  Worst car Ive ever had - 2003 Ford Escape
  By glee222012 - September 11 - 10:03 pm

  I havent even had this car for a good year its at 90,000 miles and since day one ive had numerous problems with it. I had my winshield washer fluid never work along with my cigarette lighter(s) i dont smoke but i would have liked to put a gps in considering me and my husband travel. everytime i turn on my a/c my rpm shoots up and its start this stuttering thing and even after the a/c is turned off it still stutters. i DO NOT get 18 mpg and when i had bought it i was told i was to get 20 mpg i have to put 50 or more in it EVERY WEEK the interior as well as the exterior is falling apart the fabric on the doors are peeling off on each door and the paint is peeling off outside

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  I love my car! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By bayway48 - September 10 - 5:52 pm

  I have been drooling at the new Taurus since it re-emerged in 09. I rented an SEL twice for family trips. However, never thought I would buy one. The Mustang was on top of the list. I bought my Limited back in June. Since then, I have been on a road trip to Oklahoma to visit family and we drove my car the whole time. Couldnt get my sister out of the drivers seat. In July, my brother and I took a 6,000 mile road trip through MO, TN, Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Couldnt get him out of the drivers seat. Bottom line, this is one of Fords finest. Beamers, Lexus, Audi, et al, you have been matched. Everyone wants to race me when I drive to work. I just sit back and smile. Awesome!

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  great truck - 2012 Ford Escape
  By misterbaker - September 10 - 7:15 am

  Just traded my Nissan Pathfinder that was too big and used too much gas as well as being awful on a long trip. The Escape handles well and is very comfortable. Fits 4 adult males comfortably and the 4 cylinder still has plenty of power to move you around. Of course the interior isnt as snazzy as my wifes F-150 Lariat, but hey what do you expect for 25K less?! Overall its my favorite of any vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  A nice place to spend time. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By rich416 - September 9 - 10:47 pm

  So this is a very early review as I only just purchased the veheicle a few days ago. No oter reviews for this year so I figured Id at least get the ball rolling. I purchased the car based on two very positive rental experiences. The interior has very good build quality. Soft touch dash and very comfy seats can be expected. The interior quality is much better than Camry and at least as good or better than Accord. The ride is VERY quiet. The quietest car Ive ever owned and one of quitest cars Ive ever rode in, seriously! Engine is still breaking in so mileage has been about 27-29mpg in mixed rural driving. My rental with 20,000 miles got 35-37mpg on the highway and 29mpg in Yosemite!

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  Disappointed - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bytx71 - September 9 - 5:11 pm

  So very, very disappointed. Ive only had my 2011 Edge a few weeks, but the gas mileage is terrible. While mostly highway miles, Im barely getting an average of 16 mpg. If this continues, the 19/27 mpg as stated by Ford is a gross misrepresentation. While running errands today, I got 11mpg (50/50 highway miles). I feel mislead and deceived.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By 00menace - September 9 - 12:53 am

  Bought it in 2005 with 25K miles. 5 years laters at 85K miles I had the transmission rebuilt, and replaced clutch while I was at it. Now the ignition key lock broke and I cant get the key out! oh well, no one steals Fords anyways. Rubber fell off gas, brake and clutch, plastic off both seats levers, trunk lock sticks in low temperatures but those dont bother me. But that is it, Ive had no engine trouble so far, first battery lasted 9 years!

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  I guess I am not alone - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By danakay - September 8 - 11:58 am

  I went online today to look at transmission costs for my 2006 Explorer and I found this review. I am sitting here feeling a little screwed over right now. I bought the car with less than 20.000 miles on it because I loved my old Expedition which had over 200,000 miles on it. I had no problems with it other than replacing a transmission around 160,000 to be expected. Now,with my Explorer I have had to buy a new radiator (under 100,000 miles), replace a transfer case (under 100,000 miles), and now my transmission is out(120,000). Sadly, these look like common problems. Sorry to say, this is my third Ford and my last one.