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:

• 

  New, at 500 miles I found the front seat very uncomfortable - 2012 Ford Focus
  By wheelman01940 - September 30 - 6:16 pm

  TAKE CARE ... the driver seat can cause leg pain if you are somewhere around a 32 to 36 inch leg . I am 6 ft, 180 lbs, 34 inch inseam (leg) and the drivers seat has a pressure point on the outer upper thigh. I have never experienced anything like this (noticable pain in the left leg) in the Mazda or Toyotas I owned nor did I experience it on any test drive ... if you are interested in the Ford, take it for a 20 minute test drive !!

• 

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IN A 4 CYL - 2012 Ford Escape
  By ewalker2 - September 25 - 10:13 pm

  This car is terrible in a 4cyl. It has no pick up and go from a stopping position. A honda civic can accelerate faster then this SUV. Not to mention this car hold no value. I went to trade it in and I bought this car brand new, it has 9000 something miles, great shape its a 2012 and the dealership offered me 13500. even though i just bought it 9 months ago for 23500. Waste of time and money now Im stuck with a horrible vehicle.

• 

  2006 Ford Fusion SE FWD 4cyclinder SUCKS - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mogulprinceton - September 25 - 6:28 pm

  This car doesnt come with any safety features at all the ABS,Traction Control and Side Air Bags all come in a package group. Electronic Stability Control isnt even a option at all. Handles well but could handle better if it had Electronic Stability Control.

• 

  2013 Escape Not Ready for Prime Time - 2013 Ford Escape
  By ggbear - September 21 - 5:49 pm

  I have owned a 2013 Ford Escape SEL AWD with the 2.0L engine for nearly three months and have driven it for about 4,300 miles. I have had multiple issues with the vehicle since the day of delivery. We chose this vehicle over several others based on reviews, the perception that Ford has turned the corner on quality and seeing at an auto show. We ordered it before any were available for a test drive. Sadly, a potentially great vehicle has been one bad experience after another.

• 

  Would have been better off with a real horse.. - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By themanindbox - September 15 - 5:13 pm

  I purchased a brand new 427R Roush. It was a Beautiful looking car, and a rocket.. But looks fade faster then fords relaibility does. This was my first New american car.. after owning a variety of Honda, Toyota, and Subaru based cars, i figured i would do the American thing and buy an american car.. Well the fact is, it is a Mexican and Canadian car.. Where as my toyotas are more american. At 56K out the door it was a huge disappointment.

• 

  Truck is good value - 1996 Ford F-150
  By fordtruckman45 - September 12 - 5:13 pm

  Bought the truck over a year ago with 80,000 miles. Now got 96,000 miles did some work/maintenance on it. Rust is decent but its old. Told to get a manual cause "thats the only good setup with the 4.9," but i hate shifting that thing. Its slow as hell, and the mpg is about 15 no matter what. The engine is awesome but the M5OD stinks IMO cause it wont last long. Gotta replace all the hydraulic lines, master cylinder, and slave cylinder cause theyre too old and its leaking. Thats about all i gotta do but i cant wait to get a car thats better on gas and aint a pain to shift. Its not really that bad of a truck but I like to vent out about it. ha!

• 

  Shifting/ automatic - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ldouglass - September 6 - 8:02 am

  I bought this car in May of 2012 with only 5 miles on it. At first I loved it but after I hit around 4,000 miles I noticed the car wouldnt shift properly. When I brought it into the dealer they said it was normal for this car. I dont care if it is normal or not. It is dangerous. Sometimes it wont shift very well at all. Hesitating and feels like it will stall at any minute. Hills are the worst, very hard to get up them. I feel this car will cause an accident for some. I dont recommend it. Not only does it spit and sputter shifting up but you can also hear the clunking of the transmission when it shifts down. I have a feeling there will be a recall on this car.

• 

  uncomfortable - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By barryz - September 4 - 12:06 am

  I am only 5 ft 67 in tall, but my right knee is sore from rubbing on center console after a 300 mile drive, hurts even on short drives, and it seems i always hit the windshield wiper stalk to the on position when i get in car, even tho i am aware its there, my arm hits it every time i get in. Automatic trans shifts well and car is smooth and quiet at 80mph.

• 

  Another disappoinment. - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By beeryan78 - August 30 - 2:33 pm

  I have been a Ford man my whole life. However, the last 3 Fords I have owned have been severely problematic. The older Fords we have are excellent and have been a great value(00 Taurus, 02 F150), however, this new Taurus has been a disaster. First, the clearcoat is cracking and the paint on the trunk was poorly executed. Ford has offered to repaint, but I am afraid they will make it worse. Next, the interior materials could be better. I barely rubbed my finger on the faux wood and scratches galore! Ridiculous! Now, and apparently this is a know issue, the trunk(when closed), rubs on the bumper and the paint is rubbing away. Also tearing up the tailight. Unacceptable! My last Ford.

• 

  2008 Edge SEL - 2008 Ford Edge
  By hmayan - August 30 - 10:51 am

  Good car over all. Bought it new and owned it now for 4 years. Pleasant to drive. Interior design is a bit poor. I saw a 2012 model and they made a lot of improvements. Gas millage is worse than advertised which is the biggest drawback for me. I get 16-17 mixed according to computer, from day 1.