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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  Solid Sedan - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By Matt - December 28 - 9:02 pm

  Couldnt be happier! The car rides smoothly with very little outside noise and the cabin is big, comfortable, and reasonably well finished. The trunk is massive also! It is very attractive and surprisingly efficient and powerful. No problems passing and get 21 mpg city/30 mpg hwy but have gotten up to 39 MPG at one point. Handling isnt fun but is very secure and steers right where you want it to.

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  So far so good... - 2015 Ford Focus
  By M M - December 28 - 12:54 am

  Purchased a 2015 Focus Hatchback Titanium with 5-speed manual transmission. Ive driven the car for about 2,000 miles so far and am surprised by the handling and gas mileage. Ive been getting around 35 mpg on the highway which is more than the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero Turbo I traded in. After having so many problems with Dodge and the Auto DDCT I decided to cut my losses and get the Focus. The interior is great and really comfortable during my 100 mile a day commute. Ford has really changed the Focus since the last one I had driven which I believe was a 2001. The interior is somewhat comparable to the feel of my BMW 325i except way cheaper price wise. I guess some people have mentioned some issues with the automatic transmission but the 5-speed manual has been very smooth and havent noticed any issues. Havent tried E85 fuel yet since the price of regular gas isnt much of a difference at the moment and has better MPG. I almost went with a Focus ST but thought I would prefer the luxury feel while commuting 500 miles a week.

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  Wife loves it kids hate it - 2013 Ford Flex
  By Mark - December 27 - 6:56 pm

  Car is wonderful, except third row seat is cramped and hard to access.

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  Best "car" Ive ever owned - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - December 27 - 1:16 pm

  Traded a 2013 Toyota Highlander. First full size pickup Ive owned. The F150 has a smoother ride, is quieter on the road, is much peppier and gets better gas mileage than the Highlander. Its a solid, well built truck with plenty of interior room. Puts SUVs to shame.

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  Tundra no more - 2015 Ford F-150
  By TD - December 27 - 10:28 am

  I have been driving Toyotas for years, four Tundras,the last a 13 platinum great trucks terrible gas mileage, also briefly owned a 2016 limited tacoma terrible truck to drive,comfort,power,drive train,ect..I took a leap of faith and looked at other brands, I test drove a Ram Laramie great truck but was concerned about reliability,drove the new chevy high country with the 6.2 8spd great truck also but a little to square for my taste,and the ride was a little stiff,then I test drove the 15 f150 platinum with the 5.0 the ride was as good as the ram I believed,and maybe even more quite it was getting better mpg than tha 16 tacoma averaged 21.7 driving a 300 mile round trip at 71 mph 6-7 miles per better than the tundra,and a little better than the tacoma I really like everything about this truck if it is as dependable as the Tundras have been then I guess the 16 tacoma could be my last toyota purchase

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  Easy to work on - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Jason - December 26 - 3:28 pm

  My second ranger, bought first one new in 99 and drove it 14 years. This one is AUTO with CC. It was wrecked, but Ive had no issues. The 2.3L is pretty pathetic, but I get 25+ mpg. The parts are cheap and its easy to work on, simple is good. I bought it with 45K in 2010 and put 50K on it. The only thing that broke was the heater/AC fan clicks if not adjusted right after riding on a bumpy road. Ive changed front rotors, breaks and bearings, all the shocks and struts, the rear diff fluid, AT fuild and filter, plugs and wires, and flushed radiator. I did cause a steering pump leak by putting radiator flush in it, but theyre only 60 bucks. It is VERY easy to work on, I am not a mechanic. Ive towed/loaded heavy stuff and ripped up stumps. She will run. Its really small on the inside. Rangers are awesome and reliable.

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  Will not die - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Neil.hutchison - December 25 - 7:19 pm

  I have owned three,my brother three and brother in-law fixes them for resale. We all love them! To many miles on all of them never saw one die! Best combo fuel injection paired with a five speed manual.

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  Very happy after 4,000 miles - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Matt - December 25 - 10:20 am

  I grew up driving a Chevy heavy-half ton and used to tease Ford owners. But Im an adult and decided to buy the best truck regardless of its badge. I have never seen a pickup truck amaze people like this does. Im averaging 21 mpg, my best tank was 23 so far. I do drive it easy, maybe 70% highway but I get into traffic and live in hilly Western PA. The fuel economy is impressive, but this thing has a lot of power, especially out of the gate. My friend was not happy when I bested his GMC v8 two weeks ago. If the aluminium, turbos and auto-start/stop dont impact reliability too much, then this truck has made all the others obsolete. Only time will tell, though I trusted that Ford engineers would do their homework cause their betting the company on it.

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  I love my Edge! - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Pam - December 23 - 3:07 am

  We bought our Edge used with 38,000 miles on it in 2012. It now has 116,600 miles on it, has been cross-country 7 times, up and down mountains, through blinding rain storms, and it has never failed me yet. The only repair weve had to do so far was to replace the windshield washer jets ($20 DIY) and replace the cabin air filter. (When you think the AC isnt working, check the filter.) Its even pulled a fully-loaded 6 x 12 trailer more than 5000 miles with no problem. I wont be replacing it until it just wont run anymore.

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  Amazing rental car great for fleets - 2014 Ford Escape
  By I - December 22 - 11:09 am

  Me and my 7 best friends rented a 2014 Ford Escape SEL 4Dr 1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A in Denver, Colorado. Upon driving out of the rental agency, we were surprised at how much we loved the car. The interior was super super comfortable with plenty of storage and it was perfect for road trips. The electronics were great and the GPS was super helpful. The trunk fit all of our ski equipment which was a lot. Perfect car, I would totally want to own one