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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  Poor - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - October 24 - 2:40 pm

  Lots of problems with Ford these days, sensors issues, cam phasers, and got solenoid problems.

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  Florida tripper - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Cliff - October 23 - 2:44 pm

  We bought this car with 136000 miles and had it 2 weeks and took a 4300 mile trip to Florida. We got great mileage, up wards of 34 mpg, and at 62" I found the car to be very comfortable. Just dont try to sleep in it overnight... The car performed flawlessly, smooth shifting, took mountains like they werent even there. If you are looking for that big car feel GET ONE

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  Get a different car! Fiesta NO lemon YES - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By M. C. - October 23 - 12:40 am

  Do not buy this cute little lemon!!! Recalls recalls recalls !!! And brake trouble, transmission trouble engine light always on , car revs at stop signs the service manager said Im not letting the engine warm up before driving!!! As hot as its been in Southern California thats absurd!!! Im done!! Time for a lemon law lawyer! I took it for a recall repair and they CHARGEd me 300 dollars for a throttle body !!! And threatened to take it back out if I didnt pay! And claimed to give me a 300 dollar Ford discount to offset the 600 dollar price tag!!!! I will NEVER buy another Ford!!! To think I was trying to support American made items!! Well they arent supporting me!! I drive up hill to my house each nite and my car stalls for a few seconds each time!, thats dangerous!! Shall I die for an American made car??? %#Â¥ NO!!! Im done!!! Give me back my Toyota!

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  still new - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By charlie - October 22 - 9:40 pm

  It is hard to rate this car due to low mileage,but I feel good about this car because it replaced a 2008 fusion that replaced a 2006 focus all with the 4 cylinder engine,I am yet to have any failures.They have really made this a nice car,my wife loves it.

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  98 wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mdwalker13@comcast.net - October 22 - 7:39 pm

  Bought used in 1999 with 25,000 miles. Not a lot of power but fun to drive around town. Reliability has been better than average, interior and body/paint have held up well and average 30 - 32 mpg. A great second car and will keep it until it dies.

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  Sporty Fordy - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Pam - October 22 - 3:56 pm

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  only 26000 mi on this 5 yr old auto - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Rodney Martz - October 22 - 6:58 am

  Battery went bad in 37 mo. no warranty! navigation went bad @38 mo no warranty! tires went bad @38 mo. no warranty! sidewalls cracked and Ford would not stand by them! only 19000 mi on the auto Auto was out of warranty. Ford does not stand behind their long time customers time for a change!

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  Lemon - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Sharon Lee - October 21 - 12:03 pm

  I have a 2013 Ford Focus I bought it new. I have had it in to the Ford Garage to fix the shaking and shuttering twice now and here I am a year later having the same issue. I just called the Dealership that I bought it from and they tried to tell me this is "normal"!! Its definitely NOT normal!! Do not buy this car... run as fast as you can away from it!!!

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  Boostn 4! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - October 21 - 8:54 am

  This is my 3rd Mustang that I have ever owned. My first was a 1981 coupe with the in-line 6. My second was a 2000 GT Convertible, slightly modified. I have been shopping an found this gorgeous Race Red with the upgraded wheel option, 2.3 Ecoboost. After looking at the GT and the Ecoboost, tossing around the numbers and scratching my head for my new daily driver. I just could not justify an extra $10-15K for the GT plus its additional costs. Plenty of pull, lots of looks, great mileage for my commuter. It is just my wife and I, so I do not have to worry about back seat usage, we have a 15 Escape Titanium for that.......

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  Perfect? No. Horrible? No. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tim Forman - October 20 - 7:17 pm

  Ive been driving this car for 21 months and 22k miles. I wouldnt mind if it was a bit faster but for most of my driving it does the job. The front-wheel drive is OK. I understand there are better diffs out there with less torque steer and less quirky traction control. At the same time, the quick steering response probably saved my life when someone in front of me did something stupid. Being Seattle, theres a lot of that. The 4 wheel disc brakes have been great. A lot of people are complaining about the auto transmission and I can sympathize. Its pretty bad in stop and go traffic. It behaves just like a manual transmission does if you slip the clutch too much. On the other hand, I can put it in Sport mode and use a slightly heavier than normal foot and it scoots right along. Fuel economy has been pretty good. On long treks I get about 37 mpg. On average, with my Sport mode driving included I get about 27 mpg. Overall? Sure it could be better but considering the class its in, Im satisfied.