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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  Reliable and fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By carlos1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I was somewhat dubious about the Focus after reading certain comments about earlier models but after 6 months and 11000 miles Ive had no problems at all. Drives very well, feels sturdy and looks good (hatchback.) So far it seems like a really good deal. More fun to drive than the Japanese competition.

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  Good choice - 2004 Ford F-150
  By pvsagent - May 11 - 2:00 am

  After convincing myself that the new f- 150 was a nice looking truck, I still had to get over the idea of not being a huge Ford fan for years. However, after taking a test drive, I was sure that this truck was unlike any other Ford or even more...a truck. Having the ride like a car, but serving the purpose of a pick-up you simply cant go wrong. Im so happy to have bought this vehicle and the fact that I have very few complaints makes it even more satisfying.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Deaertrat - May 10 - 1:10 pm

  All I can say is wow! Ford has finally done it, they have just built a great car. Gas mileage is great I get an average 35 mpg combined driving. Minimum road noise smooth ride and great handling. Engine is quite peppy for a four cyl and I have no problem passing other cars. If you are looking for a new car buy this one and forget about the imports. Way to go Ford.

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  Great Minivan!!! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By TexMorgan - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our van new and have owned it for 4 years now. This is a great driving vehicle! Plenty of power and a very smooth ride with decent handling. Good quality materials inside and out. We have had very few maintenance issues other than normal wear/tear items (brake pads/rotors turned twice). Purchased an extended warranty after mfg warranty expired just in case. (Would recommend for anyone buying used) You get alot of vehicle for the money in my opinion. Highly recommend!!

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  dependable and sporty - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By james stevens - May 10 - 10:00 am

  all around good little truck

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Endi - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is impressive. It is comfortable and handles like a pro in bad Colorado weather. It does seem a little top heavy and drives like a "truck", but this isnt terribly annoying since I indeed purchased a utility vehicle. The Firestone issue makes me leary, but I think overall it was blown out of proportion. Highly recommended.

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  Escape Review - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ebcobra93 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Fortunately, I like the looks and drivability of this car a lot. Two months after purchasing, I had to get the transmission replaced. Only problem with the Escape. Love the car.

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  Ford cant build or fix their cars! DONT DO IT! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By McGovern - May 10 - 7:33 am

  I have brought my brand new vehicle in at least seven times(probably more) in roughly two years. That is absolutely unacceptable for a new car. I have outlined the major issues below that Ive brought my vehicle into the dealership for. I cant trust this car to be reliable in the future, would you? At this point, I am fed up and on the verge of trading this car in and I will never recommend Ford to anyone. The regional area managers keep referring me back to their dealerships and they cant seem to correct the numerous issues with their product. All Ive gotten from Ford is a Premium Care Extended Service Plan for 5yrs 75k for all of this....thanks for nothing! Theres obviously issues with Ford and their designs/quality. The 635f transmission on this especially look it up it shouldnt even be out there but shows how much they care. Heres the list of my troubles with this: On February 5, 2015 - My vehicle was leaking transmission fluid at 6,412 miles. The front axle shaft assembly needed to be replaced. February 21, 2015 - Transmission was making a grinding noise, shifts rough randomly usually 1st to 2nd, flares shifting when cold, slams into gear from park to reverse randomly.(said couldnt reproduce problem) May 16, 2015 - Weather stripping on rear door was loose and the p/s wheel well cover was loose due to missing pins. June 16, 2015 - Light sensor was inoperable at 9,255 miles. (had them check transmission for same above...same answer) July 11, 2015 - Brought vehicle in for power steering recall. Mileage display faded in areas when hot inside (had them check transmission for same above...same answer. Now also cant replicate mileage display problem....) Feb 20th - Rear headliner hanging down.The audio speaker on the passenger side makes a vibrating noise during certain bass frequencies. The dealership disconnected it and then plugged it back in and they were not able to correct the issue. Reset ACM for trans helped for about one week...... May 7th - Passenger side speaker now sounding consistently terrible when wet and cold. Speaker was replaced. (had them check transmission for same above...same answer. Now also cant replicate mileage display problem....) I may have forgotten some of the pointless visits but as you can see 7 here that are legit things that had to be fixed and Im at around 16,000 miles and I still have issues lingering especially this jerky transmission they say is fine. Says it all....

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  Transmission and starter problems - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By AL - May 10 - 7:03 am

  At about 1000 miles the automatic transmission started slipping. Ford does not know how to fix the problem. At about 2000 miles the starter motor at times does not engage the engine and at times it will not disengage after the engine starts. A Ford representative suggested trading the car in. The car now has 2600 miles and my wife is scared to drive her new car.

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  Sweet With Some Glitches - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Dennis Toomey - May 10 - 6:25 am

  First of all, the car looks great. Performance is sweet with the 2.0 Turbo with 240 horsepower. No trouble passing. I love not having to take the key out of my pocket to start the car, open the trunk, or lock the doors. Negatives: Im 6 ft. tall and bang my head when I get in. Not a good design for a family sedan. The glove box is poorly designed. You have to move stuff around just to shut it and its not very big. The Ford Touch screen sucks. Turns on by itself, and very distracting and frustrating trying to adjust heat and cool up and down by pointing your fingertips on a + or - sign. Give me old school round knobs that I can turn left or right. The trunk is long but not high enough to make loading any amount of luggage or cargo practical. Thete are no daytime running lights and a rear window wiper would sure be nice. All in all a decent car but Ford needs to think of driver ease and practicality a lot more.