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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  I bought two of them. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Michael Drummonds - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  For those who say dont buy this car, you are off the mark! All you have to do is take it to Ford to have the clutches replaced! I did on my wifes 2013 SE sedan at about 40k miles on it! We like this car so much, I bought a 2013 Certified Pre-Owned Focus SE Hatchback for my 18 year old daughter yesterday! The Sync system is second to none! To those who say, Dont buy a Ford, get over yourself! BTW, they both get 33 MPG in town and 41 MPG on highway. Again, second to none! Once you have the clutches done its a great car!

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  Could be better - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By vocomchris - March 12 - 9:50 am

  Everything about this car yells Granpa or Granma. The truth is it has every safety feature out there that you want for your kids. That is why I got one. The problem is design flaws that allow for road trash to rip the fuel line off the bottom of the car. This happened to me. Some other annoying things are that it tends to accelerate while at a complete stop. It is akin to the Toyota problem. Then there are the brakes that dont seem to last more than 15k miles. I find the car has potential but just shy of four years the problems are starting to come out of hiding. It has soured me to Ford.

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  Ford has finally done it - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By AKLB05 - March 10 - 11:30 pm

  I bought Fusion SEL V6 this month and have already put 700 miles on it. All I can say is I absolutely love the car. Great styling, comfortable ride, and nice engine transmission combination. So far I have been getting 22.3 mpg in city/highway driving which isnt too bad. I only have one complaint and thats trying to backup and looking out the rearview mirror, it can be very difficult.

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  Look Again: 2002 Ford Taurus SEL Premium - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By BullFan - March 10 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a brand-new Liquid Grey 2002 Taurus SEL Premium with every option (except the rear spoiler). Looking through the reviews posted across the web it appears that consumers that choose to buy the SEL are better satisfied than those who purchase a lower model Taurus. Approaching 12,000 miles I too am thrilled with the safety, interior design, comfort and elegance of the bull. The Mach audio system is a good choice (relative to the standard audio setup in the Taurus).

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  Fun Car / Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cip - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it i am in love with this car dont tell my wife it is very practicle in every way i have the 2003 Premium One Loaded it is great!

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  Great Ride - 2001 Ford Focus
  By f-fan - March 10 - 2:00 am

  After fifteen months of ownership of this Focus, I can report no major problems with this car. The build quality of this car is first rate and the material used are similar to ones used in much more expensive cars that I have seen. Good job Ford!

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  Just upgraded and happy as a lark! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Roarmeister - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car with # of annoying problems and a history of engineering problems. 11 recalls, but only ONE had any impact. Problems -Paint chips -Trunk release -Rubber Trim pieces loose -Leaves got into air intake causing a burning leaves smell -Clutch return spring causing shifing problems -Plastic air dam panel came loose -Drivers door power actuator broken -Door panel broken -Inaccurate fuel gauge readings -Brakes started to make strange wear noises at around 24k, due to the type of material Ford used. Brakes could not always depress the pedal 100% but this had no affect the stopping action -Drivers headrest would not stay in place but would constantly "ride up"

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  Best Value in Class - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bob K - March 10 - 1:13 am

  Purchased a Sport AWD fully loaded. Great looking car and with the latest technology. Certainly fun to drive with excellent handling and power. Mileage great too, nearly 27 mpg on a 700+ mile trip at speeds averaging 75-80 mph. Looked at 3-series BMW, Audi A4, Acura and Infiniti G37-- all at least $10-15K more with the G37 only one having more power. Best buy in this class especially after rebates. Ford got this one right!! Final thought: Many buyers would not think of looking at a Ford, so they pay dearly for the import name and eventually the high maintenance.

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  not a hot rod - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By smitty smith - March 9 - 7:49 pm

  no trunk space ...can not lock the glove box ... the colors in dash to blending.. not enough storage space

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  What a surprise! - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By basilc - March 9 - 2:45 pm

  Its been more than thirty years since I last bought an American made car and Im so glad that Ford designed and brought to market the C-Max Energi. The car is a technological marvel. Besides the excellent mileage and the ease it runs between EV and gas modes, the car is actually fun to drive. The innovations that Ford has introduced, along with the smart features this car possesses, makes it a great way to travel. The car is well made, has great visibility, a quiet cabin, and lots of appointments that came standard. I have investigated many brands and models and found none that offer what the C-Max Energi offers.