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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  Good value - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Mike - October 15 - 5:08 pm

  I bought this vehicle on New Years eve 2014 and at writing have 22,000 on it. I knew I was not buying a high end luxury car and dont try to pretend that it is one. Fuel economy is fair to good (25.3 combined over 22,000, I dont ever reset trip 1) and I am not disappointed although like everyone else Id like a little more. The rear seats are of the "lay flat" design so they are not the most comfortable, that is a trade off in any SUV/CUV with lay-flat back seats. We seldom have back seat passengers and only for a short distance so its no problem. I have put several hundred miles at a time in it and Im big guy @6 / 275, and find the front seat a bit on the firm side but still comfortable. I would like to have a slightly larger fuel tank even if only one or two gallons more. Overall this is a very good vehicle for the price. Its only been in the shop for its oil changes.

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  Great family vehicle! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Kendra - October 15 - 4:39 pm

  Bought my 2012 Ford Explorer as a Certified Pre Owned with 36k miles. Have had the vehicle 8 months now and still love it! Now that we are one of few families in our circle with a 7 passenger vehicle, we end up being "the bus" ... recently had 7 adults on board and even the two in the third row were comfortable and commented on how roomy it was for a third row seat. My 8 year old loves the third row and thinks it is great fun climbing in and out. Things I love: Power liftgate Power folding third row Heated and cooled front seats Great sound system Drives very smooth and quiet (except for windshield hissing/whistling - problem is solved by turning up the music!) Handles great Great rear view camera and backup sensors Looks great Great warranty since I bought Certified Pre-Owned Surprisingly good gas mileage for the size Things that bug me: -Had to have the shifting assembly replaced after getting "shift to park" messages when it was clearly in park. Covered under CPO warranty and I only paid $100, but irritating to have to pay anything for what is clearly a Ford defect, as many people have reported the same problem. -The blind spot takes some getting used to. I have gotten much more adept at using my mirrors because the blind spots on the sides are significant. I couldnt find a used model with BLIS which I gladly would have paid for, so this was a big downfall in the beginning -I hate MyFord Touch. It never works properly. Luckily, I already knew this was an issue from my research prior to purchasing the vehicle so I expected it. Works great for voice climate control and using the phone everything else is pretty much crap. I never use the navigation much easier to plug my iPhone in to the USB and use Google maps. -The dark blue color is very hard to keep clean almost as bad as black. Would have preferred white or silver but when youre buying used you have to take what you can find. Overall I love the vehicle and would buy another. This is the first SUV I have ever owned after years of driving Acura sedans. I actually had my heart set on an Acura MDX until I compared the Ford Explorer and realized I could get just as many features and luxury items for a much lower price. Bonus: its much cheaper to work on since its American made! I was always shocked at the repair costs on my Acuras because the parts were so much more expensive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable SUV with a luxury feel at an affordable cost!

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  poor mileage since recall - 2015 Ford Escape
  By JF - October 15 - 3:06 pm

  I used to get good MPG, 22 in city, 28 highway, ever since the so called recall for who knows what my MPG suck, 17-19 city, 22 highway and I am not a fast start, dime stop driver. What happened, who knows, took to dealer and their test says overall 22mpg, that SUCKS. I have 9000 miles on this car and why did it drop, well Ford claims it is not due to the recall, I disagree 100% as it happened after the update. Wont be buying another Ford, and this is my 2nd Escape, first one was a LEMON, had it 5 weeks and was in shop every week. Ford in my opinion is 100J% WRONG, I asked them to remove the update considering it can be done, it is a computer they do it to and they mouth off about some stupid government law saying they cant do it. So be careful if you expect to get good mileage, you will not. I cannot give high marks for anything because of poor miles per gallon after the recall. The information below is good except for zip code, will not allow me to enter mine and the miles, I have 8,800 miles

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  Transmission Problem Fixed! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Brian - October 15 - 11:08 am

  We own a 2013 Focus SE & Focus Titanium - both have had the transmission problems as many have experienced. A few weeks ago my dealer informed me of the TCM recall for both - had them both done and car shifts and drives 110% better - I can squeal the tires on take off (huge improvement from the sluggish, hesitant shifting between 1st & 2nd gear).

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  )ver all GREAT TRUCK - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Scott - October 15 - 1:36 am

  Very fuel effishent and does what it should do for a truck of this size, and will even do what it shoudnt beable to do. I have polled a trailer with 4000lbs of wood with another 1000lbs of wood in the back and have towed it 50mi with alot of up hill and it did slow on the hills but for the amount of weight I was moveing it does awsome and it has never let me down yet.

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  LOVE IT!!!!!!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Darius - October 15 - 1:15 am

  It is hard to replace this car... we test drove the brand new 2015 Honda CRV, Subaru XV, Toyota Rav4... this 2007 Edge is better then those b-new ones... Had it for 6years, no problems... replaced batery, brake shues... This car changed my opinnion about Ford...

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  Best Bang for the Buck ever - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By john Aronhalt - October 14 - 4:34 pm

  My kids have gotten a little older, so I got my 4th Mustang after a 10 year break. I picked up a used black GT convertible for a VERY reasonable price, and couldnt be happier so far. You really cant beat all you can get out of this car for a VERY affordable price. I got mine for under 15K in perfect condition and under 60K miles. I get more positive comments while out and about than cars I have owned that cost 35K plus. Sure, this car has its drawbacks such as a rough ride, no storage space, clunky shifting, etc. I am assuming people who want a refined car with good manners dont want a Mustang, this is a good old fashion V8 rear wheel drive muscle car. You buy it for fun, and it delivers!

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  A nice upgrade - 2015 Ford Edge
  By JHouston - October 14 - 2:44 pm

  Traded in our 2012 ford escape for the new 2015 edge. We actually own a SEL 6 cyl. (But the review wouldnt give me the option). Its a responsive engine, Doesnt feel sluggish. We still arent getting great MPG. But I suppose thatll come the more we break it in. Has a few blind spots, but thats to be expected with any vehicle... its still easy to maneuver. Easy to see out of. I test drove the hyundai santa fe sport and it doesnt even come close to the edge! The edge feels more sturdy. I feel itll last a long while! We have a 4 yr old and its easy for her to get in and out of the vehicle, she has plenty of room in the back and she loves the cup holders that come down from the back middle seat. We unfortunately havent taken it on a long drive thats over 2 hrs. But so far the front seats seem comfortable for both me and my husband. We are loving it! Love the close tailgate button.. very handy for me only being 53. My only concern is the material they used around the cupholders. It seems to scratch very easily. But other than that, we are very happy with our purchase and plan to keep it for years!!

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  Lemon! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Sara - October 14 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle Ive ever owned, and Ford has been the worst automobile manufacturer Ive ever dealt with. The car has all of the transmission problems others have noted: shuddering between 1st and 2nd gear, sometimes failing to shift at all, and now a sudden apparent shift into neutral while driving, which will not resolve until the car is shut off and then turned back on some time later (maybe a few seconds, maybe minutes, maybe longer). Ford has told us all of these things: 1. "The car is designed for European drivers." 2. "It functions as designed." 3. "We couldnt duplicate the problem, so we had to charge you a $50 diagnostic fee." 4. "We know whats wrong with it but we have to jump through a million hoops and wait for Ford to get it fixed." Im ready to get rid of this car. There is an extended warranty, but the car cannot be permanently fixed despite multiple repairs, it is not safe to drive, Ford wont help and wont acknowledge that the car does not function well. Ill NEVER have another Ford.

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  V6 6speed - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Taylor - October 14 - 11:39 am

  I am the second owner of my car, I got it for a fair price for a base V6. I have no bluetooth or navigation but there are buttons for them on my radio. I went to the dealership to ask if i could have the Bluetooth connect ability put in the car, they said they could put something aftermarket and have a sensor on my dash for around 400 bucks, i was not pleased with this response and needless to say I wont have that installed. Other than that there is an auxiliary hook up in the center console but no smooth way to have my phone out of the compartment attached with to the cord.