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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  Update after the end of summer - 2003 Ford F-150
  By smoo4asw - October 16 - 2:23 pm

  We are still loving our F-150, so much we paid the money to get a second ignition key programmed and we also committed to buying 4 new tires and updating the spare tire. Suffice it to say we spent $600 on new tires and were now stuck with it, which is all the better since we are really fond of it. My son gets very stressed when I take the F-150 to work and leave him with the 20 year old (and with us for all that time) Ranger, which is a bit disconcerting. But thats what you have to accept in order for him to be happy.

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  You gotta love the Taurus! - 2014 Ford Taurus
  By dismi - October 13 - 2:57 pm

  Ive had my Taurus for 6 mos and I love it! Nothing negative to report!!

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  My dream car!!! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By amadisily - October 8 - 4:24 pm

  I bought this car in 99 after my previous one was totaled. It was a great value. At the time it only had 36K miles. Now it is at 308.6K! It still drives well but must retire. It has a tiny oil leak, but just started leaking radiator fluid from the engine and just sprung a gas leak. All in the past 4 months (3K miles). So, Id say this car is AH-MAZING! I keep routine maintenance on the car, but I drive it like the sport car it is. It has held up royally! I still see them all over town, so I know they are great cars. But its time to retire it and move on to a newer car. *sniff*

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  Wont Stop Running - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By carrie77 - October 6 - 3:46 pm

  I bought my 2011 in 2012 it was a program vehicle. I love it and up until this year I had no issues. In May 2014 when I removed my key from the ignition the car motor was still running. I was able to put the car in gear and drive with the key in my hand. My husband pulled the battery cable to get the car to shut off. I called the local Ford Dealership and took the car in to check it over. They told me it was a bad battery, so I replaced the battery. In September 2014 the car started doing the same thing again. I took the car back to the same Ford dealership and they called the Ford Hotline and was told it was a valve. $88 later and my car still will not shut off, we have to pull fuses.

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  2002 SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By dom52 - October 6 - 12:05 am

  This car replaced my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero and i couldnt be happier. I bought this car at 179,000+ as of late last year and up until now i have added 5,000+ miles. This car is equipped with the Duratec 30 engine, and the AX4N automatic transmission. Both are in pristine condition and show no signs of failing. Appropriate driving habits and maintenance, this car will last. Change the oil frequently(use whatever is shown on the oil cap), change filters, etc. and this car will be reliable. Another tip: Use the E brake(a peddle with a handle release) before setting the car in Park, less stress on the transmission.

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  Still young with under 400 miles on the vehicle - 2014 Ford Escape
  By james_p - September 28 - 10:55 am

  With me medically retiring from the military and getting a service dog, it was time to retire our Suzuki SX4 for something bigger, and with us moving to Maine it had to have AWD. We had looked at Subarus but the Ford dealer was able to give us a substantial discount to make this less than a Subaru, so we bit. Wonderful little SUV, love the way that the AWD starts out in AWD and shifts to FWD as you are cruising. Fuel econ has been great, and the kids are comfortable in the rear, with the dog in the back it fits us perfectly. Going to have to do a few trips to get her to 1k miles before we move to tow a trailer, but that should not be an issue with how nice she drives. Will do an update.

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  Very Smooth & Sporty - 2014 Ford Focus
  By bogs2000 - September 28 - 3:07 am

  Im so happy that I decided to buy this car. It is very smooth, nimble, agile, and sporty. The titanium hatchback model could compare to most of expensive luxury sub compact European cars. You feel very stable when driving this car specially on tight turns. With only 2.0 engine, it feels very strong and the car can accelerate much quicker compare to other sub compact cars with the same engine size.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By shawm - September 26 - 9:08 pm

  I bought my baby new and it has 230,000 miles on it. No major problems, only routine maintenance (tires, batteries, brakes, oil changes, tune ups) over 15 years. I had to replace the heater/A/C diverter door at 227,000 miles at a cost of $237.00 at a body shop and now the park lights wont turn off after replacing the battery. Those are minor issues. Its in the shop now and regardless of cost, it will be repaired and Ill continue to drive it. It still looks great inside and out. I love it! I recently purchased a new car due to the high mileage and I hope my new Nissan (not a SUV) is as dependable. Would have purchased another Expedition, but I dont like the new body style.

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  FORD Focus Electric Super Batteries - 2013 Ford Focus
  By eaa - September 26 - 7:40 pm

  I have had a FORD Focus Electric for 2 years now. In the Phoenix heat most batteries loss capacity from the extreme heat. The FFE seems to have beat that with their Tesla like liquid cooled battery pack. I have not lost even 1 % by checking with my SCAN GAUGE from Linear Logic in the OBD2 port .

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  13 XLT SuperCrew, 5.6 Bed, 3.5L turbo Ecoboost, OUTSTANDING - 2013 Ford F-150
  By atwowheelguy - September 22 - 7:54 pm

  13 XLT SuperCrew, 5.6 short bed, 3.5L Ecoboost, 3.55 axle, tow package (not Max Tow), 2WD Purchased new 3/13. 40k miles in 19 months. 18.6 Total mpg so far, including over 10K miles towing a trailer. 24.4 mpg Hwy 17-19 mpg City 16 mpg Towing 6x14 enclosed trailer with GCVW of 9,800# (From GA to and through CO and back, twice, 9000 miles), 12.5 mpg Towing 27 RV toy hauler camper GCVW of 12,900# Power is outstanding while towing. Lots of torque at low rpms, nice and quiet and comfy. Only repair was resurfacing front brake rotors. NO intercooler problems. I am on a 5K mile oil change interval with the Motorcraft Semi-Syn.