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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  Take care of my escape and he takes care of me - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tish - October 2 - 9:07 pm

  Its very reliable I can say damn good on gas Ive grown to love my escape and I dont want another vehicle out there! I replaced the transmission in 2014 which cost me $2000... I was told that the 06 ford escape was the best engine ford has built and yep 5 years strong soon to be 10years old at almost 170,000 miles miner repairs here and there Ive learned how to do them myself!

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  Fab Ford Fusion - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Larry Schulz - October 2 - 9:41 am

  This is my second Ford Fusion. The 2015 is incredible. Has all the bells and whistles, except moon roof (which I never use anyway). The 4 cyl eco-Boost engine is really peppy. So far my mileage in city is 25.9. Have had no issues with the car at all. Easy access from the drivers seat with the memory seat function. Back up camera a plus, and the electronics in this car with Microsoft Sync is terrific. The Sony sound system is awesome as well. Truck space is great with the fold down rear seats has a lot of room. 18" wheels make for a commfortable ride. This is a great bang for the buck.

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  2nd vehicle and loving it! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By frank nunez - October 2 - 1:38 am

  Got my 99 explorer in febuary of 2013 with only 97**** miles and now towards the end of 2015 with 104*** still running strong with the 5.0 engine. Plenty of room for my wife and 2 kids and you wouldnt believe how much stuff we hauled with this,better then a pickup. Truck has been very reliable with the only maintenence done to it has been buying a new set of tires when got it,got rear and front brakes replaced and one time car did not start thought it was the starter had it checked out wasnt the problem,turned out to be the pulley that wasnt allowing it to crank replaced and nothing since. Got a MagnaFlow exhaust which makes it sound beasty,I leave Hondas in the dust! See other reviews of them pushing to 200*** plus miles and taking care of this bad boy hoping to keep em around to get him there.

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  Be prepared for repairs - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jason Lee - October 1 - 10:02 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion 2010 after reading the great reviews from Edmunds. After 5 years, Ive already had to deal with 3 repairs (replace engine fan, faulty belt tensioner, driver side door broken). The car has never been in an accident, driven 100% in Northern California where the weather is great (never falls below freezing) and garage kept overnight. I am extremely disappointed that the car has had these issues and its only been 5 years where as my 10 year old Mazda 3 has still yet to have any repairs.

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Frank - October 1 - 6:52 pm

  This car is the 2013 Fusion Titanium with the 2.0 Turbo charged engine and 6 speed auto transmission. The car has been trouble free, the only item which required service other than routine maintenance is a rattle in the area of the sun roof. The dealership located the problem, a loose screw and fixed it no problem. It currently has 29,300 trouble free miles on it. We have driven it in a range of conditions and it has performed well. It gets about 32mpg on the highway and considerably less around town as my wife is a bit of a lead foot.

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  Work car doesnt work - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Average Joe - October 1 - 3:22 am

  My employer purchased a fleet of escapes as patrol vehicles. Seats are garbage, shape of it hurts the lower back, cant sit like a normal human. Not enough space between door and center console to sit without my equipment on, let alone with a full rig. Feels like Im sitting on concrete. Armrests are non existent. Need to have the window down in winter to have somewhere for my arm. Fuel economy? 8mpg. Had the car 3 months, spent half its life being repaired. Stay away. Get a Toyota!

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  ac texas - 2010 Ford Escape
  By tra - September 30 - 4:16 pm

  Garage kept 2010 air conditioner blows hot then a squirt of cold texas and 22,000 miles cheap cheap cheaply made

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  Gas pedal get stuck and Transmission shakes - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Red Ford Focus Se - September 30 - 1:20 pm

  I bought a Brand New red 2014 Ford Focus Se this early April 2015. It had 22 miles on it when I purchased it. Anyway, now its a vehicle from hell. The Gas pedal gets stuck when I try to accelerate at any speed and when I put my foot on the gas pedal the car shakes. Ibe been in for service over 3x. I took it the Elder ford dealership and they its the transmission programming. Smh Also, the a/c sucks it doesnt blow out cold. And its an part from under the front passenger side under the seat that is just sitting there like they forgot to finish putting the car together! I feel like I got a Lemon. I really want my money back or get another Ford Focus with less problems.

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  I LIKE THIS CAR - 2015 Ford Edge
  By joe - September 30 - 11:44 am

  The Edge is a comfortable, quiet car with good pickup and a smooth ride. I like the technology, it was easy for me to learn. Im still getting use to the backup camera, this is a great feature but does take some getting use to. So over all I like the car and I am looking forward to many years of service form it.

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  Ford Motor Corp - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By mammie J Holloway - September 30 - 9:15 am

  Recalls this car is very unsafe for your family. Ford motor corp just want you to for get about the recalls. Rockwall Ford motor took care what corp would let them do. I ready dont think this car is safe two doors has came open while on the road my daugther could have been kill thanks to Rockwall ford that care for people to help me. The only think I wanted from Corp was to buy the car back and gave me a save one. That didnt work.