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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  fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Shane Paradis - September 24 - 9:54 pm

  fun to drive, just be sure to buy the one with the ztec engine. the spi is slow and unreliable

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  2002 Ford F1 50 Super crew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - September 24 - 9:45 pm

  I recently just bought a 2002 Ford F1 50 super crew with the four-wheel-drive package I have had to Chevys before I got this ford am really miss my Chevys right now this ford as one of the worst vehicles I have ever had its a great-looking truck and it is very comfortable to drive it but it breaks down a least once a week its got a good bit of power in the pools very good but it is very Hard to work on tight squeezes everywhere you work this would definitely be the last Ford I ever bye List of things I have had break on me in the past two months the truck has 240,000 miles on it and I have had driveshafts snap on me Ive had Motor mounts break on me Ive had the rear differential started leaking all of a sudden I have had so many problems with the exhaust manifolds leaking Ive had to replace the valve covers Ive had to replace spark plugs in the coral packs and then I drove the truck today and for some reason the thing is shaking really bad Im not really sure why its doing it I think the four-wheel-drive might be fixing to lock up but dont know other than that I really recommend getting a Chevy or a Toyota I would stay for away from ford And whats crazy is when I bought this ford I bought it six hours away from where I live but I drove it for six hours straight pool one of my Chevys back on a car trailer and I didnt have any problems out of the Ford the minute I get home Ive had breakdowns ever cents

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  Ford F-150 Supercrew review - 2011 Ford F-150
  By Collin - September 24 - 7:07 pm

  The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular cars or trucks out on the road in the past few years. I was lucky enough to purchase one a few years ago. I am a proud owner of the Ford F-150 Super Crew. The Ford F-150 Super Crew is one of the best trucks I have ever had the chance to drive. The pure size of the truck makes it that much better to haul equipment or even supplies for the job that you are working on. It can hold a lot of equipment for any sport you want to play. When choosing a truck you always need to look at the durability. With the F-150 and its Steel frame it’s durability is top of the class in regards to trucks. Since purchasing this truck in 2011 we have had no issues with it. The only thing we have brought it in for was for its regular oil change. We have a cabin in the North Woods of Michigan and it takes a beating up there but has never failed on us or had anything break because of it. There are many uses for the Ford F-150. I mainly use it for moving around college and hauling my dirt bikes and ATV’s around when trying to find places to ride. My dad, his two brothers, and their uncle use it for hunting when I am not using it. It has done wonders for their hunting trips being able to carry all the decoys and guns that they have when they go. All five of them fit comfortably in the truck and they are all over 6’2”. When hauling a trailer behind it, it feels like there is nothing back there. When looking at the truck one of the bad things about it would be that the fake chrome on the handles is starting to peel off so it looks cheap when it does. Another would be the cost to fill up the massive 32-gallon tank. Some of the pros are that it is the most reliable truck/car I have ever owned. In conclusion the Ford F-150 would get 5/5 stars in my book. For the beating that my family and myself has put it through it has yet to have anything happen to it, which is exactly, what you want in a truck.

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  ownership 2015 Ford Explorer - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Vaughn Vitez - September 24 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased new, a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited. This is my 18th Ford Vehicle, my second Ford SUV. Fords just keep getting better. Im a 64 male driver, and have no complaints with this SUV. Entry and exit is roomy and once inside, seat belted in, Im very comfortable in the leather, air and heated individual seats with great visibility in front, side, and rear windows. Driving position is comfortable and all the limited features are very nice. Climate control, adjustable seat, steering wheel, foot pedals, window controls and center console covered storage bin are well placed and well thought of. The driver position of all controls can be set to three other drivers without having to readjust driver positions from one person to another person. When the engine is shut-off, the drivers seat automatically retracts for easier exiting. The voice activated controls is well received for driver control. The radius monitoring keeps a watch full "eye" of objects surrounding the vehicle. The adaptive cruise control keeps Explorer at a safe set distance between the other vehicle in front. Also, the cross traffic collision avoidance system is a great aid. Entertainment system with either stereo or surround sound is so appreciative of those that enjoy listening to music as music was intended to be heard. Surround sound is the way to go using the benefits of the 12 speakers placed strategy through-out the vehicle. The driver alertness monitoring signal sets off a tone to advise the driver to pull off and take a break when it detects less driver alertness. The new 2015 Ford Explorer is a well defined vehicle for driver and passenger enjoyment. The engineers at Ford have put the driver and safety to the top of the "list" of ownership and drivability of the 2015 family member of Ford. I forgot to mention how quiet the interior is on all types of road pavements. And the automatic windshield wipers adjusting to the amount of wetness and vehicle speed is also a great plus along with the automatic headlight dimming from high beam to low, then back to high beam. Thank-you Ford!!

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  In the Competitions Rear View - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By Patrick - September 23 - 9:24 pm

  I purchased a used 2013 SEL with 26,000 miles. I now have 67,000 miles. The car has been very reliable. Overall, its fairly comfortable, but fatigue sets in on long drives. Ford did an excellent job of reducing wind noise. Sadly they did a poor job of reducing road noise. I test drove it on new pavement and it was smooth and quiet. However, the ride becomes harsh on anything less that smooth surfaces. Expansion joints, road cracks, bumps all produce a deep pitched clunking sound and you really feel every imperfection. My previous Avalon and Azera both absorbed bumps with barely a notice or sound. Other drawbacks are so obvious they are painful. The console cup holder is not wide enough for two medium sized coffee cups - the lids overlap. One coffee has to be lifted before the other can be picked up. I guess auto engineers dont actually use the components they design. A more serious drawback has me considering trading it in after less than two years - the sound system. It is the WORST sounding stereo system I have had in car since the 1980s. The absurd center channel speaker in the dash board is a little 2" wide range that sounds like a tin can and sounds like it came out of my old transistor radio. Not to mention that it also destroys the channel separation (stereo effect.) The high frequency tweeters mounted in the front windshield columns emit hideous harmonic distortions that are painfully ear splitting even at low volumes. I cannot turn up the volume even a little without experiencing pain when certain notes are hit - literally. A car priced at $30,000 and up should have at least a minimally good quality sound system, but not this Taurus. On the plus side, the exterior design is fairly sporty, and the interior is mostly comfortable. The engine is strong and smooth and I can close to 31 mpg even at 75 mph. The trunk is huge, although the console storage space is not so generous. The cover on the forward console storage compartment is made of hard plastic and it rattles quite a bit. The car is a very mixed bag, but I would not buy another one. Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Genesis or Azera, Kia Cadenza, Chrysler 300, and the newly redesigned Chevrolet Impala are all better alternatives.

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  2015 Limited Expedition - 2015 Ford Expedition
  By Bruce Williams - September 23 - 5:30 pm

  This is my 3 rd Expedition. Previous two were both turned in at 200,000 miles with great reliability and no problems. So I went with another and I am extremely happy with the car. It has been on 2 trips 2 3 hr. drives and a 8 hr. drive to the Fla. Keys. Six passengers and luggage on the roof and the ride and mileage was still good. Gas mileage is great and the ride is quiet. The glove box and the fog lights are my only complaints. Fogs are dim and getting stuff out of the center box is hard and tight. Those being the only 2 is good. Ford could have done a better job with interior materials i.e. more leather. Seats are comfortable, ride is tight , quiet and smooth. Look into the Limited. It offers more features than XLT and a better ride on 20 inch tires compared to 18" The car is much faster than you think with the 3.5 V 6. I eco drive it when I drive and get exceptional mileage at around 45 to 50 mpg. I looked and compared it to other SUVs and came back to the Ford. Hope this was helpful.

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  Do not buy this car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Mr. C - September 23 - 4:36 pm

  ITS A LEMON!!!!

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  Terrible Experience for a first car purchase - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Eboni Cumberlander - September 23 - 3:00 pm

  Well I purchased this vehicle in 2012 with excitement for my first new car! What a disappointment I have nothing but problems with this cars transmission, air conditioner, clutch, electrical fuses and now the transmission mount. The transmission mount broke and cause the engine to fall/shift while driving. I was scared to death with my 1 year old son in the car and the engine falls in mid motion. This car is a joke. FORD THIS UNACCEPTABLE!!! RECALL PLEASE

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  Attorney mails letter to about my car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Maybe alive ? - September 23 - 5:02 am

  We bought this car for the gas mileage and the cargo space of the hatchback. Little did I know, we bought a brand new night mare! It goes forward when it wants to, not when it needs to. Hit the gas and it stutters surges and stutters. Now u have moved 10 feet and about to be hit by incoming traffic. As our grandchildren grow, the second stage car seat can not fit behind the driver. Went to trade in for a car with a larger back seat and the dealer did NOT want to take in trade, do to the transmission issues! 2014 is worth half of what I paid for it and it is in mint condition! Than a letter comes in the mail saying the can help with the Ford Focus transmission problem !! What the heck, we were told it was because of two different driving habit, the computer needs to readjust ! This is criminal . Currently driving the car waiting for parts! Hope the come soon.

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  Never again - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Cheyenne chatmon - September 22 - 9:12 pm

  So I bought my brand new 2015 Ford Fusion from Maryland thinking I made a good decision I was wrong. To start as soon as I started driving it back to my home in NY I heard a loud whistling noise. Told me it was the air conditioning. Said that if I didnt have all my vents open it will do that. Sound a little fishy I had all of my vents open. A month later I hear an even louder noise coming from the rear end driver side. Took it in said they couldnt find anything wrong that its normal and I will just have to endure it.....excuse me? I didnt even have my first oil change and it already sounds like im going to break down somewhere. Im so upset its my first car and now Im stuck with this piece of crap. Thanks ford.