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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  Miss Mexico - 1997 Ford F-150
  By missmexico - May 26 - 11:54 am

  (xlt 2wd flare side 4.6 v8 4sp automatic ) Bought new in 97 love her. Did have problem with a blockage in oil pan that caused the engine to lock up around 90k mi. (factory fluke) Ford was a dick about it, but has still been good truck. She has had her share of small problem from parts breaking from old age. The transmission sucks and has now power in 2nd and I wish I could change that, but still going with around 200000 miles on her. Truck gets around 14.5 in city and 17.5 on highway. She got rear ended on may 8th, totaled, or I would driver her into the ground. Not a fan of the gas mileage, but would take her over another truck.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tjh9 - May 22 - 11:15 am

  I purchased my 01 Focus Wagon SE from a dealership in 2011 with ~190,000 mi on it for $2850. It has been almost 2 years now and this car has given me almost no grief. The A/C went out once (A/C is a luxury anyways, who cares?), front coil springs had to be replaced, and the muffler hit the ground once while going over a speed bump (temporarily fixed it with shoelaces, haha) All in all, great performance great value!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By longtime68 - May 18 - 10:26 am

  I purchased the SE model but with the optional 2.0L Ecoboost. I was looking for performance and was not disappointed as its on par with the 250HP V6 vehicle it replaced. Front end styling was the most appealing factor - a pleasant departure from everything else on the market. I purposely avoided the Titanium model. I did not want a ridiculous spoiler on the trunk lid and feel its loaded with too much non-required tech. The Fusion handles well and has excellent braking. The interior is quiet and comfortable although the seats are exceptionally firm.

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  Model not listed, 2.0 4WD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By pdawg1 - May 15 - 3:33 pm

  This is a fun vehicle to drive and nice to look at plus we get lots of compliments. Then there is the MPG which is not as good as rated and the fuel range also seems less than the 15.1 gallon tank should indicate. I am hoping more owners will bring these concern up to Ford and have them addressed........

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  A nice step up. - 2013 Ford Edge
  By charbojr - May 15 - 2:13 pm

  After owning a 2010 RAV4 for the last 3 years. We decided that we couldnt take it any more. While capable the RAV 4 Sport was not a very comfortable or rewarding car. Fast forward to the Ford Edge. This car is quite nice. Quite, powerful, and comfortable. Was pleasantly surprised by the engine note from the base V6 and while its not an eco buster, MPGs are above average for a heavy SUV and now that its broken in a bit we are seeing an improvement. The Sync system is a little clunky and the worst characteristic is its in ability to keep accurate time. Not sure if its a bug, but never the less and bizarre fault. Should have opted for the panoramic sun roof.

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  2010 Ford Fusion 6 cyl Sport - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dideerooster - May 14 - 5:32 pm

  Bought my fusion 2 1/2 yrs ago with 3000 miles on it. At 18000 miles had to replace the brakes all around. Now at 25000 miles its in the shop for the transmission. While on a trip, the tach would rev back and forth while loosing power when "trying" to shift into high gear. When it finally did shift, it shifted hard. Did this 7 times before we got it home. Took it right to garage and it sat there exactly 7 days before they even pulled it inside. Now they have it torn apart trying to find the problem.. Really shocked at the problems. My husband has had 3 as company cars and never had an ounce of trouble with them.

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  Best vehicle EVER!! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By glm75 - May 12 - 8:45 am

  I bought this truck new and barely had any problems during the 13 years i owned it. I performed regular maintinence as suggested and drove this truck to 200,000 miles until someone rearended me. During those 200k, i replaced the MASS AIRFLOW SENSORE at 120k, the coil pack at 178k, fan clutch at 180k and manual transmission broke at 185k (i should have never tried to drive from NJ to New Orleans...too far for and older truck with so many miles) and the plastic intake manifold at 190k. So besided breaks and tires, i drove it for 13 years and only had 4 repairs. not bad... All options worked as they should from new until it was totaled. I WOULD BUY ANOTHER!

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  2007 Focus SES 2 door Hatch Back - 2013 Ford Focus
  By sleasure - May 11 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Ford Focus SES new and have performed all of the routine maintenance myself. The vehicle has not required any repair. I primarily drive and service with an emphasis on preserving the reliability of the automobile. I have replaced the battery and wiper blades only. The origional tires show 50% wear. I live in Las Vegas, NV, and high summer temperatures kill automobile batteries. I get only 2+ years of battery service in our vehicles. I buy batteries from Ford. They last longer than other batterys, ie: Walmart, K Mart, etc. If I drive conservatively, I achieve the EPA fuel economy ratings. Best handling small car I have ever owned. 37K miles, Always garaged.

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  2.0 L FWD SEL - After 6 months & 3000 miles - 2013 Ford Escape
  By lsw74 - May 5 - 4:02 pm

  I am aware of quite a few negative reviews and am often 2nd guessing myself on the purchase of my 1st new car (at nearly 40 yrs old). I dont have to drive as much as I used to because I work from home so my driving experience with this vehicle is not as extensive. Overall I love it. There are things I would change but the ride is great, the power is great (2.0 L but not an option here for SEL), and its very comfortable. It feels like a sports sedan. I average 25 mpg, spot on the EPA est. People need to remember that highway rating is not highway/interstate slow & go driving. My mpg drops when my husband drives it so how you drive really does affect mpg.

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  Taurus Wagon: backup car/ recreational car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By twedt3304 - May 4 - 10:31 pm

  Ive had the car since 2002 and gets driven about once a month When I dont drive my 09 focus coupe. Its a great recreational car: I go camping in it: Just fold down the back seats flat and you have a perfect bed, with plenty of head room left for a 5 7" guy and my kid. Another great thing is the fact is seats 8 comfortably. Overall very comfortable and great build quality, other than my son says it looks like a potato. I Highly recommend it if Your looking for a Family or recreational car.