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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  Scratched Glass - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Mike and Debbi - February 23 - 2:13 pm

  2009 Ford Escape,Escape Owners 08/09 help us out! This is the second Ford Escape we have purchased. New 2001 and less than a year ago 2009.(We love the Escape) The issue is the Belt Mouldings have captured sand/fine grit and has scratched the rear passenger windows. More noticeable due to heavey tint,and now on the front drivers glass and passenger. 2001 Ford Escape never this issue.The 09 is getting worse.The Ford Dealer stocks his inventory on a Boat Yard on Quincy Bay near Boston Harbor. The service department will not help us out to fix this problem,stating its our fault.We do not live next to a gravel pit,nor do we drive this vehicle on the Beach.Ford Reps will not acknowledge.

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  A Real Trooper With Love - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jenny - February 23 - 1:12 pm

  Had it since 2002. Yes, Ive had some major repairs. The engine went at 96K miles, so it cost us $7k to fix that. It cost me $4k to fix all 3 converters, and yes I had to pay to fix 3 of six coils. They said driving of fast accelerating and sudden stops could contributed to it, and we also drove it in England for 3 years, so that didnt help either. But its always been there for us through the worse of times. Blizzards are no problem for me. I have better traction than most newer SUVs and trucks, including your MBs and Lexus. It does make squeaky sounds in the interior, but its older. Not much you can do. With all the accidents, its always gotten lesser damage and held up the most!

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  Out of Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Pat - February 23 - 11:03 am

  This car was a comfortable, responsive, and very nice car up until 2006 when at 57,000 miles the fuel system began to cause it to stall intermittently. Since then, with plenty of $$ in repairs to the fuel system and rentals, it still stalls out anywhere - anytime - any speed - very dangerous. Now Ford is telling me that it needs a $1200 wiring harness, which I cannot afford to do after all the rental and repair expenses. The charge for diagnosing this: $181.00. In 2001, I had an immediate repair under warranty for something that caused a tsunami in the front passenger floor. Now its moldy throughout. A spring broke last year, fixed under a warranty "silent" recall. Steer clear of this car.

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  Regret Selling It!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Diaur - February 23 - 10:34 am

  I bought my Focus ZX5 brand new in May 2005. It was such a fun and sporty car. It is excellent drive and has great fuel economy. I sold the car to CarMax in 2007 as I bought another car. It is one of the worst decisions Ive made in my life! I regret selling it!

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  Bad Stereo - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mark - February 23 - 10:22 am

  Like the car except for 1 big thing. The stereo pops in and out of mono. Had a 2008 escape and drove in the same area and this was not an issue. According to Ford this is a signal strength issue and they cannot fix it. Dealer drove another 2010 and it did the same thing. Has really turned me against the car since it is very annoying and they do not plan on fixing it.

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  Bad Deal for Ford - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By kim - February 23 - 10:19 am

  When my husband first brought van we had problems with the a/c not cooling like it supposed to. Brought it back to the dealership about 3 times for the a/c until they finally fixed it. Then for some unknown rest one of my hoses had gotten a hole in it and thats when more problems started. I have changed the mass air sensor on it now my egr vale needs changing, my brakes needs changing it kills on me at a red light or stop signs it is jerking on me while I am driving. My engine light stays on and goes off when it is ready. I dont want no more minivan or vehicles from ford.

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  Awesome - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Matt - February 23 - 9:48 am

  I am 64, 260lbs. When I sat in this car it was like sitting out in the open. So much space in the front! The leather seats are incredible comfortable. The styling inside and out is really nice. I really looked around before my family picked the Flex. We fall in love with it more each day. It is like sitting in a lazy boy and driving around. Smooth ride. Great handling. Didnt get the limited so I am thinking about getting some additions at some point. This car also has plenty of space. We have 2 kids and dont have a problem with room.

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  Mediocrity at its best! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By monkeyfinger - February 22 - 8:21 pm

  My 2003 Ford Focus has seen its share of problems: Alternator, Thermostat Housing, AA Solenoid, Fuel Pump, Water Pump, Drive Belt, Timing Belt and Engine Mounts. I Love the compact design however, this causes astronomical labor charges or very difficult self repairs. You actually have to go under the car to change the headlight bulbs. Overall, I like my Focus, but I wish Ford had put more thought into the quality. For example, a thermostat housing that is not made of plastic. If yours has not failed yet, then it soon will. Or a better set of engine mounts. One thing that the focus will do is help you become a great mechanic.

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  SHO No Go in AWD - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Keendog - February 22 - 4:36 pm

  Great car, quiet, fast, very fun to drive. Having MAJOR problem, however, with AWD system that my local Ford dealer (in Brighton, Michigan) and local for FSE (Field Service Engineer) cant seem to diagnose. The AWD does not work, specifically the rear wheels do not provide any torque. It will be fixed I am sure by people who know (and care). Have to downgrade build quality as a result since it had this issue day one. This is a GREAT vehicle in every other way (even without rear wheels driving, it is very fun to drive) and once fixed will be a pleasure to drive for years to come, no doubt.

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  Bad Tranny Cooler, Windshield Noise - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ford OK - February 22 - 4:16 pm

  Same problem as others on transmission/ac condenser cooler. Ford will not issue recall due to not being a safety factor. Ours went out at 35,800 miles, but didnt get to dealer until 36,400 due to out of state trip. Didnt cover under warranty, even if 36,001 per the dealer. Our third Ford, will be our last, due to Ford not standing behind their vehicles. Would like to buy American, but my Nissans have been so much better. Also have the same windshield noise as others.