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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  ok - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By cpletan - March 26 - 3:23 pm

  i average 27 both city/highway and its ok to drive. but the temp sensor is screwy throws engine lite.

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  Purchased the Focus Hatchback 2013 in Jan. and was very pleased with everything for the first week but the second week it began making noises upon acceleration and continued to get worse. Brought it into the Dealership and they said I needed to drive it - 2013 Ford Focus
  By slainte2 - March 24 - 6:50 pm

  Have had the Focus Hatchback for 2 months and was very pleased with everything for the first week but by the second week it was making noise when accelerating and cont. to get worse. I brought the car to the Dealership and they said they could not do anything till 1000 miles. I brought it back at 1000 miles but Ford says this problem is occuring on the 2013 Focus but the engineers do not know what the problem is so they can not fix it yet. They returned the car to me and told me to keep driving until the problem is fiqured out. This makes me very nervous, what could happen to it next. I would think about another car until they have fiqured these quirks out.

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  Not sold yet - 2013 Ford Edge
  By gsuroviec - March 24 - 5:28 pm

  I have been wanting to buy an Edge for some time now. I love the looks and the ride. 2010 and older, very bland interior and dashboard not even easy to see. No back up camera available. 2011 many impovements on interior and dash. However, I cant get used to new turn signals, turning on and cancelling. That is not natural. Especially if you still opwn a vehicle which works the way mosy of us are ude to. Also, I have no faith in MyFordTouch. Too many bad reviews and no positive fixes. Plus, playing with this screen is just as bad as texting and driving. Give us back our dials and buttons.

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  Terrible Mileage and Range - 2013 Ford Escape
  By wi_escape54843 - March 24 - 12:02 pm

  Bought this as commuter car knowing Id give up some mileage to AWD, but hills of Duluth and tough winter made it good choice. With 1200 mi in just 2 wks, mpg < 21 on 160 mi daily commute w/ 90% hwy. Ford claim of 24 avg w 28 hwy is unacceptably inaccurate. By comparison - the 07 Sebring I traded avg 29 - 31 (seasonal), even my 03 dura max avg 20.6 for same journey as it is the ride I used for tough winter days. Escape worsens this with a small tank compared to Sebring with barely 300 mi, compared to 420 I had. So far - Im incredibly disappointed.

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  mpg 24 - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By mquero - March 24 - 7:26 am

  one thimg i did notice the gas gauge drops quickly and the milage meter to empty drops quickly lost sync came back on next day my car has the 1.6 ecoboost

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  Long Term Review (8 Yrs) - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By jfleenor - March 22 - 6:20 pm

  I have had the Ranger for 8 years, and it has NEVER been in the shop. 1 set of brakes and 1 set of tires. Regular maintenance. Driven from CA to TN 4 times. CA to AZ countless times, towing 2 waverunners. Last week, the heater controll valve broke, but thats the only problem ever. Interior/exterior still looks new, except for someone backing into it 2 weeks ago. New complete rear bumper/Taillights ($260). In body shop next week (minor damage). Still gets 26 mpg on the hwy. Not a luxury car, but its one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Thought about selling it, but love it too much. Going to add custom upgrades and drive it for another 8 yrs. See the rest of post for more info.

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  A Big Waste of Money - 2013 Ford Focus
  By puffinalong - March 21 - 7:52 pm

  The Focus Ti I have looks sharp,but its not dependable technology wise . I have been locked out of it twice.The 8 inch display has frozen on me so as I coulnt call to get help.The phone unpairs three times a week as Ford after 5years hasnt got syncing their cars right yet. Just Google all the complaints by owners who bring their cars back and the service people blame the phone or the weather. Served my country and got screwed and tried to belive in an American car and got screwed again. Not the dealers fault or the poor mechanic whos not a techie,Ford is in one big mess. Ill have my German car by 2015. What a waste of $25,585 sticker price I had to pay excise tax on.

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  Junk Wheels - 2013 Ford F-150
  By hoser150 - March 20 - 3:04 pm

  Love the truck itself BUT check out the wheels on the one you buy before you buy. Mine has 18 inch what I thought was stainless. Turns out to be easily damaged steel with a plastic insert that looks like chrome but is junk plastic. Mine had big chunk out at 13000 miles from the car wash I think. Dealer told me to " buy new wheels, not their problem" Ford complaint line told me the same, not their problem. No more Fords for me. Also never ever got 22 MPG.

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  MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmitrius - March 19 - 5:13 pm

  The MPG is horrible on this car. I have a 1.6L Ecoboost, and I dont even get 23MPG which is the minimum advertised, and I drive it gently. At the best I am getting 22.5MPG. I am really disappointed.

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  2002 4x4 "5.4L" Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By memo217 - March 18 - 12:24 pm

  We bought our expedition used. With 74,000 miles on it. We have all the spark plugs sleeved so we dont have to worry about it. It cost us $850. It runs like a top. Its a 5.4. So mileage is terrible. It broke down once only. Fuel pump. But at 130,000. I wont complain. Everyone wants to buy it from us. Not for sale says my son. So my wife drives a different car. I bought a 4 banger. And the expedition will be there as an extra or when needed.....next to my 02 f150 harley davidson. Great vehicles so long as u maintain them. Like any other vehicle.