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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  Not As Good As Expected ! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Bill York - August 24 - 11:00 am

  Having owned Fords previously with little to no trouble, this Escape has not been as good. The ride is very jittery, but it does handle well with good brakes. The AC has quit working twice with no help for the dealer since he could not replicate the problem. Now the rear hatch panel/handle has broken and is going in for repair. The gas mileage is not anywhere close to the window sticker, I actually get better mileage from my Mustang ! This is not going to be a long term keeper but still too new to trade and lose our shirt. Our Escape is one year old with approx. 10,000 miles.

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  fire fire - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Pamela Alavian - August 24 - 7:26 am

  I was in getting my hair done .tow and a half hours I opened my door and the whole console melted like a candle. It must have been a short in the power outlet. Ford better pay for this

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  Blind spots - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Roger - August 23 - 9:50 pm

  Make sure you take your time test driving this vehicle. Many blind spots, between looking in your side view mirrors and trying a to see cars coming over your shoulders, its very dangerous. Also the design of the front end makes it hard to tell when to stop when parking. All said and done, I would not make this same purchase. Again. So much for wanting to buy American!

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  Dreadful headlamps...almost like driving by flashl - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Jim - August 23 - 5:48 pm

  I traded my 2013 which had, what think were HID headlights...so bright...and when on at night the area lit was stunning...this truck has halogen lights...terrible, and I am being generous...for some unknown reason, Ford has decided to eliminate the HID, an replace with weak LED...this was told to me by my salesman...he is trying to find out if there is a replacement kit...I am completely disappointed with these headlamps

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  not reliable!!! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Don hune - August 23 - 1:20 pm

  I brought this car for work. Im a uber driver so I put a lot of miles on it in a short time. After driving it for a while it jerk a little and the dealership said that the way the car works. But after a few months pass the engine light came on and the car wouldnt pass 40pmh. I couldnt get on the high or work. I been to the shop 3 times and each time I get it back the same problem come back up. It only has about 28,000 miles on it. Dont buy this car, I also heard fiesta has the same problems.. It allow on the dual clutch system they have in the transmission.

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  Burned by ford - 2015 Ford Escape
  By michelle b - August 23 - 12:01 pm

  Bought a 2015 escape in February in June started hearing a noise coming from the engine. The mechanics at dealership said it was fuel injector that ruined the piston.We had to have a new engine put in. We felt should buy it back because it was defective, Ford said no because it was a new engine being put in,this was not satisfactory to us.We had to buy another one. The dealership or Ford would not trade it out for another Escape so we had take a hit and pay another 3 thousand dollars plus pay the taxes again. Weve have bought 12 cars from this dealership over the years and this is how we were treated and Ford didnt care either therefore we will not buy another Ford product!!!!!!!!

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  Couldnt be happier with this machine - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Cason VanDriel - August 23 - 10:13 am

  We bought ours 15 months ago, but weve put 24,000 miles on it since we bought it. Couldnt be happier. Vehicle looks sensational. It performs flawlessly, and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. Id been looking for a Lincoln Navigator, but when we saw the King Ranch interior, we were hooked. We had to look a while to find one in mint condition, but it was worth the wait. That leather is so beautiful! The car had 59,000 miles when I bought it, and I immediately ordered a set of WeatherTech floor mats to keep the pristine carpets in their excellent condition. I also purchased a Ford OEM transmission pan with a drain plug in it. I replaced all fluids with synthetic, and I hope to keep this car for many miles and years! We also found a set of mint 22" Harley Davidson F150 wheels for it. Looks sharp! Finally, we tinted the front windows to match the rear. The car has been very reliable. Not a single problem. Sound system is superb. DVD player has been used only once. I wanted to have it, just to have it, but we never use it. The middle row in ours has 2 bucket seats, and this feature is wonderful. It makes getting into the back seats very easy. One major feature of this vehicle that sold us on this over a Tahoe is the 3rd row seating...... the 3rd row occupants sit comfortably with plenty of leg room, and a flat floor. In a Yukon, their feet sit above the differential, and this makes for very awkward seating for all but small kids. In summary.... weve been totally impressed with our big Ford. I love cars and do all my own maintenance. I have been over every inch of this car, just to familiarize myself with it, and in my opinion, this is a very well built vehicle! Highly recommended.

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  Black and Gold - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By William Herold - August 22 - 7:40 pm

  First new car I ever bought for myself, V6 Premium with Pony & Comfort Package, Black with dealer furnished Gold Le Mans stripes. Constantly getting comments from people that think its a V8. Ive owned a bunch of 1st Generation Mustangs, including a 68 GT/CS, & 3 - 70 Mach 1s. This isnt fastest Mustang Ive ever owned, but definitely my favorite. Its my daily driver and Ive put over 32,000 miles on it already. I took it from San Antonio, TX to Sturgis, SD for the 8th annual Mustang Rally, even there among so many great Mustangs I got a few compliments. My V6 automatic would not have a problem beating a stock mid 60s 289 or 302 2bbl., but I didnt get even close to 30+ MPG Highway and they were lighter weight than current 5th Gen. Mustangs.

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  Not a Ford Escape, it is a Mad Max Desert Ship - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Aaron Harford - August 22 - 7:07 pm

  My goodness people, I wont ever get rid of this SUV. Cali and the Mojave desert several times, 206,000 miles and still strong. I feel like its a member of my family. You cannot go wrong. Meat and potatoes, but so reliable you just cannot go wrong. I do not want a new one. Ill just get a factory engine and transmission replacement.....if it ever so happens I need it. It will probably outlast my body. lol.

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  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid From hell - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Artur Hovsepian - August 22 - 2:05 pm

  What can i really say to sum this all up... Worst car i have ever owned. - I had to take this car in to the dealership at 999 miles and have probably been back to the dealership 40 times ( now at 36k miles). So many build quality issues, servicing issues, Recalls and just in general things either falling apart or the wrong parts being used from the manufacturer. I had to take my car in the first week because of Build quality issues. The panels were not sitting properly, the Rear window of the car was warped and needed to be replaced, the cars trunk was not aligned properly with the rest of the car.... NOTHING Was aesthetically pleasing. This was my first American car and it will be my last. I Do not understand how I can have so many recalls and so many visits to the dealership with problems. They break things, Cause check engine lights, take a week to make any repair and always have the worst customer service skills.