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:

• 

  Piece of crap - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - August 22 - 8:48 am

  Beyond what is considered normal grinding noises and hesitation to accelerate by ford, my 2012 focus decided to just stop in the middle of the road while driving. I commute and this could have been a serious safety concern if I would of been on a major highway. Other problems was the interior plastic was shaking and not put together well, coming apart only after a few months. In the winter my drivers side window does not open. And it is the worst car I have ever driven in the snow!!!!! Dont waste your $$$ buying this overpriced POS.

• 

  Poor quality regardless of cost - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Tim - August 21 - 11:03 pm

  I recently leased this 2015 Edge Sport. The list price was just over $48K. Because I wanted the 21" wheel option, my dealer traded for my vehicle with another Ford dealer in a neighboring state. So the first time I saw my vehicle was at delivery. In the euphoria of new car purchase, I failed to recognize what I discovered the following day upon closer examination. I was disappointed to find the following quality shortcomings carpet fit poorly to expose raw floor pan, loose panel on console, loose door trim, poorly fitting driver side door, poorly fitting hood, damaged and ill-fitting window trim. The quality of this vehicle is jaw-dropping awful. Im embarrassed to be seen in it. It appears to have been assembled by third world slaves. My wifes 2009 $15K Honda Fit is of light years better quality than this piece of crap. Cant wait for my lease to end. I may end it early - its that bad. I should have bought the Murano despite its ugly front end - it at least was screwed together with better quality. No more Fords in my future.

• 

  EDGY WEDGIE - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Lisa - August 21 - 12:53 pm

  Well if you get our EDGE.. plan on having the bearings replaced every year. something about this vehicle. I have spent a fortune but when you really like your car you drive it til it dies and the engine and everything is great on it. People look at it say that is not a 2007 it is now almost 9 years in Rochester NY no rust..

• 

  Great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Matt - August 21 - 11:37 am

  I bought this car new when I was 19 and it never failed me. Outside of regular maintenance I did not have to do anything else. Nothing broke or stopped working and I traded it instead uear for a 2014 Focus ST.

• 

  automatic transmission is junk. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By tuch - August 21 - 4:25 am

  Ford needs to hire some engineers that have some technology. The automatic stick shift transmission as they call it is a joke and dangerous to drive. Still Ford wont man up and recall and replace the transmission. It slips, shutters, and mine has had the clutches replaced already, still is no good! The dealer keeps making up excuses like the car is supposed to shudder, or it has to learn your driving. What a joke! Its a shame because its a fun car to drive until it hit 7000 miles, the service dept told me upfront that they get at least one car in a day with this same complaint! FORD MAN UP AND RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM!

• 

  Worth the cash - 2015 Ford Taurus
  By taurus87 - August 20 - 3:32 pm

  This car is best ever. I purchased the Taurus because was in the market for a Ford found this car be best in handling and drives smooth. The interior design nice with every available option in its class has lots performance. Sync system works fine as dashboard interface also a plus Taurus superb fast with a 3.5 liter engine seems like a jet driving this vehicle. I am over 62 the car interior door panels and drivers seat both comfortably best w/out feeling miserable sitting behind the wheel of car all best. Love new looks of Taurus not sure if a new design coming late this year or early next year but like this generation from 2009-2015 the body styles are best Ford ever made on this car. I love every piece of metal on my Taurus from interior design to exterior looks with LED lights and performance out on the road highly recommend it being best vehicle ever worth the money buying especially doing end of year savings looking for a car with prices slashing down bit cheaper.

• 

  Great college car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By no noburt - August 20 - 1:50 pm

  Im in college. I was gifted this car. It was the bare bones model. It had an engine and tranny with the stock radio. The manual windows and locks were annoying but they worked. I replaced the radio and drove from 88K to 120K until i was rear ended and totaled. It gave me 0 mechanical problems. It ran and had A/C. It was great. It looked like shit(due to previous owner) but it got me everywhere with no problems. It was loud when going 80 on the turnpike but I didnt care. I had a radio to listen to. My passengers dealt with the the rear seats so I cant vouch for them. Comfortable, fun, great steering, great brakes, good mpg, good on tires. Would buy again

• 

  Pulling 8100 pound trailer Max load all over calif - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By arthur - August 19 - 8:08 pm

  Turns out that this is the one , in the suburban vs expedition competition. My eddie has held together and still looks great. at 145,000 she pulls a 8100 pound trailer all over calif fuel pump went out at 130k . engine is super tight nothing leaks

• 

  I love my Focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By JP - August 19 - 6:08 pm

  Reading about cars is my leisure activity. Because of that, I knew to avoid My Ford Touch and the dual clutch transmission. Equipped with a manual and My Ford, my focus is the best car Ive ever owned. It has some issues, the voice control button works only about 80% of the time, and the dash rattles during winter. However, the car is comfortable, quiet, fun to drive, has great speakers, has functional space, the transmission is very smooth, and has a nice interior. Additionally, the fuel milage beats the EPA estimate of 28 mpg combined. My Focus averages between 30 and 36 mpg combined. I recommend the car to all of my friends and family.

• 

  2011 ECOJUNK - 2011 Ford F-150
  By John - August 19 - 1:38 pm

  1. Dont buy this truck. 2. The motor has issues and Ford does not know how to fix them. I have had mine in the shop at least 5 times for the same issues since the week I bought it. 3. The gas mileage estimates are not even close. If I drive 65 on a flat highway, I may get 17.5 MPG. On average, my truck gets 14.9 MPG. 4. The suspension is garbage and Ford does not know how to fix it. I was literally given a can of WD40 by the Ford Service Writer as the solution to the constant squeaking. He said just keep spraying the WD40 on the bushings to stop the noise. I sprayed daily for a week and no improvement. My neighbors think I drive a 60 year old truck.