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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  Dont lose your Focus! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Michael Friedhoff - August 11 - 11:48 am

  Great little car! 38,000 miles so far and no issues. Looks great! Handles great! MPG could be better (average 28 mpg), but Im a little heavy on the accelerator...

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  2nd owner NOT happy - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Carl - August 11 - 9:27 am

  Transmissions, 5 in 14 months, mileage 14ish. Lots of road noise. Drivers seat worn out, way too early.

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  2nd Taurus but, Very Disappointed in the 2007 - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Michele - August 10 - 9:15 pm

  I bought my 2007 Taurus in 2009 with approx. 40xxx miles on it. It was a pretty decent car until I paid it off a couple of years ago. Since then Ive had numerous problems. Its on its 3rd starter, 3rd battery, the brake fluid leaks and has been refilled numerous times, transmission leaks and whines horribly when it shifts, vacuum line disconnects easily and the paint on the hood has been steadily bubbling and peeling off. I have just under 129,000 miles on it now. I had a 1999 Taurus prior to owning the 2007. It had over 175,000 miles on it before I had to start putting a substantial amount of money into repairs and I drove it until it had 260,000+ miles.

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  Hopeful - 2014 Ford Escape
  By Jax - August 10 - 3:18 pm

  Purchased a used 2014 with a little over 14k miles. I had issues from early on but Im hopeful once things are reconciled it will all be ok. Transmission seems to stall between shifting, AC stoped working, Gas mileage is horrible...Im getting 15.3 highway/city it moved up from the 14.9. Automatic lights was killing my battery. Battery replaced Autolights out and battery is still draining. Im hopeful.

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  not your casa ford - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By sal - August 9 - 5:31 pm

  Bought it on 2013 had 7k on it,first thing cooling fans went out about a week after I got it had to wait for parts 3 weeks. Next the windows front, shudder when opening and squeal,have had regulators replaced but have had to return at least 5 times so they upgraded my warranty to 70 k because they cant find a solution to the windows. The brakes were recalled took them in replaced but still squeak, dealer said nothing they can do,now power steering has a recall, and before this, instrument panel at times turns off, trim panels on front windshield had to be replaced for noise ,but I still have a window squeal and shudder which there is no repairs for it yet,oh and now the inside door handles are on safety recall, I think ford has really earned its name for "Fix Or Repair Daily"

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  1997 FORD CONTOUR GL 48000 MILES FOR $2400 - 1997 Ford Contour
  By ponc1 - August 9 - 1:30 pm

  Picked up the 1997 Ford Contour GL with only 48000 miles for $2400. Found it on Craigslist and the ad had it for $1995. It was mistake because the dealer I spoke to said it should of been $2995. When I brought a copy of the ad they had to honor the sale of the price. The dealer said I got this for a steal and since they didnt want to get in any legal trouble they took my cashiers check right away. The Contour runs great. The interior is in excellent condition. I am happy with my Contour. Just good luck I found this car. There lost is my gain.

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  Stinky air - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Tracy - August 8 - 7:57 pm

  Just replaced our cabin filter in our 2014 fusion. What a terrible design. 14000 miles couldnt take the smell it look like it had been in the dump when we took it out. When we turn the air on it stinks for a minute or two then goes away. Dealer cant fix it. Any suggestions live in montana pretty clean air

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  IT TRIED TO KILL ME, TWICE!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Laurie - August 7 - 10:17 pm

  You are taking your life in your hands when you buy this car! Not to mention the drivers around you. This car, a.k.a. killer should be on a recall list NOW! This "car" stalled on me, had it "fixed" and today (3 months later), I was almost ran over by an 18 wheeler because it stalled in heavy traffic. Luckily, both time I was able to roll off the road within seconds of my life. It is now at a Ford dealer, and with any luck,Ill be re-united with this piece of crap in 3 months, yes 3 months! I finally got them to let me have a loaner car since I have to travel to my doctor. How nice of them! I have contacted every agencies I could find and reported this car. If somebody hasnt died yet while driving this car....they will soon. Just pray it doesnt take some other poor drivers and their families with them. Ford has to step up NOW!.

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  transmission problems"only 6 months" - 2012 Ford Focus
  By D - August 7 - 4:34 pm

  I brought this car 6 months ago. At first I would hear a clicking sound when I slowed down and I took it to the dealership, and they told me that it was not cause of the dual clutch . So I didnt worry about it, but know it has a huge problem, where the engine makes a clicking sound when I turn the car on. When it does this the car wont go pass 30mph. I took it to the dealership about 3 times, were it stay in there for about a week and each time I get it back I drive it about two or three days and the problem comes back. So I figured the dealership doesnt know how to fix it , so they just get it and guess and take your money

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Bill - August 7 - 7:50 am

  Vehicle currently has 180,000 miles on it and has been an amazing car. Mechanically, no major problems have ever arose. I did have to do the rear wheel bearings at 150k. Besides that and your typical brakes, tires, and tune ups car has been flawless. It does have good power and excellent AWD system. Does great in northern Wisconsin winters. I drive about 60% hwy and average just over 21 mpg with aggressive driving, so gas mileage isnt great but worth it with the quality of the vehicle. Highly recommend if youre looking for an AWD crossover thats well built.