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 bad overall! - 2009 Ford Edge
  By eddy649 - October 4 - 8:15 pm

  After owning four GM Suv"s in a row, I tried the Edge feeling the GM line had fallen behind. I have been very impressed with the vehicle itself but disappointed in some of the "amenities". The IP is very difficult to see in low light conditions-this in itself will prevent a repurchase as both drivers feel it is dangerous. The radio (LED) is archaic ,difficult to read . The privacy cover behind the back seat is a joke.

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  2012 Focus SEL Sedan - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ronnyt - October 4 - 7:50 pm

  We ordered our Focus so we could get it exactly like we wanted it. We have had the car for one week now and LOVE it. We moved down from an 08 Taurus Limited for the gas mileage. I was a little concerned about the size but although the Focus is quite a bit smaller it is very comfortable and I love the handling. We took the Focus on a 200 mile trip the second day we had it and averaged 37/mpg. Filled it up yesterday and even driving back and forth to work and in city traffic averaged almost 30. We have had a lot of positive comments about about the looks of the car, especially the Red Candy Clearcoat Metallic paint. I only buy Fords and they have definitely got it right with the new Focus.

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  Broke down on the side of the road in my 2016. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MB - October 4 - 6:57 pm

  We purchased this vehicle from Marysville Ford in Washington State. We are soon to have a new teen driver in our family and were in need of a safe, reliable vehicle. I am deeply concerned that I found myself on the side of the road in a rural area with my check engine light blinking and a shuddering vehicle with no acceleration. This scenario is exactly why we impeded on our family budget to purchase what we believed to be a sound investment so our teen driver would not be at the side of the road. After reading other concerning reviews regarding this model I am concerned what the dealership may respond with this fine day. We purchased in December 2016 and have 20,000 miles on the odometer. I would not recommend this vehicle due to these unknown circumstances and note all we have had done to the vehicle are oil changes at the dealership. Wish us luck!

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  Ford is bad to deal with. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mbuch65650 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had trouble with this car since I have had. It left my wife stranded on the side of the road and Ford did nothing to help. I had to even pay for the rental car. I have kept haveing touble with the car and Ford refused to fix it. I was going to sue but the law is fixed to be in favor of the auto makers. I would be better off to sell it.

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  Problems after Problems - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By jcbr - October 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, we have been to the shop close to a dozen times. The car would sputter when idle at traffic stops, etc. The dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong the first 4 times I visited. Then they determined it was a bad wire. Finally, the car stalled, and they identified the fuel pump as needing to be replaced. Now, the car is sputtering again. I think im going to buy another car.

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  Best of 2 Worlds - 2004 Ford Focus
  By TiredOfGMCommercials - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Was going down the Honda Accord path but wanted to be different, save $$$ and answer the need for More Power Captain. Family and friends that have high mileage cars have had better luck with Fords vs. GM cars for Major Buck type repairs (IE A/C, transmission, engine mgmt), so I bought the Ford. Great car with more room than expected. If you appreciate Upgraded Engineering on everything that matters in a car built for performance, buy an SVT, otherwise by a car with a turbo and a spoiler bolted on. Rock On Ford!!!

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  A Long Wait....A Quick Disappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KO4321 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This brand new truck was purchased as a college graduation present to myself. Nine months later, I had to be given a brand new engine. My dealership was excellent through all of my problems. But, I felt Ford should have shown me some type of support (even just a letter of apology). A year and a half and 2 recalls later, I am very disappointed not only in the quality of this vehicle but in the lack of customer service that Ford has shown me. Without the tonneau cover, the back is too light and slides in rain and snow.I am young, and will own several more cars in the future. However, none of them will be a Ford.

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  2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By qa9031 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Have transported, king size mattress, mulch for the yard, scuba equipment, boating equipment all with relative ease, great vehicle.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Josh - October 4 - 1:48 am

  I love my Focus. I have had no issues with it yet. It has almost 24000 miles. Ive taken it every 3000 to get the oil changed and got routine service done to it. I got up to 49 MPG hwy. From Louisville, KY to Morehead, KY I averaged 41 MPG. Its just like any other car- you have to take care of it. If you drive it aggressively, just with any car, there is more of a chance with something going wrong with it. I have had no problems and no complaints. I put maybe $20 in per week. I worked for a honda dealership and I would much rather drive a focus than a civic. Bottom line: good purchase. I am going to drive mine until it falls apart! I am very happy with ford. Buy American!

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  200000 miles and still out running chevy - 1993 Ford F-150
  By preston - October 3 - 11:44 pm

  three owners and still 7.8 secs to 80 mph. small repairs like tires, brakes, belt, and heater core. but other than that all orignal parts in almost 20 years. a few scratches and one dent in the bumper. none of my doing. but still looks like new no paint fadeing like dodge or chevy. woludnt think of getting rid of it ever.