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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  Good car, Good Price - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Andrea Gonzalez - November 29 - 2:04 pm

  I bought my car because I wanted something with a little more space when I had my child. Its perfect with kids and car seats, enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Ive always trusted Ford because with the exception of the older "Exploders" theyve made great cars. My car isnt an exception. It has 165,000 miles and it still runs pretty good. Only complaint is leaking oil, but aside from that, its been pretty reliable. Alternator went out recently, but thats to be expected. One Ford trait, is blowing coils. Two days after I bought it, at 140,000 the coils around the spark plugs blew,which caused a misfire. Could have been a pricey fix other than being married to a mechanic.

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  Reliable, and trustworthy 200K mile workhorse... - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jose Rodriguez - November 23 - 8:20 pm

  I bought mine with 186k miles, 5 speed stick shift and everything worked great on her, and it kept on going for the 14 months i owned her, i live in Las Vegas where most cars can overheat, she never did (except for the time in which a 21 year old hose broke, replaced the hose and refilled the antifreeze, good as ever). Only malfunction it had was a alternator gone bad, and it took me 3 belts to figure it out... my bad... We arrived in the US and owned absolutely nothing, except for her, so she pretty much hauled us and all of our belongings from our first apartment to the next one, she never left us hanging not even when the belts were broken because of the alternators pulley getting stuck (bad bearings i was told). Parts were always available at any local auto shop, and they were also cheap, which is great too... We changed the oil every 3k miles, and i changed the spark plugs a couple of times, i also did the front brakes when i got her. Only problem was the famous ford power steering leak, and a couple of noises here and there. It did pass the smog check when i had to register for the first time, and guess what, it did it again the next year without any hiccups, i saw my neighbors having to spend money on their newer flashier cars, and i did nothing to her, she passed without any effort, and the last tune up had been like 15k miles before. A really comfortable ride, even for our family of four, of which 3 are taller than 6, a bit tight on the backseats but could easily go from Las Vegas to L.A. without having to stop and stretch the legs. The best part is that i sold her for a profit of a 50%, so i can say im a happy customer, and needless to say im getting another ford, im sure ill continue to be a happy customer for the years to come. Glad to keep up buying american instead of imports.

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  Grat car for round town - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Ken - November 22 - 12:26 am

  I bout mine in july hade no problem with mine. Mine is a five speed manual with only 50.000 mils on it price was ten thousand 20012 se great gas milg on it mine has cruse cantrl tilt ac power window s and no sat radio butt has the aux in it for my ph ps tks ford i did my homework on mine i would re driving a manual

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  All around good vehicle so far. - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Brock - November 20 - 1:39 pm

  I bought the 2.0 AWD Titanium addition. This model is not included in the drop down box for the 2015 model year. I dont know why but whatever. Anyway, I bought this vehicle as opposed to other SUVs on the market mainly because it had the towing package. I am a big fan of Hondas as they have been very reliable for me but the styling of the new CR-V did not impress me. I have the same minor gripes as other people with lack of cubbies up front and that the back only fits my golf clubs diagonally and just barely. Also the gas tank is way undersized. Just recently filled up and trip computer claimed I had 362 miles to empty. Not the case, generally have to fill up around 300. Overall I have found the vehicle comfortable and the Sync system works great. Acceleration and handling seem very good. I think for the price of the Titanium trim, you should get the LED headlight accents/daytime running lights included in the trim level rather than having to pay additional. Thats about it.

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  fun and mostly reliable - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Skye - November 19 - 7:02 pm

  We got this car as a gift (yay!) with 62,000 miles on it and after 2.5 years its now almost at the 100,000 mile mark. We had absolutely nothing wrong with it the first year other than burnt out blinker bulbs. In the last year, we had a broken timing belt (thank God the engines non-interference!) and just repaired a leak in the brake line, which corroded the brake shoes with brake fluid. Whoops. We also had to replace the heater, but it was apparently still under warranty after 16 years. I agree with others that the cupholders suck--theyre small and tucked under the console, but its not a luxury edition, so I dont expect it to be fancy. The engine runs great, although unlike other posters I find it doesnt accelerate well on the highway. The transmission is great, its fun to drive and easy to park, and it has character. I definitely want to keep it for years to come.

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  Transmission issues - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Kelley - November 19 - 1:01 pm

  Transmission issues at 170000 truck was running perfect and then one day the transmission just went out . Fluids word checked regularly and failed regular oil changes havent had any other issues except with the oil filter . But the transmission on this truck is known for going out otherwise I love my truck

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  terrible shifter - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Dennymah - November 17 - 1:51 pm

  Bought this car new, and now with 61,000 miles on it, the transmission is still the worse part of this car. I have not had any issues with the car other than the lousy shifting, sometimes feels like it is slipping transmission. When I first bought this car, the dealer service department told me that they get complaints all the time about the transmission. I recently test drove a 2013 Ford Escape, and it too had this lousy transmission so I didnt buy it. I have owned a lot of Fords but this will be my last unless they get rid of this tranny.

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  2009 Ford focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Kristi - November 14 - 11:31 pm

  Bought this car with 47,000 miles in it in 2012. Needed it for gas mileage because I commute 50 miles one way. Its been a great car. Have 150,000 now. Still gets great gas mileage. I average 34 mpg around town and 38 on the road. Ive taken it all over the United states and keep up maintenance. The most Ive done is replace gasket seals.

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  Registers miles whIle being towed - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Antoinette Smalley - November 13 - 4:24 pm

  Our new 2015 Ford F-150 crew cab Lariat 3.5L Eco-boost registers mileage when it is being towed behind our motorhome. Thats a deal breaker! Too bad. Otherwise it is a great vehicle.

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  drive train sucks - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Jake Raven - November 13 - 7:58 am

  This is my 3rd f150 super cab, I loved them all. Problem with this one is the drive train, the base 6cyl/6speed - HORRIBLE, constantly shifting, 50 mph could be in 6th or 4th depending on wind direction. I dont have a heavy foot, but still get hung up in 2nd when accelerating from a rolling stop. This is a company fleet truck, other guys with 6cyl ecoboost - all positive, 8cyl not so good - they bog down. Love the truck -hate the 6/6 drive train. Did I mention the drive train SUCKS.