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:

• 

  Holds up well in an accident - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fusion5 - December 12 - 8:39 pm

  The vehicle was rear-ended by a Mazda CX-7 traveling in excess of 40 mph while stationary, waiting to turn left at a red light (traffic had backed up into a lane of travel). The trunk was destroyed and the front clip was beat up front impacting the car in front of me, but other than that car held up surprisingly well (the seat gave a lot, and the large head restraints prevented what should have otherwise been a serious case of whiplash).

• 

  This car has been amazing! I will miss it! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tara82 - December 11 - 5:20 pm

  I have had this car for 8 years, it has been amazing, I was actually looking to see what the reviews of my car were like to know whether to take other car model/brand reviews with a grain of salt. I figured that many reviews would be from angry consumers whom may not have had the average experience with their vehicles. It seems that way to me so far because I have so little issues with this car that I am actually scared to sell it, but we are running out of space and planning to have a second child, so -we need a bigger vehicle. Our car has 165K and still runs great. I found it had less serious/cheaper repairs than our 1990 toyota tercel.

• 

  Rock Hard - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By explorersaurus - December 7 - 3:54 pm

  My dad bought me a 1997 Ford explorer about 6 months ago. Pretty much my only gripe with it is the poor fuel economy. Other than that, its fantastic. I have an XLT with the V8 and AWD. I am yet to have used the AWD in the snow, but the V8 has supple power and (for a truck) smooth power delivery. The driver and passenger seat is comfy. Overall, a great purchase.

• 

  a truck that ca ntake a beating but keep on ticking - 1997 Ford F-150
  By jbscrappy - December 7 - 8:44 am

  i got the 1997 ford f-150 with the 5.4 V-8 with a milage meter on in it that has rolled over twice and now sitting at over 290 thousand been threw hell an back but still keeps on goin with only a new belts a battery alternator regular oil changes an trans fluid this truck is one of the best trucks on the road to date even with its flaws due to being old and high milage

• 

  EXCELLENT SO FAR! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By myescape2013 - December 3 - 2:41 am

  3,000 miles and very pleased so far. The center console armrest is too short for comfort and armrests on the doors are poorly designed and useless on long trips. Fun to drive, feels solid and handles very well. Gas mileage is quite good but gas tank capacity is too small. Hand brake on the console is annoying...I prefer the foot operated ones. Overall a nice vehicle but a bit overpriced for what you get.

• 

  A car that I am forcing to love - 2013 Ford Escape
  By foxdared - December 2 - 12:14 pm

  First of all, I do love this car. But 3x at ford dealer for the nav system that works 5-10 mins after your running seems not worth the cash I paid for this. Basically told me the last time that there was nothing they could do. I drive from buildings to and from small suburbs, and its the same story. It has severe difficulty to connect. My ford touch also is super glitchy. Wife has a toyota and night/day difference in computer systems. Also fuel economy regardless of driver or babying, will get you 19-22mpg. Using 87 octane costco, tires checked, no load, long roads. So if you know those 2 things and accept them, the car is amazing. Do not believe other estimates as i have when i got this:(

• 

  97K miles, 2nd Escape & its a great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By christofferson - December 1 - 9:35 pm

  2008 is my 2nd Escape, previous 2003 that transmission went out at 119K. This one I have 97K miles on it today, and have had no major failures or problems. I like it and it was an excellent buy and value. Mileage is good for a 4X4 and it has handled very well in water, mud and sand (Rocky Point, MX--not 4-wheeling, just the circumstances--rare). I am buying a 2012 right now. I dont like 2013 body style 3.0-V6 This Escape & all small SUVs, have lot of road noise. Seats get tiring when you driving long. Thats the nature of what you get and what you pay. Buy good Michelin tires. People complain about seats staining--very easy--use carpet cleaner or expecially Oxyclean---works!

• 

  My main problem is with SYNC I have had nothing but problems from the word go. Between Ford and Microsoft it one of the worst products to be in a car. I own a 2011 Ford Fusion SE and a 2012 Ford Focus and because of SYNC being what it is I will never buy - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By musicgeek - November 29 - 7:19 pm

  Car is good but Sync stinks.

• 

  Jury is still out - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mrmonty - November 29 - 3:44 pm

  So far Ive had the car 2 months, 1500 miles. I traded in a Mercedes GLK, so I was not expecting the same car in return, but I feel like I get all the same features and power for 15 k less(GLK was 45K, escape was 30K fully loaded). The build quality is not the same, but what do you expect. The power is great. Almost no difference from the GLKs 268HP V6. The ride quality is a little bumpy with the 19" wheels. The interior is as quiet as the mercedes was. Ill give the seats a "B" on the comfort level. MYFORD TOUCH is a great display but like almost every review talks about, it has BUGS! Its unreal that Ford has not figured this out? It does not pair my phone 50% of the time.

• 

  Focus for average people - 2003 Ford Focus
  By connemara - November 29 - 12:47 pm

  Cheap to buy used, good solid reliability, few issues, good mileage, fun to drive, very easy to service