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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  Glad I waited to review my Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By kahunaman - July 19 - 2:46 am

  My last vechicle was a great car, a VW CC Turbo, it ran like the wind and handled great while getting 22 city and 32 hwy, however it only seated 4 and had very little room. I was pleased by the Escapes Turbo, handling, cargo, 5 passenger seating and all of the great features on my Titanium however The EPA rating of 22 and 30 just wasnt to be. The city millage was meeting and or exceeding the estimates but despite driving very conservatively I was only getting 24 hwy on my first real road trips. Then after 5 months and 3800 miles I am proud to say my Escape just got 29.5mpg fully loaded with 5 passengers and luggage on a family vacation. I ran premium gas and the AC at about 65-70. Awesome!

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  Howling noise 2013 Explorer - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By karentoby1 - July 18 - 8:06 am

  dealership we bought this from cannot solve a persistent humming/howling noise that stays at one tone when the a/c is on fresh-not max at hwy speeds. we have 3000 miles, and have had in in their shop 3 times-the last 2 times for over a week. they keep claiming they have it fixed and we get it back with the noise as soon as we get on the hwy.we love the design and everything else-but we are very disappointed with inconsistent customer service attitudes and honesty.

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  Why did I wait? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By susa4 - July 17 - 8:49 pm

  This is a review of my 2010 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew bought new in March, 2010. I have 48,000 miles and zero defects or problems. The 4.6 24 v engine gets 25 mpg on the interstate at 68 mph using cruise control. This truck is so quite and rides so much better than our 2008 Ford Explorer. The interior room is abundant and the kids have plenty of room in the back seat. I have the original Michelin tires (but they should go after 5000 more miles). When I pull our 28 foot Greywolf travel trailer the mileage declines to 9-10 mph but I have no trouble towing and no problems with sway. The built-in trailer break is fantastic. Grab one ifyou are looking for a great used truck!

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  Loaded up like a Lexus - 2013 Ford Focus
  By puffinalong - July 16 - 2:01 pm

  fun ride

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  2014 Ford Escape SE - 2014 Ford Escape
  By vtfordman - July 16 - 12:48 pm

  Just bought this vehicle and so far I Love it, downsized from a 2012 F150 Supercrew with the Eco-Boost engine and was wondering about feeling cramped inside but it doesnt at all. I got the 1.6 Eco-Boost and so far with only 150 miles on it is getting around 23 miles per gallon mostly around town driving. Plenty of power and love all the options. Panorama roof is great in this summer weather all most like having a convertible. Will let you know more after I have put some more miles on it. Also very sharp car gets looks everywhere we go..

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  2014 Ford Fiesta Titanuim Hatchback in Blue Candy is AWESOME! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By karenmarieg1 - July 14 - 10:44 pm

  I love this car! I got the Blue Candy, Black leather interior and upgraded Sony Stereo System and love, love, love, this car. Its zippy and rises to any traffic occasion. 40 HW MPG is as advertized. The interior is roomy for a sub-compact. I got the optional rubber floor mats, and theyre very high quality. Opted for the tinted windows at Auto Definitions in Claremore, OK and it just looks meaner than before. Responsive steering, braking, and acceleration make this a fun car to drive. Weve turned heads and brought men out of a barbershop to check it out! Love the car. Great Value!

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  Third Ford in under two years 2nd Taurus - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By escape12 - July 9 - 9:37 pm

  Great vehicle, had a SEL 201A NAV for about 7 months. Traded for another 2013 SEL this time with 202A NAV/Moonroof/Leather/Spoiler during a end of June Sale. Total fluke that this new one was the same color as the 201A but price was price and I probably would have jumped on that markdown whatever the color was. V6 is plenty powerful in the mountains, and PA turnpike. Leather is soft, and supple and heated for winter. Girlfriend has back problems and she occasionally uses the heated seats as a heating pad. High trunk line, I highly recommend the 202A package with back up camera...other parts of the package make it worth it such as keyless start/adjustable pedals/ambient lighting/ SYNC

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  Pleased owner - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mementomori - July 8 - 8:54 pm

  33,000 miles on it & no problems. Fun to drive, comfortable & excellent fuel economy. The car has a very upscale feel. Those complaining about the transmission- you have to understand it to appreciate it. Its not an automatic transmission its an automated dual-clutch manual. Its GOING to act like a manual transmission (some rolling, hesitation, shudder- a result of the "dry-clutch" design). These are not "problems," theyre characteristics. Did you not notice these things on the test drive? Im loving the car my worst tank has been 28 MPG, which included all city driving with lots of idling and sitting in traffic. Easily exceeds 40 MPG on the highway. Power/acceleration was surprising.

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  Everyone wants my Truck!! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By flyastinson - July 8 - 10:26 am

  The sharp design has continued to baffle people as to its age and I am often asked if Id like to sell it. NO! It is almost to 140,000 miles and runs like a bear. While I take very good care of my vehicles, not much as been necessary with my truck other than routine care and minor repairs -- very minor! The power is excellent, driving is smooth and easy and easy to switch to 4x4. The leather seats adjust perfectly, especially on long drives. I have hauled boats, cars, and heavy closed trailers without any problem. Ford is excellent...my 1966 F100 has almost 500,000 miles on the original engine!

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  Flex number 2 - 2013 Ford Flex
  By flashflex - July 4 - 8:18 pm

  My First Flex was a 2010 Limited with EcoBoost. It was one of the first production models with Ecoboost and I had some growing pains with turbos brakes, calipers, and fuel injection. Ford covered it all with no complaints. I just bought a 2013 Flex with Ecoboost and this car is a total upgrade to the 2010. Ride, power, comfort, quietness, amenities are totally transformed. Ford totally believes in this car with the engineering upgrades they have done. I put a lot of windshield time behind the wheel being a salesman. This car rocks for someone needing carrying capacity, comfort, yet entertaining to drive, its quick. Its a Mini Cooper on steroids.