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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  Very fond of this car. 1,000 miles on it. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By pastuszak - May 7 - 12:15 pm

  About a month ago my 2012 Mazda 3 got totaled. I loved the car, but the ride was too firm and the A/C wasnt the best. So I went with the Focus hatchback titanium. MyFord Touch takes time to get used to. It has a bit of lag delay. However, I prefer MFT. The car has good handling and acceleration while maintaining a smooth ride. Many people have complained about the transmission. It feels different, for sure, but its a very good transmission. In sport mode, it will happily downshift when you accelerate and retain decent MPG. Currently Im getting 32 mpg combined. Im a little disappointed by the 35ish mpg highway Ive gotten. Not getting near that 38 no matter how I drive.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By bdegrand - May 5 - 8:46 am

  Ive owned my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited for over a year. I am totally satisfied owning and driving this outstanding vehicle. I love the wide track stance (3 inches wider front and back than the Buick Lacrosse and Impala). The car is so quiet yet Motor Trend has a 0-60MPH in 6.6 seconds! Its fast and its not a SHO! Ford has a winner in the Taurus . My daughter has a 2010 Taurus and loves it. My neighbor also bought a 2012 and raves about it. I am keeping this beauty for a long time. The ride, comfort and reliability from Ford on this car is outstanding. Made in Chicago by an AMERICAN COMPANY!

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  TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM CONDENSER - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ashleyohio - May 3 - 12:09 pm

  My 2008 had been diagnosed with a transmission fluid leak from the condenser on May 2 2013. I am 8 months out of my warranty and 10,000 miles under my warranty. This is a $300-$800 repair. The only way to get reimbursed for this issue is after a recall has been published. Only way to get a recall is for about 150,000 complaints to be filed. They must be filed through Ford (1-888-392-3673) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (888-327-4236). It take 5-10 minutes for each of those calls and we are steps closer to a recall being issued.

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  FORD HAS A WINNER! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By rebert - May 3 - 9:51 am

  Traded my 2013 Nissan Altima which was an absolute piece of crap! The Fusion is as close to perfection as any car Ive ever owned. Quiet, smooth, great all around. Absolutely no complaints and hoping itll stay that way.

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  Great Family Car - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By chrismc2 - May 2 - 6:12 pm

  I bought a 2011 Expedition in 2012. Searched for long time and found one that had been dealer car, got it with 13,500 miles for 13,000 dollars off new price. Front bucket cloth seats are the most comfortable I have ever had. Makes long trips with the family and short trips a pleasure. It handles extremly well and has plenty of power in town and on highway. It has enough power and handling for man, and makes women feel secure and riding higher than other cars. All 8 seats will fit average size adults very comfortably. With the third row down it seats 5 with HUGE cargo space. I do not often write reviews, but had to this time because this is one of, if not the best SUV I have ever owned.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By kjb828 - May 1 - 10:05 pm

  Purchased my 2011 Taurus SEL 6 months ago. It was a used rental car with 54,000 miles on it. It was like a new car. Exceptional in almost every way! Am 64" and have to move the seat forward to reach the pedals...very roomy front seat. Love this car and have had 42 cars in my life...Im a car guy...what can I say?!? Though basic SEL with few options it is well equipped with what I want/need in car. As quiet as my previous 3 Lexus LS models, has a slightly firmer ride which I actually like and now at 57,000 miles it is just as great a car as it was when I bought it. Paid $13,992 and got a screaming deal! Great looking, great driving, great car....will have this one a very long time!

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  excellent car !!!!!!!! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By diana66 - April 21 - 7:34 pm

  the best car i had ever have!!! i love it !!!

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  13 SE/Auto: Great Commuter - 2013 Ford Focus
  By nrudolph - April 17 - 11:41 pm

  I bought my focus back in February ( it is now April) and I have 4,000 miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day, 5 days a week, most of it highway. The Focus is very comfortable on the highway. The ride quality is very smooth and composed, and the ride is quiet. The interior is well put together, no squeaks/rattles. The Engine has very good power and is smooth. the transmission isnt great, but is generally smooth and quick to shift. Fuel economy is very good, averaging 32mpg in mostly highway driving with some city. Exactly matching the EPA combined rating. The backseat is a bit tight, though not intolerable for two adults. Trunk is big. No problems so far.

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  Take it from a truck lover, this SUV is off the charts for ford - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By thebbc - April 17 - 11:46 am

  I brought a 1998 5.4L Eddie with 102,000 miles in Nov 2004. Its now Jan 2013 with 190,00 and this dam thing runs like its on steriods. Just got back from a 1,000 mile round trip with ease. Only problem in 9 years of ownership was an altenator replaced because I helped try to start someones bmw and it damaged the unit. I look forward to another 75,000 miles (knock on wood) before I even consider sending it to the local car sales lot for retirement.

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  Ford Does It Again - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By johnbonaham - April 11 - 4:51 pm

  First off I want to state that I am 5 foot 8 and 270lbs. I just lost a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis that this 2013 Fiesta replaced I could not get over how comfortable I am in and driving the vehicle Great and fun to drive I actually dont miss my grand marquis I cant believe that I actually just wrote that but this Fiesta is just about perfect I wish Ford would advertise this car more It is a superior value and just great to drive. Down falls are the automatic transmission that is rough to get used to and back seat room but hey I dont sit in the back seat The S should still come with a CD player and an interior truck release but these are the only complaints Great job Ford.