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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  hands down the best car Ive owned - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By saaf - July 2 - 12:43 pm

  Great car, 106,000 trouble free miles. Runs like new still. I just follow maintenance schedule on everything except I change transmission fluid every 30k.

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  Keep on trucking! - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By crimsoncoasty1 - July 1 - 11:36 pm

  This is my second Ranger and I love it. Im a Ford guy and had a 2007 King Ranch F-150 with all the bells and whistles and it was time to get back to the basics. I owned a 96 Ranger Sport V6 and missed my "little" red truck. The reliability, compact workhorse is all I ever needed. The gas mileage is better compared to the V8 Triton and its nimbleness is perfect to whip it anywhere I want. The 4x4 keeps me out of jambs and the upkeep is easy compared to Abilene Kimg Ranch leather. I love it!

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  Reliable and tough. - 1995 Ford F-150
  By mtnroad - July 1 - 6:48 pm

  1995 F150 Reg Cab, 4.9L 6cyl 8-foot-bed. Edmunds doesnt list auto trans. Im 2nd owner, bought in 2012 w/ 117k now it has 170k. Ive had it 3 yrs. No issues, power steering pump, and ac recharge. I added trans cooler. This truck is tough. It takes whatever I throw at it. I have towed some really heavy stuff. Trailers full of rock 5,000+ pounds, etc. A pallet of tile placed in the bed and the whole rear end was almost on the ground and the truck took it. I usually dont abuse cars but the truck is so tough I find myself pushing the limits all the time. I have towed cars hundreds of miles, etc. It was a sheriff truck before I got it - not maintained well. Best truck Ive ever owned.

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  Wishing in one hand [non-permissible content removed] - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By witness45 - July 1 - 9:34 am

  3 years ago I was really proud to be able to finally purchase a vehicle. This car was clean with only 36000 miles on it. I thought I had a reliable vehicle but I was wrong. I had to replace the front driver side tire often. It would wear unevenly. When I hit 47K miles the transmission went, fixed, the alternator went, fixed, the AC went, and now the fuel pump is going out. It really is disappointing because I loved loading up the dog and fiancé and traveling out to the lake or mountains, and using the back as our tent, the rear seats fold down and there is plenty of room. If you get a good one, they can be an awesome car, I got a bad one and am now in the market again.

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  Patience, "flamers"... - 2014 Ford Escape
  By jpserafin - July 1 - 3:23 am

  I know folks who cant accept fact that not everything works 100% 24/7/365! Bought my 14 Escape SE 7 months ago. One problem (below) ONLY issue! My Escape is a solid "works right first-time every time vehicle. 2.0 turbo made it thru last Chicagos MEGA-BRUTAL winter with ZERO issues... no slow-crank, stuck windows/doors, great heat after 4 mi. city driving, MPG dropped less than 6% etc. A few 95+ F days this year were totally bearable due to A++ A/C system. ISSUE: high beam bulb "exploded" one -22F morn, leaving small dark spot on inner surface. Ford replaced entire assy w/o hassle! No squeaks, rattles, noises. SYNC system needs improvement, but iPhone 5 sync works each day,

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  Dont buy the hype - 2015 Ford F-150
  By clearwatereq - July 1 - 1:52 am

  Nice truck, no doubt there, interior among the best out there. Mine has been back to the dealer for several annoying faults, and a major issue with stalling out. Also not fond of the overly harsh ride and interior rattles. Ecobust performs OK, but theres no eco to be found. Im getting a steady 14mpg mixed highway/city.

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  Do your homework. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By atxaggie - June 30 - 8:22 pm

  I got thrown into buying this car for $12,000 with 14,000 miles. I originally thought that how it changed gears was just how I was driving in traffic. Until the other day when I was driving in traffic home from work and my car jolted forward. I googled and found out that my car was recalled last year and that these transmission issues are common. I called Ford to see when I could take my car in and the guy talked to me as if I was a stupid girl. They wont give me a loaner car either, even though this is their fault.

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  Performance Package GT - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By aevans88 - June 30 - 4:37 pm

  So I bought a base GT w/ the performance pack and recaro seats. The car is nimble and a blast to drive. While some people might find the close spacing of the gears tedious it gives me power in any gear except 6 and I love it. The ride is smooth and the interior is much better than the 2014. The base GT lacks the 8" touch screen and better sound system but I wont lose any sleep over it. The brembo brakes are great to stop you in a hurry. If you love driving you will love this setup I personally cant stop smiling.

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  Stay Away! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jpspa - June 29 - 12:10 pm

  Had a 2012 Focus and experienced the same transmission issues others have described- jerky, hesitation, lunging- which Ford apparently still has not fixed. Finally the transmission died completely and car wouldnt go at all. When fixed", I got rid if it right away- not worth the trouble. Ill never buy another Ford, who should be prosecuted for selling this piece of junk and not recalling them.

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  I love my Ford Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By dfelman - June 26 - 8:45 pm

  My 1995 Ford Bronco is a tank. It is dark blue, with about 66,000 original miles - I am the second owner, and have owned it for two years. It gets looks everywhere, and notes left to buy it. I have never had any issues with it - knock on wood. I love it and am a proud Bronco owner