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:

• 

  Own up to your problems Ford or we wont own You! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By dannieb - June 14 - 3:59 pm

  Do Not buy a Ford Ecoboost. My husband & I bought a 2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost we loved it so fun to drive, but 70k miles in we started having engine issues. Took it in to the dealer for them to tell me the timing chain was shot and it was a $4k fix with no guarantee that it would fix the problem. A quick google search of this vehicle and I was shocked to see we were not the only one with this same exact issue. There are YouTube videos and forums galore about this engine issue and No recalls from Ford. We got rid of it yesterday before it left us broke and on the side of the road. I wont be returning to a Ford anytime soon after that bad taste in my mouth.

• 

  Deserves a test drive - 2015 Ford Escape
  By guido65 - June 14 - 9:40 am

  Wife and I have had 3 Ford Escapes over the last 15 years, all have performed flawlessly. We decided it was time to trade in our 2010 4WD XLT. We wanted to upgrade to the Titanium 2.0 turbo. Wow, what a vehicle. Interior quality, fit and finish rivals some luxo utes costing thousands more. The 2.0 is quick and responsive. The infotainment system is fine with us. We are both in our upper 40s and we have no problem navigating. Test drive you wont be disappointed

• 

  Terrible car transmission is horrible - 2015 Ford Focus
  By chuck1953 - June 14 - 12:27 am

  This car should be removed from the market until the transmission is completely reworked and a recall done on all those that have been sold. I have had mine about a week and I think the transmission is complete crap. It slips, shudders, jitters, and surges when starting out from a stop.

• 

  2015 Ford Fiesta SE sedan - 2015 Ford Fiesta
  By seanheusdens - June 10 - 3:50 am

  The Fiesta is very nice little car. Comfort issue are in back seat even in sedan, which are better then the hatchback model. Nice size trunk in my car.Performance and Build Quality issue are only in the weird shifting transmission. The voice SYNC system is also a small problem. Get Ford My Touch I wish I wish I did get that option in my car. Maybe I need to get flash drive stick and upgrade my Sync on my car Still a very good car in first 2000 miles.

• 

  Five shop visits in the first 6,000 miles! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By icarumba - June 8 - 11:30 pm

  Fords complete indifference to customer satisfaction and its insistence in producing an unreliable product has ruined yet another potentially world-class car. This car is a blast to drive, but the abysmal quality is surpassed only by the arrogance of its dealers. In the first 5 months of ownership I have had the following issues: *Rumbling and vibration between 50 & 70 mph. *Drive shaft replaced at 1100 miles. *A/C not cooling properly/blower fan surges. *Radio malfunctioned 3 times, replaced once. *Windshield wipers malfunctioned. *Both front seatbacks have mechanical issues. *The amount of Convertible "cowl shake" has gone from acceptable to "wet noodle" in only 6000 miles!

• 

  I couldnt be happier. - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By greg_wv - June 6 - 11:14 am

  I needed a work car in a hurry after the previous one was totalled due to a deer collision. Ive had this little gem for over 2 years now and I have to say its the best work car Ive ever had. Recently I decided to make a lifetime commitment to it, so replaced all 4 struts, plugs, wires, coil packs, front brakes and rotors. It needed a new A/C compressor and I gave it 4 Michelin defender tires. This baby rides like a brand new car! The mechanic told me "you realize youre putting 90,000 mile tires on this thing". I said yep, shes only got 105,000 miles on her and Im in it till death do us part. Thats how confident I am in this vehicle. I can see why Ford sold millions of these!

• 

  Mushy suspension, mpg lacking - 2014 Ford F-150
  By tracker557 - June 5 - 8:48 pm

  I have a light foot on the pedal but average only 14.5 mpg with 90% highway driving which is very disappointing considering the 3.5 turbos claimed mpg of 21. Towing 7000 pounds at 65 mph however gives me 12 mpg: makes no sense. Ride should be stiffer. Seats very comfy. Should have more cabin storage. Incredible leg room in supercrew. Wish I bought an F-250.

• 

  Its alright could be better - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By mtdog1 - June 5 - 11:14 am

  I bought this car due to my tranny going out in my other vehicle. When I got it I was happy it was great, then I made the drive all the way from Washington to California and back and when I got back I started having issues with the car not wanting to shift into gears it would be up to 3-4 rpms before it would shift and this was only going 20 mph so to my info it was the tranny so took it in got it fixed and here I am once again having the same issue.

• 

  Might as well just flush all your money down the toilet - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By hawkeye25 - June 4 - 6:11 pm

  To be fair, I have heard people say that theyve gotten nearly 300k with few problems, but that was not my experience. I bought mine with 105,000, thinking it would be good for a few years. Not long after the transmission failed. When I called the transmission shop asking about my Taurus, the mechanic said, "Which one, I have seven here," so Im guessing this happens often. In the two years Ive owned it its been in the shop at least once a month. Ive spent over twice the purchase price in repairs. I would caution you not to buy this car. A Honda or Toyota with twice the mileage is still a better buy.

• 

  Awesome machine - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By rdavidson3 - June 3 - 6:17 pm

  We have put 24000 miles on our 2013 mustang. It has really exceeded our expectations. The tires are barely worn. I just rotated them. It feels like it is glued to the road in turns. It is heavy and powerful a 3.7 liter that gets 21 miles to the gallon in city driving. Everything works perfectly. I dont care for the bluetooth cell phone though too wierd. but thats me. It is perfect for two people a beautiful car that turns heads. 80 feels like 60 mph 100 like 80 so you have to watch the speedometer! I am generally pretty cynical about cars, but I would recommend this car to anyone that has a little fun money and wants to jazz up their day.