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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  Kicking myself... - 2000 Ford Contour
  By spencerq - June 3 - 12:33 pm

  Im writing this review hoping that it might relieve AT LEAST the tiniest bit of intense fury I have built up from 2 1/2 years of driving this disaster in engineering. This car is the embodiment of all things evil and horrible in the world. I bought the car for $3,000 in 2012. I gathered my service records last week to assess that Ive spent ~$6,700 since on repairs (NOT including regular maintenance upkeep items). Ive had a CONSTANT recurring oil AND tranny fluid leaks, blown head gaskets, Ive rebuilt the transmission, replaced the fuel pump, replace all three engine mounts, the alternator, the radiator TWICE, the solenoid switch and more. It has only 130,000 miles & STILL HAS PROBLEMS!

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  Wish I didnt buy it! - 2014 Ford Escape
  By whatalemon - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  We just hit the six month mark & the the car has been back for service twice in the past 2 weeks. We thought it was recalled, then were told our car was not made at the LA factory or in the month for the recall. Had oil change+ tires checked & rotated while there. The very next week the lift gate handle came off into my hands and the inside tailgate panel was loose from the right hand side to the middle. Back it went for service. Now another week later and the tire pressure light is indicating a problem. My previous car was a beloved 2010 Jeep Liberty that NEVER had service other than oil change. I really regret trading such a great vehicle in on this Escape which I now believe is a lemon.

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  Love this car! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By twangstar - June 1 - 12:12 am

  My wife purchased a 2015 Mustang GT manual with the performance package bone stock, and let me tell you, there is nothing "base" about this car. I have a 2014 Mustang GT Premium and her base model 2015 is way nicer inside. The performance package has the beefier suspension, 3.73 gearing, 6 piston Brembos, and the ride is phenomenal. It feels more planted to the ground than my 2014. The bumps in the road are less jarring and the tail doesnt dance like mine. I didnt like the look of the 2015 at first but the minute she pulled up to the house, I fell out of love with my 2014. It truly is a car you have to see in person. You can tell Ford has put a ton of thought into this car.

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  Confortable ride - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By paulnbedford - May 31 - 2:21 pm

  Bought this van used back around 2004 with about 54,000 miles on it and I have to say its surprised me for a Ford. its actually be a reliable van. Its had the usual things, tires, brakes and the odd sensor, but over all it has been a good vehicle and never left me stranded. Like most Fords though it does seem to be plagued with recalls and electrical issues, now which I am starting to suffer from. Locks not starting to work and gauges starting to go crazy on me. And from online research it looks to be faulty soldering on the backside of the cluster. It does have 190k plus on it now though so it cant stay perfect forever and people cant expect these cars to stay that way.

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  Reliability Nightmare on 2014 Ford Escape 2.0 AWD - 2014 Ford Escape
  By itsmejs - May 30 - 9:04 am

  Nice looking vehicle that has had many issues. When I was looking for a new vehicle it ended up being between the Toyota Rav4 and the Escape. I wish now that I would have chosen the Rav4. Problems and more problems! It took Ford 1-1/2 years to fix my Escape door that would not always latch shut. At least I think its fixed now. 2.0 engine has intermittent hesitation that Ford has not been able to resolve. Rear differential noise has been repaired twice in 25,000 miles. Trans slips from 1st to 2nd and sometimes downshifts for no reason. Besides the recalls dealing with Ford customer service is just about as bad as calling my cable company.

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  A very good SUV - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By mylotcat - May 28 - 7:29 pm

  Traded my 2006 Trailblazer SS V8 for a 2015 Sport twin turbo V6. Both have equivalent 0-60 times. The twin turbo is refined in normal driving but pulls strong when you put the pedal to the metal. With 1400 miles and 18.6 combined MPG, its averaging about 3-4 mpg better than the SS. I like the engine but wish the exhaust was more throaty, like the Mustang. I also wish it had a digital speedo incorporated into the analog gauge. I find a digital speedo easier to read. A heads-up display would also be nice. I was pleasantly surprised to find adaptive cruise control to be a very useful feature, as well as blind spot monitoring. Sony audio system is very good. Great interior and amenities.

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  2015 Ford Edge SEL - 2015 Ford Edge
  By ohr - May 28 - 6:43 am

  This is my fourth Edge since 2007. As the years models changed over the car keeps getting better looking. We use our Edges for trip to FL around 1200 miles and have no problems. All cars have not let us down. Smooth ride and great colors.

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  TERRIBLE TRANSMISSION - DO NOT BUY - 2014 Ford Focus
  By mycrazylife681 - May 26 - 7:59 am

  I purchased this car in Feb 2014. Almost immediately after purchasing, it was shuddering, and jerking. I took it in for "reprogramming". It shuddered worse. I took it back, and it was admitted by the Ford staff, its an ongoing issue with their new transmission, and theyve increased the trans warranty to 10 years. Theyve KNOWN about this issue, and sold it to me anyway?! I had the clutch replaced, it was making grinding noises but stopped for a few months until the other day, when it lost all power for a few seconds on the road, in traffic (luckily slow), then the transmission kicked in, and my whole car lurched forward. Luckily I didnt hit anyone. Very unsafe!! DO NOT BUY!!!!

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  Lovin the car! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By screamin8 - May 25 - 7:46 pm

  This car was an unexpected replacement after my daily driver got totalled. I couldnt wait for an order so some compromises yet some pleasant surprises. I live in Ottawa Canada, and we get a full on Winter so I immediately dumped the Pirelli all seasons and put on Michellin X-ICE 3 winters. Combined with the snow setting on the traction control (which really works) this is an amazing winter driver. While many slag the car for its weight it really helps with traction on snow and Ice. I got second 20" rims for summer with meaty Michellin Pilot Super Sports, helping to make up for no performance pack. Not to mention improving the visuals over factory. Standard brakes are outstanding.

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  Love it! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By 75hoo - May 25 - 9:11 am

  I looked at 2015 Mini, Jeep, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda,and Chevy and decided that I liked my 2013 Escape SE with 37,000 miles the best. Got an email from the Dealer that advertised a dynamite price. After some bartering on trade-in, I picked up the 2015 Escape SE with the convenience package and lowered my monthly payment. No problems at all with the 2013, its just that the deal was too good to pass up. For me, the only vehicle that was better than my 2013 Escape w/ 1.6 liter turbo was the 2015 Escape. Comfort, power, quality and economy just cant be beat for my needs. The 2015 has a number of improvements over the 2013, but they add up to a better vehicle.