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 unhappy with vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Disallusioned - November 9 - 1:07 pm

  Bought vehicle, took it home, next morning, computer malfunction - ABS disabled, no directional signals, navigation detected system fault, dealer still has it and wont be ready until Thursday - one week in service. Brand new never driven condition. Not a good experience at all. Third ford for me.

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  UGH! Consider something else - 2013 Ford Edge
  By ajanderson10 - November 7 - 6:43 am

  It appears that I may have gotten the DUD of the Edges. I purchased mine new in 2013 after having an accident with a teenager who totaled my previous car. I selected the Edge because it was nice to look at, and it was a fantastic buy. I regret that impulsive purchase now. Since I purchased this car it has been in the shop 7 times, 4 of those in the first 6 months with A/C unit now working properly, and the other 3 times Ive had to have my door latch changed and a sensor in my dashboard fixed. My car is low mileage. Right now its sitting at 31, 200. In addition to these issues, Ive had three dead batteries due to corrosion at the battery leads. Its not an easy fix, and theres really no reason to have to replace batteries so many times. I really want to love my car, but I cant overlook these issues :( UPDATED 09/13/17 at 40,600 miles. Still getting those new batteries....But its still handling well as it should for having so few miles on it. The front Ford Emblem is now silver--but looking around at many new fords 2012/13/14 that seems to be an issue. Youd think they would want to have their emblem be identifiable...or not.

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  40k Mile Update - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kd7oqc - November 5 - 4:27 am

  Our lifetime MPG is 38.9 actual (40.4 on the trip computer.) Like my conventional vehicle the mileage swings by several miles per gallon based on driving conditions and weather. Yesterday I got 53.9 MPG on the way to work and 45.4 on the way home. Having owned mostly Japanese vehicles, it will take me awhile to trust the reliability. So far we have had to replace the right front wheel bearing (under warranty). The factory tires (Michelin) need replacing already, which is disappointing. The "0" key on the drivers keypad no longer illuminates. $200 fix. The electric drivers seat is binds when you adjust it to the rear. Im not sure hybrid tech is cost effective.

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  The Honeymoon ended quickly. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - November 4 - 5:03 am

  Bought new in 02. The new car smell, and the dealer gave me a great deal. Loved the remodel from old style (Traded in 00 sport). Then reality hit. First time on vacation entire rear glass door assembly broke from hinges and I caught it luckily. Then had fuel pump assembly and tank relaced. Both under warranty thank god. Then the rear door broke again. Then the rear door cracked below the windshield wiper assembly. The interior plastic grey trim along the top of the door front seat doors along the windows has seriously faded. The black exterior trim between the front and rear doors has also faded. It now has 103K miles after 7 years and I will drive this into the ground.

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  2000 Winstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By maggie2 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Continuous problems with auto sliding doors.

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  Getting OLD - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Mom0f2Boys - November 1 - 5:59 pm

  In the 9 years I have owned this car, I have had not had a lot of problems, thankfully. The M.P.G. was in the mid 30s, and everything worked great. Now, the plastic pieces from the heating vents, seat controls, and power window features are breaking. The M.P.G. is around 20 (if I am driving very carefully). The six cylinders are still peppy if you have to move the beast, but the turning radius is obnoxious. I have had better luck turning a big rig. Also, being that it is front wheel, you have to make sure to keep the tires rotated or you will burn through tires. The cup holder is so small that all it will fit is a childs size cup. No, your super cute Starbucks coffee will not fit.

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  Great Car that worse than YUGO ! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ankhmaat - October 30 - 9:19 pm

  Clutch gone at 33,000 Front Struts worn out at 65,000 Steering wheel fails to unlock at 45,000 Tinim chain skips and ruins engine at 98,000 3 radios changed under warranty, and never wored right Side mirrrs break off easily and host of little problems. I used to own YUGO and things that lasted forever on YUGO break on FORD FOUCS, incredible ! Coolant tank leaks at 82,500 CHeck engine light on more than 20 times, Radiator and fan and air flow sensor all failed when still under warranty. Well mine was made in MEXICO !

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  So very disappointed - 2009 Ford Edge
  By martha - October 30 - 2:06 pm

  I bought my 2009 Edge in May of 09 and by this month (Oct 09) the car is having transmission issues. It also had to have the front passenger speaker replaced...twice! Needless to say that i am horribly disappointed with Ford and regret getting rid of my reliable GMC Yukon. I thought I was going to save on the mileage, but I would have preferred to keep spending a ton on gas than have to deal with all the issues this 5 month old car has given me. I will never again purchase Ford or any other make/model this company makes and will do everything I can to tell people to avoid Ford vehicles like the plague! I thought Ford had fixed all their issues, but obviously this isnt the case!

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  The worst build car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JJS - October 30 - 1:36 pm

  Five major parts are crumbling, peeling off or broken five months after I bought a new Ford Flex. I take good care of my cars,This should not happen to a new car. I contacted the dealer as well as Ford and I got very little in care or concern. I dont feel that I should fix a new car with so much dysfunctional elements happening, they should replace the Flex.

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  Ford cant get my parts for 3 months! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Steve_Hirst - October 29 - 12:42 pm

  2008 Ford Escape On 10/5/09 I took my leased Ford Escape to the dealership for repair. The truck would not shift and I was told that the catalytic converter is the culprit. On 10/22/09, after a delay of seventeen (17) days, I was told that the parts needed to fix my truck will not be available from Ford until the end of 2009 at the earliest. I have spoken to Ford India. I keep playing phone tag with the Ford Philadelphia Area Rep...no parts!!! I cant speak to anyone else and they expect you to pay Ford Credit for your loaded Escape while you live in a rental car not worth half the payment FOR 3 MONTHS MINIMUM. I am very dissatisfied and personally crushed that Ford has treated a very