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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  Ford Escape purchased brand new - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kyleservice - May 10 - 7:17 pm

  We picked up this Ford Escape new in 2005. So far in 2012, it has about 72,000 miles on it, with absolutely zero problems so far. (Well, I did have to replace the battery this spring.) This SUV still has the same tires, same brakes, same exhaust system. Ive looked at the front and rear brakes, they look like theyll go many more miles before needing replacement. We might have to replace the tires this fall, this is Wisconsin, and we do have snow around here.

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  Looks can be and ARE deceiving with the 02 Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By himynameisnick - May 7 - 5:14 pm

  Bought her used at 78K Miles. She held up fine until 84K at which time the water pump went out. Then a cracked rear wheel bearing. THEN at 98K the tranny went...$3000 to replace. Then the AC would stall the car out at idle. Then a ignition coil replacement at 104K. then the alternator a week later!!! Seems like she was in the shop at least once a month fer sure. she drove fine for another 10K THEN the FREAKING MOTOR threw a valve-lifting rod! Also since day 1 of ownership, the car had overheating problems and i spoke to friends who owned the same year focus, same problem as well. All that being said, she held the road like [non-permissible content removed]! and she handled really well. looks sick too!

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  rust - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By meis - May 5 - 11:05 am

  I have a 2007 fx4 off road ranger,v6 auto with tow package(bougth it new) use it on week ends, have 50,000 miles. very reliable, got me to where we go,especially in snow,would like better gas mileage about 17-20 mpg highway. I have two issuses , since new the transmission when driving and the speed drops to 20 miles a hour and it down shifts it feels if someone kicked me in the seat,trips to the dealer resulted in reprogram computer,work on the vavle body chech transmission.The dealer said that is the way this transmission works. Second issuse is rust, looking underneath there is rust all over when I brought it to the dealer they said they cant do anything unless it rust THRU. Has anybody

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  Reliable and efficient car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By codynight26 - April 30 - 6:48 pm

  This Taurus is a great little car that does everything asked of it. It has over 128,000 miles and all we have done besides regular maintinence is replace the battery and fix some dents. It has withstood driving gravel roads every single day. The V6 engine offers enough power but is also fuel efficient. Edmunds says 25 highway, i get 26. Its not the most luxurious car, but it is great for a family car or a school car. If you need an inexpensive car to use as a family vehicle, this car is definitly worth a look.

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  If I could go back in time, It be this car AGAIN! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By gigiaguy89 - April 28 - 9:31 pm

  I had 2 options. Yaris, or Corolla. Went to two Toyota dealer and had them try and rip us off real bad. They wanted 17 grand for Yaris and 20 grand for basic Corolla. We walked away and were about to give up when we passed a ford dealer. We stopped in to see what they had. Fell in love with a black, focus coupe. Dealer gave it to us for 15,700 w/trade. Had it since 2009 and its running GREAT. Gas mileage is AWESOME and stereo system rocks! Trunk is huge, and back seat is comfy considering the car is a two door. Interior design is pretty cool considering other cars in its class. Love the message center and ice blue lights. The cluster instrument panel has a nice sporty look to it.

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  My 5th Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hambone33 - April 27 - 2:15 pm

  I bought my first Ford Truck in 1990 and have owned nothing but Fords since then but I am about to try another brand after this 2004 F-150. One of the over the plug coil melted down - twice. The second time leaving me stranded on vacation. THe dealer in Redding CA stuck it to me on the price of repair. The rear axle seal started leaking. Replaced both axles as they had a ring worn around them by the seals. 30K mi. later same thing and had to replace axle and seal. Leaked again, back to dealer 3 times. Still leaks and they say I need whole new rearend. Still driving it but going to sell and buy a 2013 RAM.

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  Great car....except - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By smartaspaint - April 19 - 9:56 am

  So, there seems to be a common issue with this particular model of car. Sometimes, the car will simply die while youre driving it. I took it into an auto parts store, they tested the battery and couldnt find anything wrong with it. I took it into the Ford Service center, they tested the alternator, battery, fuel injector, the onboard computer, looked for updates to any of the programming, and everything tested out fine. Couldnt find a thing. Im taking it to an electronics specialist incase somethings wrong with the ECU but I saw the "10/10" reliability ranking and had to write something since complete failure randomly while youre driving is kind of a bad thing.

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  up date HAPPY DUDE - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bluefalcon - April 16 - 8:55 pm

  29700 miles and still happy. still love styling sport blue outside and blue insert seats. The 3.5 V6 still pulls strong, a sleeper but dont expect to take Corvette. Average about 22 mpg and need to replace first set of tires and will not go with the Good Year RS A tires again. Ok tire but not great.

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  Classic American Muscle Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By cason234 - April 16 - 12:59 pm

  Ive owned my 2000 Mustang GT for only 9 months, and Ive already put it for sale..... how can I write a favorable review of it if I dont even wish to keep it? Yet, the car really is terrific - it just doesnt stir my soul! Mine has 75,000 miles on it (bought it with 65,000), and it has been nothing but pleasure to own. I bought it and immediately lowered it with H&R springs (the wheel gap on 99-04 Mustangs is HIDEOUS), and put a Pro5.0 shifter in it. If I was keeping it, Id put a set of Flowmasters and 4.10 gears on it. I love the fact that you have a bread and butter V8 in here that anyone can repair (if needed) that still has performance thatll whollop many cars on the road.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By colin_88 - April 15 - 7:55 pm

  This is my moms car and I love it. We have had it for 5 months now and it has changed my view of Fords since the demise of my 1995 Escort. I find this more luxurious than my plain 2002 Toyota Camry. The ride is very smooth. The 4WD comes in handy on the snowy Philly winters and our yearly Xmas trip to Maine.