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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  Worst car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kienna Summer Shkopich-Weddell - March 30 - 7:28 pm

  I paid 500 dollars for this car and drove it for exactly one year. After replacing all 4 wheel bearings, the front right spring, plus having to refill the antifreeze every morning during the winter months in Northern Canada, I gave up and took it to the dump. I wanted to set this car on fire every single day that I owned it. I do not recommend, I would not say that this is a safe car. Much happier with my older 1990 Honda Accord.

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  Automatic Trans is TERRIBLE - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dobber10 - March 30 - 4:02 pm

  CAr has approx 13,000 miles on it and the transmission shutter/slipping is getting progressively worse. Dealer will not even talk about repairing it even though it didnt do it at time of purchase. They say it works the way it is suppose to and the service guy says they know it gets that way. Dealer should make people aware of the poor design before they buy it. I am investigating lemon laws to see what can be done but again, the dealer will not even accept an appointment to see if they can fix it. They stick to the position it is normal. We are in our 60s and this is not the first car we have even owned -- but it will be the last Focus we ever consider and possibly Fords in general.

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  New Mustang Delivered without Tonneau Covers - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By ozzy42 - March 28 - 4:34 pm

  I have had my new Mustang Convertible almost three months. It was delivered without the protective Tonneau Covers which fit over the large holes in the frame when the convertible top is in the low position. Calls and emails to the dealer asking about this important OEM part, which protecets the convertible assembly from weather elements and debris while the top is down, have gone unanswered. The dealer doesnt have a clue when they will be available and delivered. How could Ford deliver a brand new car with missing OEM parts? Calls to Ford Consumer Marketing also do not get any help. They simply say they are aware of the problem.

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  Im in love! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By Wendy Lee - March 27 - 8:18 pm

  Loving my new Escape! Fun to drive after having 4 Toyota sedans in a row. Love sitting up high. As a single mom, with one young teenager, this small SUV is all we need! Love the quick speed, easy handling, etc.

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  The Pony - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By James McGale - March 26 - 11:31 pm

  Took me forever, but this Mustang finally grew on me and I picked mine up in February. Unfortunately, I live in Niagara and the snow had ruined my chances of bringing it out in early February, but now that I have been able to drive it throughout March... Wow! Am I impressed. Great looking car with amazing acceleration and overall performance, constantly finding reasons to get out and drive it. Love the interior design and feel of the seats, nice touch of the 50 years pony logos on the seats. Wanted the convertible, but the prices were getting too high for me. I am not going to comment on the mpg statistics because I know what I am getting into with a pony V8. Overall, satisfied buyer.

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  oh boy - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Marquis Greene - March 26 - 5:35 pm

  Ive purchase a ford explore and had to change out 3 radiators and 2 thermostats

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  Dont waste your money - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By toomanyfords - March 26 - 8:05 am

  Purchased a used 99 in 2010 with about 100 k miles on it. Within a year the transmission went out. Had it rebuilt and it did fine after that. Bought it with a small oil leak and it burned more and more oil over the next 4 1/2 years until one day the engine seized out of nowhere at 145k miles. I have to say the engine held up for a long time with obvious issues before it finally quit. But... it did have the issues in the first place. Other than that, never had any other problems with it ( lol). My overall impression of this van... well its not worth the couple thousand they go for used. Save your money.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By toomanyfords - March 26 - 7:49 am

  Bought 99 in 2001 new with 5000 miles. Owned it for 10 1/2 years and put about 100k miles on it. Never had one single problem with it ever. Good on gas and fun to drive. The only maintenance I ever did were oil changes.

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  Mine is the 2.0 - 2015 Ford Escape
  By petalmasher - March 25 - 4:51 pm

  Not sure why anyone would get the lower trim levels. For someone who wants the best bang for the buck dependably hauling kids, car seats, daiper bags and luggage across the state for a family vacation, the Forester, Rav 4 and CRV are the obvious choices. An Escape will do the job but it will be a bit more cramped and cost a little more. If you also want a combination of handling, power, interior materials, and tech options generally only available in a luxury brand without paying $10k for a hood badge, a loaded Escape is a a good option.

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  Nickle and dimes you to bankruptcy! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Scott Sells - March 24 - 10:25 pm

  This is probably one of the worst trucks ever made. I cant believe people have honestly rated it this high (I suspect Ford had a hand in this). Luckily I got this used after the spark plug problem. Cam phasers went at about 200kms, $2000+ to fix. $1700+ to replace the garbage driveshaft. Constantly replacing the tie rod ends and ball joints (again poor design by Ford - Not "Ford tough"). The truck is enjoyable to drive, but it is a money pit, and as a Ford lover it is a HUGE let down. It will be a long time before I could ever consider buying a Ford again. They made a garbage truck and refused to stand behind it. Ill be looking for a Toyota or Honda next. Anything but Ford.