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:

• 

  Love my Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By Flex Girl - November 14 - 8:13 pm

  Purchased a pre-owned Flex 2012 with 29,000 miles. I have had a lot of cars and this by far is my favorite! Prior to this I was driving a full size suburban. The transition to the Flex was easy! It drives smooth the leather seats are like butter and so comfortable. The only thing I wish they had changed was the very back seats need to fold all the way forward and down.. its kind of strange how the cargo space is on top of the seats. I would have preferred more room. Still I would totally by another Flex. Plenty of passenger leg room. We have the flex with captain seats in the 2nd roll and I love that. Great stereo with plenty of Sony speakers great rear air! The gas mileage is around 19.5 around town which is better then my burb. The highway is around 23..........no complaints!

• 

  Really like this vehicle - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Richard - November 13 - 3:49 pm

  We bought the SE and there are two things that I dont care for. If you leave the fob in the Edge and lock the doors with the lock on the door they will lock, the same as locking the keys in your old car. With the electronics they should be able to prevent this or give a warning when the fob is left in the Edge. My Edge has no keypad entry. They give you a key but that is probably at home. I do not have the auto stop/start feature. Wish that I had gotten the auto start/stop feature.

• 

  2004 Escape keeps on keeping on! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By James Crum - November 12 - 3:28 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in Oct. 2003. No trade in got a good deal from the dealership. Car has been one of the best we ever had for the money. 202,000 miles and still running strong. I change my own oil, every 5,000 miles w/Motorcraft oil and filter and the 3.0 V-6 never uses any oil, average 1/2 qt. in 5,000 miles. Very happy with the car. Went out and bought another new one hope it is as good as the 2004 has been. Got 26MPG highway with Continental tires, went on the cheap with Cooper tires last set never again. Tires are loud, ride rough had them balanced twice, plus MPG DROPPED 2 MPG stay away from Cooper tires.

• 

  supercrew xlt. super truck . - 2015 Ford F-150
  By andrew beekman - November 12 - 12:29 am

  Bought a Ford 150 supercrew from Galpin motors in Van Nuys California. Initial two hour drive home was excellent. Got the 2.7 turbo and got 22.1 mpg going mostly uphill. A lot better than my Chevy. Very nice to drive and ample power. This new truck is amazing. Def recommend from a former owner of a dodge ram and Chevy 1500 . Obviously this is the newest tech but def my favorite so far .If you decide to buy this truck and live close to Galpin motorsports, go see Steve Rodgers. Amazing service and patience. I couldnt decide on Color and trim and Steve was very understanding and washed two cars and another which was the one I finally decided on. Thank Steve Rodgers .

• 

  Doesnt deserve bad press - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - November 11 - 3:00 pm

• 

  The Duck Mobile keeps on truckin - 2009 Ford F-150
  By M.G. Proctor - November 11 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased my truck with everything on it from the factory. It has sat outside for the past 6.5 years, and the paint has not faded or chipped. It is best to have heavy duty truck brakes installed ASAP because the truck is heavy and normal Ford brakes just dont handle stopping well. At first I did not like the 6.5 bed, but after hauling a ton of stuff, it as worked out except for easy parking. I got the overall chrome package and I am still getting admiring comments, "awesome looking truck, wow what a pretty truck, etc." The plastic chrome on the door handles and rims will crack and peel. I am running American 5 spoke chrome wheels, no problems. So far, this truck has done extremely well. I usually buy a new Ford Truck every 4 years, I just got another four year extended warranty on this truck so I guess I am keeping it a while longer.

• 

  Love her - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mar - November 11 - 1:55 am

  I bought this car used in 2014 with 120,000 miles for $4,000 and I am extremely happy with this car. Its a great everyday driver and is impressively sporty. Added a cold air and exhaust as well as cosmetic features. It sounds great compared to most four cylinder vehicles on the road. This car has so much potential. The acceleration is great stock but i believe theres always room for improvement. At 132,000 miles I havent had a single problem. Comfortable ride, easy to get in and out of, great sound system, and extremely tight steering. Gas mileage could be better with a 6 speed. Its not very common to find this model in the US so shes one of a kind. The 2007 focus ST is worth every penny.

• 

  Good looking great value - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - November 10 - 9:05 pm

  The car feels solid when I drive it. I like the driver position. It feels more like a sport sedan than a land barge. Im 6 ft 220 and fit perfectly.long trips are a pleasure with no fatigue. I feel safe in this car and its stylish in all black. a lot of features for the money. Fuel economy is good. I like the my ford touch system. Traded my 8 year old f150 which was fantastic and this was the only vehicle that made me even think about trading for.Im very pleased

• 

  Was Inlove - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Brittany - November 7 - 6:21 pm

  I only had the car a year unfortunately but I absolutely loved it never gave me a problem not a peep starting at 50k miles and only putting 10k more on it. Heart breaking to see it go and even harder to find something to compare. ( I averaged 22 mpg and I drove mostly city took a good highway trip and it averaged 27mpg )

• 

  I Love This Car! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Joseph - November 6 - 7:42 pm

  I read the reviews about the 2012 Focus before I bought it and I admit that some of the reviews about the auto tranny with the dual clutch had me worried. But when I drive this car, that dual-clutch transmission is what makes the car so peppy. For does a nice job converting the 160 horsepower into an incredibly amount of acceleration for a 4 banger. When I need to move out into traffic, I shift the auto into SPORT mode and give it gas and I am *never disappointed with how quickly this car accelerates, even at highway speeds. Im not leaving any Mustangs or Corvettes in my dust, but I am making the Hyundai Elantra owners wonder if they made the right choice as they view the beautiful styling of my focus from behind in traffic as I pull away. And if you are worried about the transmission issues that *some people have reported (a minority of owners, not all), then take comfort in the fact that Fords drive train warranty is 5 years and 60 thousand miles and that warranty transfers with the car. So if you buy it used, you have the warranty. Also, Ford extended the warranty on the part of the transmission that has been troublesome to 100,000 miles. If you like the car, buy it. Dont listen to the naysayers. This is my third Ford and I have enjoyed each one and had good experiences with them all.