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:

• 

  Purchase the extended warranty!! - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By shosho62 - February 11 - 11:09 am

  We have had tons of problems with ours, not regular wear and tear. Im in the service dept monthly. Seat AC motor, seat tracks replaced (Im not heavy), trunk struts!?!?, on and on. Drivers door handle just broke, not covered on warranty. We would be broke if not for the ESP, scared to see what happens when the warranty runs out. This is Not a quality vehicle.

• 

  The best American muscle car ever - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By chrisrogers - February 10 - 6:34 pm

  I was blown away by the performance, looks, and quality of this car. The interior components are not cheaply made and ill fitting like the Fords of the past. Everything is top quality and controls are ergonomic. This car is very fast, but also nimble and predictable in turns, unlike Mustangs of the past. I really love the aggressive look, still better looking than the ugly 2015 Models.

• 

  2013 Focus SE - 2013 Ford Focus
  By sts_pa - February 10 - 11:56 am

  I bought this 2013 Focus SE hatch new 2 years ago and have experienced zero issues with it. Chassis is sublime and engine provides adequate power while returning >30 mpg and easily over 40 on the highway. Interior has too much hard plastic, but thats expected at this price. I love the cloth seats and the hatch holds tons of stuff. The powershift automatic has unpleasant characteristics at low speeds (chattering, lurching), but works great when pressed. Ford seems to deliver the best driving compact in the segment at this price IMHO. Hoping the reliability stays good going forward.

• 

  Still love it three years in - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By cottre22 - February 9 - 5:08 pm

  I got my 2012 Ford Fusion almost exactly three years ago (end of January 2012). The last time I purchased a car before the Ford was a 2005 Honda Civic. I bought the Civic for affordability but I was never really that into it. I love my Fusion. The best thing about it is the pickup. Thats something that you notice when youre coming from a Civic. The Fusion has 175 hp minimum (depending on your model) and so its easy to get up to speed when getting on the highway. My car is FWD but it handles okay in the snow. Its bigger and sturdier than my Civic so it doesnt slide around the road as much every time the wind blows. The "L" gear has also come in handy for getting out of snow banks.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2015 Ford Escape
  By lilbit24 - February 8 - 8:48 pm

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 Forester and owned for less than 30 days. Traded in on the Escape and have been VERY happy! The ride, comfort, technology and safety features on the Escape FAR surpass the Forester and all others in this class.

• 

  Makes my work "fun" - 2014 Ford Taurus
  By 9c1chevyguy - February 7 - 10:33 am

  This is one great cop car .we have Chargers and a new Chevrolet "Caprice" well I always grab the "police Interceptor " keys first (ford does NOT like when you call it a "Taurus" .. Of course we do not have all the "bells & whistles " not even a "aux input jack " or even remote lock/unlock (like the Charger and Chevy ) ..but this car just flies ,and I beat on it every day ..50K so far and NO problems ..It does have the 3.5 Twin Turbo EcoBoost ..

• 

  Dont buy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mike1992 - February 6 - 6:01 pm

  We bought the car, it looked great. Soon the transmission started giving us problems, couldnt find a gear, shook like a motor mount had broken off, loud noises, etc... Had it to the dealer many times. They fixed it somewhat, not completely. It seems every 5-10k miles we bring it back. Were in a lawsuit now with ford. Im trying to get them to take the car back. We have an appointment next week to bring the car in for the same repair. Dont buy this car.

• 

  Those nice Chrome 19" Wheel Covers - 2011 Ford Edge
  By rcestare - February 4 - 9:01 pm

  When you purchase an Edge or other Ford product, make sure you ask what the various parts are made of. My "Chrome Clad" wheels are actually Chrome "Foil" bonded to plastic. Who hasnt hit a pothole or scraped a curb when parking... if you do you cannot simply buy a replacement "hub cap" ... you have to buy the entire wheel at a cost well above $800 per wheel!!!!! When I wrote to Ford Executives about the matter ... they simply said "buyer beware"... Fool me once shame on you. I will NEVER buy a Ford again. I feel lied to and cant help but wonder what else is plastic that we think is metal??????

• 

  Ford F-150 V8 5.4 Liter - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ttfndude - February 4 - 4:33 pm

  This is a worthless truck. They saw this sucker coming a mile away. I bought this truck 5 months ago and have had it in the shop multiple times for issues. Now the is down and they want $500 to see why it went bad or they want $7000 to replace the engine. I wish I had been able to see these reviews prior to buying the truck or I would have bought a junker, they last longer. Long Mcarthur Ford is not concerned they sold me a lemon they knew they did, I was just the unfortunate sucker who got it. Now I have my very first nice newer vehicle I have ever bought as an $11,000 lawn ornament. I guess back to the bargain basement for me.

• 

  Be Careful Before Buying the Sport - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By mjctx79 - February 4 - 1:40 pm

  We love our new Explorer Sport 2015. However, our sales person did not have the full understanding of the model differences between the Sport and the Limited. The Sport was suppose to be the Limited Plus and its not. Its missing additional features like a digital speedometer and heated rear seats. Not HUGE deals but frustrating when you think you are getting everything that comes with the Limited Plus some.