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:

• 

  All I can say is WOW! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By mikoj - January 25 - 10:33 am

  I researched for months trying to find the right car for me. I ran across the 2015 Mustang and thought Id give the old pony a try. I had the car built this past fall. When it arrived, I wasnt prepared for the end result. It was AMAZING! Pictures, videos, do no justice! My only complaint is that the back seat is pretty pointless. Even kids have trouble getting back there. It is a major headturner. Everywhere I go, people are complimenting me on this car. If you are a looking for a nice sports car, look no further. I am a 110% happy with my car!

• 

  I love my ford - 2007 Ford Escape
  By skl333 - January 25 - 4:24 am

  I have a used escape with 3 previous owners I have had it for over a year and a half . The gas mile is as good as my Camry had I average around 24 mpg .I have yet to have any big problems with this vehicle I had a window regulator go out and some mild problems with the cd player when the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours in cold conditions. Its sturdy and easy to navigate while being large enough that the big trucks on the road wont block your visions when trying to make turns or backing out of a parking space. its currently at 117,000 miles and running strong.

• 

  Buy it - 2014 Ford Escape
  By sal96 - January 23 - 9:08 pm

  Amazing! Totally redesigned, the new escape is powerful, sporty, elegant and comfortable. The titanium package is totally worth the extra money. The SONY touch screen gps interface has a lot of good features. The escape accelerates well on the highway, plenty of power when you put your foot down. The panorama roof is very nice. New electric steering is a BIG improvement and you can feel the difference. Above all you can tell Ford did their homework on this one, the escape has a very nice sleek design inside and out, much better than the asian makes. In Southern california, small suvs were for a long time dominated by RAV4s and CRVs. Now I see more of these escapes than the new RAV4.

• 

  Ford does it again! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By herman15fusion - January 23 - 5:43 pm

  I recently traded a 2012 Ford Focus SE for a 2015 Ford Fusion SE with 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Man, what an upgrade from the Focus to the Fusion! There is a major difference in acceleration and engine performance. The transmission shifted smoothly, unlike the shake and shudder of the Focus. I currently have only 2,300 miles in the Fusion, but have never owned a better vehicle (Ive owned Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and Chevrolet). Im averaging 26mpg in city driving, and am usually an aggressive driver. The interior is roomy, quiet, and inviting. Even with a rear-facing carseat behind me, I have plenty of room in the drivers seat. I highly recommend this car! Way to go, Ford!

• 

  I adore this car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By tamedcowboy - January 23 - 1:14 pm

  106,000 miles on my GT California Special and stone dead reliable. Smooth, muscular V8 sound. Awesome acceleration. Super comfortable seats and touchpoints. I took it on a 7,600 mile trip last summer, averaged exactly 25 mpg and never got backache. Love, love love the comfort. This is the first car Ive ever owned that I enjoy just to take for a drive. Says it all. I hope I own it the rest of my life.

• 

  Sexy and Elegant! - 2014 Ford Taurus
  By bondgirl73 - January 22 - 8:09 am

  I had to trade the truck that I had for something that was easier to get in and out of due to a back injury. I have had two older Tauruss before and my teenage daughter even has an older one now. I have also had various makes and models of other vehicles over the years, mostly Jeep, Honda, Toyota or Ford. No vehicle even comes close to this baby! Tuxedo Black with black leather, black and aluminum wheels. It is SEXY! There is something also very elegant about it. But I will warn you, even though it is a 4 cylinder engine, (with turbo) it will take off if you press the gas, could get you a ticket if you arent careful! Love it, pure joy to drive, and turns heads! The color is gorgeous!

• 

  Neverending Problems - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By toymatrixsc - January 21 - 1:08 pm

  I purchased this piece of junk Used in 09 with roughly 150K miles because I needed some wheels in a pinch. Tires and battery need replacing every two years which is normal, I think. Ive had to replace the water pump twice, fuel pump, and coolant tank since. The plastic coolant tank crudding out seems to be a common complaint Im reading. It leaks or burns through oil and Ive had it checked a couple times. At this point, I am accepting lugging around quarts of oil in my trunk and did I mention the coolant leak yet (have to carry extra coolant, too)? Computer has been replaced. Every start problem imaginable has occured save the alternator.

• 

  2013 Titanium Focus - 2013 Ford Focus
  By rringo - January 20 - 6:08 pm

  Its hard to believe that people who have written bad reviews have the same car as I do. Yes the tranny can be a little quirky sometimes but this may have a lot to do with the driver. I have owned a lot of vehicles, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota Nissan etc all of which I liked. I love this car and feel it is the most for the money I have ever owned. Runs great, drives great, looks great and is comfortable with great mileage. Ive taken trips of 3000 miles. Sorry those other folks didnt get one like mine.

• 

  A Lemon! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By looking4adea1 - January 20 - 9:32 am

  I bought my 2000 Ford Taurus about 3 years ago. My grandma had purchased it new and my sister had been driving it for about a year. I knew my grandma had taken good care of it and it had low mileage (under 60k). I am a student commuting to school so I did put a lot of miles on it. By now it has approximately 90k. I have poured thousands of dollars into it for repairs over the years. It constantly broke down. There was a consistent list of things that needed to be repaired. It was just a matter of what was priority. Now it just blew a head gasket and is basically done. It didnt even hit 100k miles. The car was a complete lemon!

• 

  Best Mustang Ever Infotainment is Nightmare - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By simplecars - January 19 - 6:10 am

  I ordered my 2015 Mustang GT AUTOMATIC (for some reason Edmunds only lets me pick a 6 spd manual for this review) in MAY 2014. Needless to say, I wanted it early. Styling: Love it. Each angle has another inspiring look and sexy curve. WARNING: You will get compliments and questions at gas stops, etc. Car is real head turner. Performance: Outta this world. It moves quick, and the 5.0L v8 is smooth, powerful, and WOW just perfect for this car. If you like Mustangs or pony cars, you should love this car. Interior is high class, well thought out, and after 1600 miles, still wows me when I get in the drivers seat.