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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  4 radiators - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By cobra10181 - November 30 - 6:08 pm

  OK, I feel your pain. The problem with the 06-07 V6 Eddie Bauer edition is the lower brackets that the radiator sits in. They are 1/4 "to far forward, this puts the radiator in a bind. After thermal expansion and contraction the the welds in the core give up. This causes a ever so slight leak in the core. Hard to find at first , but eventually becomes much larger. You lose enough coolant to cause a over heating problem which is hard to detect because the coolant level is dropping ever so slightly. The temperature of the engine is rising at the same rate, along with the transmission, remember the trans is cooled through the same radiator. hot motor, hot trans lube breaks down.

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  OK so far - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nazareth1 - November 29 - 6:44 pm

  My 2011 Limited has 10,000 miles on it. So far, so good mechanically......kind of scared though looking at some other problems with overheating. Yes, the My Touch/Sync issue hit me too....had it back to dealer 3x times, supposedly fixed it but after getting it home, they wiped off by Nav and all phone functions...have no idea how the dealer released it, but the system is so sophisicated the dealers really do not know what to do about it unless Ford sends them software update. Finally, seems like last update in October, 2011 has worked. Rear hatch misaligned slightly at factory, not sure how that passed QC. Love the ride and tows a 3600 lb trailer fine.

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  Great SUV For The Price So Far - 2012 Ford Escape
  By bman27 - November 23 - 2:04 pm

  I had a 05 escape so i am used to how the handle and drive. I got the car for about 21,900 for the sxt with no other features like the sun package etc.. The 4 cyl accelerates well and the handling is nice. I do agree that the brakes need to catch up with the times and go to all wheel disc brakes. If you are looking for a american car without want to spend 30k this is a nice one to try. I am tall and i fit well. The sticker did not say anything about wheel tilt but it is on all of them. No telescoping adjust but who uses that move your seat up then!

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  Fantastic All-around - 2010 Ford Escape
  By morikowulf - November 21 - 9:31 pm

  I recently purchased my 2010 Ford Escape used, with just over 41,000 miles as a company vehicle. Aside from being well taken car of its a good looking car, it has taken a few day long trips now over some of the mountain roads in Colorado, and I have even taken it on some 4x4 sport trails. The handling is great, and the ride is quite comfortable. The gas mileage is great, and the car is actually more compact than my friends Outback. This is a great vehicle overall, and a blast to drive!

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  Great Car, But Has Some Faults - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bpic - November 20 - 5:32 pm

  We got our 2011 Ford Edge SEL in Sept. We love the extra interia room, comfort and performance. The gas mileage is not up to what Ford claims. Ford says, 19/27, dont believe it. Unless you are very, very concious about your driving habits, you are not going to get what is claimed. I dont have a heavy foot and were getting 12. We have 1K miles and so far, the Edge came with the rear window washer broke. Then the high beams/low beams now make a clunking noise and both side view mirrors now grin. The radio sync does not switch to the correct station with voice. Also, why did Ford place the indside door handle so close to the hinge side it makes it difficult to close the door.

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  Another great Ford Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By charliedee - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Purchased 09 Ford Flex Limited in 2009. Loved it, but traded for 2011 Ford Explorer when rumors were that Ford was going to discontinue Flex. Had nothing but probs with my touch on the Explorer, traded for 2011 Ford Titanium. Due to oversized wheels and tires, it drove like a lumber wagon. Check with dealer on smaller wheels/tires, made me a better deal on 2012 Flex Limited. Had 2012 on lot, I drove it, huge difference in ride from Titanium. Have since order 2012 Flex Limited, anxiously awaiting delivery. P.S.-It is not my habit to trade this often, but have been offered great deals from my dealer. I know the deals are real, as I am a retired auto sale rep. (30+ years).

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  2011 Ford Edge is bouncy - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bouncyrde - November 18 - 8:02 pm

  Have only had my Edge since Sept. When I test drove it the ride seemed good. Now that I bought it and driving it around town, the ride is very bouncy - disappointed in Ford. Maybe they need to change the suspension to be a little bit more firm. The Edge bounces too much on uneven pavement. Used to driving cars with a firmer ride. This is my first Crossover/SUV vehicle and think I made a mistake. So far no problems with the MyFordTouch but it is a little distracting and Ford supposedly has an upgrade for the software. I dont have any problems with the headrests hitting the back of my head. Very quiet ride. Overall nice SUV.

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  Love the ride but the brakes... - 2009 Ford Flex
  By lynnderlou - November 17 - 11:21 am

  I have 52k on the car and the rear brakes are having to be worked on again. They are telling me that it is the "elements", if Michigan driving is a problem for the brakes on this car they may have a few problems to work out! The rear parking sensor has stopped working, and is not covered under warranty, too many blind spots for this short girl to try and navigate blindly!Love the ride and comfort of the car but i think i will have to move on from my first and probably last ford vehicle.

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  Almost 3yrs with my 09 SE sedan-automatic - 2009 Ford Focus
  By skater69 - November 13 - 11:30 pm

  Bought new in Feb. 09. Now closing in on 30K miles. The auto isnt exactly quick but it gets up to speed fast enough. Very comfortable car and easy to drive. Great on the highway.....80mph is about 2900rpm only. Gas mpg close to 30mpg overall. Higway 35mpg. Just a nice easy car to drive thats also comfortable with a pretty civilized ride. I love the leather wrapped steering wheel/cruise control package that my SE came with . I also like the looks. No problems at all thus far although I do hear a slight rattle coming from the left rear but its not nearly audible enough to bother me or be that noticeable. The stock Hankooks were lame and lasted 25K miles. New Kumhos-better!

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  Paint problems!!! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By norm444 - November 11 - 7:39 am

  My new 2012 Escape has been into the body shop now twice for paint contamination!!! Also found on the back tail gate ford did not paint the edges on the 4 lower corners!! Yes I have seen other 2012 the same way!!!!!