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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  A Horse of a Different Color - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By keboss302 - January 18 - 9:06 pm

  Like the Shelby Mustangs from 1968-1970, this new one is an odd contradiction: Both brutally powerful (in 435-hp GT form) and luxurious at the same time, it recalls those late 60s boulevard cruisers more than it reminds me of the more simple, honest 5.0 liter GTs of the 80s or the straightforward 2005 retro reboot. That is ok, as my 2015 GT Convertible finds me in my mid-40s, ready for a little more refinement in my car. This is my 19th Mustang my tastes have changed and the car has grown up along with me. This car is built like an anvil and full of modern conveniences. It seems low and heavy at first, but soon it shrinks around you and feels like an old pair of Levis.

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  11 MONTHS--20,000 MILES--NO PROBLEMS - 2014 Ford Focus
  By texasaustin - January 18 - 7:21 am

  Writing because see negative reviews. 2014 5-door Titanium--loaded. No problems at all 20,000 miles. "Auto manual" transmission is a little quirky-adapt to it. Power more than adequate-flooring it has a 1-2 second delay--plan ahead. Usually add oil when 1/2 quart low-wanted to see how long before must add oil. 5w20 full synthetic not quart low after 10,000 miles. Wish less firm ride but it came with the package. Every car should have capless fuel filler, auto/pushbutton start, auto climate control, auto answer phone system, auto on head light. My Ford info system-learn it-seldom malfunctions. Gas mile average 29.9-30.4. (Saw 46.6 on 26 mile loop@71 speed control--40.6@71 over 50mi on IH-35.

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  Awesome little SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By tugboat95 - January 15 - 11:46 pm

  I love this truck! I bought this with 33k miles to replace a Durango I could no longer afford to feed. It was an adjustment to go that small. I chose the Escape because it had the most interior room of the small SUVs. Im 65 and I sit comfortably in it for an 8 hour drive twice a month. I have the XLT V-6. I get 28mpg round trip on that drive and I see 33 in certain spots where I behave with the throttle. It now has 75k miles on it and the only thing I have touched is the oil and transmission fluid and a new set of tires. Most dependable vehicle Ive ever owned. And it pulls a 3050lbs RV and gets 12mpg doing it. Ive been offroading in WV with it and even just 2wd, it holds its own.

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  Looks and sales man can be deceiving - 2014 Ford Focus
  By desw - January 15 - 3:43 pm

  I dont typically sign up for websites to do reviews but I will this time. Do your homework before you even consider this car. Ive had this car for 8 months and Im already trying to figure out how to get out of this upside down car. When I first test drove it the test vehicle was fine. I had seen a couple reviews about the transmission being a little jumpy but the sales man reassured me that that issue was very rare. No. I had it less than two months, took it in 4 times, and was without it for a month and ford treated me horrible. called headquarters and got dismissed there too. Ive had such issues with a new car. Ridiculous! Dont do it pay a little extra and get a better car!

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  Close to perfect - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By suleman09 - January 15 - 1:40 pm

  This car is close to perfect as it gets. I have a few things I would improve from factory but overall there is no reason not to love this Mustang. Im not a fan of how much they want to charge for some of the options, if they could crunch some numbers and find a way to save the customer some more money on some of the options it would make the car buying experience so much better and make getting the options you want so much easier.

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  My first four-door sedan in 10 years! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By paulsnj - January 12 - 2:26 pm

  I replaced my aging and heavy Chrysler Pacifica with this Fusion, knowing that it shares its engine and platform with the Mazda 6. Hondas and Toyotas are too expensive to buy used, so this was a good option. I drive about 35,000 miles a year so brand new is out. The four cylinder is suprisingly powerful and smooth wont win any drag races but the six-speed seems to find the right gear to suit the situation. Seats are a little hard on the bottom cushion but supportive. The interior has a little too much black plastic but fits together well, and all controls have a nice soild tactile feel to them. Leather seems to be of the "harder" variety which means it should be durable as well.

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  1998 Ranger XLT - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By andrejp - January 11 - 4:18 pm

  This is my 6th vehicle. I owned a Ranger a few years back and had to sell it because i moved to Hawaii. When i moved back i made a dumb mistake and bought a new Hyundai only to crash it less then a year after i purchased it. Soooo i knew its time to go back to the one true truck that i know will last forever. Rangers are built to last and theyre built TOUGH. I bought this one for $3500 with 133k miles on it and i know itll last me for atleast another 160k miles easy. I will never own another vehicle. You cant go wrong with a Ford.

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  be careful! - 2012 Ford Flex
  By dontbuyxt - January 11 - 9:15 am

  I have a 2012 ford flex. I just hit 60,000 miles and with it has come a fuel pump failure! I took it to the dealer who fixed it. Of course, the repair is not complete and know I can smell gas after parking my car in my garage. Oh Joy! More time at the dealer trying to get them to fix an issue they created with an initial repair attempt. Very Frustrating Ford! I feel the car has been pretty good up to this point. I like the strong engine and ride quality. It is a good car for long car trips. I am very concerned about the long term quality - Ford is exactly known for quality. I had to have the brakes (pads and rotors!) replaced around 55k. This car may be better for a lease!

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  Its like having a terrible child - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By tmaynard95 - January 9 - 2:25 pm

  I have a 1995 5.0 v8 automatic Bronco (in blue) with 125k miles and have had it for three years and was my fathers since 2001. I love it, but there are ALWAYS problems with it. I would get rid of it if it werent my baby, i guess its like people and their BMWs. Its had the tranmission rebuilt, the fuel pump has gone out several times, the heater core has gone out the last two years in a row, my motor mounts loosened causing both front and rear u-joints to go bad, the a/c system has been replaced, and most recently, there is a strong gasoline odor when I accelerate. Also, when it rains all sorts of problems occur, such as my airbag light blinking and the door ding noise gets elongated.

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  Most Unreliable Car in History - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By katoht - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a nightmare since day one. My parents bought this car used in 2004, two years after the car was released. Within a year of owning it, the transmission blew and needed to be replaced. The interior paneling on the doors has fallen off completely. The rocker panels underneath the car are extremely susceptible to rust they rusted through completely and fell off of this car entirely. The rear passenger side window never closed fully. There has always been an oil leak that our mechanics are unsure of the cause. There is oil leaking into the exhaust. The AC is broken and no longer works. The fly wheel ground against the starter, destroying the gears. Overall, a nightmare to own.