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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  LOVE my Red Pig - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By 3chooks - January 7 - 5:48 pm

  I bought my Explorer "used" in 99, with only 1300 miles on it. I truly lucked out! I bought it to pull my new Danish horse trailer (Brenderup) and as my commuting vehicle, which is why my wonderful Red Pig now has about 264K miles on it. ["Red Pig"? so named the first time I filled it up, having traded in a 96 Honda Civic coupe in the transaction]. It was my commuting vehicle as well as my trailer-puller until 6 years ago. Before the Pig was semi-retired, I was putting a good 22K miles on it per year after, less than 3000 I am only now thinking its time to find a successor for my beloved Pig. Very reluctantly, because I dont think anything made more recently will measure up

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  2013 Ford Traurus Limited - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By fnevans98 - January 6 - 10:13 am

  I am 82 years young, and have owned a lot of vehicles, and I can say that my 2013 Ford taurus Limited is the best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Ford needs to research this problem - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By ralph1956 - January 5 - 7:32 am

  I have a 2012 Ford explorer that has wheel sensors on all wheels and have had to replace them all and now having to replace some again . When the sensor goes bad you have no 4 wheel drive and at times you can not drive at all. This is not reliable to me. Wondering if others are having issues with this also. Also have the check engine light come on and stay on and I am told its because of the gas tank and nothing that can be done to correct this issue.

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  Amazing Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By andrew_kaber08 - January 3 - 3:38 pm

  My 2008 F150 extended cab with the 4.6L V8 had 187,000 miles on it when I sold it. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS! Never once had this truck left me stranded. The only thing I have had to replace on this truck was the throttle body, but that was a minor issue which could have been ignored. The engine is great and sounds amazing, but the 4-speed automatic transmission drags it down. When towing near the maximum capacity, expect aggressive downshifting. The audio system could definitely use more bass, but Im probably just being picky. If youre considering buying this truck, just make sure you have enough money saved up for the not-so-great fuel economy.

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  Tranny Troubles - 2010 Ford Escape
  By winter_driver - January 1 - 11:52 am

  Bought new. Exactly the kind of vehicle I needed...big windows, AWD, fuel efficient, cargo space...just right for my cold climate. The 4-banger is fine around the city though its a slow accelerator off the line and when merging into traffic. V6 was probably a better choice. 1st problem right away was a vibration at about 50 mph. Turned out to be an unbalanced drive shaft, which the dealer promptly corrected. Lots of tranny problems. Rebulit after 3-years. Problems returned less than a year later. Rebuilt again. Lots of similar stories online. When it works, I really like it, but deep down, I have little faith left in the vehicle.

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  Has been excellent - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cayman6 - December 31 - 1:39 pm

  Have had the 2010 Sport 3.5L AWD (with Nav) for over 5 years now. No problems other than battery replaced under warranty. Has been very reliable, not even a squeak or a rattle. Ride and handling fine.

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  Wont own Fords again! (That Sucks) - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jmjett - December 31 - 12:28 pm

  I leased a new 2012 Limited 4x4 V-6. I have always liked Ford products, and even worked for them in the 90s.This rig has had a water leak problem since purchase. Its been almost 3yrs,and thank god my lease is almost done!! It has had 12+ repairs on the same problem, and mostly has had the same repair done. Repair doesnt work! It is a small leak, and most of the time it runs down the back window, but has run from small hooks in back,sunroof, soaking passenger side floor boards front and back.Living in the NorthWest isnt helping. Super disappointed in Ford for how this was handled or not handled. Ive been ruined for life and no longer will support any of Fords products! (wish differently)

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  mixed emotions - 2014 Ford Escape
  By swalcher - December 31 - 12:13 pm

  14 Escape 2.0L AWD Titanium / Bought used with 25,700 miles on 12/11/14. Bought used thinking all possible issues should be resolved. MPG is terrible at 21 HWY and 17 city. We have now driven this vehicle a 1000 miles and I am ready for my fifth fill-up. The gas gauge appears to be off. At the quarter mark, I am only able to put in about 8.5 gallons. After reading the manual, I discover the term Eco Boost has nothing to do with fuel economy. I havent really figured out what it means. This vehicle is really easy to get in and out. It has great acceleration but the ride is little bumpy but as short wheel base will cause this issue. The wife loves the car and thats what counts.

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  So Far So Good. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By vkmaxima - December 31 - 10:53 am

  My brother went from his 96 Taurus to a 10 Fusion SE. He decided to buy one after I got my 12 SEL. The cars has 85k and its been great so far. Occasionally the cap less fuel door has to be cleaned otherwise it triggers an error. The car is still very solid, but does have an odd rattle from the exhaust. No performance problems though. My brother also likes the SYNC system, and finds it easy to use. The car achieves about 18-22 mpg city, and 24-29 mpg hwy. He has a VERY heavy foot, so he doesnt quite get excellent economy, or close to what this car can get. I however get about 22-24 mpg city, and 27-31 mpg hwy. Were both happy we made the right choice with the Ford Fusion.

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  Great Car! - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By mp3aa - December 30 - 4:22 pm

  My first Mustang was a 1984 GT. Wow, they sure have come a long way in 30 years. My 84 had 200-225 HP and a carburetor. This has a 6 cyl. automatic and 305 HP! While this wont rule the drag strip, it has plenty of power. Interior is equipped nicely and is very comfortable for my 5 11" frame. SYNC is handy, radio sounds nice, auto up and down windows are cool. Reaching behind me for the seat belt would be my only complaint. Leather wrapped steering wheel is very comfortable. Switching from comfort, standard and sport steering is a nice touch. Sport gives you a great feel for the road. The optional thumb shifter for sport I find unnecessary, but time will tell.