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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  Air conditioning problem! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By jimcomoe - October 29 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased the 4x4 with Eco Boost, and its been a great truck. I get many compliments on the look, the royal blue color, and the chrome (plastic) grill. It has 40,000 miles, and just recently I experienced a problem with the air conditioning. When I turn it on, it starts rattling and making a lot of noise. I have to turn it off then back on again several times before it stops. One other minor complaint is when I wash it, drive off, and roll down the windows while it is still wet, a lot of water comes inside. I wish it had those lips above the windows to catch and divert the water running off, like in the older models. It is very likely I will purchase another one in the future.

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  285,000km - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dsantin - October 29 - 8:35 pm

  Overall excellent fun durable reliable car. Good in snow, MPG, comfortable, features like manual / heated seats-mirrors, tilt steering, traction control that were hard to get at this price with others. It still runs so well but I look after it. I do some rough back roads in snow as well.

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  Reliable car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bull_gator - October 29 - 7:51 am

  Only a few problems have shown up in 107K miles. I have replaced the fuel pump, alternator, battery, tires, and suspension. Of those, only the fuel pump was unexpected. The rest are things you expect to replace.

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  Beware - 2011 Ford Edge
  By jwax1 - October 28 - 8:24 pm

  My review is based on: !. Lousy customer service from Ford Motor Co (not the dealership). 2. The design of the engine. The water pump on this engine is located inside the engine. At 91,000 miles, our water pump went out. The "overtemp" light went off about 30 seconds before we stopped. The engine is BLOWN! A water pump going out should NOT be the end of an engine. We had NO indication that we had a problem before this occurred, and had even had the oil changed one week before this occurrence. Now comes the Customer service problem....NO support from Ford! The dealership was fantastic, but Customer Service was ridiculous! Not expecting a new engine, just help with repair!

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  2015 Ford Fusion SE 1.5 - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By kevin1957 - October 28 - 6:42 pm

  Purchased new just a few weeks ago and have less than 1,000 miles. First impression: Wow! What a great driving car that gets great fuel mileage. One of the other cars that I considered was the new Chrysler 200, which I rented for a 3 day trip this past weekend. Sooo glad I didnt buy the Chrysler. The Ford is so much nicer to drive is more comfortable and gets better fuel mileage. No buyers remorse here!

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  Worst Ford I have Owned. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bestbrewmaster - October 28 - 11:54 am

  At 45000 I needed a Rear Diff. under warranty and at 75000 I needed a new Rear Diff again. 4x4 has not worked since 70000 miles and they dont even know what it is and have not been able to fix it they think it electrical. Transmission slips all the time since around 35000 miles and they say that is normal. I currently have 98000 miles on it and I now have a P00012a error (cam shaft timing) and apparently now I need a new engine. I would never buy one of these as they are Not Ford Tough...

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  My f 150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By bigleo - October 26 - 10:18 am

  Love this truck . Bought it used with 158k on it . Previous owner was meticulous with it . Amsoil and filter oil changed every 7k miles . Interior is roomy and comfortable . Design is blah , very plain . Like GM and Dodge cockpits better . Have an Slt Lariat Crew cab . have a KN cold air intake ( installed by previous owner ) but I am troubled by the gas mileage . I drive about 70 mph on the highway with cruise constantly . I am only getting 14 and change per gallon . Whats going on . Previous owner swears he was getting 15-18 depending on howhe drove. I do not get into the gas and rarely go over 2k on the tach . Any suggestions ?have the 5.4

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  Best car Ive ever owned overall - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By boboston - October 26 - 10:11 am

  I traded an 06 Ford Five Hundred for the 13 Fusion. I wanted a slightly smaller car with sportier handling and better gas mileage. I looked at and drove the Honda Accord, Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima while I was shopping. I settled on the Fusion due to its styling, and ideal (to me) combination of responsive handling, great ride and interior quiet. The other cars I drove are great choices, to me the Fusion was ideal. Outside of a recall, Ive had no problems with the car. T

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  Lemon - 2013 Ford Focus
  By lostgenerati - October 25 - 10:19 am

  2013 Ford Focus 22500 miles. What a piece of .... Three motors.Unsolved Transmissions problems, Dead battery, 2 months in the service bay. 1:30 am tow was priceless. The great thing is the 2014 and 2015 are having the same problems..So if you buy one here is your new routine. 1 buy car,2 Be told there is nothing wrong with the transmission. When you need to get out and rock it to back up.surges while driving .. Its your imagination. 3 Drive to service bay and wait for days 4 break down, get towed, and end up selling for less than you brought it for.Or just buy a Toyota and save your self so much aggravation.

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  2 year report - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By jimd14 - October 25 - 10:06 am

  Ive owned my car for a little over 2 years now. I have had no problems with my car other than one of the hub caps having paint peeling which was replaced under warranty and rotors needing to be turned which Ford also replaced under warranty. I was surprised the rotors were covered considering this is a wear and tear item that lasts depending on your driving conditions and habits.