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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  Escape from the compact SUVs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By topdeadcenter - May 24 - 10:00 am

  well thought out interior, plenty of non-towing power, and automatic 4x4 are all pluses on this vehicle. Drawbacks include, cheap looking plastic bumpers and exterior trim, lack of towing power, (had problems with a 1500 lb boat coming out of lauch) and a minor electronic problem that put ours out of commision for a day. All in all a step above the competition, (we drove most and found this to be the best) I would recomend.

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  Awsome Car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By johna - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Honestly, I am a pretty crazy driver. Being a crazy driver, I would need a reliable vehicle that can handle hard turns, speed, fast breaking, and things like that. My 2001 Ford Explorer Sport has done these things and a whole lot more. Thats why I would strongly recomend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Wanna love it - 2014 Ford F-150
  By KTK - May 23 - 6:08 am

  Leased a 2014 F150 STX supercab in white with sharp rims, I like the look and I do love driving it. Was considering buying it at the end of the lease due to the low miles I have on it but have had some issues which concerns me with the reliability. The first happened around 7K miles. Intermittent noise, sounded likes marbles in a jar. There is apparently an issue with these truckswhere the vacuum line or the solenoid fails (moisture related) and it tries to pull the hub in while the truck is moving basically shredding the gear teeth. Fixed and ran fine until 2 days ago when driving began hearing a grinding hum coming from the front. Was worried driving would cause more damage or the truck would stop running. Had to have a truck with 13K towed. They believe it is a bearing in the front drive train. All I know 2 days without a vehicle, not happy.

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  Piorun - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Artur Helman - May 20 - 11:06 pm

  All you can read in the broshure is true with small adjustmant. Handling is good but faar from a sport car. Overall fun to drive. Money well spend.

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  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 22K Miles - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - May 19 - 12:06 pm

  This is an update from my initial review, which I placed at about 12K miles. My usage has been consistent, with a mix of congested city, rural two-lane, and high speed interstate driving, in temperature ranging from 20 F to 118 F. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I have had the oil changed twice, and the tires rotated once via Ford dealer. No squeaks, rattles or other maladies have appeared. No fluid additions required. My other observations at 12K still apply, so this update may be helpful to potential purchasers because my experience is now based on 22K of driving in all conditions.

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  Should changed no gas cap problem free!!! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By marc - May 14 - 6:52 pm

  I live in a state that requires a yearly inspection to renew my tag. Every year I have to spray WD 40 and clean and clean and clean out the no gas cap area to get the service engine light to turn off so it can pass inspection. It was a useless idea of Ford to design a gas tank with no gas cap! For what purpose? All kinds of dirt n crap can get in the gas tank! This year I had to buy a gas tank plug with a key and the service engine light went off and it passed inspection. One week later the service engine light reappeared. I am good til next year but what will I do then??? Its a 2012 Ford Fusion SE other than that I love the car. But Ford needs to own up to their mistake and recall and fix it for free!!!!

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  Re-flash - 2012 Ford Focus
  By capte - May 13 - 10:25 pm

  Your Ford dealers can "re-flash" or update your computer program that controls shift points, pressure settings, etc. to correct the issues you might be having. I dropped mine off at the dealer this morning so I will let you know how it works after I drive it a few days with the updated tranny program.

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  Fast Ford - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Mac - May 13 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and traded in a 2004 350Z. All in all the Z was easier as a daily driver but we really dont drive this car often. Mash the gas and smile all the time. A fun car to drive but as others point out the interior needs more distinguishing characteristics compared to a GT. The dealer tried to add 15K to the MSRP based on it being a Shelby; dont pay it! It is an extremely nice car but please know folks that this is a suped up Cobra and the only thing common to Vegas modified Shelbys is the Shelby label on the back and badge.

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  Escape Review - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ebcobra93 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Fortunately, I like the looks and drivability of this car a lot. Two months after purchasing, I had to get the transmission replaced. Only problem with the Escape. Love the car.

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  Transmission and starter problems - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By AL - May 10 - 7:03 am

  At about 1000 miles the automatic transmission started slipping. Ford does not know how to fix the problem. At about 2000 miles the starter motor at times does not engage the engine and at times it will not disengage after the engine starts. A Ford representative suggested trading the car in. The car now has 2600 miles and my wife is scared to drive her new car.