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:

• 

  Love the car...hate the hubcaps! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By duseldb - January 11 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned 3 Focuses...I really enjoyed them! I stepped up to the Fusion because I needed more cabin room. The styling and performance are great...for the 2010 model year...some nitwit at Ford decided it was a bright idea to replace alloy wheels with a cheapo plastic hubcaps...on a $23000 car. Oh well, they look nice...but they are junk! The first month the paint began flaking off. I had two replaced and need 2 more replaced. Its cool because Ford is paying for it under warranty...but a pain to go into the dealer to have them replaced. Fords solution...tough sh*t...live with it. I offered to pay for alloys if they credited me for the junk. Last Ford for me...all over junk hubcaps!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By wolfrat - January 8 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the Automatic S sedan after I lost my 2003 Saturn Ion 2. I got it for a great deal but felt the price could have been a little lower for a base model. Drives very smooth but could use a little more horsepower. Sound system is alright for a base car, but wish they could at least include rear speakers, and rear mats. Trunk is huge and love the design of the interior. Amazing on gas and love the blind spot mirrors. I was amazed to learn that Fiestas have been produced since 1979, which made me feel comfortable in my choice for a reliable car. Overall, this is a great car for a commuting college student like myself.

• 

  Great little car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By nrudolph - January 7 - 12:30 am

  So Ive had my (2011) Focus SES 2.0L/4A since August 20th, and I currently have 7,998 miles on it. My commute is almost all highway, between 60-80 miles a day. Ive average 28mpg overall (cruise at 75 on highway)which is about what I expect when you have 4 merges each way, and MPG drops with speed anyway. In 8k miles of driving it hasnt been back to the dealership once. Feels solid driving down the road. Interior is quiet, but not silent, as there is a little bit of road noise, but nothing bad. I have the basic stereo, albeit with sync. Stock speakers arent bad considering the class of car. Engine has adequate power, transmission does not hunt for gears and shifts smoothly.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By charliedee - January 6 - 8:52 am

  I am a retired automobile sale rep. (30 yrs) Have sold and driven them all. Previously owned a 2009 Ford Flex Limited. Love it, would have purchased another, but found that Ford was going to discontinue it. Read up on the 2011 Ford Explorer, liked what I read and saw. pre-ordered a loaded Xlt in October. My dealer finally got one in the showroom a few weeks ago, drove it, exceeded my expectations. Just received the VIN on my order, anxiously awaiting delivery. After selling and owning many imports, I am convinced that Ford quality and reliability is equal, if not better than most. I say try it, youll like it!

• 

  Used to love it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dharvs - January 5 - 11:04 am

  My 2004 Escape WAS a trooper even with 2WD and without ABS it drove well all through the year. The V6 powers the car well and the RPMs can really rev up to give you a big boost past 70mph for 2-lane and highway passing. 5 hour drives were no problem, AC/Heater worked well always. I paid $9000 for it in 2007 with 60K on the engine, I put on another 70K and began having engine issues. An airhose needed to be replaced but even after that was done the RPMs would drop to 500 and it would feel close to stalling out, sometimes it did. Even with normal maintenance the rod and bearings seized meaning I needed a new engine. This, after $700 for new front suspension (at 131K not bad).

• 

  Great improvements over previous years models - 2011 Ford Edge
  By philipntx - January 4 - 1:04 pm

  I got this years Edge to replace my 2008 model. Ford listened to comments about the earlier models. One complaint I had about the older one was the engine. The transmission was always fishing for the right gear. That is gone now. The engine is much smoother and has a bit more hp. My other complaint was with the brakes. They always felt/sounded like they were grinding. I was told nothing was wrong with them thats just how they were. They have improved tremendously. I didnt have a lot of confidence in them before. I got the 20" wheels. Very nice. SYNC has improved slightly, but its still quirky. Ford is quite proud of it, too, as reflected in the price. A little more than it should be.

• 

  Overpriced but remarkably solid - 2006 Ford F-150
  By phroggy - January 1 - 12:08 pm

  Huge fan of this truck. Very comfortable, decently powerful, rides like a luxury car. Fuel mileage is acceptable for the size of the vehicle. Ive had a few problems here and there but the warranty covered them all. None of the issues were anything that wouldnt happen in a Toyota, Chevrolet or Dodge. ALL vehicles have issues. Anyone who says otherwise doesnt have a clue how things really are.

• 

  I have the infamous - 2011 Ford Escape
  By al_syracuse - December 31 - 10:57 am

  I originally had concerns with build quality, but got those issues resolved at the dealership. However, I am experiencing the infamous "hoot" noise in the transmission, which, apparently, hundreds of 4WD owners are experiencing. At first Ford said it was not a problem, and simply inherent in the transmittion. Then they said a temporary fix would be to replace the chain in the transaxle. Now, they say a permanent fix will be available in the second quarter of 2011. - What a crock! I have owned seven vehicles with either AWD or 4WD and none have had a similar issue. I am very disappointed with Ford, and this may be my last Ford, even though I have owned at least 10 over the years.

• 

  Egonomic Issues - Beware - 2011 Ford Edge
  By louaye - December 29 - 10:32 pm

  The good is that I love the looks of this vehicle. The build quality seems to be very good. I have only 1500 miles on the vehicle. Cabin is quiet and rides smooth on large tires. Wireless microphone for cell is very good. But I do have some major issues...they are listed below.

• 

  Not As Good ....... - 2010 Ford Escape
  By martin2010 - December 28 - 9:21 am

  I love my 2004 Escape-129K+ and never a minutes trouble-easy to care for-I hate my 2010! Love the sync & sirius-but hate the interior (dash, console)-no way to keep clean. Also liked running boards on 2004. Can feel wind when driving-can not in 2004-not sure what changed-but would not do it again!