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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  Not bad for the years - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By FordNuts - November 9 - 2:00 am

  The SEL was the cats meow back then, leather seats, VCR/CD combo, seats 6, slider doors. Over the years we took the car everywhere and it was fairly reliable, 167K miles. Its doesnt handle like a truck and offered smoother and quieter ride, but sometimes stressed systems wore down. Replaced heat coil 2X, alternator 1X, battery 2X, frt. brakes and tires 3-4 times, & one slider failed. Just brought in for recall(s) on the back axle and it failed. It supposedly is a fairly low percentage of failures, but could be catastrophic if your axle fails.

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  Solid but not stellar - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By David - November 6 - 2:00 am

  3,000 miles into my ownership experience, I have found my Fiesta to be OK. Exterior styling is fine-most heard comment is "cute" On the interior, love the front seats but the back seat leg room is inadequate. No center armrest and somewhat spartan with the SE trim level (no cruise control for instance) Ride is comfortable but already hearing some squeaks from interior trim at higher speeds. Acceleration is what you would expect from a car in this class. Gas Mileage has been 35 mpg with a 60/40 highway/city split. Nice little commuter car but not totally in love.

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  Ford in Front - 1999 Ford F-150
  By john - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck in 02 with 55,000 miles, great looking, still get compliments. Runs great, 200,000 mi, only changed one coil pack and 2 alternators. Some cold weather knock as of late but thats been all. Very happy and will stay with Ford, although never had Chevy truck trouble either. 4WD works great, tows good, breaking with trailer less than optimal as rear drum breaks are on this truck.

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  Trouble on delivery - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By allen - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Fender alignment, right brake caliber defective, driver side seat leather was changed, car pulls to right, alignment was made still happens Ford dealer on second opinion, I have to pay diagnostic fee $20.00, customer service no help in this matter trouble started with 26 miles now 1034 still no remedy

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  Brakes TSB - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Cmac - November 4 - 2:00 am

  All you guys having the brakes problems, if your car is still under warranty there is a few TSBs out there to fix the issue. They did it to ours about 3500 miles ago and have no issues since. We love the car, got it used with just over 8,000 miles on it, had the brake issue took it in and was fixed and havent had any issues at all since. Its a great family car and all the room is great for moving large items too.

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  Reliable SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Louise - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used in 2007 with 112K, few things had to be tuned, one ball joint replaced. Since 2007 only had to change battery and tires. CD changer does not work right, climate control has a mind of its own. Currently got 155k, rides OK. I drove it across the country several times, comfortable, enough room for everything.

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  2010 Ranger Reg Cab XLT - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Billy Rockfish - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliability, Im sure,will be well above average. MANY Rangers on the streets, roads and freeways of Oahu (Hawaii) of all vintages. Ive never heard of anyone having a bad Ford Ranger, hence one of the decisions towards my purchase. That, and the value of the features offered on the Ranger, its looks (I dont care if it hasnt changed much in 12 years!) and the fact that its an evergreen truck with a good reputation for economy and reliability were factors in selecting this truck over its competition. I am averaging 24-25mpg in mixed city/highway driving. I have the 5A. Great truck which will undoubtedly please me. Used for play, commute and work.

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  Fun Drive - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Robby - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 02 6cyl mustang and bought an 02 8 cyl mustang with the 5-speed transmission about a year after selling my 6 cyl. I got it when it had around 100,000 miles and have performed only routine maintenance in 10,000 miles. I was told it had the clutch replaced right before I bought it. I would recommend getting the 8cyl if you have the opportunity as it has been much more fun to drive. The trim was better shape than I would have expected for 100,000 miles. No leaks or rattles however my steering wheel and gear shifter were badly worn. Im not sure if this was from the previous owner or if this is common. Mach 460 Stereo has great sound. Drivers seat is also comfortable.

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  Better Than Expected - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Don - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Needed a smaller truck for use on homestead. We have an Expedition but it is not ideal for work intended. Power from the 4.0 L is good. Averaged 22 mpg on 800 mile trip at 75 mph. Mixed driving around area and average around 18 mpg.still a lot better than the Expedition. In the past I have had full size diesels, V-8s and one B-2000 Mazda (208,000 miles). This truck performs as well and gets the job required done with no problems.

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  Far better than I had hoped -A good buy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DT - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife had an accident with her 2000 Cavalier and we needed a car in a hurry. This is what we found. I had poor experiences with Ford in the eighties, but the car had the features, price, and storage for her needs. We have had the car for over 80,000 miles now (we bought it with 79,000) and I must say, this is the most reliable Ford Ive ever owned, weve had very little repair work done. It handles nimbly for a wagon and accelerates well. My only gripes are very poor thigh support in the front seats (making drives longer than 90 minutes uncomfortable) and poor gas mileage for a 4-cylinder car (this car gets roughly 25-26 mpg in a 70/30 mix of city/highway driving).