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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  Loved it, but - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Great car, except! - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Had my AWD Fusion for 13 months. Loved everything about it, except the seats. The seats were way too low for my wife and I, and both got severe back aches on a long trip. Ended up trading it in after just 13 months because we could not adapt to the seats. Otherwise, a really great car, and I will miss it.

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  Good car for the money - 2011 Ford Focus
  By keithm - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Having to sell my Taurus SHO(tight times)I Decided on a Focus SES. I had put a lot of cash on the Taurus & had a lot of "equity" in it. This allowed me to pay nearly all cash for the Focus.The Focus SES has a "stiffer" suspension.The options inc. Auto,Leather,"Ambient" lighting, Cruise etc. The car handles very well. It moves pretty quick,but is no SHO.The mileage is excellent, about 35MPG.Its pretty quiet overall, though the 17" tires can be noisy. They help with the good handling. My partner has a Honda Civic. Its a good car, but I thought the Focus handled better & gave you more for the money.The only thing the honda had extra was 4 wheel disc brakes. Ford should offer them as well.

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  Good truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Dan - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck for cheap a little over 2 years ago, knowing it needed a rear end. I had that done, then the auto trans went out! It seems the previous owner had seriously abused the truck by pulling overweight trailers (10,000+ pounds!) for long distances. Recently, the V6 engines intake manifold gasket leaked, allowing a cylinder to fill with coolant. When I tried to start it the next time, it hydro-locked and bent the rod. The engines being rebuilt. This truck has over 260,000 miles on it, and it was abused by the previous owner for many of those miles. Considering what I paid for it, and its now basically a completely new drivetrain, I feel like I got a decent deal.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Randy - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. It gets good gas mileage (23 mpg) and is very comfortable. I just drove it on a 1000 mile trip and had a blast!

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  Quiet, comfortable, & safe cruiser - 2009 Ford F-150
  By JH - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Pulls 34 trailer ok in Midwest but might be tough in mountains. Quiet over bumps. Captain chairs are very comfortable. Feels safe & smooth. Nav/Sync is great. Front doors sound a little tinny when closing. Tailgate step is useful. Can stack 5 dog crates in rear of cab on flat floor. Would prefer quicker steering ratio. Unable to get DRLs so leave headlights on all the time. No problems so far. No excessive oil consumption mpg normally around 16-17 but only 6-8 w/ that trailer. Tow/haul feature works great. Miss having locking fuel filler. Beautiful truck. Cooled front seats are a nice extra. Might be nice to have a grab handle on drivers side A-pillar. Love our truck.

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  01 ZX2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Drifter - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 01, still going strong. The timing belt must be replaced around 115,000 or it may break. Replaced the alternator around 118,000. If you do regular upkeep as directed in the owners manual, it will keep going.

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  Not radiator, check your head gasket - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tanner - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I went through 5 radiators before I figured out I had a blown head gasket. Now, my block is warped which happens to all 06-07 4.0s when they overheat.

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  Fun stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Stu - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Only had car for one week and this car put the fun back into driving.Even though its a V6 it still get up and goes.I love the way it handles and turns heads.

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  Middle of The Road - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Explorer with 7 years and 80k on it. I did my research before buying the truck. I knew there were problems with the transmissions along with a list of other known problems. Our truck seems to have no transmission issues. It shifts very smoothly. Of course, it could have already been replaced. The one problem that we are having is it loses coolant. Every few days I have to add water to it. Have not had it diagnosed, but will be soon. My husband worries that it is going into the engine which will cost some major bucks for an engine rebuild. At this time we are hoping that is not what it is. I love my truck. It rides good, is comfortable, and looks good.

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  Recall the Radiator! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Sukijoe - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer with 18000mi. in Feb of 09. Thought I was in heaven till the engine started making a hideous noise, pulled off highway, dash went red and car shut off! Has 42,212 miles, Ford will not make good on this. Again, they say theyve never heard of this! I think its time for the Attorney Generals office to step in. No warning of this! They tell me its a maintenance issue. I also have a 96 Explorer with 257000 miles that my son is now driving! I seem to have maintained that without a problem! Been driving Ford for 26 years! How bout something for loyalty? Anything but this. There is a $5,680 price tag on a new engine and radiator. Really Ford? Quality is not job one.