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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  Awesome in Theory - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Cliff - January 31 - 11:26 am

  The GT is an awesome design. IMO, its the sexiest car on the road. It seems well built, very solid, and decently comfy. Interior layout could be more ergonomic, and needs a storage tray. Engine has lots of grunt, but the car seems too heavy to be truly fast. Still, plenty of fun to drive. However, while its a cool ride, it seems very prone to manufacturers defects in the drive train. Over the past 2 months, its been in the shop for nearly 30 days, and both the transmission and rear end assembly have needed replacement. Car is entirely too new to have so many problems. I plan on sending the GT back, and I wont be getting another.

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  1992 Ford is been a good work house - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By John - January 31 - 7:54 am

  I am the a owner of a 1992 Ford Explorer and have found that the fuel effeciy of the vehicle is very well. I on average get 18-20 around town and have got 26 mpg on the highway but this was using cruise. The truck performance around the farm as been great. It has not gotten stock.The body looks brand new and the truck has nver left me somewere. The truck has 122,000 miles and still get better mph then my new Ford

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brad - January 30 - 9:19 pm

  Bought my Explorer with 20K miles on it. This is/was my second Explorer. All vehicles were 4X4. My first Explorer had in excess of 117K miles on it. Both Explorers had the 6cly in it. I towed a travler trailer through the mountains of New England and had plenty of power. I also towed a 22 ft boat. I have not towed with my second explorer. Ive driven it from Canada to Fl. forging rivers, hunting, fishing, snow, rain, family vacations, Boy Scouts and have few issues with its performace. 161,000 miles on my current Explorer and it may be time to replace it due to transmission trouble. With that many miles who could complain? Only two questions? Another Explorer or an F150?

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  First American Car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By movieguy - January 30 - 7:03 pm

  Ill start by saying that the largest engine Id ever had on a car before was a 2.0l Golf and I thought that that was obscene. Im European, we pay close to $9 for a gallon of gas, were used to being frugal. But Im loving the Mustang. Sure theres an annoying leather on leather buzz from the manual stick shift and a really annoying creak from the left a pillar but it looks great, cruises like a dream and the Shaker 500 system is great I even manage an average of 26mpg (75 - 25 highway - town) so Im far from disappointed with this

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  Steer Clear - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Tom - January 30 - 12:31 pm

  Bought this in 2000 with about 24,000 miles. Sporty, with 24V V-6, alloy wheels, spoiler. This car has been plagued with electrical problems including wipers that periodically turn on by themselves, power locks dont work, power window doesnt work. It started using oil at about 50k miles despite changing it every 3- 4k miles and no hard driving. Gas mileage is poor for a mid-sized V6 (worse than our V6 Camry and V6 minivan). The rack & pinion steering had to be replaced at about 40k miles. Has the upgraded stereo with CD changer which sounds excellent. Overall the car looks nice and is fun to drive, but the reliability is poor. I am buying Japanese from now on.

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  Love my Stang! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By TCZ - January 30 - 11:12 am

  I have the 5 speed and I am driving it in the current Chicago winter and it not a problem. The traction control works well. The car is an absolute blast to drive and I get 23-25 MPG in mixed driving. Great job Ford.

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  What a great vehicle! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Great Vehicle - January 30 - 9:45 am

  I have owned many automobiles over the years and this one is by far the most reliable. It now has about 170,000 miles on it and has never needed anything outside of the typical routine maintenance schedule. The 4.0L is not the greatest on gas (although I have seen as high as 19-20 MPG on long trips) it shows no signs of tiring anytime soon. Still has the original exhaust sytem! Amazing. While the vehicle has just started to rust a bit, I cannot let go yet to buy a new vehicle. It is nearly worthless on the books as a trade. I will probably drive this until the body falls off! Sure home my next purchase treats me as well. Great job Ford!

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Beth T. - January 30 - 2:43 am

  The Ford Focus is definitely fun to drive, especially with the powerful engine that it has and its a smaller car. It runs so smooth. The design of the front driver side and passenger side doors are lousy. When I put my take out beverage in the door cupholder and then I went to roll up the window, my hand hit the beverage and pop went all over the door. When you roll the window up and down, your hand hits the maps in the map holder. Part of the door sticks out which is really awkward and annoying. There is no light inside in the middle to see the backseat. I also had a manual on my Ford Escort, but this is an automatic. I really wish I got a manual.

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  Drive it, youll like it! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By hal jolly - January 29 - 10:51 pm

  I got it to save fuel. It gets 24 to 29.5. Most of the time I get over 26.5. Runs out good,rides good and handles great. Only holds 4 quarts of oil. Saves money going and coming.

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  Mix of strengths and weaknesses - 2013 Ford Focus
  By GB - January 29 - 8:51 pm

  I bought my 2013 SE 5-speed manual with 2.0 engine used w/ 18,000 miles a year ago. Its a small, snazzy car that does most everything you need, but with flaws. Handles very responsively, but the ride is too stiff. Good engine and wind noise isolation, but significant road noise. Great gas mileage if you take it somewhat easy. Decent power from the 2.0L, like a go cart on the highway. Strengths: + Gas mileage (average 33-34, can get 40 on the highway) + Power from standard 2.0L engine + Stick shift (short throws) + Trunk size + Stability around turns + Interior (buttoned down, but... read below) + Steering feel (not numb, you can actually feel the road) + Engine and wind noise (not much of either) + Driving range (can get 400 miles on the highway) + Cruise control works excellently + Nice that it has auto-headlights and ALSO allows you to manually turn them off Weaknesses: - Ride (stiff! like a sports car) - Clutch (very tricky from 1st to 2nd, etc) - Road noise (LOTS of it) - Low-speed driving dynamics (wtf...) - Ergonomics (Ford doesnt get it) - Gear spacing on 5-speed - User interfaces (instrument panel, radio...) - Stereo (standard. May be the worst sounding, tinniest stereo Ive heard in a car, ever. Reception is also very disappointing) - Oversteers (very touchy, you can be in a ditch if youre not careful) - Back seats dont fold flat - Seat comfort (front seats seem experimental and wear on you) - Too much vibration at idle Ford got so many things right here - bravo for that. Great gas mileage. Decent power for a small car, though like most small engines, when you *really* punch it... nothing happens. Mostly good visibility. Buttoned down interior styling. Very nice shifter. Good road feel through steering (though perhaps a little too much feel). No lumbar adjustment, but seems to be Ok w/o it. Reliability has been good through 33k miles, only had the a seat belt retractor replaced for slight stickiness and a rattle fixed. Headrests are adjustable - a big deal for some. Happy with trunk space. The cruise control is one of the smoothest Ive ever seen. Steering wheel is excellently sized and has good grip material. Dash is Ok on the eyes. Unfortunately, Ford also got many things wrong, too. Ergonomics are off - I cant really get comfortable. E.g., place your left arm on the door rest and its too low, but place it on the window ledge and its too high. Seats are not flat bottomed but have a strange cavity design that eventually cuts off your circulation. Right arm rest doesnt extend fwd far enough, can barely anchor my elbow to shift gears. Stereo and basic control menus are inconsistent and make little sense. Stereo has tons of good stuff like USB, Bluetooth connection, etc, but ... it just sounds terrible. Its reception is, I must say, a joke, actually took it in to the dealer for a look (they said its operating as designed). Noise levels for engine and wind are very low but way too loud for road noise... changed tires, somewhat better now, but still quite loud. Turning the dome light on/off is unnecessarily complex. Ride in first gear is VERY jerky, is NOT fun driving through a parking lot. Suspension is just too stiff, resulting in a harsh ride like a Mustang (do people really want that in a basic car like the Focus? I doubt it). Low beam headlights simply dont illuminate well enough, feel like I might hit something at night. Burns some oil, ~ 0.7 quart every 1000 miles, which is surprising given it only has about 30k miles. Finally, watch driving at night when you might be drowsy - the steering is very touchy. This is good at slow speeds in a parking lot, but steering *should* become LESS sensitive at highway speeds - it does not.. you could be off the road with 1/8 to 1/4 of a wheel turn.