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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  Quality Control - 2008 Ford Focus
  By SteveKrause - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The car from the beginning had problems, I have taken the vehicle in for window problems the carpet from the beginning would not stay under the door trim piece. I always hear noises from the front end until one day the transmission goes out. I have read other reviews of the same problems.

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  Move to the BIG . - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Kevin - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded the Ranger in on the half ton.This is a LARGE TRUCK. Plenty of space for all my landscaping gear! Americans have pushed this vehicle.bDoes a half ton truck have to be this big? That said it hauls huge stuff, consumes huge fuel and is huge comfortable. Just working it, no symbol for me. Gun rack, chewing tobacco, country music nope. Work. Seems a stout truck.

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  12 years old and going strong - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ian - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger XLT used in 2002 with 55,000 miles on it at the time. Eight years late and 100,000 miles later, I have had very few problems. Ive had to replace some belts and tend to general wear and tear issues, but nothing catastrophic. I average about 19.5 miles per gallon with 80% freeway driving. I always tell people Ive had great luck with my ford, but then I knock on wood for good luck. *knock knock*

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  Bad Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mike S. - October 26 - 2:00 am

  2006 Ford Explorer From what i am reading it looks like our 2006 explorers are having radiator problems. I got the truck new in 2006 and in less then 1 year had to have the radiator replaced. the 2nd radiator is starting to give me problems now at about 40k miles. i notice my recovery tank getting low on coolant. I dont see any leaks but i can smell it. I took it to the dealer for a pressure test but they say they cant find a problem. Over all i dont have any other problems so far with the truck. I was at a Lowes store and i parked my explorer next to another explorer. I asked the owner if his was a 2006 and if he had any problems. he said yes a 2006 and the radiator was replaced

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  2010 Ford Mustang V6 - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By theelcaminoman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mustang in April and it by far surpassed my expectations! I am 18 years old and this is one of the best purchases iv ever made. Everyone disses the V6 pony saying its a dog I would argue til Im blue in the face. I have outran V8s in my Mustang and the acceleration would make you think its a V8. Performance is good but what about handling? Its a rough riding car. Im not gonna lie. Personally, I like it. I like feeling every bump in the road and knowing the terrain im on. But since its bumpy as crud, it turns like a sports car. I can take 40 mph turns at 75. Kinda scary but shell take it! The outside looks somewhat retro but pretty cool. Its the inside that gets me. My color!

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  Transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Daddio3 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This WAS a great family car. Everyone loved taking trips in it either down the road or across the state. The interior isnt the most fashionable, but its comfortable and easy to clean. That was until the "bulletproof" CVT went out. No problems at all up until this point, but now one MAJOR problem offsets everything else that didnt go wrong. Whats worse, everyone Ive spoken to who either owns or fixes these has had the SAME PROBLEM! Shouldnt Americas only real car company step up and do the right thing?!? Wheres the recall?

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  5 Things I Love & Hate About This Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Caleb - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I Love: 1. The Gas Mileage (29 city/ 38 highway) 2. The Price ($19,000 with all packages) 3. The Features (heated seats, interior lighting, Sirius xm, push-to-start ignition, hands-free phone mode, temperature control, leather covered steering wheel, etc.) 4. The design (lights, body, interior are all stylish, no road noise) 5. The stock security system I Hate: 1. That there are no stock arm rests 2. There are very limited Sedan models out on the market 3. how the stock shifting knob is plastic 4. The hands-free device doesnt always recognize the voice commands you give it 5. the stock seats have a weird design printed on them.

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  The other lawrence - 2007 Ford Focus
  By lawrence - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I own 2 foci a 2000 with 192,856 zx3& a 2004 wagon 116,743 both autos still on original engines and transmissions no major repairs I have used them both for a while as delivery cars the wagon could carry more. 35 mpg highway to the other Lawrence could it be how you drive but you did not spec your mileage except it was high. Wish you well in getting it sorted I am still waiting for the Focus rs 302 hp as usual the Europeans still get the better Focus. yours, the Lawrence

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  2010 Edge Review - 2010 Ford Edge
  By S. W. Enman - October 23 - 2:00 am

  We traded a 2005 Ford Explorer for the Edge. Big difference in vehicles. The transmission in our Edge shifts smoothly most of the time. However, as noted in Edmunds review it is reluctant to shift going up hills. More concerning is the lurching it sometimes does when stopped at an intersection. Has anyone else experienced this? It actually startles us when it happens. Otherwise it performs ok.

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  Warranty problems - 2010 Ford F-150
  By CHEVY MAN NEEDS HELP - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2003 chevy in on a 2010 Ford F-150 (mainly price) never owned a Ford truck. always a Chevy. Anyway, since new had problems with truck, Salesman said no problem, bring it back for warranty. Ran it almost 9000 miles took it in with (5) listed problems. when I picked it up, I was told that there wasnt any problems every thing was NORMAL FOR A FORD! Problems listed were brake squeal(bad) in morning/engine noise (tap) when started up in morning/rumble noise from 35 to 40 mph (38 was real bad), windshield very blurry, my CHEVY didnt have any problems even with 130,000 miles. If I could I would trade back to Chevy IN heart beat What would you do?