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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  Change of Heart - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mini Van Mom - February 18 - 7:33 pm

  I had been shopping around for my long awaited chance to trade our tired mini van. The 2006 Ford Explorer was too nice to pass up. Just after a few months, it has to go. Even with our NE Winters - it is just too much truck for me. I keep reading about the transmission - does that explain why is has rolled on my 3 times! When I park this big truck, it needs to stay in the same place. And yes, the mileage is the pits.

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  Not for the petite - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kathy m - February 18 - 3:20 pm

  Nice looking vehicle, inside & out. Terrible gas mileage; was expecting 18- 21 mpg but getting only about 15 (and its not my driving style causing low mpg). Not a good vehicle for shorter folks (I am 5 ft. tall). Rear seat headrests obstruct view when looking back, emergency brake is on the other side of the center console (causing you to have to REACH), and needing to have the seat as far forward as possible to reach pedals means that knees/shins bump up against the dash under steering column - saftey risk if ever in accident. Havent experienced its handling in snow yet.

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  Transmission woes & more - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Disappointed - February 18 - 1:33 pm

  Since delivery the transmission has not functioned properly. Its been to the dealer 4 times in 3500 miles. Upon delivery shift from "R" to "D" and it might take 3 seconds to engage. When it did finally engage it slammed so hard that I thought something might break. Same would happen at a stop light. Dealers made progress. The big bangs gone, but it still disengages when decelerating at slow speeds so then when you accelerate it bumps back into gear. Rear passenger supercab door is bent and thats why it doesnt close properly. Its again back to the dealer to see if they can fix the tranny and the door. This is my 7th Ford vehicle and the first with any problems. Yuck!

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  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cindy - February 14 - 10:09 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit $2700 transmission, $500+ tires $900+ roters/pads which rusted to something which drove the price drivers auto window switch replaced $$ now my hatch back CRACKED! Have you ever heard of a car cracking?? When I found out other 02 Ford owners experienced this, it just confirms what a piece of junk this car is. Did I mention it shakes when it runs about 20-30mph...cant wait to find out what that is! Oh, and the 16-17 miles per gallon is outstanding (yes, that is sarcasm)

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  Frustratingly close to a good car - 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
  By angryfusionguy - February 14 - 6:05 am

  For the most part its a good car. So many things that are really hard are done well. But several things that should be easy are wrong: cant recharge in the rain without ruining the door over the power inlet, garage door opener doesnt work, cruise control in the rain at dusk is dangerous when it slams on the brake at full speed, navigation system only works in the state where you bought the car, etc. Im very disappointed.

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  FORD - the acronym fits... :( - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By The Canadian Fellow - February 7 - 7:50 am

  Well, bought it in October, and since then I have not had it for more than 2- 3 weeks at a time without taking it in for service. 4 - 5 times I have had to bring it in for air locks (gurgling in the cooling system) Even in my rental too... Head gasket has been relplaced, there was also coolant in one of the cyliners. Timing belt was out by 7 degrees, this was the dealerships fault, but still another issue with a Ford. High pitched squeal coming from the heater, which has been fixed. Sync randomly cuts out on me as well. The car would also nearly stall when I turned the ignition, then catch itself and roar to life. So, as of right now I do not recommend it

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  Dont buy Fords! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Tiffany - February 6 - 10:00 am

  You dont wanna know. Any repairs are very expensive.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jake - February 3 - 2:38 pm

  Purchased new as around town car, specifically for good gas mileage. Havent gotten it. Averaging about 23 mpg combined, and under 30 on highway only (driver and one passenger only). Interior is cramped for older people, difficult to enter/exit as door sills are quite high. Front seat legroom is very limited (tho seemed OK during the test drive). Front storage/conveniences quite limited: any beverage in cup holders is prone to spill/tip as driver and passenger legs have no where else to go. Wipers are quiet. Radio is good. Steering/handling is good/fun. Sporty handling. Very poor gas mileage. Recommend against this car for anyone 510" or more, or over 200 lbs, or anyone buying for mpg.

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  unhappy - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gary5 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000f150 that was great no problems at all, then we went with the new design 2004 f150,dash rattles (dealer cant fix), brakes make noise( dealer says they all do), paint falling off at 1200 miles( dealer says wait till summer to re paint)Been in the shop 5 times already with less than 1300 miles,And the biggest disapointment is the fuel mileage, the 2000 f150 i had got 15 to 18 mpg the 2004 f150 now gets about 7 mpg and at best 10 mpg (dealer says nothing wrong with motor)

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  Get an Import! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By DIsappointed - February 1 - 4:10 pm

  We have had this for two years and have been to the shop numerous times. The handle on the rear door has fallen off three times, for no reason at all. Since the dealership cannot fix it right, my husband has finally just bolted it to work and stay on. We also have had the radio/CD/Tape console replaced. The mileage could be better. The third row seat can only comfortably seat 3 kids. As I write this, it is broken down at the bus stop and I had to haul my 5 & 3 year old home in the rain! I have owned Hondas since 1992 and decided to take a chance on this Ford due to the great price. Sometimes you get what you pay for! Take my advice, buy the Honda. I know I will next time.