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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  Disappointment - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Randall - December 28 - 7:02 am

  I bought the car new and have owned for about 1 and half years now. The car is not worth the sticker price. For 25K I expected much more. Looks like a performance sedan, but performs like a cheap economy car. While the numbers on the 2.5 liter four look good on paper, it only comes at the high rpms. I do a lot of highway driving, and in heavy traffic the constant down shifting to keep up with the flow is beyond annoying. The sport mode on the transmission keeps it in a lower gear longer, but every time you let off of the gas completely, it down shifts to slow the car down. The “sync” system has bugs, and built in annoyances. The system has locked up several times and will not reset without shutting the car off and restarting. I have the feature to automatically call 911 turned off. So every time you start the car, about 60 seconds later the system interrupts the radio to tell you 911 assist is turned off. Pros: We get around 8000 miles between oil changes. Gas mileage on the highway is great, around town, not so much. For city driving the car is not bad. Lucky for me, my wife “who only drives around town” loves the car. She is driving it, and I took her Jeep.

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  Merely adequate - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JR - December 27 - 11:33 pm

  This car is my company car. It has ABS and traction control, as well as Sync. The radio is disappointing - It fades in and out, like the digital receiver isnt always picking up those Fm stations clearly. No static, just high quality sound to all of a sudden poor quality sound. The exterior is not attractive. Ive heard "at least this is better than before." I disagree. I think the old Focus was quite attractive, and Ford should have totally reengineered it (i.e., the new Euro Focus) rather than reskin this one - it just isnt up to par. That being said, I love the traction control; its very reassuring while driving in snow. The interior is functional and attractive, w/ nice lighting.

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  Senior Owner - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By summit123 - December 27 - 10:16 pm

  The quality and performance are second to none.The safety features and driving experience again prove Ford will give my family years of good service. I recommend this to all senior citizens the average life of this car is 12years 250,000 miles with a local dealer nearby. Ford again has proven it knows how to build Quality.

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  When they are bad, they are really bad - 2002 Ford Focus
  By D&J - December 27 - 4:30 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. The fule mileage has been awful. I am a conservative driver and have had it to the dealer multiple times with no result. The car stalls, randomly downshifts, and has had to have a fuel pump replaced. I went with a Ford because I trusted that they really had improved. What a disapointment. My 16 year old Camry with 160,000 miles is more reliable and gets better gas mileage. Check these cars very carefully. I have friends that love theirs, but when there is a problem, the car is a real pain in the rear. Oh, and the 16 inch rims make new tires far more expensive, so consider getting the other model with the 15 inch rims to save some money.

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  Great american sport wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By papka - December 27 - 2:23 pm

  We were looking for practical vehicle with 7 seats and good cargo space. I and my wife like to drive cars and really didnt want to have a minivan. Ive tried new Pathfinder, Pilot, 4Runner, Highlander and Explorer. All of them except Highlander have truck feeling driving. Highlander feels underpowered even with V6 engine. On Freestyle after 2 minutes of driving we realized this was exactly what we were looking for! Freestyle handles like an European luxury big car (thanks to Volvo S80 suspension). Even with 7 seats there is enough cargo space in the back. Freestyle feels a little underpowered on starting, but great when speed increased (thanks to CVT). Gas mileage is good for this vehicle.

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  Ford Failure - 1999 Ford Escort
  By 1REDZX2 - December 27 - 2:17 pm

  Bought this for my daughter for features, price and CU rating. Noisiest engine,sounds like a diesel, replaced both driveshafts before 60k, now at 85k one is failing again. Both ABS wheels cracked prior to 60K. Odd sized tires that youll pay a premium for. At least it still looks good

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  MAJOR problems - DO NOT BUY - 2006 Ford Escape
  By John - December 27 - 12:58 pm

  DO NOT BUY! Since 15000 miles, we have had numerous SERIOUS issues with this car. Two of the faults almost caused fatal accidents! It has been in the repair shop 16 times total - 5 times for brake issues. MOST DANGEROUS - the vehicle will just shut off without warning. This has occured 4 seperate times, but Ford is unwilling to do anything about it because they cannot localize the problem! In addition, it has been in the repair shop for drivers side window (2 times) and a inoperative driver seat heater (2 times). Ford thinks it is okay that my family drive the vehicle and refuses to stand behind their name and product. The reliability of this car is suspect. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

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  1997 Ford Ranger Review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By richfax - December 27 - 12:15 pm

  I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later Im approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and dont regret it. I havent had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I dont recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!

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  An unnatural emotional attachment.... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Joni - December 27 - 5:53 am

  My husband says I have an unnatural emotional attachment to this car. A rear-wheel-drive convertible is not the most practical vehicle for Montana, but I dont care! I am in love with this car. Im having my mid-life crisis early (while I can still enjoy it). This car is an absolute BLAST to drive (top up or top down). I have always wanted a red Mustang convertible (my grandpa had a 64 1/2 baby blue Mustang coupe) and never thought I would be able to afford one. Not only is this car gorgeous, but its AFFORDABLE! This car is a future classic.

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  Mustang again 30 years later - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ted Barber - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Handling is crisp and responsive. Power is unbelievably raw. Shifting is a tricky with the location of the overdrive. Visability is superb. Would have been great if there had been a hatch like my 74 Mach I. Drivers power seat takes a lot of adjustment to get it in a position that feels comfortable. When tilting the front of the seat up it lifts the entire seat. 6 CD stereo is dynamite, as is the throaty groan from the exhaust.