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 at first - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Rachel - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Elantra for the Fusion and loved it instantly. I loved how well it handle the bumpy roads here in MA. I did a 1600 road trip and only spent $200 total on gas. However, in the last six months I have had several problems with the car. The radio text stopped working. Then the key was stuck in the ignition and it turned out to be a computer panel problem. Now the car will not start even with a new battery and clean connectors.

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  Transmission slips since new - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By edgogo - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After reading the reviews here I have come to the conclusion I am the only one who has trouble with my transmission slipping. I have been having trouble since I had 11 miles on the car and almost a year later it still hasnt been fixed. I have been told it needs to have more miles on it or it needs to adjust to the driver. It is scary when you try to pull out into traffic and you give it the gas and you coast into the intersection. It doesnt do it often but you dont want to rely on it to work properly either.

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  Bad glass - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Tim - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My new Escape has stained and scratched glass. Neither the dealership nor Ford Motor Company will do anything to assist me in fixing the problem.

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  160,000 & like new - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By George - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck with high miles & you would never know it had that many miles. Fun to drive, tons of room, reliable & looks good on me. Plastic trim inside & out is faded. Easy fix with a few cans of plastic seal matched color paint. Fine machine.

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  Very Suprised - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Overall this truck has surprised me. Im a Chevy lover and yet i like this truck. Very comfortable and great on gas. Despite i have the two wheel drive version it love the mud. No major problems with it. 189,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Powershift Automatic Transmission Failed - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Arizona SunDevil - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Lime Squeeze Green color is attention getting. Automatic transmission failed at 660 miles while on a road trip from Arizona to California. Transmission apparently is brand-new to Ford in the USA and Ford dealer in Riverside, CA didnt know how to fix it properly. Called Ford Zone Customer Service and filed complaint. A brand new vehicle should not required a complete transmission replacement at 660 total miles.

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  Definitely a family SUV - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By George Torres - October 3 - 2:00 am

  2008 with 37000 miles already on it. First driving experience was very good. Lot of room for the whole family and very comfortable seating.It drives very quite but reaching 70 miles per hours a front road noise surprised me. I have to check with the dealer. My experience with cars is telling me that something has to do with the ball bearings. Also a squeaky noise came from the front of the car. I checked under the hood and looks like the serpentine belt is the problem and since many people already are talking about it in the internet, I do not have doubt that that it is the problem. I will bring the car to the dealer to be checked but if those two problems can be fixed t

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  Big Shift - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By headflex - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car should have the luxury brands worried. Ive been a BMW owner since 2007 until this year when I made the switch back to Ford. One of my favorite cars Ive ever owned was my 1988 5.0 and now Ford has me back in the saddle again with a smile on my face. Sorry Beamer aside from great performance you have a lot of work to do to meet American bang for the buck!

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  Buena Fiesta! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mark - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the little car! Its a blast to drive, it parks like a mini, handles like a go-kart and (as my wife says) it looks cute. So here is my breakdown: Pros: Performance (Ford nailed it with the DCT transmission. The dual clutch really wakes up the little powerplant and makes you feel like you have some real horses under the hood, plus you dont have the "shift lag" of a normal automatic - I was leaning toward the manual, until I drove the automatic - get the latter) Fuel Economy (Ive gotten 34 combined hwy and city, and I tend to drive fast - ok, too fast) Price (its a great car at an affordable price. That said, it is really an entry-level car, dont expect Mercedes-level features)

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  Windstar taxi - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By taxi owner - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought van 03/09 $2100 135K miles. Transmission already been replaced with the used 90k miles. at 150K replaced alternator from 06 Mustang (better amps and fits fine) $60 used. Oil change every 4K (supertech 10w30) It is a daily driven 150-500 miles as a taxi. Have engine light on and brake+abs light comes on sometimes. The interior lights blinking usually when humid. I have replaced drivers window regulator ($35 used). Rear windows dont open all the times. Replaced air filter with a "cool blue air filter" for better gas mileage $28 eBay. Installed HID xhenon light kit for better vision an night time $35 ebay. Replaced spark plugs. Got a NGK platinums. Now got 184,581, Ill drive till 300K