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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  Transmission - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Transmission - November 13 - 11:12 pm

  This is my 1st time buying an American vehicle and this truck has been only problems since I bought it. (new) I took it in to SVC dept. because it kept loosing power and shutting down and it turned out to be a wiring shortage after spending a whole month in the SVC dept. and changing different parts in it. Now at 51000 the transmission has gone out on it. Besides all the problems my truck ran smooth and I love the space in it but I will not buy another Ford again!

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  Wow Emily - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By RedHOTEmily - November 13 - 8:43 pm

  Just purchased this car after 3 years of deciding wheather to get one. Love the new design and got a great deal, so I went ahead. I have been so pleased with the way this car makes me feel, how it drives and the awesome power at my fingertips. The stereo and some features are great. Love my Emily!

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  Dixies review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By deal - November 13 - 8:20 pm

  This was the first new car that I ever bought. In the nearly 4 years that I have owned Dixie (My wife named the car), I have not had one single problem. Well worth the wait to purchase a new mustang. Dixie is now and will always be a part of the family. I love my Mustang!

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  my sweet ford =) - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tiffaney - November 13 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my car about 2 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Its my first big investment, considering Im 20 years old. I was previously driving a 2000 hyundai elantra, the transition was amazing! As soon as I sit my fanny in the seat I feel super safe. The breaks are wonderful, the interior, is B.E.A.UTIFUL. I dont know much about transmissions but the CVT transmission gives me a really smooth acceleration, no feeling of gears switching, the road sound is a very low hum, unlike the roar I heard in the hyundai. The only downfall to this vehicle is the gas mileage, I was under the impression that it did pretty well, in my brief experience I only get 21 mpg highway, and city.

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  Once they fixed the throttle sensor.. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By David - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I really like this van. Unfortunately, I had a high idling problem that went on for about 70,000 miles. Unexpectedly, it was diagnosed it as a bad throttle sensor. Once they replaced that, its like a new car. I love it again. Ive had a few "electricals." The driver side window motor had to be replaced. The "Check AdvanceTrac" comes on occasionally, but nothing is found to be wrong. Mileage is as stated, 18 to 24. I can live with that. I wish the seats were stow n go, but thats not a show stopper. Theyre heavy as heck, though. Ive got 111,000 on it now and hope to get another 50-75,000. Bottom line, once the high idling was fixed, its an nice car.

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  I love this truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By hot_temprd - November 13 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my Lightning about a month ago, trading in my 03 Mustang GT. Needless to say I love this truck. It hauls all necessary cargo and really moves. The poor little import guys around town have no idea what to do when I pull up next to them at a redlight or when I close a 5 or 6 car length gap when the fly past me like Im standing still. My only gripe is the fuel mileage with the price of premium well above 3 dollars a gallon. Other than that, its a great ride. It hugs the curves just as well as it handles the straights. Overall, Ford has a winner with this truck and they need to build a 3rd Gen ASAP.

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  Next best to a GL 450 merc - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By john pearson - November 13 - 8:32 am

  We have driven #xplorers for 10 years and 5 models. The combination of a frame for trailering, the independent suspension, roomy, quick V8, three row seating fit the niche. Smallest SUV that can accompish the tasks of a bigger SUV. The mileage is 15/20. The handling/ride has improved. We did crack the stability control cog on the axle by hitting a curb. Seemed strange since the wheel was fine but the axle cog broke. Had the tranny fixed. Same issue as everyone else but a quick resolution. The engine was reflashed for better response (nice improvement) and the belt assembly replaced to fix a high rpm shift squeek. Overall if you want a refined and real SUV that is not too big this is it

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  Ford truck fan since 1979 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By thundercloud - November 13 - 12:10 am

  I have owned Ford trucks since 1979. The only problem I have ever had was when a large dealership was unwilling to do minor warranty work. I usually buy a truck new and drive it for years and sell or trade them at 200,000 miles. I just bought this Heritage after trading in a 89 F-250 with 230,000 miles on it. This Heritage is so much better than that F250 even when it was new and dont get me wrong I loved my F 250. It is SO comfortable yet it still feels like a sturdy truck. Getting things in and out of the back is SO much easier. My only issue with this one is that I will not be able to do some of my own maintenance on it but that is OK. I am disabled and have to quit working on them.

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  Nine months, 10K miles and Im happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim In Tampa - November 12 - 10:16 pm

  Im very happy with my 2005 Escape XLT Sport. Mine was one of the first with just the canopy air bag and now they have the side seat and canopy air bags. Great handling. Quick. A little thirsty. Back seat is very comfortable with the stadium type seating. The seat fabric can be irritating after a few hours of travel. Mine arrived with a non-functioning 6 disk radio. I cant believe that the factory AND dealership didnt notice that before it left the showroom. But it was replaced and no problems since then. I know its been recalled, but I havent received a notice yet from Ford.

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  The Ford I Thought Could! :( - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Quentez H. - November 12 - 4:44 pm

  Let me start off by saying I USE to be a Ford fan. Both my parents had ford cars, I had two ford trucks, and I just got the 2016 Fusion and let me say this thing has been my worst nightmare. The only thing I can say that I like about it is the style and color, the low apr, and the price was pretty cheap. Other than that this car has been a lemon. Also, I feel like they screwed me over on my trade in giving me nothing for it. :( When I first got the car the Throttle body went out in it. Didnt cost me nothing but time and ease of mind having only 1000 miles on the car. After that, the camera stop working in the car at about 15,000 miles. I asked the ford dealership to look into it because the car is so new and they said it would cost me $100 to fix. I said no and went on about my business. At 25,000 miles the back passenger window started making this loud popping noise when going down. I asked them to check this out and guess what. It would cost me $100 for them to do so. Lol great help right?? Next, at 62,000 miles I went over my warranty for free oil changes by 100 miles and my one free key and I called and told them I would because they were closed the weekend I could come and guess what?? When I got their they didnt know what I was talking and that I was out of luck. They couldnt get me a key or oil change. I had to state I would post a review before they would listen to me and research that I did make contact with them. After I set down with this one rude gentleman, I set down with another one and he finally helped me. SMH Great Saturday spent. Now, since Im over my free oil changes I had to take my car some where else to get it done since Im paying now anyway. I take my car their and they come back in and say Mr.Hodge you have a oil leak behind your timing cover and value cover. its been like that a while because its burning and dirty. You cant see it because its hid under your skid plate. Who have been doing your oil changes??? I said FORD!!! lol I took pictures of course. So Im pretty sure this might not be covered or it will cost me. You know $100 or more. I wonder why they havent never said anything about it?? I know they can see it and they only do my oil changes before. The car only has 65,000 miles on it and its just a little older than a year and a half. I bought the car with 36 miles on it. So I bought a lemon and started off with negative equity because they tricked me on my trade in and time I drove off the lot the value was cut in HALF. I wonder whats next?? I know one thing Im done with Ford and when I get the value of the car and what I owe balanced I trading or selling it ASAP!