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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  Bad Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Nate - September 27 - 2:00 am

  *Contact Ford about your BAD RADIATOR! I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and I have had the same "bad radiator" experience that many other people have posted about. At 45,000 miles it started to leek and finally began to separate from the vehicle. I wrote a letter to Ford about the problem and they sent a letter back to me with a number to call. I called and spoke with a representative who took down all of my info, she told me if they get enough complaints they will post a recall and we can get a reimbursement for the repairs we had to pay for. If you havent already contacted them, do it!

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  My second Ford Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Mars - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my second 2006 Ford Taurus - never had any problems with the first as long as oil was changed every 3000 miles. Comfortable, roomy, easy to handle, V6 handles well, lots of things that work for a middle-aged woman who drives a lot. No complaints! Plenty of room for passengers, suitcases, and animal carriers.

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  The Truth About My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By filmtrain - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The Fiesta is as you have no doubt read, fun to drive. It loves to turn and go around corners and I have had no trouble weaving in and out of Chicago traffic. If you have had SYNC before, you know its quirks, that is all Ill say about that. The stereo is fantastic, much better than the SONY system in my Fusion. The hatch allows you to shove a lot in and the back seats are big enough for smaller people. Many people have written about how quiet the car is, this is not true. The road noise inside this car is tremendously loud, my convertible was quieter with the top down than this thing. If the road noise does not ruin it for you the seats will, they are the worst part of the car.

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  Auto transmission blows! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dmdavis - September 26 - 2:00 am

  As mentioned by many others, the automatic transmission on this car is horrible! Why cant these manufacturers leave well enough alone? The 6 speed doesnt provide any better gas mileage and makes the overall driving experience wretched. It hasnt left me stranded yet, but I expect that it will before too long. I like pretty much everything else about the car, although there are some "basics" (outside temp., auto headlights, etc.) that are missing. Will not buy again unless trans problems are fixed.

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  Fun and fast - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By CKL - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I moved to the US recently from Europe, and the first thing I did was to buy a 2007 dark red Mustang. 6 month down the road, its still the car of my (and my husbands) dreams. Lots of personality. Easy managed. Having read some of the reviews on this site, its clear that not everyone was aware what they were in for when they got this car. So heres the deal: This is not a family car, and if the driver is tall, there is zero room for ANY size of passenger in the back. But I mean - its a Mustang! Its not built to be practical or to take the whole family, dog, etc. for a spin in. Its build to give its owner (and the side passenger) a joy ride. And that this car 100% delivers on.

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  Great family hauler - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mike - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a die-hard ford guy and the expedition did not prove me wrong. Have ran it 3 years and 80k. Only has needed brakes and tires. Rear seat material seems to be a little dry rotted but with 2 boys it doesnt really matter. Always runs strong, wife loves it. Bought a new fusion but the wife will never give up her expedition. When we go on vacation, we put a bubble on the roof, rear basket on the hitch and shes good to go. Found a homeowners plow for the front and she even plows the driveway in the winter. Need to tow no problem. Have towed 5500 lbs piece of cake. Now looking at a camper to tow. You cant find a crossover with good mpg that will do as much.

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  Flex with maximum bells and whistles - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Forester - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We like the ride and handling and quietness relative to our Explorer. Dont like the range due to mileage and an 18.5 gas tank rather than 22.5 in the Explorer. Digital readout is a vast improvement over Explorer. Great radio satellite and navigation system.

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  Leading Edge? - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Leading Edge - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 07 Maxima cause it was to low. I really like the ride height of the Edge and the noise level is about the same or better than the Maxima. I do miss some of the features, mostly the stereo. Ford really missed the mark on this one. The digital display is directly from the 80s, even though satellite radio equipped. Even Hyundai uses a LCD display instead of Green/Black read out. Overall I am pleased with the vehicle and will probably replace the radio asap.

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  Still Glad I own it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TW - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2004. Has custom steering wheel and faux wood dash from dealer. This SUV is great. Simple comfort and easy to drive. Much better handling once I got rid of the Contitrac tires that came OEM and upgraded to some excellent Goodyear Forteras. Only one maintenance problem with rear compressor which was ~$450 to replace. Only have 47,000 miles on the truck. I think this truck will last a long time.

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  The best Explorer to date - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, goes anywhere, tows great, good steering, nicely equipped, good price. Much better vehicle than my brothers Rav4. His Rav4 is only averaging 18.8 mpg (ads say 24 mpg they are full of it) I am averaging 17.3 mpg and I am in a larger more comfortable vehicle, My Explorer is more comfortable under all conditions. There is no situation where I would take his Rav over my Explorer. They are both 2010 vehicles and Exp ~ $27000 Rav4 ~ $24000. I know people will say compare it to a Highlander but why the Explorer is the same size for less money so why spend 30000 plus and get exactly the same size vehicle. At least for my 3000 over the Rav I got a larger vehicle.