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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  EXCELLENT TOWING VEHICLE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FOURTH TRUCK OWNER - November 4 - 10:00 am

  THE BOAT AND TRAILER WE TOW WEIGH ABOUT 7300 POUNDS. OUR EXPEDITION HAS TOWED OUR BOAT TO FLORIDA TWICE AND TO GEORGIA TWICE -- OVER 5,000 MILES -- WITHOUT A PROBLEM. PASSENGERS IN THE CAR FORGET THAT WE ARE TOWING ANYTHING BECAUSE THE RIDE IS SMOOTH.

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  Ford Expediton Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 95convt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle with tons of space and an outstanding interior design. The largest and most comfortable rear seat I of all the SUV I tested. The fold down rear seats provide a large level cargo area and still give you 5 passenger seating.

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  Big Ol Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By michigander - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 02 XLT used and within a month started to experience serious problems. Dealer (Scott McNamara) indicated it went through a detailed inspection. Have replaced both rear wheel bearings, front left wheel bearing. On a long road trip experienced loud noises and two independed dealers found problems with front and rear stabalizer bars, front and rear control arms, serious leak from oil pan and others, car was not drivable. Our cost would have been a total of $3000, over two months. Dealer did not back up this vehicle so we dumped it. Will never buy another Ford product. Quality is not job one with them.

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  Bearing(s) Down - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By chennung - November 3 - 7:34 pm

  When I moved to the US in 2002, I was so proud I bought an American SUV, contrary to my friends who bought Japanese cars. True, the first 5 years were without any problem. Last month, noise from the front drew me to the dealer. Diagnosis: front AND rear hub bearings worn out, diff pinion and bearings also to be replaced -- total $ 2750. I wish I had read the reviews before...hub bearings issue definitely bearing down on Ford Explorer. If this is such a widely known issue, am not sure why Ford is not replacing it for free -- ...one would think that an SUV would have strong bearings. My second car which I bought this month is definitely not a Ford. Ford has lost its bearings.

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  Wonderful Car! Love it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By CFletcher - November 3 - 3:19 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year and wouldnt trade it for anything. I love the heated seats and the gas mileage, 28.8 miles per gallon in the city. The one touch sunroof is great and the Audiophile sounds system really has a good kick to it.

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  Go buy a Buick instead - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By jakes Dad - November 3 - 2:33 pm

  I bought this SEL off of an indivdual with 73K on it back in June. What a mistake. The starter went out on it 2 weeks after I bought it. Then the brakes, then the ball joints, then the wheel barrings, then the blower. All in all I have spent 2,000 on this car since I bought it. I am ready to sell it and get a cheap little Honda or Toyota. I drive 30 miles one wa to work and the gas mileage at HWY speeds isnt great. Extremely disappointed with that. Gets 18 in the city and at best 23 on the highway. If you go domestic, get a used Century or LeSabre

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  Good gas mileage, fun, comfortable - 2008 Ford Focus
  By brchil - November 3 - 1:56 am

  I havent had the car very long but its an incredibly impressive car for the price. I have a 5 speed SES. The gas mileage has always been over 32 mixed no matter what. The manual is easy to drive and kind of fun. Love the dash and layout. Its very responsive and easy/fun to drive. Good comfortable ride, handles nicely. Its an all around great car for the money and theyve proven themselves to be reliable. Very happy. Ambient lighting is nice and power moonroof is not cheap. Nice attention to safety. Great wheel and driver controls.

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  Shame on me - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Lorne - November 2 - 10:29 pm

  Just purchased my 2nd F150. Told myself I wasnt going to buy another Ford truck again.I was tricked by the interior and exterior design and style of the truck, far superior to any of the others. My problem is with the way the truck shifts. The 4 speed auto feels lazy and sluggish when shifting. Also, the rear end clunks when the tranny downshifts when accelerating from a lower speed.(same as my 1999 F150). With the O/D off it doesnt make the noise?? I also can feel the windshield wiper vibrations through the brake and gas pedals. Very annoying. There is minor idle vibration as well. I would not have purchased this truck if I had noticed these issues during my lengthy 10 minute test drive.

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  Its a Ford BABY - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LuvMyFord - November 2 - 7:23 pm

  I went from a 2009 Camry Hybrid to this one. The Sport handles on Rails, Gets up and goes, and comfort is top notch. Bluetooth works much better than Toyotas, I can actually have a conversation. Sync is Awesome, the Sony system rocks. The styling is great, quality of the fit and finish great. I am glad to finally have a Ford I like again, havent had a Ford Car that I liked since my 1992 Crown Vic. I still own a 1999 F350 Crew Cab Lariat Dully Diesel that I love, but just too much vehicle to be a daily driver. The Sport fits the bill perfectly as a Family sedan and fun car at the same time.

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  Wife is happy again! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Frank Higgins - November 2 - 7:20 pm

  Just bought a new Mustang to get back in her good graces after selling the 64 1/2 that was too dangerous for the family. Wow, the car is great! I cant remember the last time when I bought something and thought it was worth 40-50% more than I paid. Why cant Detroit make more cars like this? I hate buying German but generally they are superior. Lots of fun! A head turner at this price!