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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  Many bad experiences - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tpacarman - October 24 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the Fusion hybrid new in 2010. In four years have had two major issues, causing the car to render itself dead. The first time was in the middle of a multi-lane bridge with fast moving traffic, with a stop-immediately warning, leading to seconds of active time before car had to be pulled into shoulder. Towed, charged $500 or so. Two years later get another message "service power steering now" and the car again is unstartable. This time Ford service is quoting $1800 plus a diagnosis fee.

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  Great performance, for a few years - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MAC - October 24 - 10:59 am

  I loved the way this car drove. It was so powerful and agile. When you shut the door, you feel the weight of the metal that protects you. With the traction control, I couldnt make the car slide on snow even when I tried. After about 70k miles (bought w/40k), the car just fell apart. At one point, I was putting $500-800 a month in maintenance into it. The door lock latch busted and wouldnt shut when it was really cold, engine lights would go on, the A/C compressor died, it had some carbon in the manifold that no amount of cleaner would fix. I may buy another Taurus, but I would suggest buying one with 12k miles and trading at 60k. Let someone else keep it on life support.

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  Gas Guzzling Monster! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ablosrosarito - October 23 - 8:40 pm

  Very great truck. Youd think by 2001 the 3.0 would be DOHC not an inneficient OHV but oh well. Goes through a gas tank very easily which is not good. The 4x4 system is very good, it has gotten me through sand and mud with no problems. Engine electronics are sealed well, I can wash engine without triggering CEL. Cabin is very quiet and comfy. Maintenance costs are very low and there are still no leaks after 150,000 miles.

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  Love my car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By susan - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  The Focus was my first brand new car. I have not had one single problem with it since Ive bought it. My husband has a Honda Civic and my car is by far more comfortable, roomy, handles better and less noisy. I commute almost 2 hours a day and my car has been perfect.It even took me through my entire pregnancy comfortably. The car is quite fuel efficient - I only fill up once a week. The stereo system is very clear as well! Have spent many long hours on roadtrips and it has been comfortable and great on the highway! A great car. The only thing is the dashboard is kind of cheaply done and is getting worn looking. Some difficulty in bad weather.

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  Not So Reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mnmatches - October 23 - 10:00 am

  - 5 trips to the dealership because of faulty ABS parts. - Flakey transmission (it sometimes does not pull into neutral when stopping and nearly kills the engine) - Good inital braking ability but VERY poor lifespan for roters (second pair in as many years of ownership)

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  Buy One! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By larck - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first pickup. Decided on Ford F-150 due very positive reviews. I was always a small car person but this truck is an absolute pleasure to drive. Still getting used to the size and lower gas mileage though! The build quality is superior to the Honda Odyssey I bought two years ago,which we still own and will keep for a while (I drive the truck and gave my car to my daughter). I shopped Chevy and Toyota and in my opinion neither came close. The Toyota had too many rattles right off the lot and I have been burned too many times by Chevy.

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  Ford did Amazing with this - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mystics7 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have my GT on order but drove a 6cyl. Amazing for only 210 HP the car moved. Being a lover of stangs since I was little I really bit a lot of blood and swet into this car. Ive driven Camaros TAs Vettes but nothing feels more pleasing then a STANG!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2007 Ford Taurus SEL - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By ak937 - October 23 - 8:19 am

  I had a 2003 Ford Taurus SE before which was a very good car. I had the car until October 2007 when a crash on the interstate totalled it. The incident on the highway tested a few things on the car, like braking, handling and safety. It is a very safe car. The 08 version is the safest in American, if you havent seen the commericial. The Taurus has been criticized for it looks but Id much rather crash in an ugly American car then a cheap Japanese one. I liked the car so much, I have now bought the 2007 model in SEL, which is quite similar apart from a few minor improvements on the looks and has leather seats, air con, etc.

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  Canyon carver - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Otto Wyse - October 23 - 12:28 am

  I special ordered this car with the Trac Pack, Recaro leather seats, side scoops, and rear quarter window louvers in Sterling Metallic Gray. The car looks brand new this day. I was unsatisfied with the suspension so replaced the springs, struts, shocks, and sway bars with Eibach parts. Added a Whiteline Watts link to the rear end in order to keep the differential centered and improve road handling. The car has Magna flow performance mufflers and exhaust tubing has been changed to 3” diameter. K&N air filter with cold air intake and Bama Tune complete mods to this date. I don’t know the hp rating, but floor the throttle in second gear at any speed or rpm, with traction control on, and the rear end wants to come around ad tires spin for at least four car lengths. Acceleration is brisk in 5th gear! I love it. Caution is advisable when passing as 70-130 happens very quickly in 4th gear. Rev limit occurs at 7500rpm, enabling 60+ in second. Road hold greatly improved, playing tag with motorcycles on Mulholland drive is fun. Gas mileage sucks if not prudent with go fast pedal, but giggles and grins rise exponentially!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Marcy - October 22 - 4:13 pm

  I was looking for a more fuel efficient SUV (which sounds like an oxymoron), but I drove the Edge and fell in love with it. Very sporty and fun to drive!