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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  Extremely Reliable - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Walt - September 4 - 4:56 am

  Purchased used from leasing company. Rolled over 183K problem free with regular, normal maintenance (oil changes every 4K, transmission flush every 35K). Replace brake rotors / pads about every 60K, but only because I feel safer doing so. Engine, transmission very quiet, smooth. Changed spark plugs at 90K and 175K, spark plug wires at 175K. Not sure how much more anyone could ask for.

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  Like it a lot - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tominva - September 4 - 3:23 am

  This is a solid car. Comfortable, quiet, smooth ride. Handles well. Plenty of passing power (for my needs, anyway)

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  Great Transmission - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By GPalmer - September 3 - 9:00 pm

  From the outside, this car doesnt look much bigger than my 2005 Taurus, but specs say its 20" longer. The trunk is massive -able to fit two bikes in there with extra room. Havent tried to fit it into the garage yet! Kudos for the 6spd transmission. It shift just where it ought to shift and still provides an avg 24mpg on the big 6-cyl motor (Highway Im showing 28mpg!). Radio sounds nice and is easy to operate. Sunroof is well-designed with pop-up to reduce wind noise. Im two weeks into this car and am very impressed. Just wish theyd made the "ink blue" color a tish lighter it seems, from a distance, to be black. Will follow-up at six months.

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  Waited 30 years to buy one - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By djsdad - September 3 - 7:50 pm

  Have had this car for 2 months and every day I like it more. The retro styling won me over the first time I saw one. 6 cylinder 5 speed fun to drive - wish gas mileage was better but thats mostly my fault. Very comfortable to drive but this is not for someone who actually wants to put passengers in the back seat, unless all four of you are short.

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  4 years and counting - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Loyola C. - September 3 - 6:33 pm

  Im torn on this car. Ive had it for 4 years and had to replace the alternator today (cost $531.89 p/l). Like some other people, early in the purchase I had problems w/the ignition and had to have it replaced. I had to have the tires replaced too. Ive always made sure to service the vehicle and care for it as instructed, and other than the alternator, I havent had to deal w/any major repairs yet. For a lower end car, I think it has done pretty good.

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  Lotta bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Bengston - September 3 - 11:43 am

  The Focus ST is more than the sum of its parts. The good; 0-60 in under 8 seconds. Effortless commuting & cruising. Superb handling with a Progress 22MM rear bar and Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires to replace the mediocre Pirellis. Rich, communicative feedback from the tight, responsive steering. Very responsive, torquey 2.3L engine. Comfortable on 6+ hour trips. Seats 4 full size adults comfortably. Slick shifting 5 speed manual with a light, smooth clutch. Huge trunk that gets bigger by folding seats. Comfortable, upright seating position. The bad; interior rattles & squeaks. Indifferent fit & finish, huge panel gaps. Below average fuel economy for the performance. 26 MPG w/73% hwy.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dan - September 3 - 10:12 am

  Cant say enough good about this car. Had Fords Escorts Zx2 (2) of them with the same engine, the Focus lived up to my expections. Had some small issues but as with all cars youll always have some. I would like to see some more engine performance parts available from the dealer to give a little more pep.

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  Love my 5.4 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By shannon - September 3 - 9:47 am

  I purchased this from a friend who didnt need it anymore. I love this vehicle, and really dont see what the big deal is about size. This is the same chasis as a crew cab short bed truck and there are tons of them on the road! Dont dismiss this little gas engine either. Not only does it have enough power for trailering, it gets over 14 mpg average. I wish people wouldnt have bashed this as badly as they had. I will look for more of these trucks to replace this one when it wears out.

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  Love my Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mama - September 3 - 4:00 am

  I love my truck, the leg room is awesome, the storage is wonderful. The look of the truck is rich. The handling is unbelievable, the gas mileage is really good compared to others. If you want a truck that youll be proud of, buy one of these beautiful trucks.

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  Smart Whatever You Wanna Call It - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle Gal - September 3 - 3:10 am

  Just bought it today to replace my Expedition. Long commute, gas prices killing me, but really needed the cargo space and occasional 3-row seating for holidays with the family. A little noisy inside at freeway speeds. Firm ride, handles great, easy to park. Lots of cool extras in the SEL for a car that costs $28K. Expected the transmission to feel different, but it is much smoother and no slipping like my 2003 Expedition. Feels zippy enough for me--my cargo is large but not heavy. Loved my humongous UTE, but was feeling guilty about it (and tired of $60 fill-ups). Sitting lower down takes some getting used to. Happy camper so far.