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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  2001 Ford Escape 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By karenpatt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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  My 2001 Cobra is a total POS! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Westermeyer - June 8 - 10:00 am

  First of all, do not buy a 2001 SVT Ford Mustang Cobra. The car has a bad knock/ping. The ping has been there since day one and Ford will not fix it. They put out an official statement that says pinging is normal. My car dynoed below Fords acceptable HP and torque figures and has been in the shop for over 30 days of unscheduled maintenance in a year and a half. The transmission was replaced at 3,000 miles. The list goes on and on. Myself and my family will never buy a Ford product again. This includes any company that Ford owns, such as Mazda, Jaguar, etc. Ford, you sold me the worst car that I have ever owned and you do not honor warranties.

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  crappola - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By romulus - June 8 - 10:00 am

  in shop 4 times in first two months

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  Watch out - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Objectivity - June 8 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my Ford Fusion for 9 months and I now have a recall on the solenoid. Soon after the notice I began to have severe problems with the transmission. I took it in and now the entire transmission has to be replaced. Im not pleased that a new car has major transmission problems. I bought it based on a review from edmunds so I hope others read my review. Perhaps its a fluke but now Ive had a smokey rental car for a week which I had to ask for rather than have it offered. Now Im wondering if should have bought a Honda like last time.

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  Very happy owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freealfas - June 8 - 8:42 am

  24 months in we are very happy with our purchase and find it to be the best value in the market to date. Safe, economical, performs great in any and all situations. Glad we bought FWD instead of AWD to minimize the potential for issues in the future with the extra mechanicals and it helps mileage.

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  Somewhat wary - 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
  By fordloyalist1 - June 7 - 11:49 pm

  I purchased my Ford Energi as a model car with approximately 9,000 miles. During the time I was test driving it and since I purchased the vehicle (I have now put about 5,000 on it), the battery died and needed replacing and it has been in the shop four different different times for a check engine light. It may be a good car but I dont have much trust in its performance and reliability at this point. My dealer has been great (responsive) but this car has spent too much time in the shop being repaired. It only has about 14,000 miles on it now. Will I continue to see problems with this vehicle? At what point do I suggest to the dealer that this may be a long term problem?

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  2005 Crown Vic LX Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ronn - June 7 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Crown Victoria LX Sport in March of 06. The vehicle had 82 miles on the odometer. In the past I have owned many full sized Fords, Mercurys and Chevrolets. This one is the best of the bunch! The LX Sport has the beefed up engine and suspension and holds the road like a sports car. We recently completed a road trip of over 1700 miles and averaged over 25 mpg. Driving around town Im averaging 21. Not bad for a big car.

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  2005 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dale - June 7 - 11:06 am

  Ive had my ST for a couple of months now and its a real blast to drive. My wife got the basic model and I got the ST and Id recommend the ST for it has a much tighter feel for the road. (and a bit quicker). I havent had a 5 speed in yrs and I forgot how much fun they are while getting better gas mileage also. The heated leather seats are a real plus and the stereo really cranks!

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  2000 V6 Convertible - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang2000Vert - June 7 - 10:30 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago with 24000 miles, now it has a bit over 50000. Absolutely no mechanical issues to date. Always starts right up, even in the dead cold of winter. Plenty of power for a V6 and gas mileage is good for a V6. I was wary to buy a Ford after owning an 1989 Escort in the past that was garbage, but this car looked so shiny and lonely when I first saw it, just pleading to be driven, and I fell in love with it. Its such a pleasure to drive, especially with the top down. Its a real head turner too, I always get complements on it. I highly recommend this car and would definately buy another Mustang in the future. Take car of it and it will take care of you.

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  Sonic Blue First Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jomomma - June 7 - 10:06 am

  My 78 year old mother bought this sonic blue hybrid SUV. She is still trying to figure out some of the technology, but loves it. Seats could be a little more "cushiony"; pretty firm, for an older lady with not much fat (and me too), more plumpness in the seating would be nice. Was told it has "intelligent 4WD", meaning it puts itself into 4WD when it needs to; would be nice to have a light or something on the instrument panel that shows when it is actually in 4WD. But so far we love this little hybrid SUV! Oh yeah, sometimes there is a pretty loud "thump" when the electric engine kicks in, like while sitting at a light, that kinda freaks you out, I thought what the heck just hit my car?