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:

• 

  solid dependable vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By chris - January 24 - 10:10 pm

  Weve had this car about five years and really had very few problems with it. We call it the snow beast as its awd is fantastic in the snow. Ive had a couple other 4wd trucks and this is just much more competent in poor conditions. It has the 302 V8 and can pull a trailer without complaining and is comfortable to ride in and drive. It beats you up at the pump, but it averages about 17mpg in mixed driving, so its not much worse than your average minivan, suv, or pickup truck without awd! It beats the Jeep Cherokee I had prior to this by about 4mpg and it had the 4.0l I6 with part time 4wd,

• 

  Dont Buy This Car! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By hiker78 - January 24 - 9:06 pm

  Im at 128,000k and its sitting at a repair shop right now waiting for the auto salvage guys to pick it up...tranny finally blew and Im done dealing with this hunk of junk, multiple and frequent problems beginning 3 months from purchase date alternator, blower motor, brakes, sway bar links, outside window trims, temp gauge that burns out every 6k miles, serpentine belt, wheel bearings, broken cup holders, gas cap cover had to be pried open every time, various inside lights constantly burned out, paint peeling off front end, heat slow to warm up, weak A/C and the fuel pump wiring was at the point where I had to lean back and hold the plug down while turning the key to get the thing to start.

• 

  My lemon Ford ...and Im not talking about a color - 2014 Ford Focus
  By cinncy.ohio - January 24 - 5:08 pm

  I have had repeated transmission issues with the Focus. The third time is certainly not a charm :( Both the dealership where it was purchased, and papa "Ford" do not stand behind the product they sell. Turn away now and run...dont look back, just keep running. This is not a safe car and once they have you hooked...its your problem and not theirs. This is an update post Since writing the previous review. I was almost seriously injured in this car, when changing lanes and accelerating. The car jumped forward, then shuttered and almost stalled. The truck from the opposite lane just narrowly missed hitting me. I took the car to a different Ford dealership, since the last one was less than honest. The transmission module and clutch were replaced (note this is now the second clutch replacement) and reprogrammed it. Then about 2 weeks later, I receive a notice from Ford regarding the transmission and potential failure....just a wee bit late...and a 10 year extended, transferable warranty. Although the new dealership had much better service, the problem continues to persist. The car has been reprogrammed about every 2-3 months. I really dont want my problems extended for 10 years :( Ford doesnt care about customer service or satisfaction. (Oh, and now there is a recall for a door latch issues.)

• 

  So far so good - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AWJ - January 24 - 1:20 pm

  Bought this car used,18 months/30,000 miles 49,000km), so some factory warranty remains. It is fully loaded with all the features on a Limited AWD model. The vehicle has 6 separate bucket seats. Lots of room. Good head clearance. Easy entry front and back. Very comfortable ride. Lots of room in the 3rd pair of seats, which fold down easily when not in use. For cargo, all the seats (except driver) fold down. Holds the road very well, no "Van-sway". Seamless acceleration with the CVT, but a different sound than the usual. Interior is very nicely laid out. Above average sound system. For families who want a Big Wagon that easily seats 6 instead of an SUV, this car is great. Nice winter drive too.

• 

  XLT Sport 3.0L AWD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By vbcwizard - January 24 - 10:29 am

  I had my ‘05 Escape Sport since Nov ‘04. It is very similar to the ’07 . I put 26K miles on it so far. Aside from changing the sway bar link kit (which is a wear item) it is a great little SUV. I had several high speed avoidance maneuvers and it performed like a champ! If I am easy on the gas pedal at acceleration from 0mph I do see 17 to 19 mpg city/highway. That is considered very good around where I live because of the high number of cars and stop lights on my local streets. No rattles\noises so far (btw, every car need to have its seals, hinges, and bushings sprayed with silicone at least once a year). No engine\transmission issues so far. Fit and finish is great!

• 

  Should Not Have Broken - 1997 Ford F-150
  By I got a Lemon - January 24 - 4:34 am

  Poor fuel economy. Transmission died at 77,000 miles. A/C was blowing a foul smell. Turns out to be a leaking heater core. Replaced that at 105,000. Both were expensive repairs and neither should have gone out that soon. To top it off, I replaced the battery and got two starts out of it. Not the vehicles fault, but leaves me wondering what is next. I dont trust my Ford to be there for me. Im looking at other manufacturers.

• 

  Great Little Car ! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Shelley - January 23 - 11:03 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Chevy Blazer, it was a big change going to a Focus, but I wanted a new car that didnt want to stop at every gas station ! Handles very nice & has great pick up speed. Ive only had it 1 week & already put 300 miles on it. One thing I didnt notice until it was too late is there is no interior light for the back seat. I have a toddler & its pretty dark in the mornings when I leave for work & dark once again when I get home, so its hard to see to get him in & out, but its something well have to deal with. Other than that its been a great little car so far.

• 

  Great Luxury SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Tom - January 23 - 11:00 pm

  I owned a 2000 Expedition, then a Lincoln Town Car, then a 2004 Ford Explorer and am now very happy to be back in a 2007 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition. The comfort, quietness, and ride exceeds the Lincoln and the utility far exceeds the Explorer. The engine and new 6-speed automatic are smooth as silk but strong as an ox. I really love the 4x4 AWD mode...adds a lot of stability when the roads are slick. Handling is superb...better than most cars Ive owned. I must say this new Expedition is the best vehicle I have ever driven...outside my sons Honda S-2000!

• 

  Transmission, O2 sensor, doors, problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mikeeeee - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  Overall, an attractive, comfortable van. Gas consumption is ok for a van. Some nice options available. Has plenty of power, compared to other small vans.

• 

  2006 Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tripp Corbin - January 22 - 9:30 pm

  While I just bought this Mustang it is certainly not my first. However this is the first to capture the look at feel of the first generation Mustangs. My 2006 brings back the fun and excitement I remember having when driving my 67 stang during my high school days. I actually look forward to driving to work. The car handles well and even though it is just a V6, it has plenty of power. The styling is great. The interior reminds be a lot of my old 67. I only have two complaints. First the passenger seat is too low. Second it is hard to see the end of the hood but then it was on the 67 as well.