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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  So far-so good- - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cj - May 24 - 7:22 pm

  After reviewing this site for several vehicles I was looking at Im happy to say that I decided on the F-150. Granted I have only had this beautiful black truck for twenty-four hours! It has high mileage,154,000, but runs and handles real strong. My roommate has a Chevy Quad cab 4wd long bed which I enjoyed driving except it was hard to park and turn corners, but the truck was fun to drive. This truck gives me equal pleasure, with the added bonus of turning corners easily and ease of parking. The ride is smooth, and everything is working at this point. There is a worn ball joint that will need to be replaced soon. Will post again as my time grows with this truck.

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  Lacking indicators - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Philippa - May 24 - 9:16 am

  No way of knowing your headlights are on or off No indicator to let you know cruise control is on only when you set it. No indicator to let you know that your sunroof is open even after vehicle is shut off.Left it open the 2nd day I owned the car and it rained that night! Loud vibrating & resonating when sun roof is open while driving over 55 MPH Only 2 speed selection on transmission, I like to downshift on downgrades- if you shift to low in this car youll probably damage the transmission and your neck!

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  Nice ride, but needs improvements - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Lenny D - May 24 - 8:51 am

  I have nothing bad to say about the car, except the interior. Now, I would describe this as retro with a modern flair. In my opinion, there is to much metal and chrome for my liking. I do however, absolutely adore the panoramic roof. It is awesome for those hot summer days. Thank god for the redesign this summer.

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  The Ultimate Toy for those over 49 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Topless04Stang - May 22 - 9:15 pm

  My black Mustang rides like a buckboard, the leather seats are flat, the interior door panels and console are cheap. Its a Mustang for crying out loud. Its an icon, a legend. The Mach 6 CD am-fm stereo is simply amazing. Your choices for a convertible are rather limited. A Chysler Sebring, a Pontiac that they quit making, a BMW with a price tag over two times any similar Mustang. The Mustang is the only logical choice. Smooth and easy top operation. The trunk holds what it needs too. Golf clubs, baseball bags, tennis rackets, groceries, 2 medium suitcases. No its not big, its a sports car, not a luxo boat. The people that complain about this car are ill, please see a doctor.

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  Carls review - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Carl - May 21 - 1:49 pm

  Like Frank said " where is the spare". I can buy fix a flat at an auto shop. In second gear the car will shift hard. I looked in the manual and it said the transmission has to "re- learn" how to shift after the battery has been removed, like programing radio stations over again.

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  7 year old lemon - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bama2009 - May 19 - 3:52 pm

  Has been an overall good vehicle except for the numberous mechanical problems. The only problem in the warranty period was the drive shaft (needs replacing again, but wont. it rumbles when turning from a start). In the past year and a half I have replaced the cluster, intake manifold, catalytic converter (Ford puts 4 instead of 1). Still not working right. This is causing oxygen sensors to go bad several times. Both rear A\C motors replaced for the thumping sound. Gas mileage is awful, but could be a good truck. Did I mention a ton of front brake dust?

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  Marginal Quality - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Davd Hert - May 19 - 2:35 pm

  So far in the first 6000 miles I have had to take the car in 3 times. Once in the first 25 miles for an alignemnt issue and again at 4700 miles for a tire failure and again at 5400 miles for a tire sensor monitor failure. The first repair was taken care of okay. Had to wait 4+ hours for the repair as the had to take the front end of the car apart to get the alignemnt right. The 2nd and 3rd issue(s) Ford has failed to stand behind thier warranty or their product...based on my early on experience with this car I would recomend looking at some of the foreign competition before getting one.

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  Focus SES gets poor gas mileage - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Cruiser11 - May 19 - 1:52 pm

  I have over 1,700 miles on my new Ford Focus SES since I bought it in January 2010. I drive almost all city miles (San Francisco), and I am averaging 12.88 mpg which equals about 175 miles per tank. I love the car, but am not happy with the gas mileage. I traded an Infinity G35 sedan for the Focus, and I got better city MPG with the Infinity! Also only certain phones work with the Sync System.

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  Great little car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By robxb - May 18 - 2:54 pm

  Ive had this car for about 4 months now and I really enjoy driving it. Its pretty comfortable, though I havent taken any trips yet. The leather heated seats and sunroof are nice, and the dash + heat + radio all have a really nice interface which is easy to read and understand. Ambient lightning is a neat feature but if its not included I wouldnt go and pay extra for it. Youre looking at the road anyway. The handling is responsive, though the steering seems a bit wobbly when you go over bumps on the highway..not sure if its supposed to do this. Had torque steer a couple times at a green light. The sunroof has a little rattle, but Ill get it checked next week.

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  Best (only) Mustang since my 1969 Mach 1 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By NFH38 - May 18 - 12:22 pm

  Overall a lot of fun and a great value among high performance cars. Fit and finish to a surprising high standard...this is my first American car in many years and I had almost given up. Powertrain is awesome and electronics suite is better than my Audi. Ergonomics and cabin convenience are sorely lacking. Glove box wont even hold manuals. No place to put mailbox keys etc. Cupholder makes shifting clumsy and needs better design. Yes, we do need a water bottle in the car in an AZ summer.