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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  Ford Edge - 2009 Ford Edge
  By FordEdge - May 5 - 2:29 pm

  Use the vehicle daily for hauling our 2 children, and for work (lots of windshield time). Have had no problems what-so-ever with this vehicle.

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  solid and steady - 1996 Ford F-150
  By raindogsteve - May 5 - 9:30 am

  Got this truck with numerous minor problems but with an excellent engine compartment. Started first time at dealership. Fixed power windows, AC, and gave it a tune up (first one in 14 years!). The 302 V8 is bulletproof and truck sounds like a beast! A great, time tested truck!

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  love it but nervous - 2008 Ford Focus
  By stacey - May 4 - 10:12 pm

  I bought the car with 34,000 miles on it. It looks amazing but lately Ive been noticing it drives funny. Like its stuck halfway between n and d. But its not. Kinda chugs sometimes when accelerating and after reading some other bad reviews Im a bit nervous. I had the problem with the door not opening from the outside. It was covered under warranty thankfully. And Im praying my tires dont go as fast as some others Ive read about. I just bought 4 new tires. Very expensive. But overall aside from my nervousness of what lies ahead for it. I am very happy with it at the time. Id recommend the 2008 Focus.

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  01 Windstar SE - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By RZ - May 4 - 12:24 pm

  Bought it brand new. Various mechanical issues over the years - sliding door lock had to be replaced, fuel sensor fuse had to be replaced three times, power driver seat failed and its electronics had to be replaced. Luckily husband is an engineer and did all this work himself. Check engine and ABS lights go on and off at will for last 10K miles. On the plus side, mileage is great for such a roomy mini-van. At 132K miles now and still get 22+ highway, 18-20 in mixed use. Very comfortable ride, great for hauling kids, friends and equipment. Just started to rust in past 6 months, but still looks ok. Tranny just started to slip occasionally, but overall been a very solid vehicle.

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  Good, with 2 problems - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Jack - May 4 - 12:03 pm

  Bought a new BASIC 2010 Focus s, 2.0 L engine, auto transmission, in feb. 2010. After 3 months and 2500 miles can say the car is pretty good, with 2 exceptions: 1. The gas pedal is positioned in a terrible way. On a long trip the right foot gets contorted in such unnatural way to make driving a very painful process (the car does not have Cruise control). Ended up driving the car by hand with a wooden stick for the rest of the trip. 2. The car has a slight left-right weave as it travels at 60 mph down the highway. This is annoying as this weave has to be corrected all the time. The car simply does not track straight, with all tires at equal and recommended pressure.

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  LOVE MY FOCUS - 2006 Ford Focus
  By MMUSSO - May 4 - 6:52 am

  Bought the car right off the lot in June of 06 with 61 miles on it. it has been a great car wit great gas milage. the only mechanical issue I have had is the CD player quit working twice, warranty fixed that. I do have the brake noise (coming from the rear drums) like I have read others have issues with, replaced the tired last year because the husband ran over a screw. but thats not the cars fault. Does squeak going over bumps, handles better in snow that it did with the factory tires (cant remember which brand, but they were not pirellis) And it could have better sound proofing.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Tony - May 3 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this used with 11K miles on it and just rolled 100K this weekend pulling a boat to Lake Powell, 600 mile each way. I use this more as a truck than anything else and what a great purchase this has been. It has been great for hauling the family as far as comfort but Im very impressed with the way it pulls our 22 ski boat. If you take care of it and do the regular maint you cant wear it out. You cant beat it for comfort or workability. The paint still looks great and the leather is still in great shape. I have no plans to sell this anytime soon, there just isnt anything out there that I like any better.

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  Love this truck - 1991 Ford F-350
  By horsegirl - May 3 - 1:11 pm

  Had this pick-up almost 20 years and its the most fun thing to drive. Sure its a work vehicle and gets used hard from time to time, but when I get to drive it unloaded I have a blast. I call it my giant sports car. I recently drove a 2009 Corvette, and while my pick-up could not quite meet it performance-wise, it was not off the map. This thing handles beautifully. Just wish it had more power pulling 5+ tons up a steep hill, but I guess a diesel is better for that. As far a weight-carrying capacity goes, you CANNOT overload it. (Well, I havent tried gold or platinum bars.) Anything normal (1-2 tons) is literally unnoticeable.

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  90,000 km, and alls good!! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew - May 1 - 8:25 pm

  Bought the car with 9,000 km and 11 months old. The car has 90,000 km as of May 2010. The car has been bullet proof in terms of reliability. I have just replaced the tires and the original battery. The only issues have been: Engine check light on briefly at 87K, and self-cleared (must have been a loose gas filler cap), and the rear tail light bulbs blow every 15K or so ($4 bulb-big deal). Other than that: just oil and filter changes. Car has been very reliable and solid. Body creaks/groans at 90K are still minimal, but you can now tell the car is nearly 4 years old, lots of life left in it. I will replace shocks & struts this year and this should solve the problem.

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  Sangria Escape AWD V6 Update 2 - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bjc - April 30 - 3:37 pm

  Had to take the vehicle back for transmission noise again. Hoot was back in transfer case and sounded like drive shaft was metal on metal, noise disappeared at hwy speeds. Dealer found new tech bulletin for Escape 6 speed transmission issue they applied. Vehicle is now shifting more normally and I dont notice the noises coming from the transfer case. Lets hope this is the last visit to the dealer for the same thing.