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:

• 

  Nice little truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By TM - May 12 - 4:31 pm

  The truck drives well and handle adequately. It does lean a little too much due to the stiff suspension. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. I have the large engine with the 4:11 rear end, but the mileage is less than 17mpg. Pretty bad for a little guy. Also the base cost of the vehicle is a little high.

• 

  transmission or motor - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Diana - May 12 - 2:32 pm

  The transmission and motor are both unreliable and poor after a certain amount of time and the air bag light with out a reason

• 

  Ups and Downs.... - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Baltimore Guy - May 12 - 10:38 am

  I bought this car as a demo with 2100 miles on it. It operated well for the first 4 years - recalls were handled promptly - but then the problems started. Normal wear (brakes, wipers, battery, etc.) to be expected (but not appreciated) but alternator failed, fuel pump went bad and other assorted "minor" problems (which arent cheap to fix) before it hit 50,000 miles. Have always enjoyed driving the car - especially on long trips - very comfortable, easy to drive - wish gas mileage was a little better - but dont mind sacrificing that for the comfort. Not sure if Ill buy another one though.

• 

  love/hate relationship - 2000 Ford Focus
  By AG - May 12 - 1:41 am

  I love my Ford Focus. I really enjoy the way it drives--that was what convinced me to buy it in the first place. However, I wouldnt recommend it. Not this model at least. Later years seem to be a bit more reliable. My car was three years old when I bought it, and I have now owned it for three years. I have put thousands of dollars of repairs into it. It has needed brake work on two separate occasions, as well as a new starter. This is not an old car! As soon as I can afford it I will be looking for a new car.

• 

  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By ng - May 11 - 12:05 pm

  This is a good van to drive when it works. Ive had my Windstar for 60K miles and have experienced all kinds of problems. Recurring problems with the air intake system. The transmission gave out at 60K miles. I was told there are serious design flaws in both the air intake system and transmission. Power rear doors and power locks stick. The power steering pump gave out. Never again!

• 

  Love My Taurus - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By love my taurus - May 11 - 12:01 pm

  I have had my Taurus for almost 13 years and had no major mechanical problems with it until the past year with 146,000 miles on it. I love everything about this car from the trunk space to the seats, to the radio controls on the dashboard. I feel safe driving this car. I have been hit twice in it with no real damage (cracked bumper & hood damage). When the insurance company tried to total my car, I said nay and had it fixed for $200. I know I will cry buckets when this car in finally unfixable.

• 

  My Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By socha818 - May 11 - 10:03 am

  Well gets awesome gas mileage for a truck. A cover over the bed added about 3 mpg more. Disadvantage: not very good traction in snow or rain. Not a lot of weight in back of truck, even with 140lbs extra. Just had some rear brake problems. Advantages: Again the gas mileage is great. Fun truck, 5-speed manual, good response. Easy to do self fix-ups, oil and filters. Dont need a jack to change oil and oil filter. Overall good, sometimes troublesome but nothing a little loving cant take care of.

• 

  1st impressions - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jhasam - May 11 - 9:49 am

  Purchased used 2002 SuperCrew with 35000 miles in 04/06. So far it has performed flawlessly. Gas mileage on the 5.4 is in line with published amount. Very comfortable ride.

• 

  Thunderbird loyalty - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Drunaus1 - May 11 - 9:33 am

  Excellent machine and very reliable, usual Ford which will let you know symptomatically that something is wrong before you get stuck, pretty much maintenance free (except for oil changes) until about 150,000 miles, would recommend air intake, O2 sensors, upper control arms and spring (expected in the northeast for the mileage, roads are terrible), traction control feature a must for this vehicle for performance and northeast climate. Will need reliable mechanic for some things as mentioned above, not for old school mechanics there isnt a distributor so you have coil packs. I recommend the 4.6 v-8 with all the toys, do it right, only complaint is the location of the cup holders in the center console.

• 

  very nice affordable car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By GerryS - May 11 - 8:36 am

  After extensively shopping even the Mazda 3 and Mini, Im very glad to have "moved down" into my ST. Very responsive and fun to drive for a car that costs thousands less than even the Chevy Cobalt. Well built (so far) with few downsides. Could use more 12v plugs (has just one) and the cup holders are for use in desperation only (good luck getting a jumbo drink to stay in place), but it is after all a small car. The trunk is HUGE and quite functional and the top end trim package (leather, sunroof and traction control) round it out well. Overall Im very happy with it.