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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  2000 Ford Focus LX, auto trans, I-4 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chris - November 21 - 2:44 am

  I bought the car in 2007 for my wife and before I went to the Coast Guard, the engine fell apart. Two rebuilds from valve seats dropping and I had enough. After 4,500 dollars rounded I had enough. Please think about this car before you buy. Ford did not recall the valve seats in the cylinder head. Get anything above 06 and that includes all I-4s in Tauris too. 99- 05 are all bad. Just I-4s though. Huntchbacks are fine...

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  Better than expected - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Paul L - November 20 - 8:49 pm

  Previous car was Audi A4, this was a move downward. Now have 62k on odometer, just replaced tires for first time, brakes are still good, car has no squeaks or rattles. The car had one warranty service at 35k, and oil changes. It actually seems to be getting better. I didnt expect this from Ford.

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  Excellent Truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Jay in Dallas - November 20 - 7:41 pm

  I traded in my 2006 F-150 Lariat 4X2 for this 2009 Lariat 4X4. After about 2000 miles, I love the new truck. It handles very well for its size. Plenty of power. Fit and finish are excellent. The only thing I dont like is the shifting of the automatic - a bit unpredictable. My old F-150 had the 4-speed auto while this one is the 6-speed auto - very different. My 2006 had zero defects and Im expecting the same from this one.

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  In the shop with only 200 miles! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By slvrzts - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall I like the car you get for the money. I have the ZTS with everything but leather. In the first week I had it in the shop to have the airbag computer replaced! The next week I was having trouble getting it into fourth gear. So in the shop again! Turns out it was the spring for shifting it into reverse had broken somehow and was blocking fourth gear. Anyone else having these problems? I like the car just not enthused about the defects already. Chose this over a civic coupe and am now having second thoughts.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Steve - November 20 - 9:48 am

  I rented an 09 Taurus early this year and, once I got past the stodgy styling, really loved it. I was waiting for the 2010 model to make a purchase because, from the pictures Id seen, the 2010 just looked racier. But when I actually saw a 2010 I found it lacked the visibility and interior spaciousness that are what attracted me to the 09. I now have over 5,000 miles on the car. Quiet, roomy, effortless to drive. Best back support and seating position of any car I have ever owned. Synch feature is great for hands free phone conversations.

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  Disappointed with Dealer/Ford HQ - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Will - November 20 - 7:09 am

  19K miles and vehicle stalls. Had it brought in to dealer in Lafayette, said no problem existed. 3 months later, vehicle stalls and towed back to dealer. Fuel Pump, Fuel Regulator all need to be replaced. Informed my Service Manager that is normal wear/tear for fuel pump and regulator. $1500 to replace. Called Ford, no help. Once out shop, vehicle start problems. Im so MAD. Ridiculous pump going out, and I average 5k miles per year. Was told that was the reason for pump failing, lack of driving. So if you buy a Ford, ask how long its been on lot, so say the fuel pump/regulators go out if they sit

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  SOME DAY ALL CARS WILL BE HYBRIDS - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BILL S - November 19 - 2:46 am

  Actual mpg is just a little less than EPA estimates,very nice to find a suv with over 30mpg!

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  Second vehicle for work - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Randy - November 18 - 10:29 pm

  I wanted something like a station wagon, that I did not have to step down into, and did not want all wheel drive. So far the vehicle has performed well, achieving 30 miles to the Cdn. gallon city, and 40 Cdn. Hwy. Five spd a little tricky at first,a taller 5th gear would be appreciated (2500 Rpm at 60 mph). Clutch is a tad heavy, black interior hard to keep clean. Growls during acceleration but quiets down. Some wind noise at hwy speeds or cross winds.I wish they would seal the seams on the body work like Toyota does to prevent salt accumulation. Wife loves it.

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  Love/hate this car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By This Car Is Shithot - November 17 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car over a year ago in June with 40k mileage on it and it ran great until 6 months later. After 6 months, my clutch went out. I got that fixed then the transmission went out right after that. But I got that fixed already and now it runs better than ever. It had cold air intake and exhaust already in it when I bought it. This car is a beast. I love how the acceleration pins to the seat and the loud roar it makes especially when it goes in the tunnel. The one thing I hate about this car is its poor gas mileage. I have to fill up every other day from driving back and forth to work. I had a mustang V6 that I would only have to fill once a week but I just wanted more power.

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  Lost a customer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Annette S. - November 17 - 7:44 pm

  After purchasing my truck I had costly repairs the very first year. Over the next 3yrs the truck had been great until last friday Nov 13th, when my truck had an electrical fire! Please be careful Escape owners, the truck was off and I was not inside when it caught fire. Never again will I own another Ford vehicle due to Ford not taking onwership of the problems with their vehicles.