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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  Disappointed with new vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By cburto01 - October 31 - 10:12 am

  Purchased the vehicle brand new (3.5 miles). We drove it for two days and the SYNC system started locking the media / nav system along with placing random numbers in when attempting to dial the phone via audio response. On the third day, the read hatch would open and not close. Hatch would go down and come right back up. Then start it up and push on throttle with minimal response. Expy would not go over 10 MPH. Nursed it back to the dealer and service adviser experienced first hand this issue. "Ive never seen anything like this"- NOT the words I want to hear from a "Blue Oval" expert who will be repairing the vehicle. Owned 3 days and back to the shop for repair - VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!

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  Enjoyable Drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By al - October 30 - 11:45 pm

  Overall very pleased with my purchase. When looking to buy any model or year of focus be sure to check condition of bottom of doors interior and exterior especially behind rubber gasket that ford loves to use on all focuses. I didnt and was later surprised by the corrosion I found. Consellation is its relatively minimal and can fix it myself. Ford will not warranty the corrosion even though its clearly a design flaw. Common problem with the focus according to reviews all over the internet.

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  I really love this Thing - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By guddy - October 30 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my 93 with 158,000, I reluctantly gave it to my daughter to drive to Fairbanks, Alaska, laden with her and husbands personal stuff, on the roof and packed into the bay. They slept on top of the whole thing. In short, they put an additional 7,000 mi. on and arrived safely in Fairbanks. I didnt fix the AC compressor.., figured she didnt need it in Alaska. She had to change the oil to match the Alaska environments and she got a warning from a mechanic that they may need some front end ball joints and tie rods(the Alcan had some potholes). Otherwise, I told her to never sell it, I would rather fly up and drive it back to Los Angeles.

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  2000 Ford Mustang 3.8 - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Danny - October 30 - 12:54 pm

  I was given this as my first car, and I love it. It has 115000 miles and is nine years old, but it is very reliable and runs great. My parents own this car for all of the original miles, and there has only ever been one minor problem with the engine, but it was resolved easily, and the oil is changed every 3000 miles. Mine has a automatic, but I would suggest a five speed manual. I also installed aftermarket headers and exhaust.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By JR - October 30 - 9:59 am

  Ford - Drive One? I had a 1997 Ford Contour GL that was fun to drive and very fuel efficient during its time. I really took care of it as well. However, throughout my experience of driving it since August 1997, I went through a lot of adversity with it in the long run as far as recalls and parts replacement is concerned. I had a lot of stuff replaced in this car it did cost x-amount of dollars for repairs. Other than that, the car ran pretty good during its time until a major oil leak occured it was gonna cost thousand of dollars to fix. As a result, it was goodbye for me driving a Ford around March 2009. After that, I went out and bought a 2009 Honda Civic LX Sedan as a replacement.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By nondriver - October 29 - 3:23 pm

  The thing about this car is value. I compared dozens of similar cars, but for the price, none will give you the features (SYNC, stereo, trim, engine), quality and ride this will. For comparo by price/size it was 2006 Altima (0felt cheap, no options) 2007 Chevy Malibu (just junk) 2006 Charger (nothing special in the SE) 2006 Camry) 2005 Accord and 2005 Passat. None of the above came close to the 2008 V6 SEL Sport Package I picked up for within a few grand of those and so far, I am very happy. Give American cars a chance to surprise you -- I actually got this as a former rental from Hertz in great shape and drove it for 2 weeks before I bought it-- free. Fr what it is its a great ride.

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  Extended Review for 2009 Ford Fusion SE - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Novice Editor - October 29 - 11:50 am

  I was resistant to get into this car because I thought it was low end vehicle but I was pleasantly surpised by its handling and styling. The car gives cues of a Lexus sedan, especially the front. Mine is equipped with Sport wheels and low profile tires and makes a tremendous difference in handling. 5 speed trans is good once it gets going in the higher ranges. Gas economy is great on pure highway I got up to 42 miles p/gallon and its not a hybrid. My usual commute is 60% highway and 40% local,traveling 100 miles roundtrip. Im averaging 27-29 miles per gallon. Not bad. Trip commuter works well and the SYNC system is a real tribute. I dont like the cartridge filter design too messy.

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  06 Explorer Ltd V-8 4wd - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By rowekmr - October 29 - 2:24 am

  This is my 3rd Explorer. Bought it because I needed 3 rows of seats and the 4.6L engine/tow package for towing. I got it with 22K miles and now going on 3 yrs later I got 73K. It tows loads well (up to 8,000#) gets excellent mpg on the highway (24-25mpg) and can squeeze in many adults and kids. I had the hesitation problem as others but it was very intermittent. I get the high rpm shift sqeak off of the accessory drive. Dealership acts like they are normal and does quick fixes (dont work). Get the ext warranty if its loaded because the stuff is expensive to repair. My heated seat went out but was covered.

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  front end sounds - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Judy - October 28 - 11:47 am

  I bought my flex in August have heard a noise under the front of the car occasionally since. It sounds like the brakes are going out & the rotors are rubbing.Sometimes feels like it grads a bit when i put the brakes on. I had it looked at once so far they say nothing is wrong. I will keep checking. I traded in a 2006 expedition fully loaded for a simplier model to help on mileage and overall money expenses. I love it I only miss the 4 wheel drive. I do have an issue with the little panels behind the door handle on the interior of the car. they have popped off three times so far. Seems a bit cheezy.I do not like the headrest angle doesnt work well for short people makes my head lean forward.

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  2004 xlt two wheel drive 4.0 v-6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BFR - October 28 - 10:42 am

  bought used with 12000 miles on it in 2005. I now have 92000 10/28/09. I had one front wheel bearing go out. changed the hub assembley myself was not to hard but cost was $200.00.New tires at 86000 miles, and never rotated the tires once, and they wore even. Gas milage 15/16 city 21/22 highway.I run mobil 1 oil and change every 6000 miles.My wife drives it 80% of the time , and loves it. I coach baseball and have plenty of room to haul everything.No complaints