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:

• 

  Sporty, roomy, good gas mileage, BUT - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Joe C - October 23 - 5:30 am

  This is my second Focus. I purchased a 2000 Focus SE, and now have 93k miles on it, and it still runs well. So, I took out a lease recently on a 2006 ZX4 SES--and mind you, I try many rental cars, so I like to compare. This Focus has all the creature comforts pretty much. It handles firmly like the Corolla, and is roomier both in cabin and trunk space over the Corolla and Civic. The gas mileage is a little less than my 2000 SE, but still very good. Reliability problems experienced in the first 1k miles: doors dont shut smoothly--I have to slam them shut Also, instrument cluster light and tail lights failed--looked for failed fuse--found none so far. Gas cap light on for unknown reason.

• 

  Great Company Car - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By GBWinMA - October 23 - 2:46 am

  This is a vehicle supplied to me from my employer. It is a lot of fun to drive and also very comfortable. Both interior and exterior appointment blend nicely. My only complaint is the dealership. The running board is a third party one and no by Ford. It is narrow and has actually been put on backwards by the dealership. They say they will fix it, but that was two weeks ago... and nothing. The second complaint is that the car was supposed to come with factory mats and they werent. Again, Framingham Ford promised to get me factory mats ASAP. Its been over a month and still no mats, despite follow up phone calls. This is my second experience with "dont care" Ford Dealerships!

• 

  74000 Miles & Counting - 2008 Ford F-150
  By John - October 22 - 8:54 pm

  We moved to the mountians and after the first snow it was obvious that I needed a 4 X 4. We got the SuperCrew for the kids, the tow package for the trailers and I have always needed a truck. So far it has been great. Tows a 24 ft travel trailer like it is not there. Unlike some truck I have seen on the road, the body angle does not change when loaded. Comfortable and reliable. I would take a 6 speed trans but other than that the pick up is good, stable on/off road, high spped or low. It just goes. I got to work every day for the last two winter with no chains and last year we had 60 inches of snow in one storm.

• 

  my suv - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By sarah - October 22 - 7:13 pm

  My husband bought it for me for mothers day this year (09) and we love it so very much..Over 200,000 miles on her and still runs like a champ..With the exeption to the number 4 spark plug fouling. And it not being owner friendly on replacing it yourself..And its hard to find someone to fix it who doesnt want your first born for the price..lol..But other then the cost od up keep and crappy gas and the third row seat , love it and will get another when this one dies.Hope not for a few more years atleast.

• 

  Very pleased with my 03 ZTS - 2003 Ford Focus
  By relish1t - October 22 - 4:13 am

  I purposely downgraded from years of full size pickups into a smaller vehicle. From the moment I drove the car home I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. Its quick, responsive, easy on the gas AND much easier to park than the pickups. I have not missed them at all, In fact, this car has enough room in it, that it has become my "truck". Ive hauled everything from grass clippings bags, bags of mulch, plants, shrubbery and paving stones to 6 step ladders and not once have I ever had to leave something behind.

• 

  Radiator Problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jashmon - October 21 - 5:35 pm

  Bought the 2006 Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer edition, and thought I had a great deal. Wrong!! Had to replace the radiator and thermosatat in October 2009 because of a leak cost me $823.00. Ive owned a lot of cars, older and newer, and have never had to replace the radiator. Get this...the radiator is not covered by the warranty or the extended warranty I bought from Ford. My next and future vehicles WILL NOT be a Ford. Foreign cars here I come.

• 

  Bad Tranny Coolers in 08 Escapes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By b.bergman - October 21 - 2:46 pm

  I just had my Escape repaired yesterday for Bad Tranny Cooler from the dealer that I purchased it from. No questions asked, they fixed at no cost stating it was under warranty. No complains on this end.

• 

  My New Gas Guzzler - 2016 Ford Escape
  By me cu - October 21 - 10:12 am

  You should expect to get the lowest mpg posted at all times. The fuel tank is very small so you are visiting the gas station every few days.

• 

  2000 v6 Coupe 5 speed - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Beamerstang - October 21 - 9:50 am

  Overall this is a decent car - But its not the fast/fun mustang everyone makes it out to be. The car is very slow when put side by side with other sport coupes of its year. The interior looks good, but is very very cheap. **EVERYTHING** rattles and makes noise inside the car. The seats are very boring and uncomfortable, and the worst part is terrible highway driving in 5th gear. The car handles well in dry weather, but isnt very balanced. The rear suspension is bad - leading to serious fishtailing out of turns , bad rain traction, and unstable turns if you hit any small bumps. Its a reliable car, but sport coupe? no...not really.

• 

  Best SUV I have ever owned! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Chris L - October 20 - 9:07 pm

  I can say that I have had a great experience with my Explorer. I bought it the way I wanted it, with plenty of options and comfort. I have used it for many a road trip to the mountains and to the beach and have driven from Atlanta to Phoenix and back. Most problems have been minor maintenance. Around 160K miles I started having transmission and transfer case problems. The Explorer still runs, is clean and paint still good,but I either need to have the transmission and transfer case rebuilt or sell it. I hope I can give it a new home where it will continue to perform well.