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:

• 

  2014 Fusion Hybrid S at 12K - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - October 3 - 11:10 am

  This is my "work" car, purchased for that purpose. Although I have driven a series of employer-provided vehicles over the years, (Ford and GM sedans), this is the first purchase for my own use. The Fusion is, (I am embarrassed to say), the first American-branded vehicle I have ever owned, and I am 50 years old. I drive a mix of 70-75 mph highway, congested city and rural two lane. By way of background, I am fussy and a bit of a "car guy." (Other vehicles: Miata 6M and Acura TSX 5A.) Also, I have prior experience with Toyota hybrids. I like them, and have driven approximately 10K miles in a Gen 3 Prius and a 2009 Camry hybrid That said, here are my observations at the 12K mark:

• 

  12K mile report: 2009 Focus SES Coupe - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bo - October 3 - 10:11 am

  Very satisfying driving experience! 36 tank fills of 50/50 mixed driving and Im averaging 31 MPG actual (on-board computer says 32.1). Amazingly no rattles. Fit & finish very good, but door & cup holder plastic scratches easily. Dark blue metallic paint gets frequent compliments. Only maintenance: oil change/tire rotation! I added a 3- piece Curt Hitch (used for bikes, not towing) which is a perfect fit & well hidden behind bumper. The German built 5-speed manual is precise. The care appears tall for its width, but the looks will grow on you...mostly because the coupe is distinctive. Stereo should satisfy most listeners. A perfect commuting car. Only wish it was a hatch and seats folded flat

• 

  I agree with Consumer Reports - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Hunter - October 2 - 9:17 pm

  I keep looking at other vehicles simply because I usually trade every 4-5 years. I can not justify trading my Ford Ranger Edge. Im a big man and its very comfortable to drive. I knew I wasnt going to get the mpg of a Focus, so Im not disappointed in the 19-20 mpg that I get. I have an ARE flat top on it and I purchased an extended warranty, which Im sure Ill do agian at a 100,000 miles. I bought the Edge after my wife traded in her Mazda B-4000 LE. I know that was my Edges twin and with over 140,000 miles at trade-in, I felt confident in my choice and I have not be sorry. It has been and continues to be a great little truck!

• 

  Very reliable - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - October 2 - 12:54 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002 and have not had any major problem since. The engine check light came on at 30000 miles, I took it to the dealer and they replaced a sensor at no cost since it was still under warranty. I now have 90000 miles on it. It runs fine with basic maintenance such as oil changes, air filter and I change my fuel filter every 20000 miles. The car doesnt handle well in wet weather. Otherwise it drives very smooth and very reliable with very little repair cost (still on original battery, alternator, clutch, AC). I would buy another Mustang.

• 

  Someday ford will build a good transmiss - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Hotrod joe - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I work for ford and bought the 99 taurus se because of incentives. Love the 3.0 dohc motor it really moves also because of the 3.94 axle ratio. Now well talk shop the transmission needs more fine tuning by engineering when driving in traffic to go around another car pushing the gas pedal a 1/3 or 1/2 way down at 30 mph it kicks all the way down to 1st gear very annoying!!! It got stuck in front of house on ice and blew the trans at 18,000 miles took it to Elder ford they its covered by my bumper to bumper. Also ive had 3 escorts every one those shifted better than the taurus the new trans doesnt engage properly when you first start it.

• 

  Not bad at all - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Santiago - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First of all this is an impressive car at an impressive price. While there are some build quality issues, the powertrain and engine are solid, and the engine (not a Zetec) does a decent job. My other car is a camry, and I must say that I would rather be in the Focus than the camry. Just wish I had waited a year for the ZX5

• 

  Still going after 110K - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jon - October 2 - 1:14 am

  Had little problems with this truck. Used it like a truck, towing, hauling and long distance travel. Had to replace clutch at 95K, my fault, towing a boat long distance that was too heavy for my truck. 110K now with no major problems, "door ajar" light always on so I just removed fuse. Wipers turn on more frequently, but Ive read elsewhere that is common for this model year Ranger. Added an electronic brake controller,heavy duty rear shocks and class III hitch for towing. Truck is a little sluggish now, but full synthetic oil, K&N filter and new plugs and its still running strong once it gets going.

• 

  Ford Focus Superstar - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jezmanuk - October 1 - 9:37 pm

  I purchased my 06 Focus new. Wanted Grey, hatchback, Stick, shopped around and got a 3 door SES with leather moon roof and winter package for $14000. I have had ZERO problems with it for 26000 miles, service has been excellent from dealer (even replaced a wheel with a good used one for free when I kerbed mine). The car is fun to drive, very reliable (Consumer reports rates it with Civic and Corolla), looks good and I have had a very stress free ownership. The Original Pirelli P6s (unusual size205/50 ZR16) werent great and had lots of road noise. I changed all 4 due to a sidewall puncture @ 24K miles for BF Goodrich G-Force Sport which are much quieter and have much better dry traction

• 

  Happy & In Love - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Happy & In Love - October 1 - 8:26 pm

  This is the first time I purchased a Mustang and I love her......It is so much fun to drive and take sharp corners. I wouldnt trade it for nothing. Oh and by the well her name is Mustang Sally......

• 

  Love it....Still have it, only - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Cobbstone - October 1 - 7:34 pm

  I am 66 Years old, and bought it new in the Fall of 1999...Only has 28,000 miles to date.....Still smells new...Only problem ,I let my Battery acid leak down on some of the cables I corrected that, but have to use the Emergecy release to get it out of part, when I drive, and from reading some others,,,I think I should have my tie Rods checked.