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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  Read before you buy - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dimattei5 - September 25 - 9:54 am

  I have owned a 2005 Ford Fresstyle since last year and now it has been in the shop for a Throttle body issues. The car revs up and shuts down. This part is on Backorder and will not be available until Jan 2010. I have been withour my car for 70 days now. Ford is not helpful an supporting the customer. No one will call me back. BUYER BEWARE....

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  Could be my next vehicle - 2017 Ford Escape
  By opensky1 - September 23 - 11:48 pm

  I rented this car 2 weeks a month for 4 years in Anchorage, Alaska where I worked (I am retired in warm, beachy Corpus Christi, Texas). I also rented others from Toyotas to Jeeps to GMCs. No comparison to me, for handling (like a small car), acceleration with the 2.0 turbo, but mainly the ease of entry and exit. The seats are exactly the right height. I had a team of 15 engineers and all agreed - easiest for entry and exit. That is why it COULD be my next car, as my Mustang is getting harder and harder to get out of (unless the top is down) like many my age. What the Escape really needs is at least the option for Automatic Emergency Braking! That may force me to go for the otherwise boring Subaru Forester. I read that Ford is putting this on the Mustang next year! Most Mustang drivers are not seniors who NEED AEB, not just collision warning or pre-loaded brakes. They did add lane departure warning, but braking would complete the package. I have all the driver aids that were available for my 2017 Mustang, even though this about doubled the price and got me to trade my 2014 with nothing wrong with it. So my two biggest concerns are entry and braking. Ford has one covered. We will see. I thing Consumer Reports has shown that will be the next mandatory thing anyway. Otherwise, best in its class, including the boring (ugly) looking, claustrophobic feeling Mazda CX-5.

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  Noise????? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ben13 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I owned an Explorer (02) which developed low hum in rearend around 40 + MPH. The dealer tried several fixes and finally said live with it. I decided to trade in on sporttrac (03) no hum initially, but guess what after about 2K miles the old hum is back only louder and more annoying (riders notice it immediately). A local Ford dealer had a gtreat fix - ride with the radio on!!!!! Thanks ford. Ive had several ford products over the last few years and this one is the last.

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  Not Flashy But Gets The Job Done - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By joncman - September 22 - 10:34 pm

  Ive had this car since new and its not the flashiest beast out there, but man it does what it needs to do. Ive had lots of cars in my lifetime with lots of fancy features so I decided to buy a truck for once in my life. Got the Ranger because I didnt need a super powerful truck. I have not regretted it once. This thing goes and goes and goes. The only mechanical that has ever gone wrong with it was the wiper motor conked out on me. I drove a 2008 F-150 the other day and it had about every bell and whistle you could get on it, but, $42,000....YIKES....Ill stick with the littleolRanger thank you very much.

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  Master Cylinder Brake Failure - 2010 Ford Edge
  By koczani - September 22 - 10:01 pm

  I had to take the Edge in at 5,400 miles because the brakes felt spongy. The Dealership says I need a Master Cylinder, but they had none is stock. I am without a vehicle as I wait for the Edge to be repaired. In this day and age, the Dealership should offer a loaner if they are going the keep the vehicle over 24 hours.

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  Still going strong - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MSH - September 22 - 8:41 am

  Bought my explorer new and now have about 120k miles on it. It has had its share of maintenance issues (radio display, back windshield wiper, fuel pumpx2, belts, sensors, minor suspension issues, etc) but overall it has been pretty reliable. I perform scheduled maintenance regularly and dont worry about random breakdowns or taking on long trips. Both the interior and the exterior have held up well and (IMHO) still look good. Overall, the value of the car to me far exceeds its blue book price.

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  Good but already some problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - September 21 - 6:58 pm

  Within 1500 miles of driving off the lot, our Flex started making a high pitch sound out of the back of the car. It can be heard about 30 ft away and recently has grown loud enough to be heard within the car [if the radio is off]. When we took the car in to be fixed the dealer told us that it was the fuel pump. They called Ford and Ford told the dealer that the pump it is within the fuel pumps specs to make a high pitch whistle - so tough luck. As mentioned before, the whistle is growing louder, so maybe when our ears start to bleed Ford may change their mind, until then I tell everyone who asks how much we regret the purchase.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Michael B. - September 21 - 6:57 pm

  Im not an easy sale, which is part of the reason why even though I love this car so much that I do not give it all 10s as the purpose of this is to inform you and not brag about how great of a car this is. The car looks great stock but lacks the power that I personally desire. Easily fixed though with very accessible modifications that you can do. Interior quality can be improved but leave the exterior alone as it looks the way it should. The Handling is great and it behaves like a muscle car is supposed to. Definitely recommend getting an aftermarket intake, exhaust and a custom tune otherwise dont expect to blow by other cars in its class with ease.

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  Fit and finish need attention - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Jeff - September 21 - 4:50 pm

  We sold our 2006 Sequoia to purchase the 2010 Flex to haul our 5 kids. We were attracted to the styling reminiscent on the 60s wagons. The 6 cylinder is peppy and a good compromise between power and economy. Upon closer inspection, however, the fit and finish off the car are low for the price. We have owned the car 2 weeks now and already a rattle developed in the headliner around the sunroof 9clip came loose), the lower door weather strip (5 foot long plastic extrusion) on the passenger side fell off while driving and the chrome strip below the passenger side came loose. Door alignment is terrible and there is a huge blob of body sealant in the jamb at the top off the rear hatch.

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  Aweome First Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By CSeabaugh - September 21 - 12:41 am

  Just bought my red 2000 Mustang GT fully loaded with every option checked but the automatic transmission from a private owner a couple weeks ago as my first car (Im 20) and I love the thing. Its perfect for a 20 year old guy. V8, stick shift, enough room for me and a friend. Has plenty of power both on the highway and in town and it handles great. Im very glad I bought it. I havent experiences it in the snow yet which Im a bit nervous about but youll definitely be seeing a review by then.