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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  Eddie - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By azrunner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Love it, big, fun, gas hog

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  Good solid little car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By car lover - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I like the car. It is a great deal of fun to drive. The interior is reasonably comfortable and the controls and displays are laid out quite well. It handles well except over bumps(the solid rear axel has to go. The engine performance is OK not great. A 3.8 liter v-6 engine should be providing at least 220 HP. The engine is also unrefined, could run a little smoother and less noisy.

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  Ford Edge Limited - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Mike - August 25 - 11:24 pm

  Very practical. Lots of compliments on looks in and out. Ride is a bit stiff with the 20" whl option. Could handle a bit better if your giving up a plush ride. Plenty of go but TERRIBLE mileage for a V6. How others on here get 23+mpg is beyond me when mine doesnt even get 22mpg with cruise on at 60mph on the highway. I get 15city/20highway regularly. Car is too heavy at 4300lbs but strangely the doors are too light and slam shut too easily. Had a problem known to ford with drivers side heat not getting as hot as the passengers. heater core replaced. fixed. Others on here complain about warm A/C but strangely mine is mind numbing COLD! I have to turn it down in 95 degree weather often.

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  Bargain Audi A4 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MB - August 25 - 10:16 pm

  I recently decided to trade in my Mustang GT for something more practical and better able to handle Midwestern winters. I looked at the Subarus but they seemed chintzy and kinda ugly (have you seen the new Legacy?), and Hondas (no AWD except for their SUVs). The Fusions AWD is a rarity in this class and along with the big V-6 and iPod integration I couldnt find anything better out there. I have been extremely pleased with the Fusion so far and it has handled Chicago snow without any problem. I hope it continues to impress!

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  My Last Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Phil - August 25 - 3:54 pm

  This is my 7th (and last) Ford. I bought it used with 34000 miles on it four years ago. It now has 61500 miles on it, and in that time I have replaced: the rear differential, the rear axle seals, the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket, the cruise control servo, the transmission cooler, and both front wheel bearings. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty. Also, the paint is peeling at the corners of the hood. I have seen many Explorers do this, and have heard it is a problem with many of them. The third row seat is nice, but doesnt allow much room for any cargo.

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  Aside from a few flaws, I love the car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - August 24 - 9:47 pm

  I owned my Fusion for two years. Purchased new in 2007. The car has had its issues (most of the headaches were caused by the dealership), but overall, I am happy with it. The handling, the leg room, quiet interior are a few highlights. The one feature that stands out is the AWD. It works, and it works well. A few bad winters with the standard package of snow, ice, freezing rain, slush, and the occasional ham-head soccer mom with her 23 passenger SUV sliding backwards in my lane did not hinder the cars ability to make it to point B, and back to point A. The location of the auxiliary input is also a plus. Located in the center console with an extra 12 volt DC outlet was an excellent idea.

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  I cant find a better car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Grunchy - August 24 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 160,000 km on the odometer (7 years old). Its now up to 230,000 km and runs the same. Not a lot of maintenance in that time, total must be < $500 for 5 years. I changed the timing belt because I didnt know its history, had the broken rear springs replaced (mainly because they made a disagreeable "clunk" noise). The CV joint boot split one day so I had CV joints done. The front brake discs developed a warp so I changed the pair for $65 Cdn including tax -- the pads still have lots of meat! The car still runs great, no problems. I am having an extremely difficult time finding a replacement that has the same features & functionality(its now 12 years old).

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  Explorer in the UK - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - August 24 - 6:05 am

  I have had my Explorer for over 3 years with no major issues. Failed its last MOT on rotten rear hangers, a ball joint and a hole in the exhaust. Not bad for a vehicle that now spends half its life on the beach and in the sea!! Reasonably comfortable but extremely practical. There is no other vehicle (maybe the Toyota Landcruiser) that can match its size for such little money. 20-22 mpg is easily achievable which is just as good as most 4x4 diesels. Pulls like David Beckham at an all girls school. Very solid and very reliable.

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  Poor city MPG 14 or less - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Bob69 - August 23 - 10:30 pm

  I am unhappy with the MPG in city driving. I struggle to get 14 MPG. Hwy driving at 70 MPH is great, over 25 MPG. My wife feels the passenger side seat does not slide back far enough to allow good leg room and it is hard for her to buckle the seat belt because the insert for the buckle is down to low. Other than that we enjoy the car.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Rangerpilot - August 23 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a 2009 Ranger XLT supercab automatic w/ the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder w/AC power windows, & CD. After reading all the average to poor reviews on the ranger, I only intended this vehicle as a low cost commuter and multi-purpose vehicle. It is actually quite good. Excellent price at less than $15K, acceptable acceleration, terrific fuel economy for a truck at 24 mpg average for 60/40 highway/city, and good build quality which Ford is now known for. I am very impressed. I drive a Mercedes Benz C350 as my other car.