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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  Good SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By LB - August 11 - 11:12 pm

  Bought car new $27K with towing packing. Overall very pleased with it. 20 mpg without fail. Great power seat but the seat back lever broke off at 100K, poor design. Loved the double driver side sun visor. Very reliable, traded it in at 143477 with only one roadside break down in 12 years due to the radiator. Good pick up. AC needed $400 repair at 140K, radio going out as well. CD changer broke at ~100K. Kept very good track of repairs. $8275 total for 143K miles.

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  Pushed Limits - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DocBone - August 11 - 8:35 pm

  I have owned my explorer for 2 years now and have not had to deal with any major problems. I did learn the hard way that the o-ring from the oil filter can occasionally get stuck and has to be peeled off. In the last 2 years I have managed to put on nearly 40K miles, between driving to and from school (about 150miles round trip)and pizza delivery. Slightly bothered by the less that stellar gas mileage, but on the highway I have gotten 20+ mpg a few times. Strongly recommend to anyone needs a decent amount of space in their car. Also, after surviving through 2 winters, I have no complaints, snow is not an issue. This car can easily modified without affecting its electrical system

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  ITS STILL RUNNING - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Suffolk - August 11 - 5:28 pm

  I drove my husbands Taurus Sho last weekend and the odometer read 261,140 miles. Its still going after we have had trouble with a newer 1996 Jeep (dead now) and a 2004 Avalanche (having problems now).

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  Stalls - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Ingrid - August 11 - 11:40 am

  My Edge has stalled on me several times usually @ stop lights and the Dealer cant find anything wrong with it.Does anybody have the same problem? The tires are very noisy (Hancook)and I had a rear bearing replaced already.

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  I love my Edge!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Teenda - August 11 - 9:30 am

  I love driving my edge. I traded in a Jetta for it to deal with the winters and I was tired of a manual transmission. I have now found out I am an SUV woman and will probably always be one. My edge was broken into once so the pass window was smashed in but that isnt a manufacturers defect. My cruise control did stop functioning but it was replaced under warranty. As for fuel mileage - I drive to quick to give an accurate answer. I love the stability and comfort I feel while driving my Edge vs. driving a Jetta which was low to the ground and a rough ride. LOVE LOVE LOVE MY EDGE!

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  Its designed for work - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By henrickson - August 11 - 4:49 am

  Ive carried more cases of wine, beer, soda, computer equipment then I can shake a stick at. This vehicle is designed for that and excels at it. Its amazing what it swallows. I just finished hauling 27 fully loaded 18 gallon totes in one load. Im sure I was pushing the hauling weight capacity but it worked perfectly. When its empty it rides like a washboard but it hauls cargo with the best. Ive had zero mechanical problems and the divers side is comfortable for a full days work. Ive overloaded it and driven it for 10 hours on the interstate and it did well. Its not great on the interstate in high winds but again its really designed for around town.

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  Transmission - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John - August 10 - 8:43 pm

  I have heard lots of stories about bad trannies. Changed all my fluids at 30,000. I was told that this might be an important factor in the longevity of the transmission. Mine has always had an annoying jerk going from park into gear even from new. (My 4runner was a smooth bump like it should be) Other than that and the LR window not working all the time it really hasnt given me any problems.

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  Transmission Hint for You - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By C Perry - August 10 - 3:30 pm

  It sounds like this vehicle is hit or miss with a lot of folks. For us, its been a total hit with a few caveats. Bought used in 04 for $6k, from day one the cruise control didnt work and every once in awhile the dome lights will not turn off. Spray some W2-40 on all contacts for each door seems to fix (and a hint I read elsewhere). Otherwise, the master cylinder went out but no biggie. This thing holds a ton of stuff and is very roomy. Its been an awesome family car for us. Be aware there is 1 side door, not two like most these days.

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  Zippy, fuel efficient, and spacious. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By PJ - August 10 - 3:23 pm

  I bought a fully loaded Focus SEL with manual transmission. This car is simply designed beautifully. I am 64" and easily have plenty of headroom and can get 2 adults in the back without moving the seat. The stick shift is very smooth and ergonomically placed. This car zips nicely and gets me over 31 mpg so far. The sync system is really cool but the one complaint I have is the speaker placement. If you drive with the windows down like I do the wind noise really drowns out you stereo. They need to raise the speakers higher so they are closer to your head. Also,I got the SEL which makes the interior really nice. I noticed base models seem to have really cheap interiors.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Madison - August 10 - 12:54 pm

  Just purchased this weekend as a commuter car (130 miles/day round trip). I really like what Ford did with the re-design. The old version was pretty ugly, but this one looks good for an econobox. After only 250 miles, getting almost 40 on the highway and 33 overall in a fair mix. Im 63" and the two door allows easy entry and exit - plenty of legroom. Performance is about what you would expect from a N/A 4-banger - not spectacular, but sufficient. Sirius is cool. First Ford Ive ever owned, so well see how it goes. Impressed by the fact they didnt need a bailout and they actually had inventory to choose from. So far, so good.