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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  4dr Sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By allee - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car end of June 2003 and so far I love it...I traded in a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta that gave me nothing but problems the day I bought it...I am hoping that my Focus gives me a much happier life... I am alittle hesitant to give my focus a full rating on reliability until I have had it a year or so...then I can give a true rating. But thus far its fun to drive and I am happy at the moment!

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  Great Vehicle/Bad Mileage - 2008 Ford Edge
  By edge driver - June 11 - 8:26 am

  Great Vehicle. Looks Great, Drives Great. No problems so far. Gas Mileage Stinks!

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  Very dependable - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By kev - June 10 - 10:58 am

  I fell in love with the cornering, power and braking right away. Since I have had it I have put over 60,000 miles on it in a short time and have only had to replace the Alternator. Not sure why but I have had bad vibrations in it on the highways even after alignments, balancing, rotations and new tires. Also seems like it will fish tail easily in the rain if your not overly carefull. but over all the vehicle is strong running, very powerfull, takes tight corners and stops easily (for a heavy vehicle).

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  150000+ miles and still running! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Res - June 10 - 7:59 am

  Car has been great so far. Replaced timing belt twice. Replace more parts other than the timing belt such as idler pulley, and you will not have the same problem. Other than that, front end suspension parts have been replaced as rust and worn out busings have taken their toll. If I am lucky, the car will rust out before the car mechanically dies (Heres hoping!)

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  1998 ZX 2 cool coupe - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mike - June 10 - 7:14 am

  I bought this car with 91K it now has 170K just replaced timming belt, water pump, regular belts and pulleys, still has original clutch (5 speed) and some of the vacume lines are starting to crack but it is a very reliable car . Parts are cheap and avalible. down fall is it is a very hard car to work on as it is very tight in the engine compartment. All above work was done as preventive maintenace not corrective. This car also wears tires a little funny and somtimes you will get a woomp woomp woomp from the under carrage as the tires wear though that phase of wear I guess. Anyway I wish more companies made cars like this they would be in less trouble now.

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  My 1st SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - June 9 - 10:39 pm

  My first Certified Used car purchase was to be my daily driver for Winter. The weekend I brought her home, Winter reared its ugly head. Day two we had an ice storm and from that point forward, it was lots of snow, 25 below zero temps and the worst winter Chicago has seen in 25 years. My Escape handled the snow very well, started right up in the way below zero temps and was very reliable. I have had her only 7 months now, no problems and 26K on the speedometer. Ill be back next year for an update.

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  Greatly Built - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Xenfull - June 9 - 7:37 pm

  I love this truck. It has 209,000 miles on it and the 5.4L and trany are as strong as ever. The rear axel seal went out and I ended up buring up the gears in the differentail "my fault". The control arm bushings need to be replaced, which I hear are notorious to start making noises in all fords. Other than that not a problem with it. Every mechanic I have talked to say that so long as you keep it maintained, It will last to 300,000 miles+. My next truck I get will be a Ford F150.

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  Fun Fun Fun! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Lauren - June 8 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my convertible GT in Febuary and fell in love. She had less than 25,000 miles on her when i bought it. Very reliable and very fun to drive. She really has some pick up and go! Not only is the convertible fun to drive, its fun to play with as well! I have flowmaster mufflers, a cold air intake, and various other modifications. The cool thing about mustangs is that its not just a car, it can be a hobby.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By marklally - June 8 - 3:42 pm

  This is one of if not the best car I have ever owned. I and everyone I know think the cars looks are outstanding. My car has the appearance package with the five spoke wheels and the non low- rolling resistance tires, I expected to take a noticeable hit on the gas mileage because of this, but it just hasnt seemed to be the case. This cars handling and driving dynamics are just top notch, its unusually quite, the seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage in fantastic. Now for the bad part; My Ford Touch is horrible, its every bit as bad as the reviews say it is. its a huge black eye on a otherwise great car experience. I hope Ford cures this problem in haste.

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  Unhappy customer - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Unhappy customer - June 8 - 9:43 am

  Certain parts of this vehicle I love but at 2300 miles I already have my second service engine light on so back to the shop I go. I also dont like the complete and outright lie on the 41mpg. Fill the tank up and the estimated miles to empty is 535 miles. It is a 17 gallon tank. Do the math, that is only 31.5 miles per gallon. I do however get more than 31.5 mpg but seems dumb to say you get 41 mpg and then show you will only get 31.5 mpg after filling the tank. Maybe I just got a lemon but not happy that I am going back to service AGAIN! EV mode can work up to 47mph but only at coasting speeds. Put one small hill in the way and it is gone.