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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By musicaldark - April 4 - 11:20 pm

  I bought my Taurus in Feb 2008, she had 88k miles on her, and here at 125k miles shes still running good as new. I always believed, if you take care of your car, then your car will take care of you. Thats very true! Im faithful to 3 month oil changes, 6 month tune ups, 1 year new tires or rotation of the ones bought the following year. I went today actually to look about getting a new car and the dealer at a Honda dealership told me, "You have a great car here, Id keep her if I was you" and you know what? He was right and I am keeping her. Best investment I ever made!

• 

  99 F150 4x4 Lariat - 2001 Ford F-150
  By meyeste - April 3 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my 99 F150 5.4l used with 48k. I have had it in the shop 2x - bad coil and a bad idler sensor. It now has 130 k miles and I am still pleased. What I like most is that it is comfortable to drive, and drives well. I also like the drive mode selector on the dash, it goes from 4x2 to 4x4 immediately its saved me in mid-fish tail a couple of times. Also whether 4x4 low or 4x4 high, when engaged in the front axle is locked in both wheels are turning all the time, Ive seen enough to know GM uses an open front axle by default in 4x4 high good for driving on wet roads, bad for poor traction situations. Ill get another one when this one needs replacing.

• 

  2012 Limited...nice - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By erock901 - April 3 - 12:02 pm

  Coming from a 2003 Acura MDX, this new Explorer handles and performs much better as expected. It does feel a little heavy in the corners but body roll is well controled under normal driving. The 2nd row seating isnt as wide as the MDX. The 3rd row is much more comfortable than the MDX. Acceleration feels a little slower than expected but not bad. MyTouch/Sync is ok. I expected a lot better/more advanced functionallity since I have basically the same features in my 6yr old Lexus. Overall, Im happy with the Explorer because of its handling and saftey features. And it satisfied my desire to buy domestic.

• 

  Nice truck until March 31, 2012 when it burned completely up - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By pricecat - April 2 - 11:14 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Ford Ranger Super Cap in Mar 2010 and had 18K miles. It was a very nice truck with no problems. This past Saturday (March 31, 2012), while This is a 5 speed automatic. On 3/31/12, while driving, it caught fire and burned up totally. We got out of it before it was engulfed and we did not get hurt. The truck is a total loss. We smelled a burnt-match-like smell and stopped to investigate. The truck was already on fire when we got out and we were not able to lift the hood. There was no warning that something was wrong. . . no light lit up to indicate a problem. Im curious if there are others who have experienced this as well.

• 

  Great vehicle!! - 2012 Ford Edge
  By emasride - April 2 - 9:49 pm

  Initially, I saw this 2012 Blue Edge Sport AWD in the showroom and had to have it. I have had 3 Escapes, BMW X5 and a GrandvCherokee.. The first time I test drove the Edge I immediately fell in love, twice..Handles incredibly well..amazingly comfortable and looks great. its been 5 months since I had bought my Edge Sport and still in love..The fit and finish is flawless..plenty of room in all aspects..and the features? wow...way too many to list..I always seem to find something wrong in most things..a bad habit..but honestly? Ford nailed it on the head.....over and over with this one!

• 

  Never again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By vr2usone - April 2 - 3:53 pm

  This is my first Ford and I will never again purchase another. My problems are small but trying to find parts is a pain and theres not an easy fix. The visors, the seat, the crack in the back are all common complaints for this make and model and Ford refuses to acknowledge these defects or offer an expensive fix. Each part I need starts out at $100 and goes up. If I can ever find some cheap replacement parts Im going to fix them and trade this vehicle in for a Chevy.

• 

  Impressed so far - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By mrb1072620 - April 2 - 1:05 pm

  I traded down to save on gas and overall maintenance costs. So far I am extremely happy with the Fiesta SE automatic. It handles great and has a little pep to it once it gets going. The gas mileage is fantastic, I am averaging 32.5 mpg with 100% city driving. I cant wait to see how it does on the highway in the future. The SE with alloys and sync make it a great little car. The front seat is borderline too small but I didnt expect to have extra space either in a compact car. Ford recommends the first scheduled oil change maintenance at 10,000 miles, thats pretty cool too. Overall, I highly recommend the Fiesta for its looks, gas mileage, performance and cost.

• 

  Not the best looking car, but never gives up! - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By floridagirl82 - April 1 - 12:36 pm

  My dad bought me a 1995 Aspire (Automatic) back in 1999. It was my first car and at first glance, I wasnt too impressed, but after driving it, I quickly fell in love and although its not the fastest little car, it certainly handles well. Drove it on a trip, 12 hours of non stop driving with out any problems and watched it roll over to 100,000 miles that night! It lasted me until 2008, when the transmission finally gave out. I drove to death! Its been sitting in my back yard ever since as I just cant seem to let it go lol. Ac is STILL freezing cold to date! NEVER GAVE OUT! Did have some repairs done during the time that I drove it, but nothing we couldnt do ourselves. HATED GAS :]

• 

  Surprisingly fun for bare bones car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bugsycat - March 31 - 10:35 pm

  I bought this car a year ago as a third car for my kids to use for work when theyre home from college. I had previously owned a 2001 Focus that I bought new in 2001, which was a loaded model that I was very happy with. This model is a stripper, with tinny doors. The only extras are A/C, CD player, auto trans, and remote trunk release. Despite the fact that I bought this for the kids, I find myself driving it quite a bit. I like the gas mileage and find the power more than adequate, if a bit buzzy. The trunk is huge and the interior is quite roomy for the size. It is a very spartan car, with hard plastics in abundance. Ive put 10,000 miles on it and not had a problem.

• 

  Love the new Explorer! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By heymark - March 31 - 6:55 am

  Previously drove Tahoes, last was 2008 LT. Tahoe is a great SUV, but wanted something smaller & less top heavy. Test drove the Ford and was impressed. After 6 months of owning, Im still impressed. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, especially on highway. Ive not had the problems with Myford Touch locking or freezing, but have given up on using voice commands. Interior is luxurious with upgraded seats. 2nd row has cramped leg room. Im 6 and briefcase barely fits between rows. Limiteds features are awesome.