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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  Solid performer - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jtice - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased my 2011 Ford Fusion SE after extensive research in December 2010. I went for the automatic transmission model. Now, Ive got 31,000 miles on the vehicle. I havent had the first problem with it yet. I was just told of a recall on this model due to trouble with the wheels. Vehicle is very responsive in turns, accelerates well, has a spacious trunk and comfortable interior. Ive gotten as high as 36 mpg on long flat stretches of highway, such as through Kansas and northern Indiana. Typical, 33 mpg. I wish there was a bit less plastic panelling and a more stylish interior. Of course, I could have gotten that with the SEL model for a few grand more. Overall, very pleased.

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  not bad - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sixohthree81 - March 16 - 4:52 pm

  bought this with our tax returns for $3500 from a local dealership about 2 weeks ago. went from a 92 saab 9000 to this and I LOVE IT!!! 4wd works great and the power leather seats are so comfortable. have only had 2 issues with it and 1 was the catalytic convertor needed to be welded back on as we hit a pot hole and it broke. (kinda expected it with 166000 miles) and the radio display doesnt work. radio still works just cant see what station you are on. kinda annoying but nothing to really complain about. I would recommend an explorer to all of my friends!

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  We are loving it. - 2011 Ford F-150
  By dawnjanel - March 16 - 9:52 am

  We have owned a newer, used Dodge truck, and a newer, used Chevy truck. They both have spent lots of time in repair shop. Our first truck was an OLD, used Ford. It wasnt pretty but it was reliable and cost us little in repairs. So, when it was time to invest in a brand new truck the choice was simple. We bought our truck 6 months ago. My husband has used it for work and we have traveled 7 hrs away in it. It works very well for both ! Friends who have taken a ride in it ask if it is really a truck because it rides as smooth as some cars.

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  One Amazing Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By andrewj2k - March 16 - 1:53 am

  I have owned my mustang for about 8 years. I purchased it used in 2004 with about 98k on the odometer. Today I am proud to announce I broke the acclaimed 250k mark!!!! The car still runs strong and Im about to have the transmission serviced for the first time tomorrow at the Ford dealership (my friend recommended I do it, I kept topping off fluid every once in a while, nothing major, no leaks). The car still runs strong, shifts great, smooth ride. Added cold air intake, dual exhaust to give it a better sound and thats about it! Full synthetic oil changes at about 3,500 miles. City & Hwy miles... I love this car!!!!

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  2002 Ford Explorer XLT - WEIRD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prazb2jc - March 15 - 9:30 pm

  Purchased used in 2004. Clear CarFax, 1-owner, under 50,000 miles. 2 mths later Oil Leak, output seal leaking, replaced seal. In 06, replace leaking axle seals, May 07 loose front drivers side wheel bearings, rear noise inspected on lift, differential removed to find cause, replaced both front wheel bearings noise STILL there. June 07 vibration & noise, remove rear differential, disassemble, left carrier bearing and cup failed, discoloration of bearing, replaced pinion & carrier bearings & cups, replace axle support bearings and seals, replace pinion seal, replace left rear wheel bearing, replace speed sensors, just tip of the iceberg repair list. Not worth it - horrible riding!

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  Solid Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By xxx_joeyr_xxx - March 15 - 12:04 pm

  Ive owned my 2000 Mustang GT for 4+ years now. Car now has 155K on her and shes still running strong. The only major failures Ive had was the Intake Manifold coolant line busting & heater core leaking(major pain to fix). Ive really driven this car hard, but always maintained it, and she is still going strong. Please stop listing to idiots bash a car because they 1. they neglect it. and 2. they give a bad rap because of normal Maintenance items they have to replace(rotors/pads/air filters/fuel filters/plugs). On a different note, after a few basic mods, these cars will run with the feared LS1 Camaros.

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  Dont buy this peice of junk - 2009 Ford Focus
  By dneilsen - March 15 - 9:57 am

  We bought this car new in 2009. within the first year the brakes had to be repaired the second year the cv joints went out. In 2011 I was driving it to work and had alot of vibration in the front end and found out from our mechanic that the wheel bearings was worn out. I would highly recomend you avoid this mistake.

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  Fun to Drive but Squealing Clutch - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By cventrice - March 14 - 10:47 pm

  Overall, I like the performance and design features of my Ford Fiesta. The base S model is very affordable and it comes with several features such as ABS and stability control that are not normally standard in the base model. The car is a little slow in city driving but handles and accelerates well on the highway. Unfortunately, the car that I bought has had persistent problems with a squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. It started the morning after I purchased the car. The dealer replaced the slave cylinder/throwout bearing assembly after 600 miles. It squealed again the morning after I picked the car up and has been intermittently squealing ever since then.

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  Chrome trim - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By damage44 - March 14 - 10:07 pm

  Like the car overall. Handles well. Great pickup to get on highway.

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  Wheel Well Linners Poorly Designed - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By ned12 - March 13 - 2:11 pm

  Recently purchased 2012 Ford Explorer XLT. Have been very disappointed when driving it through mud, slush or snow. All the road debris (snow, slush, etc.) flows through the wheel well liners because of manufactured holes and inadequate linner size (too small). The door tracks and inside rails are a dirty mess after driving though any road debris. Ford says this is the way they designed and offer no fix. Dealer suggested we buy/install mud flaps. They have had other complaints about this condition.