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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  Great, affordable car - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By bayoubus - December 7 - 7:26 pm

  I got a basic model Fiesta at a steal of a price after my hand-me-down car from college suddenly needed a new engine. I didnt have much time to shop around because my job requires transportation, so I was apprehensive about the sudden purchase but couldnt turn down the deal I got on this car. I dont regret it! I previously owned a Toyota Echo that drove great but always felt a little flimsy on the road. I dont get this feeling at all with the Fiesta. Its stylish, drives great, feels solid and it gets awesome gas mileage. Im pretty tall and I never feel smashed into this car despite its subcompact size. Perfect for a purchase on a budget. I didnt feel like I was sacrificing anything.

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  Good car,i would like more power. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By zts04chuck - December 7 - 6:03 pm

  Good car bought with 44k on it. Its fun to drive but i wish it had more power& the clutch was a bit more aggressive ,if you have your rpms up when you shift into 2nd,you have to drop them down before it will reengage. First thing i had to do is replace the lock cylinder. The car has91k on it & i have replaced the front struts right side was different than left,right side was bad. Left wheel bearing was replaced as well with the front breaks . I do use the car to tow my trailer w/ATV or mower on it about 1500 lbs,& it does well,i get about 30 mpg average.

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  Still have quality issue... - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By chad_sh - December 6 - 11:00 pm

  The car drive well when its new. We had it about 5 months now. And some issues started to appear. raddled sound from inside the car leake gas when pumping gas. Dealer have no idea why. they are keeping the car for a day.

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  Love this car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By seahawk68 - December 6 - 2:48 pm

  I bought this car with 14,000 miles, it was a car rental from Hertz. I know have 160,000 miles. I have driven this car every where. I put studs on it and in snow and ice it is like a tank. I put low profile tires during the summer and it cruises and hugs the corners. I have had not issues with this car except the usuals of tires, lights and stuff like that. It is so fun to drive, I have had it eight years now and I still love driving it

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  Watch out Lexus, MB, BMW... - 2012 Ford Edge
  By rhlovelace - December 6 - 7:12 am

  The new Ford Edge caught my eye and the Sport version really looked sets this vehicle apart from the others. No other midsize SUV looks as nice. 3.7 L engine is strong for a V6 but car is pretty heavy at 4,400 lbs (2 wheel drive version). Definitely can feel the build quality. Cabin is designed very well. Comfortable at 62". Wish driver seat went lower like passenger seat. MyFordSync is really cool. Weather maps, gas prices, navigation all very cool. There is a learning curve and those that dont LOVE technology may find it a bit frustrating.

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  im bullish on taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By automobility - December 4 - 10:47 pm

  bought my 05 wagon new, replacing a 95 volvo 960. the volvo was my dream car become rude awakening, so i wanted an affordable, reliable car. i got one. i keep the mobile one fresh, am careful with the transmission, complete stops before shifting, etc. when i change the trans fluid, the old looks as clean as the new. 84,000 problem free miles so far. smooth ride, quiet cabin, ice cold air, wonderful stereo, cheap to insure, and invisible to cops. she is garage kept, and i always park her at the far edge of a lot, so she looks new. last oil change, my mechanic offered to buy the car. ill drive her til she drops, then im buying a ford flex

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  TERRIBLE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By poohbealov - December 4 - 8:08 am

  bought this at 81,000 miles was good until about 85,000. New motor mount, then a new engine, then a huge exhaust leak, then the engine was misfiring, then had to take it back to ford to get the lifters replaced, now i am waiting on it in the shop because they had to replace the instrument cluster. a total of about 5,000 in repairs in just a year. Its rediculous! i spend more time without a car then i do with one. I just barely hit 97k miles!

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  Good value for the money - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By volman1 - December 4 - 6:26 am

  I bought our Freestyle to replace a minivan. This car is one of the best layouts for a car on the road. We have approximately 120K on the car. The transmission is fine. I did have the throttle body replaced under warranty but I have discovered that you can easily clean the throttle body with a cleaner made for Fords.

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  My pony replacement - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By carmelsmom - December 3 - 10:54 pm

  I just purchased my new 2012 ford "puddlejumper". I purchased this to drive during the winter while my Stang is in storage. I cant tell you how happy I am with this vehicle. There has not been on second that I have had regrets about this purchase. The motor isnt even broke in yet and I got 42 MPG driving from my home with is on the west side of Michigan to my daughters home on the east side of the state. It only took 4 gallons of gas! Ford has done a great job on the design of this car. I bought the basic model with manual roll down windows etc. I did install keyless entry and cruise is next on the list. LOVE MY CAR!!!

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  gear whine in 5th gear - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ironroad99 - December 2 - 9:04 am

  Like everything about this car except transmission gear whine in 5th gear (manual transmission), like traveling on the highway so not good. Dealer says they will rebuild the transmission but Im thinking there is too big of downside to that. Waited a long time to get a new car and a Ford so really dissapointing, will probably drive a year and trade.