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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  Very Upset With Ford - 2011 Ford F-150
  By montana63 - October 22 - 10:17 pm

  I have an F150 I bought 16 months ago and I loved the truck until the miles til empty start gaining and losing about 50 miles and the fuel gage started moving back and forth, and the information software has been restored then replaced. But the final straw was when I was driving down the road and the truck shut down. As its under warranty, I took it back to Ford and the throttle body was replaced on a truck that is only 16 months old and have less than 20,000 miles on it. I have been a faithful Ford customer for more than 20 years but my faith has been shaken recently. Has anybody else had this problem?

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  Best Car! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By billyi3 - October 21 - 3:43 pm

  I had a chance to buy one of the last, new, original 1973 Mustang convertibles back in 1974, and I made the mistake of letting my Dad talk me out of it. It wasnt until 2007 that I decided it was time for a convertible. Ive owned 7 Fords since 1986, and have never had a single problem where the car had to go back to the dealer, so I was confident on quality. I special ordered a redfire metallic, premium V6 Pony convertible with auto transmission, satellite radio, and everything I could get! And, I couldnt be happier! Its very tight, quiet, and a blast to drive! Ive added sequential turn signals, and its a real head-turner!

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  Bad Tranmissions - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sassybob - October 18 - 3:43 pm

  Like many who have commented on this site, my 2005 Freestyle CVT transmission failed at 56, 500 mile. The dealership stated they cannot fix the transmission because Ford doesnt make parts anymore, resulting in replacing the transmission at a cost of $5800.00. Ford Corporate has washed their hands on this matter and will not accept any responsibility, so we are faced with either parking the car because we dont have $5800.00, or looking into sueing Ford under small claims action. [violative content deleted]

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  Whats not to love! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By krootox23 - October 18 - 11:59 am

  I do not see any flaws in this vehicle whats so ever. It gets great gas mileage, very very spacious. Extremely comfrotable leather interior. Engine is strong and tough. Anyone who says this car sucks or is bad is pulling it out of their a$$. I have owned the escape for nearly five years now and it has 197570 miles on it, I have never had to do any repairs except brakes rotors and oil changes with a few services for recalls.

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  Mach 1 of a kind - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By michaelj723 - October 17 - 10:57 am

  Im the second owner of my Mach 1, and Ive had it for nearly 6 years with very little trouble. The only thing I had to do to the engine, was changing out the thermostat housing after it sat in the garage all winter. Brakes are very expensive, due to its exclusive brake/suspension package, and they were tough for me to change, probably easy for somebody who does brakes a lot. The only big problem I had with her, was my transmissions overdrive going out twice. This was due to the 4:10 rear end that the previous owner had in it....luckily it was a warranty repair and only $100 out of my pocket. Other than that, its the best handling stang ever made, and blows the doors off z28 and t/as

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  My Fusion - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By jm868 - October 16 - 10:02 pm

  Just got the car 2 months ago, so far, impressed. Great ride, very comfortable, sunroof is a nice addition, thought like many have said, me at 64 has my head exceptionally close to the roof, something I have to adjust to. Also the fuel economy for the four cylinder has been disappointing, believe me I drive maybe 5 or 6 digits above the speed limit like everyone else in the world and yet I find myself getting gas every week like a did with my Dodge Durango. I dont know whats happening there, I hope I just have to break it in more and hope for the best. The power is also a bit subpar. The 12 speaker Sony sound system is absolutely amazing and I would reccomend that to everyone.

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  Good - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By clcoleman - October 15 - 7:04 pm

  I bought this car in 2006 with 150,000 miles on it. When I bought it. It was a preferred car at the dealership. So it got mantenance, pretty often, Change oil every 3,000 miles, and routine expection every week! In 2011 I changed the spark plugs, plug wires, fuel pump. And resivor. (naturally for a 11 year old car). At 206,340 miles still runs strong.

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  Transmisson issues - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By flpsug - October 15 - 8:53 am

  I bought my 2006 Fusion brand new with 15 miles on it. 5 years and 164000 miles later the transmission went out. That is the only issue I really had with this car. It started at about 120000 with the vehicle hard shifting into 3rd gear. I am very happy with everything else the car has to offer. I am replacing the transmission and hope to get alot more miles out of it. I really think the car is well put together. I am not really complaining due to the amount of miles I drive. Hopefully I can drive it for another 100000 with no issues.

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  Good Crossover - 2008 Ford Edge
  By sea1967 - October 14 - 10:18 pm

  Now have over 100K on my Edge. Very happy with it overall. Getting 26.6mpg according to computer in mixed driving.

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  CVT stands for Crappy Vehicle Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By gcolemanjr - October 14 - 1:35 pm

  Please beware when buying a 2005-07 used Freestyle...learn from our mistake. Bought the vehicle used with 38,000 miles on it. Maintained the vehicle very well and then suddenly out of nowhere, weird noise from the engine during idle in Park or Neutral. two weeks later super loud noise from engine compartment, similar to a chain being dragged across a hollow wooden chest. two weeks after that tranny completely gone. $5900-$7000 to fix or install new one. Still owe just under $7k on the car. Mileage is only 116k. unacceptable and were walking away from it. vehicle is sitting in the garage next to sons electric power wheels Ford truck that ironically still runs after 3 years...