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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  Fix Or Repair Daily Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Zal - April 5 - 10:21 am

  This car has been nothing but problems since new. It eats tires fast no cam camber adjustment on the rear wheels. The A/C quit working at 50k. The alternator has been replaced twice. The transmission had to be replaced. Need to remove bumper cover to replace headlamps. The cable for the hvac blend door had to be replaced. The A/C compressor had to be replaced. The center arm rest is caving in. The trunk wont close properly. Rear main seal leak. This car is horrible for winter driving even with blizzack snow tires. This will be my first and last ford.

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  Great - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By JennZ - April 5 - 9:40 am

  I got my Fusion because of rising gas prices. I traded my SUV and was prety apprehensive about giving it up. This car has not made me regret that decision yet.

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  Not for Houston - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By MG - April 5 - 2:20 am

  Car is generally OK. Gas mileage less than advertised -- no surprise -- but far better than my SUV we traded in. Interior has little storage and few amenities. Air conditioning compressor shuts down when the car is powered by the electric motor only, causing extreme discomfort in Houston summer traffic jams and at stop lights. Can get around it by going to Max AC manually, but then youre on the gas engine, considerably reducing gas mileage. This is not a car for hot, humid climates.

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  Satisfied if not Inspired - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Content - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with the 3.0 V6 wanting dependability and high utility I wanted reasonable milage and power. I had did not expect high performance from this truck. I have had few problems nothing that stranded me. Maintenance parts are reasonably priced and available. I can depend on my truck to get me where I need to go day in and day out. The only real disappointment has been the performance of the 3.0. The mileage has been good but the acceleration is not much beyond the 2.3. I also have always been forced to use premium gas if I want to avoid serious knocking.

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  First time truck buyer (just two weeks ago) - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Greg P. - April 4 - 10:08 pm

  Some of the add-ons are overpriced - for example, $895 for navigation? Please, I have Google Maps on my phone and it connects to the F150 via Bluetooth.

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  Glad the wife prevailed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By A&E - April 4 - 11:16 am

  Replacing a Passat 1.8T, we were headed once again for the imports when the missus urged a look at the one domestic that didnt ask for handouts last year. Going up against Accord LX-P and Camry LE, the Fusion SE (I4 2.5 L) was a surprisingly easy choice based on price, features, styling and yes, ride. The first 4000 mi have us feeling great about the decision. Except when cold, the 6-speed auto is responsive and smooth. Mileage is quite good (23/29) when were mellow. Handling is, well, its not a Passat (taut) or even an Accord (cultured), but its firm and secure and beats the Camry (boring) all to heck. This is a quiet, comfortable, well-engineered and (so far) reliable vehicle.

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  need values on this vech. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By luce - April 4 - 10:00 am

  this has been a very good car and was a pleasure to drive had no mech problems and was very cheep to operate

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  What is Fords problem? - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jude Fritz - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I once had a 1995 Ford Windstar and after a blown head gasket just 2 months out of warrranty and no help from Ford although they were aware of this problem. No response from Ford until 2000 when for some unknown reason Ford offered the 1995 Windstar owners an extra $4,000 rebate if they bought a new 2000 model. Why the offer, did they want to unload the 2000 model? My 2000 Windstar gas pedal has been vibrating since I purchased it, a little at first and now becomming worse and more annoying. There answer "its a normal operating condition" to them maybe, but I would have never purchased a 2000 model if I only knew of this worsening problem.

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  Great 4-door Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By blaster - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this truck for two months. So far it is flawless. Some of the other reviews I read said the gas milage was bad. I had a Dodge Dakoda with the small V8 before I got the Ford and it averaged 18 mpg. I have the large V8 in this one and I average 17 mpg. So I feel the mpg is good for a large pickup. I am very happy with the Ford F150 SuperCrew.

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  Great family car for the money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By kids car - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the third row, comes in very handy. Climbing in and out is relatively easy. SUV with 3rd row, front and rear a/c, adjustable pedals, upgraded premium sound, running boards and tow package under $30,000. My only regret is not getting the V8 and the Eddie Bauer package for just $1500 more.