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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  Ups and downs mostly downs - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By frater249pa - August 18 - 2:04 am

  Bought this with 69,000 miles in 07. shortly after the purchase the oil lines went. Ran good for a while after that until recently at just over 106,000 miles. In a matter of a week the ac compressor went out then the battery died and the ac compressor going bad led to it locking up and popping the belt. Yea the car does have good throttle response but the gas mileage is horrible in the city and ive just run into so many problems with it and im scared to think of whats going to happen next. Also if you have the digital climate control and want to put in a new radio the dash kit is 170$. Also there is a bad seal in the trunk and trunk will always be wet especially around the spare tire.

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  Great car for your money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tarren602 - August 18 - 12:21 am

  I bought my 07 Fusion new with 35 miles on it in October of 06. At first I didnt think if I would really like the car or not. After a few days I fell in love with it. This is a very roomy and reliable car. I now have over 85K miles on it and it has seen 3 states. I live in AZ so the summer months really put a car through hell. This is because of the extreme heat and weather. I have changed the tires once and still have the original brake pads. The only issue I had was the battery exploding when I tried to start the car to leave for work. My wiring harness and radio needed replacing. Ford paid to have the car towed and repaired for no cost and I was given a Mustang for the time being.

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  I should have bought the Venza - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By sleepless1 - August 17 - 6:59 pm

  This car is a joke and so is Ford. 43,000 miles 45 days in shop Chrome peels off tail lights Fuel injector failed Brakes failed Transmission feels like slipping Numerous issues while driving I do not feel safe in this vehicle a couple near misses My family will not ride in this car JUNK JUNK JUNK

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  Wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nobargain - August 16 - 10:59 pm

  As background, I have owned 5 ford explorers and loved 4 of them. My 2011 is pathetic. The problem is not with the car but with my touch. It simply does not work. It crashes all the time. Ford is withholding information about the problem and there is no real hope of a solution until late in 2012 when Microsoft does a complete rewrite of the system for ford. Do not even think about buying any ford with this system until this is proven to be fixes.

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  Worthy of Luxury - Not your typical SUV - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By arsenal1 - August 16 - 10:43 pm

  The Explorer is outfitted with an incredible ride and a spacious interior marked with quality components. The electronics seem overwhelming at first with MYFORD TOUCH, but it is well worth it. The programing and ease of use is excellent, although I would not have said this on my first ride home from the dealership. Too much to play with it . . . .but functional. The SYNC system works efficiently and is a great feature.

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  2011 Fiesta SEL Automatic - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By jeleki - August 16 - 2:33 pm

  I bought the Fiesta because I drive over 100 miles a day and needed something with good gas mileage. I drive city/highway both and about 10 miles a day is backroads and I average 38-40 mpg! This car is fantastic. I have silver color with tinted windows. I opted to have remote start feature and I love it! I have 2 boys (5 and 7) who are big for their ages and they fit in the back seat just fine. I read the reviews about the jerkiness of the automatic but I have not experienced this. I do drive sensibly and do not expect to reach 0-60 in 2 seconds. If you are the type that puts the pedal to the medal and expects to get alot of power in a short time - this car is not for you.

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  Solid vehicle - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mazrrt - August 15 - 12:54 pm

  I recently was forced to have body work on my 2011 Fusion. While on my way to work, several weeks ago, a recap tire from an 18 wheeler flew off and landed in front of my Fusion at 65mph. Extensive damage was done to the exterior of my Fusion, but it was cosmetic. I was also impressed on how well my Fusion held up with this incident. The only damage was cosmetic on exterior. I am also pleased with the mileage. I travel 26 miles each way to work on interstate highways and I have received as high as 34.9 MPH.. The overall average is about 28MPH.

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  Ford FLEX - Lemon - 2010 Ford Flex
  By yeghi - August 14 - 12:15 pm

  Brand new FLEX 2010. already replaced two balljoint/shafts on the front passenger wheel. First around 12000 miles, and 2nd on 21000 miles. The car still pulling to the right and not fixed. The Dealership admits the problem exist, they claim it is the tire!?, I am questioning are we expecting to change tires every 12000 miles? The extreme tire wear and the pulling to the right is an indication of an existing problem with the front alignment of this car. However both dealer and the Ford Company seem reluctant to do anything about it. The FLEX in general seems to have a weak (perhaps below truck standards) front structure, it seems that all I read is about wheels, breaks, and noises, however, all in front?

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  2005 F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brettmorey - August 14 - 10:02 am

  Great work truck...really enjoy it. Our F150 is equipped with the 231hp 4.6L V8 and it pulls well, accelerates well and feels rugged. After all its built Ford tough.

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  Escaping - 2011 Ford Escape
  By reviewing - August 12 - 11:16 pm

  I decided to wait until I had at least a few miles on the odometer before writing a review and now with 6k I can give a good overview. The Escape has proven to be a charming little SUV capable on and off road with certain limitations. It is built almost like the SUVs of yesteryear (think bronco) but with modern amenities and components. With only 4, it has kept well on the road including mountain driving and keeps up 70 to 80 with ease. Seats although comfortable become hard after a long haul however. Interior is built precisely for this kind of truck, modern yet simple and good looking, Light offloading handled with ease. For a family of 4 and coming from a bigger SUV has been fine.