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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  I hate this car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By dieguito06 - July 22 - 7:23 am

  The only reason I bought this car was because I lost the 2005 Impala in a crash & I needed A car in a hurry.A week into the car the carpet on the pasengers side started to came off ,every time I would fix it it would come right off ,then a year later the passenger door wooden open I used the warranty & had it fix two years later the same door the same problem but this time my warrranty was out so I had to pay $200 to get it fix. now the other door is having the same problem.another thing wrong with this car is the sway bars I had to replace them too

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  Do not buy this CAr - 2004 Ford Focus
  By snow13 - July 21 - 7:39 pm

  I have a my ford focus zx3 for 2 years and it has been in the shop more than I have driven it. Like it has most of the normal problems. The ignition chamber and the transmission. I have put more money in the car than its actually worth. I will never buy a ford again.

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mrsnorris - July 21 - 3:04 pm

  I never write auto reviews. However, I figured that it would have been helpful is someone told me about this car before I got it. First off, the 2010 Fusion is a beautiful looking car. I got the black with black leather interior. Very nice. I thought the SYNC was cool and loved the color combo...(note to self, never buy a car based on looks). I had the car for 1 year. I was literally at the shop so much they knew me by name. The transmission failed 3 times. After the 3rd time of being in the shop and paying for a rental (on a lease) I sold it and went back foreign. The only reason you should get this car is if you like living at the repair shop.

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  Get Rid of it before 100K - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ronnzy98 - July 21 - 1:28 pm

  I drive 50 miles each way to work and traded my 01 accord for a 06 mustand in 2008. Well 80k miles later the engine starts having this knocking noise and significant loss of power and not because I dont take care of my car as I changed my oil every 3K miles and keep it very well maintained. After Ford looked at the car they quoted me $4,100 to fix what they called a cam phaser issue (pumps oil to the top end of the motor). Needless to say I pulled the car from Ford and took to a performance shop, who said it needed a new motor for $4,800. Well thats great but this is not my toy its my daily driver. Long story short before you buy research cam phasers this appears to be an issue in many Ford

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  Engine blew up at 4300 miles - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stormy442 - July 20 - 8:05 pm

  The car has 4300 miles and the engine blew up. We called Ford to have it towed into the dealer for repair. 2 days later they called to say the car had been wrecked. No one knew how but since it had no anti freeze in it then, they voided the warranty forcing us to use our insurance. We had both the firefighters write statements on our behalf that at the time they arrived for the car reported as a car fire, they inspected the car completely and it had no damage at all to it other than a blown engine. Ford said they did not care and we would have to prove differently! In my opinion they have forgot the tough times of the past and do not care about continuing customer care after the sale.

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  disgusted with 2008 escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By fedupwithit - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  Bought my 2008 Escape in June 2007, really loved the vehicle with no complaints until this year. At 84,000 miles the headliner is falling down in front and on side in cargo area, the bearings went out, the tire pressure sensor kept coming on for 2 months, the seats stain easily after turning over a vase of roses in just water and the stain wont come out. I have owned 8 new Fords with no complaints but I have become completely disgusted with this 2008 Escape and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone...it has made me consider buying a foreign vehicle for the first time in my life as my co-workers love their Hyundai Suvs

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  Who woulda thunk, me in a King Ranch!! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By tomerikac - July 20 - 10:17 am

  So here I am, searching craigslist, cars.com, the newspaper and anywhere else to replace my 15 yr old Dodge Ram Laramie for something with a backseat for my two growing kids. I mean I looked everywhere for about 2 years, harrassing car salesmen for the best deal, checking out Rams, Frontiers, F150s, Silverados, Tacomas and Tundras. Then I run across a small ad on craigslist for a 2006 King Ranch crew cab for $20,500, 37k miles. So I call and a previous caller had already talked her (yeah owned by a 55 yr old woman) down to $19.5k. So I made sure I was the 1st to see it, deposited $100 because it was in near mint condition and cannot believe its mine.

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  Let me count the problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By wilkg - July 20 - 9:50 am

  First, Ive been a loyal Ford owner for 30 years now. My last Ford was an Expedition. We had no problems with the SUV and put about 120k miles on it. Needless to say, with the current performace of my 2011 Explorer, this will be the last Ford I own. That being said, here are the issues: 1) Transmission slips in first-I almost plowed through the back of the garage last week. 2) Overheating 3) Sync system: a) Bluetooth errors b) Nav slow to react c) system reboots when driving d) radio stays on after car is turned off e) time is wrong f) destination history is wiped out 4) Right rear window is loose..how that got past quality control is beyond me. 5) dashboard noise update to come...

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  Ford is still the same poor quality - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By wolffchad - July 19 - 7:46 pm

  I really wanted to love this car.I liked everything about it when i bought it new in June 09 but...At 6000 miles while taking my son to tour a college i was on an incline and the tranny slipped.When i returned home i took it to the dealer and they reprogrammed the tranny.Seemed fine for a while but started slipping again.At 19000 the dealership found a leak from the half shaft and burned out clutches. At 25500 miles the tranny had to be rebuilt when at 70mph it went out of gear while on vacation and would not engage.Had no power. When they hooked it to the computer there were no error codes even though the clutches burned out again.Its starting to flair after rebuild 7.15.11.Dont buy Ford.

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  Ford Fusion is Awesome - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By rojack725 - July 19 - 12:00 pm

  So far, were very pleased with our Bordeaux Reserve Red Metallic Fusion with the Light Stone Leather interior. Color in and out is stunning. 175hp 4cyl powerplant is more than adequate for my daily needs, and its very rev-happy. Passing power is like a V6. Mileage is 28+ before break-in. Very cool. 6-speed auto shifts confidently and seamlessly. Ambient Lighting and electroluminescent guages are sweet make the interior look like a Tron Cycle. Sony stereo is very nice- bass-y enough and clear. The Fusion handles like a Focus and is the quietest car I have ever owned. All in all, we are very pleased and look forward to spending the next 10 years or so in its cabin.