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:

• 

  Drive a Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Lovemyfusion - September 10 - 1:26 am

  This is my 4th Ford. And I love this car most of all! I got smart with gas prices the way they are. I traded in my 05 Dodge Ram quad cab HEMI. Gas hog. I love my Fusion so much I cant stop driving it. At 65mph. Im getting 34mpg. That 25 more than my old truck. I love it. I think Ill get more when the engine gets broke in. It looks like A 30,000 dollar car for 19,000. The audiophile sound system is ear ringing and sync is so cool. And the black and red leather is a nice look. And the car handles like a slot car.

• 

  Wow - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Justin - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Thank you Ford! The Fiesta set a new standard for this segment. The wife and I were just looking for whats out there (planning to buy in 2011). We found the Fiesta and I have to say. this car sells its self. Its nimble yet drives like a larger car. We got the 6 speed twin clutch automatic. With the 6 speed and 1.6l 4 together work wonderfully. We got the car in Indio, California and it gets very hot there (130s). So A/C is a must. Even with my wife 3 kid (5, 8, 14 yrs) and myself the A/c blasting the Fiesta is very eager the please. A must drive and youll experience this car yourself. Two thumbs up and a big smile!

• 

  Great little automatic 4x4 SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By tracycali - September 8 - 8:01 pm

  Bought in 2003 w/60000 miles on it. Now has 120,000 and still runs like new with only regular maintenance. We have family that live in the Sierras at the end of a dirt and gravel road. This little 4x4 always makes it up there no problem with all-season tires; mud, snow, whatever. I added a class 3 bolt-on 4 point hitch receiver and it tows a 3500lb boat/trailer no problem. Just had dings removed and repainted same dark teal metallic and it looks like MONEY!

• 

  Stalling Issue - Another Example - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bert - September 8 - 10:23 am

  Its back in the dealership which seems unable to fix the problem of unexpected stalls whether traveling on the interstate or in the mall parking lot. I wonder how many others are experiencing this safety issue? Ford Motor seems unaware of the issue.

• 

  Little Did I Know - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jack - September 6 - 6:21 pm

  I bought a Ford because I had driven a Ford rental and found it an extremely comfortable drive. I make frequent trips of over 100 miles and my previous car just wore me out- it was so uncomfortable. The Focus front seats are very comfortable, as is the steering wheel. Then I discovered the shuddering joys of the dual-clutch tranny. I couldnt believe a car manufacturer would knowingly produce thousands of cars with such clearly defective and dated technology. Especially as they were trying to make a comeback in the car market. Anyway, I got used (believe it or not) to the shudder I experienced when starting up and just appreciated the comfortable ride, the bluetooth technology, and being able to listen to my ipod while driving. The car gets decent gas mileage (approx. 31 highway/26 city) and has been very reliable. Ive mostly just taken it in for regular maintenance. The interior storage is the worst Ive ever experienced resulting in there being hardly any. The glove box is most poorly designed glove box Ive ever seen (no sides), to the point where its almost useless. I ended up putting a squarish bag in there just so all my stuff wouldnt fall out. I hate to think what Ill get for my Focus in trade or resale.

• 

  2010 Explorer long-term review! - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By golf - September 5 - 6:09 am

  Update from 70k to now 80k -- Bought XLT used in 2012 w/16384 mi. turned ~80k~! No problems to speak of. Been great! The 2010 is the last model year of this style before the new/current style came out in 2011, so youd think most every problem was worked out by 2010 :>) I bought a battery 1/16 to rpl orig. One set of tires around 45k is all. MPG rating of 14/20 is wrong - I consistently get 17.5 mpg around town [ in New England] and strictly hwy is 23+mpg...! All around excellent SUV; comfort, 7 passenger, rear AC, 4WD etc... The 200hp V6 is a very good engine. What it might lack in [V8-like] power, it makes up for in mpg and all other areas. And you feel safe driving it! AnFeels like a nice, good sized solid SUV that rides like a car! Whats your life worth, right :>) Problem areas [typical at 70k+ on most any vehicle]: 1.>- On the 2010 Expl - If you smell antifreeze or notice ever so slight wetness on top of engine at BASE of rad hose housing, its because housing for the thermostat is made of plastic and where bolts to manifold, gasket leaks. Theres a metal therm housing for sale, though what I did was simply add a small bottle of Stop Leak [pellets] to the radiator, think is about 12-16 oz.(?). No more small leak there. Note-Make SURE you shake bottle well and ENSURE the PELLETS go into the rad too-first time I tried it, I poured in half the bottle thinking that would do it, what didnt realize is none of the pellets went in-pellets heavy and sink to bottle bottom, SO drain/syphon 12-16 oz coolant out of the radiator [not overflow tank] and try stop leak. Prior to this, my rad CAP was bad [yes, really;>)] <$5 solved that-new cap. 2.> Common: Rear diff seal drips very slightly, forget specific name for it, costs about <$80? to have mech replace. 3.> People complain of 5 spd auto trans clunking on occasion. For me its been simply the re-engaging of the trans after coasting. Ex. Youre in traffic [5-20mph] you move up then coast, THEN gas again-thats when it may clunk back into gear - is in my case anyway, maybe 4x/yr. No problem with mine here at 80k. Change trans fluid, oil, and diff 80w gear and transfer case fluids, and coolant flush when needed and you should be good to go. Good luck.

• 

  Ah, my sport trac, how I love it. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By alidawoo21 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer Sport Trac. It is fun and easy to drive. The problem with most four door trucks with full sized back seats is that they are so darned long, they are hard to drive. I love my Explorer because it drives like an SUV, but I can haul stuff like a truck. I only have two complaints: 1.mine didnt come with a cover for the bed, so if it rains I have to put the stroller in the back seat, and 2.the gas mileage isnt that great.

• 

  Its the best soo far!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JamesA. - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This being my fifth Ford truck, it is the best soo far. I ordered the FX4 with the bench seats. i tell ya it is the most comfortable truck i have ever sat in. Even my wife wants to take the truck and leave here luxery car in the garage. the power is strong and the audiophile stereo sounds outstanding!!!! I love the stable ride and the stiff chasis is great on the Northwest mountian roads. The new quiet interior will blow you away. Ford you have done it right again!!!

• 

  Best Pickup on the market! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By NJSeashore@aol.com - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy a Dodge or GM product again!

• 

  great new design - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rasalter - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, plenty of room inside, dvd player great for trips with kids, electric fold down third row seats wonderful, excellent turning capability-turns on a dime. Have had it in shop twice for rotors to be turned and drivers side mirror electrical malfunction. Otherwise, I recommend it highly