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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  A sharp lookin ride with MPGs to match! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mechanic80 - July 18 - 6:19 pm

  Granted, its only been the first thousand miles, but the fuel economy is fantastic. I drive almost exclusively highway and have been averaging over 45 MPG. The manual transmission is relatively smooth and Im sure if I had gotten an automatic the power would be disappointing. The A/C adds a considerable burden to the no-where-near overpowered engine. I have to say that even in white, its a sharp looking car (hatchback with graphics and tinted windows.) There are real issues, though, specifically the comfort and safety of the front seats. I hope I never get smacked hard in the rear (of the car!) because the way the headrests hit at the top of the head, Id probably snap my neck.

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  Cant wait to drive it everyday with the top down! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By mgsurf - July 18 - 11:24 am

  Been an import guy for 20+ years but decided to "upgrade" to the new Mustang. Its roomier without feeling like a boat, better on gas milage than some imports and built rock solid. Great commuter.

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  Still amazed by this car... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By chinorth - July 18 - 10:16 am

  My Fusion is an SEL with the 3.0 V6, bought mid-2010. Since then Ive already put upwards of 25,000 miles on it, mixed city/highway. In short, Ive put it through hell. It still drives like new. Unlike "Big Three" cars of just a few years ago, theres not a squeek or rattle to be heard. Ive had none of the transmission issues some people are complaining about. One must realize that unhappy customers are more likely to speak up than satisfied ones...I highly doubt the number of complaints here are indicative of the actual frequency of the issues (this goes for all cars). I seem to recall though that a change was made to the 2010 transmissions in early 2010 to resolve some issues.

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  Sync ruins a decent SUV - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nfriedman - July 17 - 7:55 pm

  Exterior very nice, all downhill from there. Car is very under-powered, getting worse gas mileage than expected and the Sync system is aweful. Been to the dealer a few times about it already. The system crashes, freezes and cannot tell time. Dealer told me to go to website. The website is worse then the system itself, poor insutrctions and the guy on the chat service says you have to bring it to the dealer! Dealer says go on web! How do I return this car?

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  Cant Decide Whether to Love it or Hate it - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By labtech122 - July 16 - 9:21 pm

  Bought it with 56K miles on it 81K on it now and it ran strong for the first year The car always pulls to one side so I had the tires aligned Turned out the entire front end (suspension, swaybar, springs) were shot Replaced those and all the tires for around 1800 Car still pulls to one side <.< Replaced water pump, radiator (twice), a short of an exposed electrical bundle near the firewall, tranny went out at 75K due to a leak at the tranny pan. Unknowingly drove it bone dry in inner city traffic. Had a used one put in for 1500. Tranny pan still leaks. Leaks a quart of oil a month from the valve cover. Needs a new timing chain gasket. Interior rattles and squeaks enough to make a man crazy.

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  Soon to be Lemon Law - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By jen413 - July 16 - 5:34 pm

  I loved my 2011 Ford Explorer Limited until after one month of driving it when the problems started. My Ford Touch screen malfunctioning: SD Nav card error, screen freezing or blacking out, controls not working. Had to be reset twice so far. Next, the "electronical component in the fan" went and the vehicle overheated significantly dumping antifreeze all over. That was replaced but what major permanent damage did that cause? Last week I noticed I have a tapping, banging, knocking sound from the engine. Ford knows about it, working on a fix but ok to keep driving as per the dealer. Today I noticed oil leaking from the engine. Im frustrated, upset and fed up.

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  Great car! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By sapper92 - July 16 - 12:10 pm

  Bought this car in 2010 with 68,000 miles,it now has 89,000. Only perpuse is to drive to and from work daily, 75 mile round trip. Gets awesome gas milage, rutinly between 32-37. it all depends on how you drive it. If you try to stay at 80mph, you will get horrable mileage. I stay at 2800rpm or about 72mph on the highway, to get the mileage list above (2500prm or 68mph to get 37mpg). this is NOT a preformance car and shouldnt be driven like one, if you are looking for the GOOD mileage, however it will and does surpass all other models in its catagory.

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  Ford Flex Brake issues - 2010 Ford Flex
  By phillthedog - July 16 - 9:06 am

  Had our Flex for nearly two years once we hit 22k miles began having brake failures car has been in dealer 5 times they have replaced vacuum booster and check valves. When the car has been parked overnight or for a few hours the brake pedal is very hard the car will not stop. Ford says this is "normal" operating procedure and we have to warm the car up for five minutes before driving which is totally unacceptable. Dealer is as frustrated as we are Ford sent out an engineer who said he could not replicate the problem. We are truly disappointed with Ford.

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  Wow....what a disappointment! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By emt09 - July 15 - 7:51 pm

  First, its a 2011 Escape XLT V6 4WD I have been watching the Escape grow since 2001, and now that I am 20, I decided it was time to purchase a new car, my first new car! What a disappointment it is! I was in love with the Escape....thought it was the greatest! Now my thoughts are completely the opposite! This is my second Ford, but you wont catch me in a Ford again for a LONNGGGGG TIME!!!!! My dealer has been doing a decent job, but having the vehicle for less than 2 months, and it has been back there 3x...somethings wrong! First thing was the alignment was off, second it shut off on me twice for no reason, third-electrical problems, fourth-transmission problems, fifth more electrical!!

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  rough idle on start - 2006 Ford F-150
  By defuniak1 - July 15 - 5:20 pm

  Bought this truck used 2 weeks ago, dealer gave a warranty, thank god....Noticed it had a miss at cold start. Took it to the dealer a week later...they have had the truck for 3 days now...changed plugs, checked fuel pump...still no word on what the problem is....said the compression was low...still waiting on the verdict....I am happy with the looks and comfort, but not happy with this issue, this is my 4th ford...all the others were wonderful