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:

• 

  Pretty good car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By chrisherron64 - July 6 - 3:28 pm

  I bought the car in February. Its lives up to its billing as far as milage. Pretty comfortable, nice to drive. Be prepared to bring some money to get all of the cars features. Good credit terms from Ford.

• 

  great value - 2003 Ford Escape
  By northerngirl1 - July 5 - 12:08 pm

  My 2003 Ford Excape LXT has been a great, reliable vehicle. It doesnt handle as well as my Jeep Cherokee in the Minnesota Winters but it isnt as heavy either. No complaints. I change the oil evert 3000 and rotate the tires every 6000 like clockwork. At 95,000 miles....other than routine maintenance like brakes, replaced tie rod ends once, I havent done anything major to it. Looks like new!

• 

  Good for a first truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ii_jasons_ii - July 5 - 9:43 am

  Received this truck for my 16th birthday. Outside looks stylish but the inside is cramp and uncomfortable. I cant drive over 70mph because the cab starts to shake. Trade-in is low.

• 

  2nd Expedition - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By yblockv8 - July 4 - 5:27 pm

  Our 2001 Expedition bought new was such a difference from having all pickup trucks and lasted us 139,000 miles and was GREAT. This 2011 model is far and away a diffferent animal stronger, way more powerful and quiet combined some features of the old Eddie Bauer. We added and K&N air filter. The truck now has 9,000 miles on it, gets 15.5 around town and from our home in Vegas to Phoenix netted 22 MPG! Trailer towing...the 6-speed gets you going faster in 1-2-3, 4th gear is about the same and it seems to like 5th for towing 65 MPH nets 2,200 RPMs. Mileage is 10.5 overall, besting the 2001 truck by 1.5 MPG. DO NOT TOW with SRC engaged! In crosswinds it does strange things.

• 

  Tranny problems/Cracked lift gate - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mlong30 - July 3 - 9:14 pm

  I have had my explorer for eight months. It has a cracked lift gate which is obviously a known problem and has to have the tranny replaced at 127k miles this is a known problem and Ford refuses to take care of it. Read consumer reviews befor buying

• 

  almost 200k and still kickin - 1997 Ford Contour
  By mickeyb08 - July 3 - 11:31 am

  Excellent mid-size car, bought mine from a junkyard here on an Air Base in Germany for 400 bucks had 180k miles on it and just needed a new set of cam seals, front springs (the new springs were actually in the back seat when I bought it) and had to adjust my parking brake a little tighter, of course I did the usual tune up stuff when I bought it (oil change, coolant and tranny flush, new plugs etc.) but its now at 195k miles and still goes GREAT its pretty quick for what id call a socker mom car and out handles some of the beamers here, those last 15 miles werent easy driving miles either, alot of autobahn @ 100mph+ (that governer at 112mph is a PIMA) overall I cant complain

• 

  2006 Focus SES Wagon Automatic - Bought new, now 5 years old - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jmiller38 - July 3 - 11:00 am

  The first 2 years gave me very satisfactory service, and then things went from good to not so good. Had to have a new transmission around 34000 miles (under warranty). Headlights needed replacing at 3 years. Trim clips are lousy. Starter battery died needed new fuel line and now the alternator went out ($700). Bumper crumples and quite costly to repair. Plastic gears for the arm rest break easily. Costs $500 to replace. Have had all my service done on schedule by Ford and do get good mileage. Bought for safety considerations. My car has had more problems than my friends 2006 Focus hatchback. Im wondering when the brakes and/or exhaust will go. Considered contacting Ford directly.

• 

  Another FUN small car from Ford... - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cafiestase - July 3 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my car in April and got it right off the truck. It is a 6-speed trans, SE sedan. For me the trans is a love/hate situation. When in stop/go traffic, it tends to buck/jerk. I took it to the dealer and they found nothing...thats right on par with what service guys/gals are programmed to say. The next time I ask them to have the Trans Guy ride with me. The car has alot of European touchs that we are not used to getting in a car at this price. I.e., a liquid cooled, oil cooler. Because of the normally fine 6-speed trans, there is little to no effort staying with the traffic on an up-hill clime.

• 

  Ready to Run!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bigginny87 - July 2 - 5:29 pm

  I really enjoyed this car, no major problems. It took most of its life in AZ where I bought it, in 08 with 48k on it, then drove it too NY, Now has 61k, never seen a NY winter. Its fast, and sporty or it can be a normal car, all depends on how you drive it, me I enjoy winning the races! Its roomy only in the front seats, rears are good for college books lol. Problems I have are popping sound while turning at low speeds, i cant find anything nor can the mechanics. Other thing is the 2 water leaks i had, a/c drain box, but that was just a drain plug, was plugged, the other i cant find but the driver side seatbelt fills with water when it rains.

• 

  Buying at end of lease - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By lga2 - July 2 - 12:07 pm

  I did alot of research when I leased the fusion and the reviews were great. Now I am here for research after driving the car for 3 years and 54,000 miles. It has a new battery and now needs tires but other than that it has not been in the shop except for routine maintenance. It looks and drives like it did when it was new and the gas miliage is still in the high 20s to low 30s. Based on the reviews I read today I understand why my residual value is far below wholesale and retail value. There dont seem to be many used fusions on the lot so I guess most people are keeping them after the lease is done. Kudos Ford, I have never fealt the need to review a car before.