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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  Tranny Nightmare - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By demo_derby - July 2 - 8:36 am

  Flashing OD light and service engine soon come on at 62K miles while my son is driving to prom. Dealer makes us wait 4 days to get in the shop. They have it all day, never call, when I call them they ask to call back in a few minutes. They claim lots of transmission diagnostic codes (though when I pick up vehicle service engine light is still on and no sign that anyone tested anything). They want 4000 to replace transmission plus tell me I have a frozen caliper. I take care home, pull front wheels, caliper isnt frozen but metal on metal on inside of brakes (they checked 2K miles back and said no issue). Car still going with bad tranny for now, I replaced the brakes, no more Fords.

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  Not a Good Feeling About this Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By maxie6 - July 1 - 12:37 pm

  Was not intending to buy this car but just want to test drive it. When dealer drop the sticker price by $700+ dollars I gave in. I like the overall outside appearance of the car. The backseat leg room is sufficient for a couple of 4 year olds and thats about it. The muffler had weld splatter and rust all over the one end facing the rear of the car (poor quality control and workmanship). The automatic transmission is real "quirky" at low speeds - like it doesnt know what gear it should be in. My gut feeling tells me that I may have "bought a pig in a poke" and I am going to be paying for that "Good Price" I got the car for.

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  Love this car...mostly! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cafiestase - June 29 - 3:00 am

  I purchase the car new..."off the truck" in Apr 11. Now in late June I have 4,K on the clock. Ride is very quite for a car of this size/price. I believe the engine gives off a nice sound when pushed. On smooth roads it is sound proofed well, only slight engine noise at 2750 to 3000 RPMs, not b4 or higher. Handling in the twisties it is fun to drive and handles very well. The radio/Satellite/Phone/CD/Sync is wonderful, but, it is complicated, but then I am 73, maybe thats why... Overall, Ford has done a great job on this car. I only hope that it will prove to be as good as 03 Ford 2.3 Focus I owned.

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  best Ford ever - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By photomiked - June 28 - 6:59 pm

  Owned Mustangs, Tauruses, Windstars, Lincoln MKX.....this is it. Best Ford ever. If you live outside of big city, have kids, dog, cargo, love adventure, travel to ski country and back, want high tech mobility, connectivity plus+ for all your devices, travel in peace and quiet on highway or back country twisties, look no further. Golden Bronze metallic with pecan trim is a killer for looks. Enjoy

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  Tale of Two Mustangs - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By chask7 - June 28 - 7:03 am

  In fall of 2010 I bought a 2011 GT with the Brembo package and 3.73 gears. This spring I traded that car for one with standard 18" wheels and 3.31 rear. What a difference! The suspension on the Brembo package handled well, but the ride beat you up. Plus, the summer-only tires had to be taken off for the winter, even in NC. The 3.73 gears gave great acceleration, but made for too much noise on the highway first gear was superfluous. The newer car rides nicely, and still handles well. With the 3.31 gears you give up some acceleration but get a relaxed cruiser, up to 30 mpg. So, consider your options carefully before you buy.

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  Off-Road Machine - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By jonno11 - June 27 - 9:44 pm

  I bought the truck brand new in 2009, in a little over two years of driving I have put 43,000 kilometres on it. Just finished a road trip of 1800 kilometres through the Rocky Mountains, and it performed flawlessly. Only anomaly was the tire pressure sensor going off during extreme altitude changes, though that is a sensor issue that most vehicles have. I have used the vehicles for construction work as well as daily commuting and weekend warrior duty off-road. It has hauled ATVs, trailers, and a 6000lb camper and done s without complaint and with decent mileage. I generally average above EPA mileage, especially now that the truck is broken in. I recommend it as an inexpensive workhorse.

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  Nice truck but..... - 2010 Ford F-150
  By gs1150adv - June 27 - 7:00 pm

  Its been 7 month and 13k miles and so far the truck is like new. Fit and finish is well done, but for a premium truck the Ford engineers left out some basics.

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  The Real Deal! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By nicw1 - June 27 - 3:52 pm

  Here’s a Real review. I use to be a big fan of foreign cars until the 2012 Mustang effect “happened”. Im a 32 year old, trendy, female who not only wants style and class but speed and stability. The mustang just feels and looks great!! Heads will turn with this car and cops will be waiting at night to see if your going to push on the gas. I will admit that sometimes I get frustrated bc I really want to open this baby up…everytime I pump on the gas, there’s an undercover cop on the highway or traffic. Yuk! If you live in the city, forget it! Go on the open road! The only complaint is that my car is black, therefore I find myself washing it a lot! But thats the price youll pay!

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  Great Summer Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mikeonbass - June 26 - 10:07 pm

  First - let my inform you readers Im very car knowlegeable. I am quite skilled in the field of automotive engines and electronics. I deal with driveability issues every day. Having said that -this is my first Ford in 17 years. Its my middle-age-crisis toy. Im a guy who has owned scores of GM vehicles - some good and some lousy. I went with Ford this time because this is a company that doesnt appear to do alot of the dumb engineering things I have witnessed lately on either GM or Mopar. Having said all that lets talk about the car itself. I purchased this winter with only 4300 miles on it. I now have over 16000 miles on it after a few long distance trips the last couple months.

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  Love The Ecoboost!!!!!!!!!!! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By cpercha - June 23 - 7:04 pm

  I recently purchased a new F150 xlt with an ecoboost and the off road package. I have owned quite a few trucks and this one is in a class of its own. The power from the ecoboost is off the charts I am averaging 19 MPG with most of my driving being around town. Keep in mind this is with 3.73 gears, 32 inch tires and the vehicle has not even been broken in yet. I expect those numbers will be even better once its broken in. The new 6 speed automatic is very smooth and responsive. The steering and handeling are excellent. Its has a great turning radius, is very agile for a truck, and is very easy to control. The build quality is top notch. This is hands down the best truck you can buy.