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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  Lots of issues....... - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By gamgirl31 - June 20 - 9:11 am

  I have had this car since September of 2005 and very disappointed. Many things have needed to be replaced including a new engine in 2007, alternator, coil springs, rotors (keep warping), front and rear suspension, miscellaneous hoses, belts, etc.

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  The Best American Truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By usmc1371 - June 17 - 11:11 pm

  I have owned this truck for 4 yrs. Now and I love it. NO problems at all. It is a solid fun to drive truck, that has plenty of power to pull and fun to go 4-wheelin her in Utah!

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  2011 Explorer problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By lj5 - June 17 - 9:59 pm

  I have brought the car in 3 times so far for "software update" because the clock cant keep time accurately. Today after a routine oil change( the first) I was told that I had a leak in some hose or part that would take TWO WEEKS to get because it is backordered. Very disappointed in this car.

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  MySync killing a great SUV.... - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By drvenkman - June 17 - 3:32 pm

  Weve had our 2011 Explorer for about two months now. From the start we had multiple issues with the MySync system. As I write this review, the Explorer is yet again in the dealer for repair. Weve already had to take it back three times. This time the car over heated due to a cooling fan that shorted out. Making the issue worse, though, was the fact that after the car over heated, the MySync system crashed. Weve had two updates to the software and we are still experiencing issues with the phone, climate, navigation and audio. We had iSync in our previous 2008 Edge (IT WORKED FLAWLESSLY). Somebody rushed MySync out the door. Its ruining the other outstanding features of this SUV!

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  4x4 Issue - 2007 Ford F-150
  By gadgetone - June 17 - 12:29 pm

  I bought this truck new.Have only had 2 issues.Brakes needed replaced at only 28,000 miles.Big issue is a loud noise from front left tire that sounds like metal pieces bouncing around a metal drum.Only did it twice.By the time i stop it goes away.Checking into it online i find alot of people with same problem.Mine is getting fixed as i write this.Its the 4x4 system, the vacume line blows and the gears partially connect but it does not happen constantly.Most people think its the brakes.I am totally happy with my truck but am surprised theres so many people out there with this problem.I am at 30,000 miles now.

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  Sweet Car... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tykuen - June 15 - 1:19 pm

  I love this car! Its sporty, fun, and practical. The only problem ive had with this car is the clutch went out at 90,000 miles...bummer, but ill get over it. This car is pretty quick off the line considering what its made for. This car is 100% in every way.

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!!!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By snooker84 - June 14 - 6:16 pm

  Horrible car, Other reviews on here are extremely accurate, bad trannys, bad radiators, electricolosis, transfercase leaked after 40,000 miles, went thru 3 radiators, 2 transmistions, door handles breaking off every few months, overall, very baaaad vehicle..they look and drive well but i dont trust them :(

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  Approaching 9 Years and Still Going... - 2002 Ford F-150
  By polarbeartx - June 12 - 9:30 am

  Bought this Supercrew new in the fall of 2002 for a great deal of $21900. They were making room for 2003 models. Had electronic console problem but fixed under warranty. Then later in years had recurrent problem with electronics, that local shops would keep replacing GEM to fix temporarily. Finally took it to dealer and they found a leak in the windshield seal that was allowing water into fuse box and GEM. Once that was fixed, no more issues!! Mechanically, AC, transmission always have worked great. Plan to keep on driving for years to come.

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By nrudolph - June 11 - 9:51 pm

  Follow up review. 9 months, 26,000 miles later. I replaced the OE Kumho tires with some Continental Extremecontact DWS, and that further improved the already good ride, gave it better grip in the corners, and a quieter ride as well. Ive had zero problems since Ive owned it, and its fun to drive, with the A/C off it has plenty of power, and the transmission is responsive and the gears are well spaced for a 4-speed unit. It has tons of grip, and very little body lean in the corners, it just grips and grips. However, with the A/C on, and passengers in the car, the little 2.0 gets a little overwhelmed when getting up to speed. At WOT, the A/C shuts off anyway, so no big deal.

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  Everything we expected - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By carvil - June 11 - 5:31 pm

  My wife an I purchased a white hatchback (we tinted the windows) about 20,000 miles ago. Taken a trip from Detroit to NC and one to Fla. In the city we are getting 32.5 mpg. On the highway with just my wife and I (no luggage) we get 45.0 mpg. The car is quiet with little noise from without. could us a little more room for my right leg while driving. Other than that, we have had no dissapointments with this car. Glad we bought the standard shift..lots of fun.