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 good working truck... - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By riva40 - March 20 - 9:57 pm

  I have had this truck since 2004 and never had any problems. its good on gas and the ride is quite comfortable, highly recommended!

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  6SPD AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By soccerguy48025 - March 20 - 9:35 pm

  Beware!!! A simple internet search will reveal tons of problems with the 6F35 auto trans in the 2010 Fusion and Escape. My car is experiencing problems with frequent shift flaring, which will then be followed by a hard shift and forward jolt. This jolt caused me to hit another car in front of me thus damaging my chrome grille. The car will also shift into neutral by itself at times creating a dead spot in acceleration. After software reprograms, new valve body, and complete overhaul including new clutches, my car now drives significantly worse. The trans now struggles and is very sloppy overall. Now, my transaxle shaft seal is leaking fluid and clutch material has been found in the fluid.

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  Very good car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By eskimopride - March 20 - 1:09 pm

  i bought the car for 1200 and i only had to replace the altinator at round 95k its been replaced once before that. Its a sporty little coupe. The seats are comfortable for a 2.4 hour drive. I was surpirsed how much room there was in the back seat im 511 and i can have the seat where i would drive and still have a little room not much but better then the cavalier

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  car from hell - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nel7 - March 19 - 11:54 pm

  I bought a Ford Focus 2003 (automatic) from a private party, used. Only after owning and driving regularly, I noticed how poor the suspension was. It is the stiffest suspension one can imagine. It is so bad that I bought heel support/shock absorber for my feet to heal my right heel, which is soar from all the suspension-related "beatings". My back hurts from longer drives as well. The seat is a horror-trap, despite added pillows. The mileage per gallon is rather poor: about 23 at the most in the city, and about 32 on the freeway. For a 2.0 engine, this is rather weak. And it has the classic Ford engine noise. Uncomfortable, weak mileage, noisy, and undesirable. Dont buy a Ford Focus.

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  Four Years and all is Well! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By alby144 - March 19 - 12:46 pm

  I have close to 45,000 miles now and still love this truck! I have had one warranty repair, to replace a window switch but other than that no problems. It is without a doubt the nicest truck that I have ever owned. I know somebody with an Escalade my trucks interior is nicer in fit & finish, they are equipped nearly the same and my truck cost $40,000 less! On top of that they had about 15 items to repair at their last service! Ive read about sluggish performance from the F-150, but have not found this to be so. Nor have I had issues with my brakes at 45,000 miles Ive got about 50% of my brake life left and 25% of my tread life left on my tires.

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  Beautiful Car...Worthless!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By samoanmadness - March 19 - 8:09 am

  So, I find my soulmate...Sleek Black, sunroof, powered everything, leather seats, shiny rims, and a third row of seats for my family. Now, Im crying that I have to trade it in. After investing over $7,000 in repairs, I am Done. Here are the repairs -$2,500 For Complete Transmission Overhaul -$2,500 For Complete Cooling System Change (new radiator, water pump...ect) -$200.00 For Transfer Case Filter change -$400.00 Raplacement of Wheel Berring -$1,100 To Replace all Wheels with Guarentee Guess What? Now, There is a Random Misfire and no one knows how to fix it!! My guess....another $850.00 (including a new cat. converter) worth of repairs!! I am now officially giving up on Ford!!

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  Head rest a failure - 2011 Ford Flex
  By bootsboy - March 17 - 8:59 pm

  The head rest pushes against the back of your head. Guess the ladies are really going to appreciate their hair-do being redone. They claim its a "safety" feature. Bull. Its a bad design. Mercedes & Lexus dont re-do your hair for you nor poke you in the back of your head, and they are no slouches in the safety department. This is just a lousy design.

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  I might buy another Ford.... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By tait1977 - March 17 - 12:47 pm

  Have had my 2010 Ford Focus for 5 months. the car set for a week and wouldnt start. charged batt and started. 4 days later sitting died again. took it to Ford and they found nothing. dont trust car to sit now for an extended period of time.

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  The headrests make this car impossible to drive - 2010 Ford Focus
  By pb33 - March 15 - 9:52 pm

  I borrowed my mothers 2010 Ford Focus to make a return trip from Toronto to Kingston. The headrests made the drive unbearable. They protrude so far forward that I was forced to peer over the tops of my eyeglasses for the entire drive. In the end, I had to drop the seat back to a near-lay-down position and drive for three hours sitting straight upwards with no back support. I cant imagine why the designers would make such an oversight. This car is impossible to drive for any distance!

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  LIFE NOT MORE THAN 100,000 KMS - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By shajan - March 15 - 11:56 am

  i was driving Japanese Four wheel drives. when i decided to buy an american car, i bought FORD EXPLORER 2007. immediately after 100,000 kms it started giving problems. first with the air conditioning system and had to replace the evaporator. at 115,000kms some cable system had to be replaced. then started the gear to slip and had to get it repaired. now again the air condition system started giving problems. the repairs are so expensive that i had already spent Dhs. 25,000/= on these repairs. am not at all happy with the vehicle. and shall never purchase any american vehicles.