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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  pretty great car --silver focus se - 2011 Ford Focus
  By ewhit2001 - February 4 - 7:31 pm

  i drove a honda when i first got my license and since have drove trucks and suvs. i was skeptical at getting another car, worried that it would be too small. i think its a little small in the backseat but i dont ride in the backseat! the gas mileage was the selling point. great for my 30 miles a day commute. the trunk is huge. i think they could have made the trunk smaller and used it for the backseat. other than that i really like this car. not a lot of engine power but once again, im use to bigger engines. overall, i am very pleased with my choice of getting the focus.

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  Long Term Report for this 08 V6 w/ manual 5spd - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Greybeard_FL - February 4 - 5:05 pm

  back again.. last post was around this time last year.. I now have 104500 miles on my pony.. this car is just great as my daily driver. Still have original brakes and pads!! 2 repair issues: 1st was harmonic damper failed @ 75K miles. 2nd @ 85K could have been major, but was not. Pin that connects clutch pedal to clutch master cyl came loose. Ford does not make a replacement. Comment from dealer: Thats not supposed to happen! No, Really??!! Took pin to machine shop and modified it for $65. Fixed. Otherwise only costs are normal maintainance. Recommend that when you need new 16" tires.. replace with Pirelli P-4s. MUCH better rubber than factory originals

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  I love my ZX2! Very roomy for such a small car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By cayce106 - February 2 - 4:55 pm

  I bought my car brand new 12 years ago and am still driving it. I wish Ford still made these, because I would definitely buy another one. This car has never let me down. Ive had three collisions in this car (none my fault) all on the front ends and stayed safe through all three. This car is very peppy- you can pull out very quickly and you can zoom uphill with no problem. Other than some maintenance (new alternator at 90,000 miles, new break pads, a few batteries, a repair on the air conditioner) Ive had no major problems. The only complaints are that its hard to get into the back seat, but once youre there its pretty roomy.

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  What a car. - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By cotto19 - February 1 - 7:51 pm

  We leased a 2009 Mercury Milan. I was impressed with that car. Now we own a 2011 Fusion. Ford has built quite the car. Ford made tremendous improvement over an already great car. In the differences from the 2009 to the 2011, you can tell that Ford is not standing pat. They are improving the car each year. The interior is even more quiet than the 2009. The new 6 speed transmission offers smother shifting. The car handles great. If you are one of many that said you would buy an American car if they were more reliable, better quality or equivalent to an Accord or Camry. Stop waiting. Ford has it figured out.

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  problems with transmission, traction control - 2007 Ford Edge
  By ziffercom - February 1 - 12:13 pm

  I bought mine 9 months ago with 40,000 miles. It has been to the dealer three times for transmission fluid leaks and twice for apparently random activation of traction control while drving about 60 mph and causing sudden deceleration -- not a good thing on an interstate! Two dealers could not recreate the traction control issue and told me to take it home. Looking to trade it in.

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  A++++ For the 2011 F-150 - 2011 Ford F-150
  By riflecrank - February 1 - 12:17 am

  Im averaging 21.7 MPG with the new 3.7 V6. The engine has plenty of power for what Im using it for. Truck has been trouble free so far. The ride is good, quiet and handling is excellent.

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  reliable, stylish, comfortable. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By leeann123 - January 31 - 5:20 pm

  I miss my Focus, I was in an accident with a chevy silverado last summer and she was totaled. The interior was nice, the seats were comfortable and I had no problems with it driving 1200 miles one way to visit family back east. My problems with my Focus were the fuel pump going out at about 110,000k, the air conditioner going out at 130,000, power locks going out at 120,000. As far as reliability, maybe I didnt have power locks there at the end but she took me to work every day for 6 years. Id buy another focus, same color and year if i could find one. I am now in a 2003 vw beetle and boy do I miss my ford!

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  2011 fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By oldgeezer5 - January 31 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this se sedan in sept 2010 with auto trans. Have 6500 miles on it now and have never seen under 40mpg on the interstate at 70 to 75mph. City driving never under 30mpg. Very comforable seats front and back although a little short of legroom in back. My wife and I have lower back troubles we had very little compaints after 8 hour drives. Did have a check engine light come on in Florida and scanner found defective solinoid or sensor in evaporative control and emissions system. Ford garage said ok to drive and had part replaced in Ky after 4 day wait. Should mention that the trip to Fl included myself wife and brother in law and thus car was loaded down for a two week stay.

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  Awesome - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By memphisrn - January 31 - 12:27 pm

  Bought a 2011 Fusion at Christmas. 2,000 miles later I still love it! Took a trip this weekend at got 31 mpg. Averaging 28 in the city. Handles well, climbs steep hills without hesitation, rides well, sound system is awesome. No issues the first month of ownership. Will report back the end of the year.

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  A Compromise - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By yeahcapes - January 30 - 3:35 pm

  I drive a 95 automatic Aspire with about 180K on it. I agree that the car is fairly reliable, always started with no problem until it was about -5 degrees outside. Doesnt accelerate well at all, but gets me where I need to be. Gas mileage is excellent, until you need to turn the heat or AC on, then it just drops. However, the car is not at all comfortable, I drive friends around a lot and its always cramped. Leaks in the door let air in everywhere, and I spend the whole ride wiping frost off the INSIDE of the windshield. Back defrost is a joke. In the cold the speedometer slides right to 110. Honestly, I hate driving the car, but I do think some of it might be my own personal Aspire.