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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  Great at first, Then just plain aggervating. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By big_d1 - January 12 - 7:39 pm

  Tons of room, decent power and very comfy. With about 100 miles the Sync system stopped working 4 trips back to the dealer until figured out. 8K The Rack & Pinion went bad and the car spent 3 days in the shop getting repaired. 10K terrible odor from under the dash (dealer couldnt replicate). 14K SMOKE from under the dash, took it straight to the dealer "we saw the smoke but couldnt find a problem" 16.5K Car lost all electrical power (incl PS/PB) with my wife driving So she pulled to the side of the road and it got towed to the dealer. If they tell me there is nothing wrong, Im getting a Venza.

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  2003 SVT COBRA - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By brantm21 - January 12 - 12:18 pm

  I actually have a 02 GT w/ a Cobra motor swap. This engine is powerful in the whole power band. Pushing 515RWHP 545RWT. Its not stock obviously, but still one of the best engines ever made in my opinion. And the fact its a Ford. I have drove this car across the nation to many car shows and drag strip. Never broke down.

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  300,000 kms and still going strong! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By emersome - January 12 - 11:46 am

  Bought my Escort Wagon used and best money Ive ever spent on a vehicle so far. Plenty of cargo space but small enough you can park anywhere. Put winter tires on it and is amazing around town have passed half-tons stuck on the side of the road. Can even do some light off-roading. Easily put 2 kayaks on top and has enough clearance that you can get where you need to go. Little slow off the start but once its going has lots of pep. With regular maintenance its been very reliable and is still zooming along at 300K. And fuel mileage is awesome! Had a hatchback Escort before and wasnt too thrilled but the Wagon has really been impressive.

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  2009 Bullit - 12,000 miles later - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By uwe1 - January 11 - 7:12 pm

  While I initially loved the car, and had written a rather positive review at the time, I believe 12,000 miles later my opinion has changed. While the power of the car is still outstanding, and the pricing almost unbeatable, I see issues with the build quality (rattling noises everywhere, parts inside falling off with no apparent reason), as well as the handling (doesnt like sharp turns e.g. @ a traffic light - even when the road is dry! Rain, snow - lets not go there). Seat belt is strangling me (Im 5.11). Passenger seat can NOT be adjusted for height, so my petite wife doesnt like to drive with me as she almost cant see outside.

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  Yes I Would Buy Another One - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By philpill1 - January 11 - 4:05 pm

  Ive owned this car since 2002. During that time I replaced 2 coilpacks (DOHC engine), a DPFE sensor and replaced some vacum lines. I also own a 05 Dodge Dakota but on long trips we prefer to use the Taurus. The Dodge is good too but get gas mileage with the Taurus (28 mpg vs 19 for the Dodge).

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  Fusion Avis rental - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By carman14 - January 11 - 3:25 pm

  Just thought I put my two bits in. Just rented Ford Fusion from rental company for business. car rides on rails and pick up is fast . Overall quality is there but interior design of dash needs some work. Buttons for us baby boomers need to be legible and readable. Also HVAC controls are confusing and near bottom of stack (hard to read and reach). Dash is not impressive and tach and speedometer look like it belongs on a go-cart. Door sill not finished and cheap looking. Overall car rides great and has appeal.

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  Love the car...hate the hubcaps! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By duseldb - January 11 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned 3 Focuses...I really enjoyed them! I stepped up to the Fusion because I needed more cabin room. The styling and performance are great...for the 2010 model year...some nitwit at Ford decided it was a bright idea to replace alloy wheels with a cheapo plastic hubcaps...on a $23000 car. Oh well, they look nice...but they are junk! The first month the paint began flaking off. I had two replaced and need 2 more replaced. Its cool because Ford is paying for it under warranty...but a pain to go into the dealer to have them replaced. Fords solution...tough sh*t...live with it. I offered to pay for alloys if they credited me for the junk. Last Ford for me...all over junk hubcaps!

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  07 Review Good buy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By styledriver - January 10 - 1:17 pm

  Wanted minivan size without looks or cost. Find this while shopping. It gets better gas millage than a SUV, 18 when used in-town 100%. If you want a minivan/SUV with all the pluss get this!

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  Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By wolfrat - January 8 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the Automatic S sedan after I lost my 2003 Saturn Ion 2. I got it for a great deal but felt the price could have been a little lower for a base model. Drives very smooth but could use a little more horsepower. Sound system is alright for a base car, but wish they could at least include rear speakers, and rear mats. Trunk is huge and love the design of the interior. Amazing on gas and love the blind spot mirrors. I was amazed to learn that Fiestas have been produced since 1979, which made me feel comfortable in my choice for a reliable car. Overall, this is a great car for a commuting college student like myself.

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  STOP DOGGING THIS GREAT VEHICLE!!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By woodysh7 - January 8 - 12:25 pm

  i am so sick of seeing so many people putting down this vehicle. i have owned this vehicle for a year now and absolutely love it. it drive great, performs flawlessly, i bout it cheap and feel good about the purchase all together. i feel that alot of people dont like this vehicle because they are just plain stupid and dont know how to get a great deal. so, please people . stop it now!!! i have had no transmission problems, no bearing problems, no electrical problems, no problems at all!! i think there are some ford haters on here just putting down the vehicle for no reason. this vehicle drives great, so go out and buy one today!! dont let all these haters on here make you believe their crap!!