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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  Computer not functional - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By deb93 - June 26 - 8:04 pm

  The computer system on the new explorer lacks the tactile functions necessary to safely drive the vehicle. I also drive a 2012 Infiniti. The Infiniti computer system permits BOTH touch screen functionality AND touch and click key strokes allowing the driver to feel that the commands have been accepted by the computer. Other car makes have figured this out. Also, the trip computer also freezes occasionally (2 times for me in 2 months), forcing me to pull over, turn off the car, and reset it. Ford needs to change these things asap.

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  GOTCHA TRANSMISSION. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By artii - June 23 - 7:15 am

  I loved this car till it had 6500 miles. Car started to act lke the choke was coming on when slowing: car would almost stall out at stops. Took it in for service. they said that was normalfor this yr model. They actually gave me printed "tech notice" saying this was normal!!! I went on a 300 mile trip gas mileage went from 41 to 35 mpg AND it now over revs to shift. 1st and 2nd fair but reves to 5500 rpm from 3k to down shift. also over revs to down shift when passing and you can feel 3,4,5, gears as a mush bal and takes about 2 seconds to shift. Dangerous on the interstate!!!!!

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  do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By hondacbr954rr - June 19 - 3:00 pm

  safe vehicle but not reliable,have electricle gremlens that come and go,the rear end goes,(clucth pack),replaced twice still no good.not cheap.have only 60000k on it.

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  May be dangerous - 2007 Ford F-150
  By nomorefords43 - June 16 - 9:22 pm

  Overall, I am not happy with my purchase. I bought my 2007 Lariat new in 2007. My CDs all got stuck in the 6 Cd changer and had to replace the stereo and then it did it shortly after. I use my Ipod and dont use the CD at all. Then the accelerater got stuck and lucky i was just taking off, i breaked and it RPMs reved up that i turned it off. Started and it was fine. When i took it in they said maybe i was accelerating at the same time i breaked. So i let it go but it happened again and now i am scared that it will happen when im at a speed of 100km. Replace breakpads twice, rotars, fuel pump, and now it is losing power, cuts out and shakes so taking it in again. All of this under 120,000km.

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  Regretful purchase - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By n8webb - June 13 - 11:39 am

  gas mileage is horrid (of course) BIG vehicle... turn-radius is good. CONSTANT heating and cooling issues--seriously never ends. Leather seats are of poor quality.

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  Lots of problems - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cbn4equine - June 10 - 3:29 pm

  Im 19 now and as a first car, it was alright. My "trans axle" light came on regularly with no known cause. Hoses came loose causing A/C not to be cold. Last fall I ended up hydroplaning on a main highway. I was (idiotically) not wearing my seat belt when I hit water, lost control, and hit the guardrail on both ends of my car. I spun 360 then 180 and landed in front of the exit sign going 295S to 64E. Luckily, I was not hurt. I tried to turn the car back on, but the wreck completely destroyed the front. One thing that stuck out was that the airbags never deployed when I hit the guardrail and began spinning. If you consider yourself a safe driver then this car may be a good fit.

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  The tire eater - 2009 Ford Focus
  By remley - June 9 - 3:31 pm

  Purchased new in 2009 to replace 1989 Nissan Sentra. Wanted to buy American so the Focus was one of the cars I looked at. Got a decent deal so purchased Focus SE sedan. Its a decent enough car but a continuing problem with premature tire wear which dealer claims is normal for this car, expect only 20000 miles of tire wear no matter the quality of the tires. Needless to say this has soured me on the car. After this experiance Ill never buy another Ford.

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  25 mpg??? - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By kristen7 - June 3 - 11:01 am

  We traded in a large SUV (Navigator) in hopes of retaining some of the space we are used to while getting better gas mileage. We have owned the car 3 months and have gotten no better than 20 miles per gallon on the interstate. NEVER have we gotten near the advertised mpg. The gadgets are "cool" in the interior however, my phone is continually bumped from the system (sometimes during calls) and at times the whole console goes dark. We have always been Ford owners but this car has been a bit of a disappointment. Looks good but I miss my Navigator.

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  Overpriced for poor quality - 2013 Ford Taurus
  By hatebuyingca1 - May 31 - 12:24 am

  I have owned many cars ie Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, VW..I never owned an American car. I was pursuaded to buy a Ford..with all the convincing of my firends. car feels great while driving,however driver seat is very cramped and I am only 5 feet 9 inches. Interior looks great..great gadgets but unfortunately as I expected no pride in Made in USA. Interior trim coming off/lose. Driver side rear door uneven with front door(noticed after I drove for a day). I am already unhappy with the car after one day. yes I am sure the dealership will fix (fortunately I went to a reliable place) but it has already put a bad taste in my mouth. Reminds me my experience with VW. Stick with Japanese cars

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  Transmission Issues - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By skykid702 - May 18 - 1:01 am

  I recently got a 2012 SHO edition and it was a demo model with just over 5k on it. Once I got it on the road, it drove nice but a few days later, it started to act up with the transmission - When I would let it coast to a stop light, it downshifts really hard - to the point where I am lunged forward. When I do a soft accelerate, it shifts hard. I am not sure what to think any more about this car - I really wish I stuck with my gut and went with a Fusion or a Edge!