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 car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jon - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fusion last week and I was greatly surprised to find that I got 34 MPG on the highway traveling about 65 MPH. Im getting about 25 MPG in the city. The car is comfortable and reliable, its fun to drive. So far no problems!

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  Paint Peeling - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By GG - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy a 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. Had I read the reviews on the internet under "peeling paint" I would not now own the vehicle with peeling paint along the front hood. It is bubbled and peels off in sections the size of 50 cent pieces. It looks terrible. Mine is not peeling on top or back (YET) but many, many are. The company refuses to do anything about the peeling problem. There are even some articles saying it is about the paint oxidizing and causes it to peel. Still no help from dealerships or company. A five year old car should not be peeling- -no rust the paint is just falling off in chunks. It looks awful! Never will buy another Ford!

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  Still running strong at 125,000 miles - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By smt6979 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fusion brand new w/300 miles. The car was great, never had a problem with it until it hit 65k miles. Then the transmission started to shift really hard. I had a couple of mechanics look at it and none of them could promise the transmission would last another 30k miles. I just hit 125k miles this week and the transmission still shifts hard. I do change the transmission fluid every 30k so I am sure that helps. Other than that brakes, tires, a new battery and oil changes is all it has needed. One major warning I will give is that I have not been able to get a set of tires to last more than 40k miles. Every set cups and my car is in perfect alignment according to my mechanic.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mike d - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car for three years and still love it. Just did the breaks and tires all around after 45,000 miles. The car handles and performs very well. Was going to get a Taurus again but glad we didnt. Much better gas mileage! Has lots of power. Love to Punch It on the highway! One problem to date dealt with the sunroof. Leaks through the sunglass holder in the headliner after an extreme rain when the car is tilted downward to the front in my driveway.

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  At 30 K starting to get worried - 2008 Ford Focus
  By UH oh - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My 1st us car but took the plunge. At 1st noticed the acceleration seemed off but I figured perhaps this was an us car thing (hesitation&jump). At 20 k tune up was told the transmission fluid was low (hmm). At 30 k tune up asked them to check transmission & said acceleration led 2 hesitation (bad 4 hwy merging) gears were fixed under warranty. Noted raw gas odor and rotten egg odor abt 10x in yr in stop/start city traffic. Listened to svc mgr mumbo abt computers&catalytic converters reconfiguring then he mentioned other complaints about the rotten egg smell. Sounds like bad computer programming 2 me? Will this last 20 yrs like my Nissan or Toyota? Hmm. I pray to the ceo at Ford. Help.

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  No know fix for odd vibrations - 2010 Ford Focus
  By nomoreFord - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Well, 11,000 miles and 7 multi-day trips to the dealer and still no fix for the constant shimmy, shake, odd vibration at 50 mph and above. I feel my families safety in compromised by riding in this vehicle! Dealer focused only on the tires. After the third trip I no longer received any paperwork. No paper trail for Lemon Law. Wow, I buy American for the first time in my life and get junk! So much for Fords supposed incredible quality improvements? I guess I was a fooled.

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  My Best car yet! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Winger - November 15 - 2:00 am

  First I would like to say that this is my 2nd Fusion- my 1st was a 08 SEL with the 3.0L. I traded that in for a 10 Mazda3. Long story short, I eventually traded that in for this Fusion. Nothing against the Mazda3, it was a good car. The biggest flaw was the interior room- too small. I just couldnt over come it. So I leased another Fusion. This time I went with the Sport trim package, Navigation, Sony system, Platinum white metallic tri-coat, just about every option less the AWD. This car is seriously fun to drive and quick! MPG is somewhat decent when considering the larger more performance inspired 3.5L. The Select-shift adds to the fun. Very comfortable and solid ride!

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  1st truck, 1st owner. So far, so good. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By First_Time_Owner - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Kept up with all the fluids and filters. There was a recall in early years. Never brought it in for any of the major annual routine checks. I replaced its first set of tires, brakes, rotors, and axle seals at 90,000 miles, battery at 80,000. Turned 100,000 miles this month. I drive it easy and push it hard. Still runs optimal. Drives good on long hauls and 115+ degree desert heat. Starts up easy under 30 degree tempts too. Handled good when sliding all over the wet/dry roads. The cab is roomy, comfy and quiet. Back window seal has a small crack, bed trim faded quick, and the seals around the cowl cracked and blew away long ago due to desert life. Painted red and still looks good.

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  Would not recommend! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Christina - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Focus for 5 years. I bought it w/over 50,000 miles on it. W/in 45 days the engine blew. It makes a loud rattling sound, it shakes, the brakes always squeak & the front passenger seat belt has never worked. Its a very small car inside very uncomfortable to drive. For being such a small car, it doesn’t get good mileage. The engine now has about 100,000 miles on it & the vehicle has about 172,000 miles. It has lasted me a long time for being a “Ford” but I have also had to put a lot of money into it for various things. It now needs a new Cadillac converter & water bottle. It would make an ok car for someone w/o children. But is not recommended for a tall person.

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  Explorers Forever - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By DANGIT - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I now own a 2000 Ford explorer with 124,000 miles on it. I purchased it new and have followed the Ford recommended services. It has been very dependable in rain, ice, and snow conditions. I never drive it off road. Repairs have been required due to normal wear and tear only. I intend to keep it for at least another 5-years or 50,000 miles. This is my second Explorer and I would recommend it to anyone interested in an SUV.