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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  Manual transmission - 2009 Ford Focus
  By kristin sutkaitis - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My car has 23,000 miles on it. I recently took it to the dealership because I had a hard time putting into reverse and into first, when it is cold outside. they said the problem wasnt happening when they had my car. dont get me wrong I love the car, but i just want to know what wrong with it. its still under warranty. am I the only one who is having this problem?

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  Ford doesnt know what recall means - 2005 Ford F-150
  By garageking - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems with fuel injectors. This should clearly be a recall issue but is not and very expensive to fix. Fuel injectors go bad about every 20K. Now the spark plugs need to be replaced and I cant find a mechanic that will do it because they are known to break off. My mechanic replaced just one and it took 3 hours. Very disappointed after having owned Ford trucks for 30 years. Cant wait to switch to something else.

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  Hard Pressed to Find One Better - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JSampson - November 12 - 2:00 am

  4 cyl 5 spd model @ 80k now: Bought used with 38k on it. Im very meticulous about car issues and I have noticed only a couple things that have needed attention over the years. In my mind these issues are less about Ford and more about components manufactured in Asia (Id bet). 1. Idle Air Control Valve needs some cleaning/replacement after 75k miles or so and is a total pain to get to. 2. DPEF sensor craps out about the same time. Neither one ever left me stranded or were $$$ but did create an erratic idle at times. Outside of that, absolutely nothing has gone wrong. Engine has adequate power and has returned 25 mpg avg, consistently. Handling and braking even w/o all discs is good.

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  2011 Ford Taurus Limited AWD - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By shakes67 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the 11 Taurus Lim Awd with the 303a package, munti contour seating, ad.cruise control,and navigation. The interior is quiet and ride is smooth. The 3.5 l has plenty of power for everyday use but if your looking for the extra thrill and extra insurance cost go with the SHO.

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  Ford once again owns midsize sedans. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenomenal, I traded in my 2004 F-150 for this car as I was in need of a car that gives me better mileage. I ended up test driving a Hyundai Sonata 2010, Honda Accord 2010, Toyota Camry 2010, and Nissan Altima 2010. To keep it short and sweet, this car came out the victor of the test drives, it gives you a great interior with great standard options, that the Japanese automakers nickel and dime you for. The drive of the vehicle is very smooth and A LOT more fun, it beats the Accord which to me was the 2nd of the lineup in value and fun factor. Overall give this car a try I assure you wont be disappointed in what Ford has done to compete with the japanese.

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  Almost a perfect fit. - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Sc00ter - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three trucks in my life and so far this one is the best. This truck has taken on everything I have thrown at it and has done fine. Yes, things have broken and had to be replaced but it is a machine and things break. My only gripe is the engine size. The 5.4 is a very smooth running engine, but it lacks some horse power. My previous GMC had the venerable 5.7 vortec and the older Fords had the 351 windsor/cleveland engine. All of those engines were retired before their time. If I could change any one thing it would be to have that extra power without the need for a diesel or a supercharger. Everything else has been quality built and has proven itself.

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  200,000 Miles? - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Terry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Expedition, believe it or not, actually has 200,216 miles and runs like brand new. It has the 4.6L and yes the spark plug has came out of my cylinder head, but that does not change that I LOVE THIS TRUCK! Got the K&N Intake, FlowMaster (single in-dual out, dumped), BF Goodrich 265-70 All Terrain T/A, and about $2,600 in interior goodies. The ride is unbelievable. 65 psi tires set at 42 psi make the handling awesome. And that FlowMaster really promotes the power that the 4.6L actually has when you put extra goodies on. The keyless entry and lighted side rails really puts a smile on my face. =)

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  Fantastic Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Sue - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream, so roomy and comfortable. I love the unique body style and so do a lot of other people. My Flex gets a lot of attention. I can hardly wait to take it on vacation.

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  Great Ford Product!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Kimberly - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car - this is my second 2005 Ford Focus ZX4! The first one I bought was in 2005 Sangria Red I drove it for 2 years and put 35,000 miles on it and absolutely loved it!! I traded it in for a bigger car Mercury Grand Marquis also a Great Ford product - but I missed the little Ford Focus. Five years later driving past a Ford dealership I spotted from the road 2005 white Ford Focus ZX4 - I pulled in and bought another one! This one had the same exact mileage 5 years later as the one I traded in - it was fate - meant to be. Its just a fun little car to drive! Great gas mileage If I drive the speed limit I get 37 mpg on the highway (manual 5 speed). Everyone should own one!!

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  Very fast for a V6 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Ralph - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. The SYNC is my favorite option that comes with the Premium Package. I bought a Race Red coupe with pony pack and 3:31 rear end. The rear end may be too much for this car as I get kickback when I come to a light. Its kind of like a thrust from the rear end. I had Ford check it out but Im bringing it back for another look. The SYNC USB port is awesome as I have hundreds of CDs and I downloaded them from Windows Media Player. Its really cool that you can dictate what you want to hear. The hands off phone is another great quality of the SYNC.