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 value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Venezuelan - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fiesta in July (I ordered to my specs), so far Ive driven aprox. 2500 miles. Overall Im satisfied with my purchase, I used to drive an 07 Camry with a 2.4 engine. The Fiesta engine is not as powerful but it will not disappoint you, it will get to highway speeds fast, I feel the car begins to feel a little bit heavy going over 70 mph, at that point you will running at about 3000 rpm. Im getting 34 mpg 50% city 50% Hwy, the Fiesta is quiet on the streets, suspension is good I barely use the SYNC (only to send the vehicle health reports to Ford), for the price this will a good purchase, it will save you money on commute and long trips.

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  Fun Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Fiestaman - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have always been an import fan due to higher quality, better design, and increased dependability. This Ford won me over. I really like this car a lot. It feels more like Hondas felt in the eighties than Hondas do now. It is great fun to drive. The few drawbacks thus far: not much rear-seat room, the PowerShift auto transmission hunts for gears and makes strange shifts sometimes, and the fuel economy is not as good as it should be for a car this size with this amount of power. I am hoping Ford will be able to use direct injection in the future to up the power and economy. I have been converted to a Ford fan-something I never thought I would say.

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  Trouble on delivery - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By allen - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Fender alignment, right brake caliber defective, driver side seat leather was changed, car pulls to right, alignment was made still happens Ford dealer on second opinion, I have to pay diagnostic fee $20.00, customer service no help in this matter trouble started with 26 miles now 1034 still no remedy

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  Brakes TSB - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Cmac - November 4 - 2:00 am

  All you guys having the brakes problems, if your car is still under warranty there is a few TSBs out there to fix the issue. They did it to ours about 3500 miles ago and have no issues since. We love the car, got it used with just over 8,000 miles on it, had the brake issue took it in and was fixed and havent had any issues at all since. Its a great family car and all the room is great for moving large items too.

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  Reliable SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Louise - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used in 2007 with 112K, few things had to be tuned, one ball joint replaced. Since 2007 only had to change battery and tires. CD changer does not work right, climate control has a mind of its own. Currently got 155k, rides OK. I drove it across the country several times, comfortable, enough room for everything.

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  2010 Ranger Reg Cab XLT - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Billy Rockfish - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliability, Im sure,will be well above average. MANY Rangers on the streets, roads and freeways of Oahu (Hawaii) of all vintages. Ive never heard of anyone having a bad Ford Ranger, hence one of the decisions towards my purchase. That, and the value of the features offered on the Ranger, its looks (I dont care if it hasnt changed much in 12 years!) and the fact that its an evergreen truck with a good reputation for economy and reliability were factors in selecting this truck over its competition. I am averaging 24-25mpg in mixed city/highway driving. I have the 5A. Great truck which will undoubtedly please me. Used for play, commute and work.

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  Love my Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Megan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my fusion for a little over a month now and I love it. I was deciding between it and the Accord. In the end the Fusion won hands down because of all the cool features the car has. It is a nice smooth ride and I love the SYNC system and bluetooth. It is the prefect size sedan where it is not too big. It looks great on the outside and inside. So glad I bought a Ford!

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  First and Last Ford Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Donkey Kong - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my F150 4x4 used for a very great price during the days of $5 gas, but right out of the gate I have had problems. The 4wd system is a total joke and I have had to have it repaired twice in 2 years, and I only have used 4wd maybe two times. The truck gets even more horrible gas mileage than I expected, around 14mpg, and even though it has a V8 engine it cant even get out of its own way. The power window on the driver side broke and I expect others to give way soon since it is a common issue apparently. Front ball joints also needed to be replaced. All these problems in two years. I should have bought that Toyota tundra.

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  Wow, Is this a Ford? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By F150 Convert - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my F150. Drove a GMC Sierra for many years. Just happened to look at the F150 and immediately fell in love. Awesome truck. Looks great, well built, very quiet at speed. Better gas mileage than my old GMC. Engine power is more than sufficient. Ford has really stepped its game up a notch. Forget any negative things you have ever heard about the F150. Well Done Ford!!

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  Takes a lot of abuse - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Joemisseshisfocus - November 3 - 2:00 am

  A lot of people bash the focus for being an unreliable car. When I bought mine as a used car it had 87,000 miles on it, two and a half years later it had 188,000 miles on it, it was my first good car. Its fast, reliable, has a great suspension and a great stereo. I beat the wheels off of this car, I delivered pizza in it and did other things you should not do to a compact car in it, any other car would have not withstood the abuse I gave it. I sold it and it is being enjoyed by someone else today. Only complaint. no armrest! this older model is better than the new ones they have out!