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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  Recall the Radiator! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Sukijoe - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer with 18000mi. in Feb of 09. Thought I was in heaven till the engine started making a hideous noise, pulled off highway, dash went red and car shut off! Has 42,212 miles, Ford will not make good on this. Again, they say theyve never heard of this! I think its time for the Attorney Generals office to step in. No warning of this! They tell me its a maintenance issue. I also have a 96 Explorer with 257000 miles that my son is now driving! I seem to have maintained that without a problem! Been driving Ford for 26 years! How bout something for loyalty? Anything but this. There is a $5,680 price tag on a new engine and radiator. Really Ford? Quality is not job one.

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  Blaze yellow stang - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Tony - October 27 - 2:00 am

  2011 blaze yellow with the performance package. This color really makes the looks of the car. Its different in every light. Lots of metal flake. The new v6 is very smooth and fast fast! No need for the v8. The manual trans. is fun and easy to shift. Spend the money for the performance package. You get a lot for stuff for The bucks.

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  Quality Control - 2008 Ford Focus
  By SteveKrause - October 27 - 2:00 am

  The car from the beginning had problems, I have taken the vehicle in for window problems the carpet from the beginning would not stay under the door trim piece. I always hear noises from the front end until one day the transmission goes out. I have read other reviews of the same problems.

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  Move to the BIG . - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Kevin - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded the Ranger in on the half ton.This is a LARGE TRUCK. Plenty of space for all my landscaping gear! Americans have pushed this vehicle.bDoes a half ton truck have to be this big? That said it hauls huge stuff, consumes huge fuel and is huge comfortable. Just working it, no symbol for me. Gun rack, chewing tobacco, country music nope. Work. Seems a stout truck.

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  05 T-bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By gfrompitt - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Loved it when it came out but was hoping for a standard transmission. Of course that is impossible now days. Car is not really a sports car, more of a sporty couple. It handles great but is no racer. Id like it to be a little more stiff in the turns but for most people, theyd rather have the comfort ride. Havent had to put a nickel into it since Ive owned it. great car.

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  12 years old and going strong - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ian - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger XLT used in 2002 with 55,000 miles on it at the time. Eight years late and 100,000 miles later, I have had very few problems. Ive had to replace some belts and tend to general wear and tear issues, but nothing catastrophic. I average about 19.5 miles per gallon with 80% freeway driving. I always tell people Ive had great luck with my ford, but then I knock on wood for good luck. *knock knock*

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  Bad Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mike S. - October 26 - 2:00 am

  2006 Ford Explorer From what i am reading it looks like our 2006 explorers are having radiator problems. I got the truck new in 2006 and in less then 1 year had to have the radiator replaced. the 2nd radiator is starting to give me problems now at about 40k miles. i notice my recovery tank getting low on coolant. I dont see any leaks but i can smell it. I took it to the dealer for a pressure test but they say they cant find a problem. Over all i dont have any other problems so far with the truck. I was at a Lowes store and i parked my explorer next to another explorer. I asked the owner if his was a 2006 and if he had any problems. he said yes a 2006 and the radiator was replaced

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  2010 Ford Mustang V6 - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By theelcaminoman - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mustang in April and it by far surpassed my expectations! I am 18 years old and this is one of the best purchases iv ever made. Everyone disses the V6 pony saying its a dog I would argue til Im blue in the face. I have outran V8s in my Mustang and the acceleration would make you think its a V8. Performance is good but what about handling? Its a rough riding car. Im not gonna lie. Personally, I like it. I like feeling every bump in the road and knowing the terrain im on. But since its bumpy as crud, it turns like a sports car. I can take 40 mph turns at 75. Kinda scary but shell take it! The outside looks somewhat retro but pretty cool. Its the inside that gets me. My color!

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  Traded in an 05 Focus and an 03 Taurus - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By wmciii - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Ford is much improved. Nicer features carried on from the earlier models and versions - with continued improvements. Handsome and roomy interior. Rides well. A really good mid-size car. Flex-Fuel is a plus.

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  Transmission - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Daddio3 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This WAS a great family car. Everyone loved taking trips in it either down the road or across the state. The interior isnt the most fashionable, but its comfortable and easy to clean. That was until the "bulletproof" CVT went out. No problems at all up until this point, but now one MAJOR problem offsets everything else that didnt go wrong. Whats worse, everyone Ive spoken to who either owns or fixes these has had the SAME PROBLEM! Shouldnt Americas only real car company step up and do the right thing?!? Wheres the recall?