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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  Warranty problems - 2010 Ford F-150
  By CHEVY MAN NEEDS HELP - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2003 chevy in on a 2010 Ford F-150 (mainly price) never owned a Ford truck. always a Chevy. Anyway, since new had problems with truck, Salesman said no problem, bring it back for warranty. Ran it almost 9000 miles took it in with (5) listed problems. when I picked it up, I was told that there wasnt any problems every thing was NORMAL FOR A FORD! Problems listed were brake squeal(bad) in morning/engine noise (tap) when started up in morning/rumble noise from 35 to 40 mph (38 was real bad), windshield very blurry, my CHEVY didnt have any problems even with 130,000 miles. If I could I would trade back to Chevy IN heart beat What would you do?

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  I hate this car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By brians925 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car every week theres a new problem. it would do good on gas if the O2 sensor didnt go along with the manifolds that need to be fixed. every other week the check engine light comes on as always. i have only had this car for about a week and im about to push it into a lake. this car is nothing but a money pit. and of course for all you guys will the warped dash o yea im with ya too although its not that notice able it makes the car seem like a p.o.s o wait it is. NEVER BUY A FORD or rich people that like to waste money.

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  No trouble - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 3M West - October 22 - 2:00 am

  89,000 trouble free miles. We live 100 miles from nowhere and to travel 135 miles for shopping is common, this SUV has never let us down. Mpg is 18.5 and we drive 75 to 80 mph also pull a 18 ft enclosed trailer on occasions with no problems. The wife would like for me to get a new truck but this one will get new tires and keep going a few more years!

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  Leaky Roof - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Bob - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Good looks and fun to drive, but the roof leaks above driver and passenger windows. After 2 dealer visits, no help so far. Leaks in drive-through car wash. Owners manual and Ford hot line maintain power washing could cause this problem, but car was not exposed to power washer. Havent driven in more than light rain so severity of problem remains to be seen.

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  Bad Engine - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By GW - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck except the 6.0L Diesel has a factory defect. The head bolts stretch. Blew a head gasket just before warranty was up. Over $5000 cost to repair. They remove the body to repair the engine which disturbs many electrical and other connections. Some owners have to pay after warranty is up. I like it but not sure I would buy another Ford after this engine. Check the internet before buying regarding this engine.

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  Bad Trans! Beware - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Beware Bad Trans!! - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car thinking I would pay it off and be able to keep it a few after that! WRONG! I was just told at 62,000 miles the transmission is bad and will cost $3,000.00. Dealer and customer care are willing to do nothing but waste my time. I still have a year of payments and am just hoping no more repairs. I am extremely disappointed with Ford and will never buy from them again!

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  Switched to a Chevy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Switched to a Chevy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the 2nd Explorer that I had owned. Traded my 2000 in because I liked the body style of the newer Explorers. Never had any issues with the old one. I absolutely loved the 2002 Explorer, at first! It is a piece of crap. Looks and rides nice but replaced numerous wheel bearings and the transmission was clunking and shifting so hard at around 25 mph that my kids kept asking me what I was doing. CD player stopped ejecting CDs. Driver side window motor needed replaced. Leg room in back for 3rd row seat very cramped. If this vehicle would have held up I would have kept it forever. Got rid of it before we had to replace the transmission. Got a Chevy Tahoe, which I LOVE!

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  Good Mustang - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Richard - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I got it as my company car, so I couldnt choose the premium version. The basic version lacks a lot of equipment and interior design of the premium and GT, so definitely get the more equipped versions. To my surprise, the 4.0 is actually a pretty good engine for a daily driver, the engine has very good torque for off the line acceleration and it almost sounds like a V8. Exterior Design is subjective but I honestly love it, unmistakably a Mustang. Ride is a little rough over harsh roads and the back end is a bit jumpy, but hey it´s a mustang and all of them are like that.

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  Feisty Fiesta!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Goodfellas76 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a very COOL little ride. Wanted to downsize from V6 for better MPG. Bought SES with cloth heated seats, heated mirrors, etc and the dual-clutch tranny. Heats up REAL quick. Interior is best in class better grade materials than more expensive car. Handles great and has plenty of pick-up (though, havent driven with more than two people in it, yet). Also not driving it to get a ton of fun out of it (being conservative for higher MPG). Automatic is really good but sort of feels like its slipping sometimes. Looks great on the outside in the Blue metallic! Not sure about MPG yet or reliability (have only had a couple days) BUT Ford has been on a roll! No worries!

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  Excellent - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Andre Levesque - October 21 - 2:00 am

  My first American car. I had 3 SUVs : Toyota 4 runner and 2 Honda cr-v. My escape is the most fun to drive. Very solid. Great on gas. I love it. I like the "truck" look. I hope Ford will keep the trick look in coming years. I hate SUVs looking like a car on high heels. Bravo Ford.