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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  Buena Fiesta! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mark - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the little car! Its a blast to drive, it parks like a mini, handles like a go-kart and (as my wife says) it looks cute. So here is my breakdown: Pros: Performance (Ford nailed it with the DCT transmission. The dual clutch really wakes up the little powerplant and makes you feel like you have some real horses under the hood, plus you dont have the "shift lag" of a normal automatic - I was leaning toward the manual, until I drove the automatic - get the latter) Fuel Economy (Ive gotten 34 combined hwy and city, and I tend to drive fast - ok, too fast) Price (its a great car at an affordable price. That said, it is really an entry-level car, dont expect Mercedes-level features)

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  Awesome Truck - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Shawn M. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD in Tuxedo Black! I love this SUV and its so sweet! All of the features are awesome and somewhat overwhelming, but really cool. The SUV handles well and is smooth on pretty much all surfaces. I live in Michigan and the roads are not that good. I would recommend that everyone test drive a Ford. I did and I bought one!

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  2005 F150 Supercrew Lariat - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jgt1959 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this pickup for 5 years now and there always seems to be something wrong with it. The air conditioner will not cool in stop and go traffic- only at highway speeds. Ford says there is no problem. The ashtray quit closing, now the CD player in the radio quit working and will not even eject the CDs that are in the machine. Injectors have had to be replaced at less than 70,000. It came with the worst tires I have ever owned and at 70,000 has almost worn out the second set (of high quality, 60,000 mile tires) even with rotation and alignment (which the dealer cant do due to the 20 inch factory rims). This is my fourth Ford PU and the build quality has definitely gone downhill.

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  Should have known - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Robb - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This was my only new vehicle in my life, and only bought it because my previous Ford Aerostar had a warped head problem so Ford offered me $4k off a new vehicle. That with "invoice pricing" made it as cheap as many newer used ones (sticker was $26kpaid $19K). Transmission was always clunky and had it replaced within a year. At 30k it needed a new rack & pinion and power steering pump. Then had some good years, but always had noisy engine, clunky transmission, noisy front end (they cant find any problem), and terrible mileage (never over 15 no matter what). In 2009 had stalling problem they couldnt resolve. Then the brake/cruise recall. Now the engine is rattling, so surely a $1,000+ repair

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  Windstar taxi - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By taxi owner - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought van 03/09 $2100 135K miles. Transmission already been replaced with the used 90k miles. at 150K replaced alternator from 06 Mustang (better amps and fits fine) $60 used. Oil change every 4K (supertech 10w30) It is a daily driven 150-500 miles as a taxi. Have engine light on and brake+abs light comes on sometimes. The interior lights blinking usually when humid. I have replaced drivers window regulator ($35 used). Rear windows dont open all the times. Replaced air filter with a "cool blue air filter" for better gas mileage $28 eBay. Installed HID xhenon light kit for better vision an night time $35 ebay. Replaced spark plugs. Got a NGK platinums. Now got 184,581, Ill drive till 300K

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  Water in trans twice - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By tiger - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Title says it all new tires at 22,000 miles water in trans at 28,000 miles ign coil out at 29,500 oh water in trans again at 34,850 miles now sitting there till I get 2800 bucks and Im on disability so 5 years I get it fixed bad on gas to hope another Katrina doesnt come

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  Premature Clutch Failure - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Threeer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  With only four years on the car and 100k on the odometer, the clutch has already failed on this car. I am very disappointed, to say the least. The Fusion has been a relatively decent car up until now, and I am left wondering if this is the start of the decline of the reliability of this vehicle. Otherwise, its been a decent performer, and I do like the 6 CD change, the steering mounted controls and the sunroof. This was one of the few midsized sedans I could find with a manual transmission, and now Im wondering how smart that purchase was.

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  Great Performance, Great Value - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Grabber Blue 5.0 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  In a word: Awesome. This is my 3rd late model Mustang, and the new 5.0 engine is tops. Combined with the 6 speed manual, 3:73 gears, and Brembo brakes, it performs well beyond my capabilities. However, there are issues due to Govnmt regulations. One, if you shift softly, it will force you from 1st to 4th. Thanks, EPA. It lugs way to much when this happens, and I will soon tear into and disconnect this. Second, why all the electronics? I dont want power windows, Sirus radio, TPS, and all the other gadgets that are standard. Just want pure performance, less weight, and raw power. Otherwise, an awesome machine for sure.

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  My first v6 mustang oh geez! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By NARL3YCHARLIE - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my mustang a year ago as my first car. I gave it a cold air intake as well as the Flowmasters exhaust to give a fine tuned sound. And it sounds great. But this 150 hp car one day fell apart on me. The odometer stopped, it began leaking. Well Everything, it began overheating and timing was off and on top of that later a super duty 4x4 dodge managed to drive up the back of my car at a stop light. Being I fixed only the damages and heating problem this car chugs along showing no weaknesses in this southern Arizona desert heat. If I were to describe this model I would tell you this is a real trooper.

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  Who said flames make you go faster - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Taylor - September 30 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus SE caught fire at 290,000 km on the highway. These cars are not great I suggest finding something else.