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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  Do not buy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By marvnjenn - September 26 - 2:00 am

  You know I am American and always felt the need to buy an American car. Well this is one of the worst cars I have owned. I noticed after my warranty ran out that the paint on the trim in the wheel wells chipped and was rusting. The dealership told me it was from rocks hitting my car. I looked on their lot and there where 4 of the same trucks with the same issue. All of the 2008 are rusting and I will NEVER but American again. I have had other issues but if you are still under warranty check for rusting and they will fix it otherwise you are out of luck. Mariners owners this goes for you as well.

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  The Truth About My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By filmtrain - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The Fiesta is as you have no doubt read, fun to drive. It loves to turn and go around corners and I have had no trouble weaving in and out of Chicago traffic. If you have had SYNC before, you know its quirks, that is all Ill say about that. The stereo is fantastic, much better than the SONY system in my Fusion. The hatch allows you to shove a lot in and the back seats are big enough for smaller people. Many people have written about how quiet the car is, this is not true. The road noise inside this car is tremendously loud, my convertible was quieter with the top down than this thing. If the road noise does not ruin it for you the seats will, they are the worst part of the car.

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  Auto transmission blows! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dmdavis - September 26 - 2:00 am

  As mentioned by many others, the automatic transmission on this car is horrible! Why cant these manufacturers leave well enough alone? The 6 speed doesnt provide any better gas mileage and makes the overall driving experience wretched. It hasnt left me stranded yet, but I expect that it will before too long. I like pretty much everything else about the car, although there are some "basics" (outside temp., auto headlights, etc.) that are missing. Will not buy again unless trans problems are fixed.

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  Garbage - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bg - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Had 13k miles on it and was 5 y/o when purchased. Thought the proverbial little old lady must have owned it. How mistaken I was. A/c out 6 months later. Cooling system problems, electrical problems, bearing problems, fuel pump, door panels rattle (this will drive you slowly insane), brake problems, motor mounts all replaced, transmission mounts. Need I say more?

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  If bought a rebuilt in an Emergency. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By TheNIGHTCRAWLER - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car on the spot. A mechanic rebuilt this wrecked car for his wife. I bought it from him as he was moving into the soccer mom SUB stage of life. He replaced the ignition and suspension and life is good. I would have bought this car whether or not anybody signed off on it. They did. Bare bones and gets me where I have to go dependably. This works for me. Note: Its an automatic. the green button under the shifter turns off the overdrive. The child safety locks on the rear doors still confuse me. No children. Anti-theft key is nice. I like to date. Basic car is a keeper.

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  Oh My 2004 - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By MWOhio - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with just only 11 miles. Ive only had to do regular maintenance for her. Ive traveled from state to state and no problems. Shes paid off now and I want to upgrade/customize her. I looked into buying a new Taurus, but Id rather alter the current one I have and be payment free. I love this car.

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  Poor quality - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By riches - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Picked up new 2011 Mustang on 9-21-10. Next day car started skipping, smoking and stalling. Took it back to dealership where it has been ever since. Waiting on a new PCM, maybe next week.

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  I really like my new 2011 Focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By zoom - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2011 Ford Focus S A/T. I am very pleased with everything. The paint is perfect. It drives well and has great performance. At 100 MPH it holds the road well. The Chinese tires have road noise and the hubcaps are cheap looking and rattle so they will be replaced. I really like the interior, four speaker c/d- mp3- radio, A/C and the overdrive lockout. I would recommend cruise control as the car is responsive and hard to hold an exact speed on trips. I have averaged 38 MPG for the first 1000 miles of mixed driving. I would recommend this car to anyone. I bought it now as the 2012 Focus will be a turbo which will reduce its long term durability. GOOD JOB FORD!

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  Fun and fast - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By CKL - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I moved to the US recently from Europe, and the first thing I did was to buy a 2007 dark red Mustang. 6 month down the road, its still the car of my (and my husbands) dreams. Lots of personality. Easy managed. Having read some of the reviews on this site, its clear that not everyone was aware what they were in for when they got this car. So heres the deal: This is not a family car, and if the driver is tall, there is zero room for ANY size of passenger in the back. But I mean - its a Mustang! Its not built to be practical or to take the whole family, dog, etc. for a spin in. Its build to give its owner (and the side passenger) a joy ride. And that this car 100% delivers on.

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  A Winner from Ford - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Chuck01 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a real fun car. We have the automatic which is a gem. Gear shifts are seamless and the grade assist is really neat. Telescopic steering wheel allows me to get really comfortable. Ford has a winner here.