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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  No More Fords For Me - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shirley Howard - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Freestyle when they first hit the showroom, I had been watching them when they first started showing them on their website. I really did like this SUV, It just rolled over to 100,000 miles a week ago. I was planning on driving this for a long time. Then the transmission started messing up and would not change out of low, the tech was going crazy. The dealership informed us it needed a new transmission at the tune of $5910 out the door. Thats about what the thing is worth. I have bought my last Ford and Ive had several. I would not advise anyone to buy a Ford because they are nothing but junk and they wont stand behind them. Now I know why they only made them for 3 years.

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  Good overall SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Gearz - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Explorer for about half a year now and am impressed. It has 122,000 miles on it, the engine doesnt leak, no wear on seats/plastic pieces, and still goes straight down the road. Like with any vehicle if it is taken care of from new, you will not have many problems. Mine is like new after 122,000 miles!

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  zx2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mike - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this little car since I purchased it new in 1998. It has been a fun and economical. I have never had issues until the car reached over 200k. Then things started to break, typical stuff alternator, rear wheel cylinders, struts, just recently the fuel pump. The a/c works some times. Heck what do expect from a car with nearly 300k

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  What a car! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Dusty - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Run, dont walk to your Ford Dealer! This car ROCKS! I love this car! I have owned many muscle cars over the years and loved them all however this one is not only muscle cool but it is very modern cool!

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  Do not buy! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By rollysoc - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought March 2010. A month later developed chirping noise when accelerating from a stop. Ford said part of the AWD sensing system, could/ would not be fixed. In July, began to have starting problems (wouldnt turn over then would), took to dealer and they couldnt recreate trouble. 8/16/10 Wouldnt start and then did. Called dealer scheduled to bring in on 8/17/10. 8/17/10 It wouldnt start, towed to dealer. Reported to be a Process Control Unit (the brain). Picked up from dealer on 9/7/10 and on 9/9/10 it wouldnt start again. Towed to dealer again. 9/16/10 Traded in and bought another car, NOT a Ford. Dealer was great willing to work with me, Ford wouldnt. Found On Road Dead, so true.

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  Reliable attractive commuter car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Zowie - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Own V6 5spd for 6+ years and drive it daily. I am over 40 and have driven a wide variety of company vehicles. Ive only owned GMs and Fords, with models years dating from 1970 to 2003. This has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. The only thing that broke (excluding normal maintenance stuff) during the first 120k was the power seat switch. After 120K, I started having lots of problems with the rear. But engine, electronics, AC, interior are still good. In snow: HORRIBLE wheel spin. Gets stuck very easily and cant climb inclines most cars handle with ease. But steering and braking control is ok for this type of car.

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  fordmamma - 2002 Ford Escape
  By smoochypoochy - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Escape new in sept of 02. previously owned a 95 escort wagon (5 speed) with over 200,000 miles on it. just wanted a 4x4 for my commute in the snow. Wow! great little car in snow. handles well. Too bad it now has over 250,000 miles on it. looking for another manual Ford transmission. They seem to never give up. 4 cylinder engines lacks power, but didnt buy it for that. Only had oil changes and fluid changes. Totally recommend Fords. Just test drove a 97 toyota Avalon, not impressed. STICK WITH AMERICAN

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  First new vehicle - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By sqwash53 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  After years of vowing to never buy a new car I decided it was time. Has close to 6000 miles on it with no issues. I live in Germany so its a monster over here but has no problem in the snowy winter here. Plenty of room for our 4 daughters and the sync is priceless. Drove it to Rome and was comfortable during the long drive. Just wish it got better MPG and had the option to get leather heated seats with the AWD. I love the exterior style (I hate cross overs)and the silver paint with black trim and 20" wheels complete the package. Id buy it all over again.

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  I only buy Fords - 2004 Ford F-150
  By OBX - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought my STX 01/2010 with 28,000 miles. Like the body style. Very comfortable ride. Still like new. The only issue I have is that it shimmies when I put brakes on at > 45 MPH. Guess Ill get rotors replaced.

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  Excellent car - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By mary b - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Cant believe the engine still purrs. Doesnt use oil. Very cheap to fix. The front wheel bearing just went out but would love to fix. Hate to give it up yet very dependable.