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:

• 

  Same problem for 4 years now - 2004 Ford Escape
  By james - October 29 - 1:59 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. It has a low maintenence record. I have had a intermittent problem since I have owned it. I am the only owner of this vehicle. It has occasionally shut off when shifting to reverse from another gear. It occasionally shuts off while driving down the road. It starts back up when you restart it. It did this under warranty. It first did it 3 days after owning it. The dealership has never diagnosed the problem. This is a major safety issue which is making me question Fords quality control and service practices. No need to buy an extended warranty with this one. They cannot fix it while its under factory warranty. Fun to drive when it does not do this.

• 

  I was surprised how great it is. - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mack - October 27 - 11:05 am

  I was a little hesitant to lease an American car but to my surprise the Edge exceeded my expectations. I looked at the Murano and the Pacifica among other but the Edge seemed to beat them all. The handling is great and it is fun to drive. The backseat is very spacious and there is plenty of storage room in the rear.

• 

  Not a bad compact car! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jtc - October 26 - 2:34 pm

  Not that the power shift transmission is not a Automatic, it is a manual with automatic shifting. Overall a good little ride for the money. I like the sportier look the 2016 with the Se appearance package has.

• 

  F150 4-Dr SuperCrew Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 4-Dr SuperCrew Laria - October 24 - 6:16 pm

  Whilst the F150 looks great, the vehicle has experienced problems with the steering wheel "shimmy" at 65- 70mph. Also the electrical componemnt that controls the a/c, heated seats have failed?

• 

  Gas Guzzling Monster! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ablosrosarito - October 23 - 8:40 pm

  Very great truck. Youd think by 2001 the 3.0 would be DOHC not an inneficient OHV but oh well. Goes through a gas tank very easily which is not good. The 4x4 system is very good, it has gotten me through sand and mud with no problems. Engine electronics are sealed well, I can wash engine without triggering CEL. Cabin is very quiet and comfy. Maintenance costs are very low and there are still no leaks after 150,000 miles.

• 

  2007 Ford Taurus SEL - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By ak937 - October 23 - 8:19 am

  I had a 2003 Ford Taurus SE before which was a very good car. I had the car until October 2007 when a crash on the interstate totalled it. The incident on the highway tested a few things on the car, like braking, handling and safety. It is a very safe car. The 08 version is the safest in American, if you havent seen the commericial. The Taurus has been criticized for it looks but Id much rather crash in an ugly American car then a cheap Japanese one. I liked the car so much, I have now bought the 2007 model in SEL, which is quite similar apart from a few minor improvements on the looks and has leather seats, air con, etc.

• 

  Not Bad - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By TXGuy - October 21 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my XLT for 2.5 years. It has 41,000 miles on it. Nothing mechanical has broke down. The leather seats were replaced at 34,000 miles due to excessive cracking..no questions asked by Ford. The original Michelin tires had to be replaced at 30,000 miles. It has been a good car. There is a weird vibraton noise under the drivers seat. I have not had any other issues...handles like an SUV, but still a good contender for the mid- size SUV buyer. I might consider the Toyota 4Runner next time simply because it keeps its value better.

• 

  Uncomfortable on long drives - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By lektrik - October 21 - 8:13 am

  Overall the Fusion is a very good car with state of the art technology. Ive gotten 52 mpg around town and 41mpg on the highway wile driving within the speed limit. When I drive faster, as I normally do the average is 35mpg. I sold a 2003 Taurus to purchase the Fusion and that car was much more comfortable on the highway than the Fusion and got 27.5mpg. Overall I have mixed emotions about the Fusion. A highy touring car its not, A city or suburban fuel champ for its size it is!! Overall, if highway driving is your major miles I would opt for something like the new Taurus. If running errands aroud town and stop and go traffic is your day than the Fusion is an excellent choice!

• 

  hoping for the best - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nappy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer sport used about a month ago. Its beautiful, it has every option available, i love the sun roof leather, and the strong motor. ive out almost 1500 miles on it in that time cuz i cant stop driving it ill drive it just to kill time. But i am a little nervouse have noticed a few minor prob.s one it hesitates on some shifts, and jerks into others not all the time but sometimes. And once it did not want to start in the morning, but it was cold so who knows.

• 

  Bullitt #416 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By fastback - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Most people are unaware that there even is such a vehicle, and if they are aware most still dont "get it." Well I got it, I "get it" and I love it. No its not a Cobra but it handles superbly, it looks and sounds great. Its not necessarily a performance statement but more of an era statement. The subtle, no spoiler, no stripes, no unnecessary frills looks are excellent.