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:

• 

  Lemon Amongst Apples - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Gayle - July 30 - 10:51 pm

  Bought the Edge after owning a Tahoe, what a difference in gas mileage. I like the SUV but I got a lemon. I have talked to multiple Edge owners and none have had my problems.This truck has major problems with the brakes I have brought it in multiple times to have them looked at for excessive pulsing in the brakes and it is still pulsing worst than ever. There is also a major smell in the cabin of oil burning. I brought the SUV in for that also but was told it was a bag in the manifold, that was 2 years ago and the smell still comes and goes. Well I guess its a good thing I leased the SUV. I know many Edges owners and they love it. Fr me I couldnt buy another one due to the experience I had.

• 

  192,000 miles and still strong - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Texas Pete - July 30 - 9:32 pm

  I bought this car new in 02 at a dealership where I worked as a tech. I have put 192k miles on this car with regular maintenance and a few performance tweaks. I still get 25 mpg with a 3.73 rear end gear and a five speed manual. The engine is as strong as when it was new. The only parts that failed outside of normal wear was the 6CD changer (twice) and the brake hydroboost unit which was still under warranty at the time. It has always been a solid, predictable performer. This is a sports car. It rides, handles, and acts like a sports car. It is not a dragster or a luxury boat. Long trips will hurt passengers.

• 

  08 Fusion SEL - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By vilstb - July 30 - 1:22 pm

  Thanks to my in depth review from this exact site I purchased my 08 Fusion in August 2009. I have put 25K on the Fusion since and the car has been flawless. Talk about headache free, sporty style, and great MPG with the 3.0 L. (24-30 hwy/city) Ford has really changed their image and it has definitely changed my mind about there business. Im 25 years old and can genuinely say I believe the new styles are eye catching for my generation. Ford has me hooked!

• 

  Ok for a 1st car but has problems. - 2000 Ford Escort
  By bmoreballer2008 - July 30 - 12:16 pm

  I bought it used with 60k miles on it. It shakes very bad during idle, a lot of electrical problems, wasnt designed very well, battery continues to die for no reason. A good thing is that it is fun to drive when the problems dont overwhelm you.

• 

  Drive/transmission issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Greg - July 30 - 10:29 am

  Just returned from a trip and the O/D light started flashing. All recommendations from Ford service and independents state that a transmission change is required. Very expensive since happened at 106,000 miles. This is on top of just replacing the rear differential bearings,and wheel bearings that Ford service said were bad. All this after the extended warranty was up. The rear differential fix was done 18 months prior the first time while under warranty. Far too many problems with this drive train.

• 

  Pure Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Shelby GT - July 30 - 1:49 am

  I bought my 07 Shelby GT to own a piece of history. Not too often do you come across a serial numbered car offered at 0% for 60 months. I have always wanted a GT Mustang, and this was an opportunity I could not pass up. I took it on a long road trip in the Summer of 08 and put about 1300 miles on it over a period of 2 weeks, and average 24 MPG with the cruise set at 70 MPH. I just love the short throw shifter Shelby put in, as it gives you the best feeling off the line when shifting gears. The exhaust notes are music to the ears when starting or even when romping on the gas. I have no intentions of trying to get my money back by selling at a later date. I will take this to the grave.

• 

  Sizzling and Sexy (BUT not perfect) - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By New Pony Driver - July 29 - 5:24 pm

  The upgrade in (V6) HP is awe- inspiring, but realize the torque is not that of the 2009 V8. Cant believe how nimble this car is. Looks like a muscle car, but drives like a European sports car. Just traded a 2007 Saab 9.3 Areo and notice NO drop off in performance. Camaro performance not up to par here. Interior feels solid & looks GREAT, but I have an issue with the design. Cant imagine why power cords should hang down in front of the dash console, or why I have to rest my arm on my pop bottle, or why I have to spend time pinching power cords through a tiny hole in the console. Be cautious of the 19-31 mpg. My mixed average is 20 mpg. Not perfect, but so sexy and fun to drive.

• 

  Ford Taurus, Bad decision - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By INDYLAC - July 29 - 1:03 pm

  Every Ford Taurus I have ever owned, ( Ive owned three unfortunately) have emission system failure. It is extremely costly. Although you can drive the car until its last legs, it will continue to deteriorate without any hopes of getting it fixed. Every diagnostics is different went attempting to repair it. Sensors, intake valves, exhaust. You name it. The car hesitates and will not go. Not even Ford is able to completely fix this defect and when I Google it nobody else does. If you buy one it might be great for about a year, sell it fast!

• 

  One Year Later - 2009 Ford Escape
  By seancav - July 29 - 9:45 am

  I have now had my 09 Escape for one full year. I am happy to report that I very pleased with it. It has been very reliable and fun to drive. I have spent two months in the mountains with it and have found it to be one tough vehicle. I have to do some trail riding in the mountains and the traction control on the car has taken me to places that I could not have gone without it. I am surprised that some of the recent reviews have given this SUV such a low rating. I love this car. Before this purchase I had only bought cars from Japan. I wanted to spend my dollars in the US. I gave Ford a try and am glad that I did. Do not be afraid to buy this car. Its great!

• 

  Is it really a FORD? - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Mr.Bill - July 29 - 9:03 am

  I had the Taurus for ten months now and have 15,000 miles on it. Im totally shocked that Ford has put out a vehicle of this quality and style. Its never been back to the dealer since I took delivery. Nothing more that oil changes, a tire rotation, and wiper blades. Excellent handling on the highway and a cavernous trunk for cargo. Controls are strategically placed, with the exception of the program buttons for digital displays. Wife complains of rough ride, but shes use to her BMW...and for twice the price it should be better. A great value for the price! I had Acura, Infiniti, Volvo, BMW and other "luxury cars”, for the price the Taurus is heads above the overpriced guys.