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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  Stay away! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ihateford - July 15 - 10:07 pm

  This car put my through hell! First everything was fine, then back right window broke, it would shake uncontrollably, it would stop for no apparent reason, and overall money it was not worth it!

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  Nice Ford Vehicle - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By glett - July 15 - 7:44 pm

  We purchased at 115,000 miles and sold it at 185,000 miles. Solid reliable vehicle mechanically. No major mechanical issues! Little things went wrong like drivers side auto window, electrical issues with factory radio/cd player. However, it always started in cold, never leaked fluids and maintained the V6 power and 4-wheel drive.

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  OMG - And I thought that it was just me - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Christina - July 15 - 6:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 Ford Explorer brand new off of the lot in Sept 06. Around 38K miles I had a radiator leak. I called Ford corporate and to no avail they would not negotiate with me on the radiator since it was out of the 30K warranty. Several months later while attempting to get out of my driveway, the gearshift was stuck in park. After an hour I was able to get it, but after that the transmission would shift horribly from Park into reverse. I took it to the dealer and told them that it had to be because of the sticking gearshift (that was recalled) only to be told that that transmission needed to be partially replaced. Im at 68K miles and I refuse to replace the transmission on a 3.5 year old car.

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  Energizer ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By rich - July 15 - 12:47 pm

  Excellent running truck. Im the 3rd owner of this truck. Currently it has 185,000 miles with just regular maint. I work for nys dot and the truck gets me to work in the worst snowstorms with summer tires. I do agree the fuel mileage does stink 18 mpg.

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  PonyPkgV6Premium - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Pres. - July 15 - 8:25 am

  Except for gas mileage, this is about as much fun as Ive ever had driving an automobile. I dont refueling as I only get 20-22 mpg. I did slightly modify the dash panel as the chrome rings around the gauges made the instruments hard to read in some sunlight conditions. The Pony Package suspension with cold air intake and DynaFlow duals make driving country roads near my home a blast!

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  Rockin Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Erik - July 15 - 3:38 am

  What a great and amazing car! I pretty much drive for a living (I drive close to 80K miles every year). When I bought this car it was down to the Acura TL and this Fusion Sport and the bang for the buck was in the end unbeatable. I was really worried if the car would have the fun to drive factor in the twisties and retain the comfort over long hauls. Ive made both of those trips dozens of times so far (Longest trip was 2500 miles in 9 days) and this car is brilliant. No regrets about not buying the acura I have nearly 45k trouble free miles! Will buy another one for sure.

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  Great, Fun Car for the Price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By damjp - July 14 - 8:38 pm

  I purchased my car used with 50,000 miles on it, and have been extremely pleased. It was a former rental car so I knew it may have a few kinks, but the only issues with it are a few dings in the paint and the door creaks after blowing fully open in a wind storm. It rides excellent for mid- size car, and is very fun to drive. The V6 has great acceleration at speed to pass. Gas mileage has also been very good with > 28 highway and my normal country/highway mileage of 25 mpg. The seat comfort is good and I am very comfortable at 63". I get a little uncomfortable with the car seats in the back. Large trunk space lends to a good car for longer trips with kids. Very satisfied.

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  Graetly Disappointed in FORD - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By RYTYJAY - July 14 - 6:08 pm

  I purchased the truck brand new, I brought the truck in for Recall (shift Plate) very difficult to shift, I told them I was having a hard shift jolt when putting it in reverse like being rearended. They told me they couldnt find the problem, they put in a new PCM. (new computer) after the new PCM they stated there still was no answers for the transmission problem. I asked if it had anything to do with the recall they said no! I didnt understand how they could say that if they didnt know what the problem was? anyway they asked if they could pull the transmission for $600 and then they would call me and let me know what damage needed to be repaired. I declined to pay $600 for a diagnostic.

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Dee - July 14 - 12:49 pm

  This vehicle within a 2 years of owning this SUV I have replaced transmission twice. Buyer beware.

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  This car ROCKS! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Zac - July 14 - 3:33 am

  This car can haul man. 4.6 L v8 230 hp with 290 ft/lbs of torque plus the 15 extra hp from the flowmaster