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:

• 

  Love it but room for improvement - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By roy - July 4 - 6:31 am

  Great car - quiet at all speeds as long as Windows and sunroof closed. Not a good car for Windows down driving at highway speeds. Great gas mileage (had an explorer before). I get 30 mpg on highway at 70 mph w/ Cruise and low 20s in town. Strong engine but exhaust too muted - looking for aftermarket. Wish it was a manual stick. Interior is very nice - love SYNC and Sony sound system. Seats could be more comfortable but decent. Lots of people like the looks of the car.

• 

  I would definetly buy again - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By srpieman - July 3 - 11:14 pm

  We had 2009 Fusion that was a good start, very comfortable and never had an issue. Very good gas mileage, 24 mpg most of the time city driving and almost always 34-35 mpg free way. My wife decided got upgrade though. The Sync system was the main reason, which she loves and I like the usb port to play my music. They also upgraded the suspension so handles even better. Again great gas mileage. Went Oregon last fall and averaged 36 mpg on I5. Filled up in Santa Rosa, CA before we left and made it to Klamath Falls, OR and still had quarter tank left. As for comfort, I am 63 and is one the most comfortable rides I had. Many positions for seat, lumbar support and steering wheel is adjustable.

• 

  Never One Regret - 2006 Ford Focus
  By nursesrock - July 3 - 10:19 pm

  I bought my 06 SE Sedan in 8/06. I have never regretted the purchase for one moment. Im probably going to trade it tomorrow, knowing its resale value is worth well more than what I owe. Its a good feeling knowing Ford builds cars like the Focus. Im done with Japanese products. The Focus has been an awesome, reliable car, and Ive had nothing but compliment feedback from observers and guests. High marks, Ford is only getting better.

• 

  Great Car! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Missy - July 3 - 7:23 pm

  I LOVE this car! I have had tons of comments on how beautiful it is! Its fun to drive and I love all the extras! I have blind-spot controls, back-up sensors, heated/cooled/massaging seats, automatic bright/dimmer head lights and automatic cruise control! Its a very SMART car! Great fuel economy! Its all wheel drive and did fantastic this winter! I live in Wyoming and we have some crazy winter weather so thats saying a lot! Overall I love the car!

• 

  Good simple truck,redux - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - July 3 - 5:34 pm

  Still love the little thing after one short year. I had to beef up the rear springs to handle the landscaping equipment I haul around. The am/FM radio seems to have a mind of its own. Moves off the line like an ice flow. Do not buy a ranger unless you want one.

• 

  Poor Transmission Life Expectancy - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Pete - July 2 - 5:58 pm

  I bought this car with 44,600 mi on it. At 77,000 MI The transmission failed completely (Trans fluid not burned or discolored) and without any warning. I was driving at a steady 45 MPH and when I stepped on the gas the engine rpm increased, but the car didnt accelerate. After coasting to the side of the road, I found that the car wouldnt move in any gear. I spent $2400.00 on towing, and a trans rebuild. I am not impressed with this car. It reminds me of the junk GM built in the 70s. The trans shop reported that the splines were stripped from the main shaft. Also, the gas gauge only works sometimes. My 93 Pontiac Transport has 294,100 MI and no major repairs ever needed. (still runs well).

• 

  Fox on the Run - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By reefblue - July 2 - 2:33 pm

  I bought the car in 97 in stock/unmolested condition. When I bought the car I intended to leave it stock, but like so many others, that approach didnt last long. Started with aftermarket exhaust, gears, pulleys, and progressively replaced the intake, cam, heads, and then a supercharger. Despite being heavily modified, the car has been quite reliable and beau coup fun. I left the exterior stock [ extreme sleeper ] and the car came fully loaded, save cd player. The color is reef blue, a one time hue that is beautiful. The car has become automotive history and is criminally fast.

• 

  Excellent Value for American Muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Charles Starks - July 2 - 9:22 am

  This is the best car Ive owned! No one single mechanical problem after 5+ plus years of ownership. I had the opportunity to run this monster on the German autobahn at speeds in excess of 140 mph with the top down. What an experience. Buy one, you will not be disappointed. Great job on this one Ford!

• 

  Another Great Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By DeJer - July 2 - 8:13 am

  I have had 4 Explorers and a couple F-150s and this is the best yet. Great leg room, great styling. I got the 3 valve 4.6L and it pulls my 32 Travel Trailer (7700 lbs) no problem. Gas mileage has been averaging 19.4 with my first 10k miles. I agree with others: bed liner should be standard and a driver grab handle would be nice. Overall I would not change much. Not impressed with Southwest Ford in Weatherford,Tx., go somewhere else. I got the XLT, should have looked at Lariat, but overall a great truck with good looks and excellent mileage for a pick up. You cant go wrong.

• 

  Radiator broke again - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Adam - July 2 - 2:04 am

  I bought the explorer with about 17,000 miles 3 years ago. At approximately 34,000 miles the radiator sprung a leak. While the dealer was fixing the leak they broke 2 instrument clusters. Just this week the radiator started leaking again. The dealership stated it would be at least $1,000.00 to fix it. After complaining to the dealership they said they will help with some of the costs. Ford needs to step up and do something about this radiator problem. I am a huge Ford fan and I have owned numerous ford vehicles, but this is the most disappointed I have been with a Ford vehicle.