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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  Only a few minior issues - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By DLJ - June 11 - 7:13 pm

  I drive very little (about 5k miles per year), but when I do i like to wring it out around town, on the highway, and twisty back-country roads. This car handles them all very well. Havent had any real issues, and have kept up with scheduled maintenance. I did have a transmission pan leak which was repaired by a dealer a few months later it was leaking again and the dealer fixed it again (free as was still under warr. then). I have an extended warranty for peace of mind but dont anticipate needing it. There has always been a little squeak near the gauge cluster, which I meant to get fixed but it hasnt bothered me enough to do so.

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  Transmission problems too soon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jeanne - June 11 - 12:25 pm

  I bought my Ford Escape new and enjoyed it for several years without a problem other then usual maintenance. Then at 84,000 miles the transmission went out and cost me $2400 to replace and one month later it died on the freeway, towed again, the pcv tube rotted $585. Not reliable after that. The car shakes unexpectedly and then goes away, sun roof locks up, noises underneath among other things. Should have gone more then 84,000 before replacing a transmission. Would not buy another one. Currently have 113,000 on it and looking to replace it before winter weather.

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  Never Buy Ford! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Shannon - June 10 - 10:07 pm

  I had my vehicle in the shop within a month. After multiple visits and attempts to fix the problem Ford Corporate said my noise "was a characteristic of some Escape and Mariner models," "there are things to be done to temporarily fix the issue but it will continue to be an annoyance for the customer." Reference Special Service Number 21233 (if you can find it). Ford cannot fix problem and will not replace the vehicle. My Ford is now a very expensive POS. If you happen to buy the Lemon on the lot, be ready for a huge headache.

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  Smooth Transmission - 2010 Ford F-150
  By dwr - June 10 - 6:20 pm

  I actually got an XLT with the 6.5 bed. One of the reasons I went with the 2010 was the 6spd transmission. I am glad I went with a new one over a 2yr old used one that I was looking at. You dont notice when the 6 spd upshifts even two gears. Very smooth. The cabin of the 10 is very large and you can fit three adults in back without any problems. The XLT models can be dressed up quite nicely without going all the way to a Lariat, I didnt care if I had leather or not so for me the XLT was fine. The upgraded Capt. chairs are very comfortable. The 5.4 should have enough power to tow what I want and the 6.5 bed will meet my needs.

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  254,000+ Miles and its still going! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Not a Ford Guy - June 10 - 2:19 pm

  We bought our 1997 Expedition XLT 4x4 in 2000 with about 100K miles already on it. I was leery because the first year Exped had already developed a notorious reliability reputation, but the price was so good I couldnt resist. At the time it was a good looking truck (and still isnt bad, after all these years) and gas was "cheap." Well, weve broken 250K miles and have only sunk about $2500 in 10 years into actual repairs, not including "consumables" of course. The small 4.6 L V8, which underpowered for such a large vehicle, still holds its own and still gets 14+ MPG in mixed driving -- and EVERYTHING still works (all electrical, power, transmission, 4WD, etc)! Color me impressed!

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  Not My First Choice - 2010 Ford Focus
  By BlueFlame2010 - June 10 - 11:24 am

  My 2002 Focus ZX3 was dying, so I went shopping for a new coupe. The Kia Forte Koup was on top of my list. Great price/quality, but the seat bottoms were too short for my 67" height. Walked next door to try a Honda Civic Coupe, found exactly the same problem with the seat cushions. Nearby Ford dealer convinced me to buy my Focus after a short test drive. I am still amazed at how quiet this car is, compared to my Focus ZX3. Handling is nearly the same, although car seems taller.

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  Too many problems for new car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jrcepek - June 10 - 12:14 am

  We have had our Ford Fusion for year and have had it towed twice. First time, engine wouldnt turn over second time, engine turned, but immediately stalled and couldnt continue. Both covered under warranty, but when you are used to trouble-free Camrys, tough to swallow. Also, dealer sold us new car with repaired tire that eventually went flat and necessitated purchasing a brand new tire. We are awaiting a replacement check.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Keith - June 9 - 9:02 pm

  Great Car! Bought used with 24,000 miles on it, now have 105,000 and had only minor issues. Pretty comfortable, great gas mileage, 2.3 delivers good power too. Only issue I have is that it doesnt do all that great in the snow.

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  Triton engine problems - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Jim - June 9 - 3:35 pm

  This is our 3rd Expedition and the first we have had problems with despite essentially the same engine. The vehicle has had an intermittent misfire for at least 2 years. Has not shown up on computer until this week when engine light finally came on. Coil on plug on cylinder #4 was faulty. After a check of the internet, I find this is a common problem which was confirmed by my dealers service department. Ford refuses to acknowledge this is a problem with this engine. Big decision now is whether to sell it or keep it and risk a multi-thousand dollar repair bill sometime in the future. No more Expeditions for us which is a shame because we like it a lot more than GM or other products.

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  A Superb vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Danavan - June 9 - 11:23 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Just fun to drive and superb looking.