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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  Ford lost another customer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bgdbooboo - June 6 - 11:52 am

  I purchased this SUV with 60.000 miles on it. Within 1 year the rear differential died, ac compressor, transmission rebuilt, wheel bearings, ball joints, brakes on all 4 corners. Multiple other maint items. All that said the transmission is shot again and the rear is whining and chattering again. Im a single parent of two. One of which is handicapped. I cannot afford any of these repairs anymore and will never buy another explorer.

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  Interior doesnt make up for bad drive - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Relyat08 - June 6 - 9:21 am

  Straight off the lot I realized I had made a mistake. I had hoped Ford could pull off a good car, just this once, but instead I drove off in a lemon. Ever since the purchase I have gotten awful gas mileage, slow and sluggish acceleration, poor handling and all in all a horrible drive. I am sure that a properly made Focus would be fine but mine is constantly having problems. Most recently my sync just stopped working randomly in the middle of a song and switched to AM radio. I never touched a thing. I cringe at the gas station when I get 20 MPG! While driving conservatively. If I was flooring it everywhere I would understand, but I am barely keeping up with traffic and this is what I get.

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  why buy junk? - 2009 Ford Focus
  By tomboy17603 - June 5 - 10:30 pm

  I had my car 1 year now and really enjoy it. While no speed demon it has decent power. My car has just what you need power Windows, locks, a/c and Sirius satellite radio, never had it before now cant do without it. Trunk is plenty large, i do maintenance work and can fit all my tools in trunk. The main reason I got car is gas mileage, I can do 60 mph with no air and get upper 40s mpg. Yes it is mostly flat drive. I am a larger person and I am comfy in car. For a factory stereo it is really good. Overall I would recommend car to anyone.

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  Transmission failure at 91,000 miles - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By maria - June 5 - 2:50 pm

  The car was fine, even my kids loved driving it but the transmission failed even with good maintenance. Im disappointed. Our temp gauge failed during the 2nd year of use.

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  A disappointment - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By EdC - June 4 - 10:19 pm

  This SUV was the first vehicle I got to drive as soon as I received my license. Once I did receive it, I got to see all the problems that accompanied it. In 8 years, we had to replace the transmission 3 times. There was an incredible amount of body roll at speeds above 55 mph (that made it feel dangerous on the highway), and the suspension had a horrendous squeak whenever the wheels drove over anything. Gas mileage was terrible with the weak V6. However, regardless of all its faults, I got very close to this car and was sad to finally see it go when we discarded it through the Cash for Clunkers program.

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  I love this truck! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By builtfordtough78 - June 4 - 7:02 pm

  Second Explorer Ive owned and by far the better of the two. Had an 2004 v-8 SSV (special services vehicle) police package that we bought used. Loved the big police interceptor, but the 2007 V- 6 feels just as strong. love the power pedal adjuster ( so all the wife has to do is press the button and move the pedals instead of moving my seat and forgetting to put it back) love where they moved the 4wd buttons instead of where they were by the radio and I love the positioning of the gear shifter. Overall A+++ job Ford.

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  Good car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Rick - June 4 - 3:35 pm

  Have put 30,000 miles since buying it used. This is a well built car comfortable for 5. We get 29-30 mpg on the the road_21-22 in the city. No problems at all. However I wouldnt expect any with 47,000 miles. All in all am very satisfied

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  Fueling issues - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By RYLANDT2003 - June 4 - 3:28 pm

  From day one that I purchased my new 2007 mustang I have not been able to fill up the tank. I have taken it to the dealership over 5 times for this issue and get no where. I have had 3 gas tanks and other parts replaced and it is still not fixed. Now they bent the fuel hose, haha, and want me to drive until on (E) and then bring it back for them to refuel. This is a major issues on this year and my car has the new tank design on it. I keep getting the run around as everyone else. This was my first new purchase and I will never again purchase a ford of any make or model.

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  very good, I love it! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By valeria - June 4 - 8:58 am

  I just love this car, always had a big car as, Navigator, Suburban, Avalanche, but Im very happy with is one.

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  Greatest Car In Terms of Value - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Simon - June 3 - 11:54 pm

  This car is absolutely astonishing. Sync is awesome, the performance is great, there is nothing lacking in this car. On Motor Trend this car posts 0-60 runs of 5.1 seconds, on par with the 2010 mustang gt. Also the lateral acceleration is 0.97g, better than the current M3. This package all for under 30,000 is equivalent to the bargain of the century.