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:

• 

  Reliable as a tank - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tdwillis - May 27 - 8:24 am

  We have had this car since it was new and now we have 188k on it and all I have to say it has been super reliable and flawless. The only problem early on were the front sway links, but mechanically our focus has been and still is remarkably reliable. The trans and engine is original and has never been serviced for nothing. We also have never had a check engine light come on and it passes the emissions test every time with flying colors. Our Focus also doesnt burn a drop of oil. I dont know why everyone else has had the problems they have with their Focus but my experience has been very positive. Driving this car 300k miles doesnt seem like a fantasy anymore.

• 

  This is why I drive Fords - 1994 Ford F-250
  By Andy - May 26 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this truck used from my father 12 years ago, he bought it new. I just turned over 330k on it on my way to work today. You just cant beat that. It still can do everything I need it to and still looks and drives great. Dont think I will be in the new truck market for another 12 years or so, maybe longer

• 

  Good value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By AL - May 26 - 6:03 pm

  I just purchased this used with about 35,000 miles on it as a 3 yr. lease return from Enterprise Car Sales. Paid a little over private party value at $13,786 as a "certified" vehicle. No negotiation type dealer. I took the car on a two day road trip and got 29.5 mpg. In town shows 22-24 mpg after 1000 miles of driving. I live in the mountains of Oregon and it handled the road nicely. Looking forward to testing it in winter time driving with the awd. The car shows no signs of rattles or problems and checked out with the inspection report the dealer provided. I was looking at Subarus and this looks like a great alternative at a better price.

• 

  I got a lemon - 2010 Ford Flex
  By camumma - May 26 - 5:22 pm

  Ive had my Flex 5 mo. and it has 4,600 mi on it. Ive had nothing but problems from day one. Its been in the shop 3xs. The speakers do Morse code, the dash board squeaks but most importantly, the transmission slips around 3xs a week. Ive taken it to 2 dealerships and so far they cant duplicate the issues. The turning radius is horrible! I have to do a lot of 3 points when back out of parking spots. The gas mileage stays at 17 mi/hr no matter if Im driving fwys or streets. It did not get better after the "break in" period. There is no access to the 3rd row with 2 car seats. I have to have passengers crawl in from the back. I plan on contacting a lawyer.

• 

  Transmission - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Lawrence - May 26 - 12:55 pm

  I cannot believe my Transmission needs replacement. Yes, I have a lot of miles. That should not make a difference.

• 

  Loaded interior, but a lemon engine - 2010 Ford Focus
  By features, but slow - May 26 - 10:28 am

  I have only owned this for 2 weeks and I love all of the features. SYNC, USB port, Aux, its great. It also looks pretty good on the outside with the gunmetal rims and the tinted lights. Driving though, is awful. The car is hideously slow. My last car was a Honda Civic and it was nothing special but it had no effort performing regular acceleration. My Focus though, seems to struggle to keep up with traffic and it takes a lot of gas just to maintain speed. They claim average MPG around 28, but driving just normally I am getting 24 or worse. I got 14 seconds on my 0-60 run! they claim 8.5. Did I buy a lemon? For a car with only 2800 miles on it, I dont see how it is performing so poorly.

• 

  Totally Happy - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By David Myers - May 26 - 8:48 am

  This is my 8th car and is by far the most enjoyable car ownership experience Ive had. There is absolutely nothing to complain about with the car that I was not aware of when buying it --- the quality of workmanship throughout is excellent, everything is tight and works perfectly. There is only one thing I dislike about the car, and I knew about it upfront -- the solid axle in back and the consequent compromise in handling. That said, I get so much joy out of owning this vehicle, I cant imagine ever selling it. I LOVE IT!

• 

  Dont buy this ever - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Donovan - May 25 - 8:51 pm

  The car is alright. I made mine look awesome. Thats the only reason I like to drive it. Loved it when I got it until the transfer case went out. And the back doors dont open from the inside. Rear end has a problem with become lower than the front struts? Who knows I see a lot of the 95-97 like that.

• 

  My second Taurus - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus2 - May 25 - 7:42 pm

  Bought my 07 Taurus with 72,000 miles. I like my Taurus. Smooth comfortable ride. Roomy inside with high ceiling. Good gas mileage. Beautiful leather interior. Only problem is the radio. Lots of AM static. Dealership cannot figure out problem. My first Taurus had a better stereo system. My 1st Taurus, a 2000, had 209,000 miles when I sold it. Both of my Taurus are very reliable vehicles.

• 

  Escape over Toyota - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Steve - May 25 - 3:53 pm

  As a former Toyota owner I could not be more pleased with my Escape. The last Toyota was a loaded 2008 Camry XLE and the Escape matches or exceeds that car in every way. It is a pleasure to drive and do believe the interior is bad by what you read. Mine is the charcoal color leather and really looks great!