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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  Aero-Star - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Great Van! - May 16 - 9:37 am

  Owner for 15yrs. Runs great! The few minor problems that came up I was able to handle myself. Rear seats have been out for a few years and van is used for cargo,which it does great, the space available for cargo is cavernous.. no other mini can even come close. I will keep this van until it falls apart. Very easy to drive and comfortable also.

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  what a pleasant surprise - 2010 Ford Edge
  By karen - May 15 - 10:10 pm

  performance and design above expectations. i have not received any negative reviews from passengers ub regards to comfort. rave reviews by all in terms of car design (ie. Ford vehicles have raised the bar). i have been stopped by strangers who gave positive feedback and specific comments about the shade of red being better than most and would make them consider purchasing a car of the same shade when usually they would have no interest. overall i love my car and am very satisfied with the purchase.

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  Best truck ever made - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By BB Bronco - May 15 - 8:09 pm

  I have a dark blue 1995 ford bronco i would suggest buying one if you are looking into it.I have never had a problem with this truck.In my eyes broncos are the best all around trucks All you need to make the exterior look amazing is a set of american racing wheels.It is amazingly safe.I got hit on my drivers side by some drunk guy.My truck did a full roll and landed on the drivers side, ofcourse it was a little banged up but I wasnt.We were able to get the truck flipped upright and it started right up a couple scratches and a small dent is all that happened that was about a year ago and still it is fine. if you can find another car tht can do tht let me no.I love this truck more thn my wife

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  2008 Ford Focus SE - Nightmare Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By stargold6480 - May 15 - 6:57 pm

  Bought this heap of junk new. Transmission problems started in February. I have 28,000 miles and it wont stay aligned, eats tires, brakes and rotors. Under warranty, but dealer doesnt want to fix it. Dealer replaced it with a worn-out one from a wreck. Now its having transmission problems again. Wanted to take it on a trip this morning, wrench light came on and car hesitated and shifted really hard into gear. Were getting another car and saying forget this one. Worst car Ive ever owned. Never again!

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  very dependable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Craig - May 15 - 12:43 pm

  vehicle has 72,000 miles on it and Ive only replaced the tires and rear brakes...this SUV has been good to me but, then again, I dont drive like a maniac and change the oil every 4,000 miles.

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  Good but way overpriced - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Working Stiff - May 15 - 10:23 am

  Overall I think this is a good vehicle, good dealer service etc, but way over priced for what you get for 50k. The heated seats took 10 minutes to warm up and only when you sat in them, note:Chev and BMW roasted my seat in under 5 mins. The heat controls didnt switch properly. The air intake cover never stayed down. The brake rotors were grooved by 20k- w/o towing anything. The sunroof/air hummed major when opened all the way. Mileage is bad.. best ever was 18- when babied.. the trip comp was very optimistic. Really, other than the high cost of fuel, it looks great (20" rims)and was enjoyable to drive and handles our winter climate/pothole infested roads well. Nicely styled and classy too.

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  22,500 miles and still amazed - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bo - May 14 - 9:54 pm

  Why buy a Focus? Check out these numbers: MSRP $19.8K. Price paid $16.5K. Total maintenance cost after 22.5K miles just $140 (3 oil changes/tire rotation, sync upgrade, removed a nail from one tire). Respectable lifetime actual mileage 30.6 MPG mixed driving (computer says 31.7 MPG). Excel. fit & finish, still looks showroom new. Comfortable seats. Very good handling with 17 in Kumo tires on dry roads, but they arent good in rain/snow. Feels substantial, not tinny. Outstanding sound insulation for wind and engine noise, but average road noise. Looks are distinctive, but appears a little tall for the width of its track. A great commuter that I really enjoy driving. Definitely consider it.

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  Blown engine after 62000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Eugene - May 14 - 6:48 pm

  Engine hydro-locked after a fuel injector failed. Hidden recall, they fix it only if you have the problem. Next, fell victime to Ford TSB 06-19- 8, noisy phasers. Now the engin blew. This is no more than a family wagon. Never towed anything in its very short life. FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily. I am/was a long-time Ford owner..... NEVER AGAIN!

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  So far so Good - 2009 Ford Escape
  By edog - May 14 - 6:44 pm

  Most of my drving is to and from work. Feels solid. No rattles, Tough seeing through rear window when backing up. Chrome Rimms are a waste of money and very hard to keep clean.

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  Great Purchase - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Casey - May 14 - 3:57 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Focus SES Sedan w/Auto trans for over a month now. Fully loaded with sunroof, sub woofer, etc. I have put on 2600 miles and have averaged 30 mpg combined city/highway. Downsized from an 07 F150 and couldnt be happier with the purchase. Ride quality is good even with the 17 inch wheels. It not soft but not harsh. Its a fun car to drive but is obviously not fast with 130 (CA) HP haha. Cruises at 60-75 mph just great tho! Im psycho with rattles and this car has none... VERY SOLID car. I looked at Civic, Camry, etc and for the money, the SES could not be beat. My insurance went down $50 a month from my truck and spending $35 to fill up the SES from empty is GREAT!