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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  Faulty power windows and locks - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By SUVDRIVEN - May 4 - 3:39 pm

  Ive owned 2 Explorers over the last 15 years and both Explorers power window and door lock motors burned out in both! Not a coincidence. There is definitely something wrong with the way these are built. I like the Explorer and would keep purchasing them if that problem was resolved. i dont trust Ford to get that right.

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  Going to the Junkyard - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - May 4 - 12:48 pm

  Recently, the front driver side strut failed and the coil spring broke which in turn punctured the tire. This is just one of many costly problems with this vehicle. What is interesting about this situation is that the vehicle has less than 100,000 miles on it and has been lightly used over the past five years. After the suspension failure I found that the 1999 Taurus had been recalled for the possibility of faulty front coil springs. I guess Ford did not want to recall the 1998 model despite the fact that it is identical in every way to the 1999 model. Needless to say, I have put as much money and time into this vehicle as I am willing to bear. This Taurus is headed to the junkyard.

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  01 Windstar SE - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By RZ - May 4 - 12:24 pm

  Bought it brand new. Various mechanical issues over the years - sliding door lock had to be replaced, fuel sensor fuse had to be replaced three times, power driver seat failed and its electronics had to be replaced. Luckily husband is an engineer and did all this work himself. Check engine and ABS lights go on and off at will for last 10K miles. On the plus side, mileage is great for such a roomy mini-van. At 132K miles now and still get 22+ highway, 18-20 in mixed use. Very comfortable ride, great for hauling kids, friends and equipment. Just started to rust in past 6 months, but still looks ok. Tranny just started to slip occasionally, but overall been a very solid vehicle.

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  Good, with 2 problems - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Jack - May 4 - 12:03 pm

  Bought a new BASIC 2010 Focus s, 2.0 L engine, auto transmission, in feb. 2010. After 3 months and 2500 miles can say the car is pretty good, with 2 exceptions: 1. The gas pedal is positioned in a terrible way. On a long trip the right foot gets contorted in such unnatural way to make driving a very painful process (the car does not have Cruise control). Ended up driving the car by hand with a wooden stick for the rest of the trip. 2. The car has a slight left-right weave as it travels at 60 mph down the highway. This is annoying as this weave has to be corrected all the time. The car simply does not track straight, with all tires at equal and recommended pressure.

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  LOVE MY FOCUS - 2006 Ford Focus
  By MMUSSO - May 4 - 6:52 am

  Bought the car right off the lot in June of 06 with 61 miles on it. it has been a great car wit great gas milage. the only mechanical issue I have had is the CD player quit working twice, warranty fixed that. I do have the brake noise (coming from the rear drums) like I have read others have issues with, replaced the tired last year because the husband ran over a screw. but thats not the cars fault. Does squeak going over bumps, handles better in snow that it did with the factory tires (cant remember which brand, but they were not pirellis) And it could have better sound proofing.

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  Versitle hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob Gervais - May 3 - 7:41 pm

  Bought this car new. Traded an 2005 Caravan which was a huge disappointment. The Freestyle is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. It converts from a comfortable people hauler to cargo hauler in seconds. Very comfortable road car. Decent gas mileage. After 70K+ miles, only on second set of tires and they have pleanty of tread left. No problems whatever with this car. Comfort, ride and power is more than adequate. Climate control system controls are small and hard to see and adjust while underway. Living in Maine, the AWD is a necessity and works great. There is no stopping this vehicle in snow. CVT has worked perfectly with no issues. This is a great car.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Tony - May 3 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this used with 11K miles on it and just rolled 100K this weekend pulling a boat to Lake Powell, 600 mile each way. I use this more as a truck than anything else and what a great purchase this has been. It has been great for hauling the family as far as comfort but Im very impressed with the way it pulls our 22 ski boat. If you take care of it and do the regular maint you cant wear it out. You cant beat it for comfort or workability. The paint still looks great and the leather is still in great shape. I have no plans to sell this anytime soon, there just isnt anything out there that I like any better.

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  Love this truck - 1991 Ford F-350
  By horsegirl - May 3 - 1:11 pm

  Had this pick-up almost 20 years and its the most fun thing to drive. Sure its a work vehicle and gets used hard from time to time, but when I get to drive it unloaded I have a blast. I call it my giant sports car. I recently drove a 2009 Corvette, and while my pick-up could not quite meet it performance-wise, it was not off the map. This thing handles beautifully. Just wish it had more power pulling 5+ tons up a steep hill, but I guess a diesel is better for that. As far a weight-carrying capacity goes, you CANNOT overload it. (Well, I havent tried gold or platinum bars.) Anything normal (1-2 tons) is literally unnoticeable.

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  Ford has outdone themselves :D - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Mack - May 3 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased this car 4 days ago and I love it! At first I was iffy because of the past Taurus, but this one hasnt failed me! I love it! It has been getting great gas mileage, very roomy, the stereo is great w/ the 6 CD changer, the wood like finish, the 8 cup holders, and the storage! I love the way it looks inside and out! Its the perfect car for those who dont want the 4 cylinder or a V8! I searched for the car for me and this was it. I didnt go out of what was hot this year, but out of comfort and my likings. This fit everything. The style and comfort! Im a V8 owner of a Ford Explorer XLT, and I love this V6 Taurus SEL. It gets me great gas mileage and saves me money!

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  90,000 km, and alls good!! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew - May 1 - 8:25 pm

  Bought the car with 9,000 km and 11 months old. The car has 90,000 km as of May 2010. The car has been bullet proof in terms of reliability. I have just replaced the tires and the original battery. The only issues have been: Engine check light on briefly at 87K, and self-cleared (must have been a loose gas filler cap), and the rear tail light bulbs blow every 15K or so ($4 bulb-big deal). Other than that: just oil and filter changes. Car has been very reliable and solid. Body creaks/groans at 90K are still minimal, but you can now tell the car is nearly 4 years old, lots of life left in it. I will replace shocks & struts this year and this should solve the problem.