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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  Tranmission fail - TWICE and now acting - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Dave T - April 19 - 11:11 pm

  I have had to put two transmissions in this vehicle. One at 40,000 then again at 79,000. Now the torque converter is screwing up again. The MPG is dismal. Contacted Ford and the operator could care less even when I told her I was done buying Ford. Oh yea, I owned a 1994 Windstar (same vehicle) that received a new trans[ at[ 45,000. Van rides nice when it rides. Buyer beware!

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  Dont Buy - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Found On Road Dead - April 19 - 9:23 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Exploder for 2 years. Yeah I said Exploder, because thats what the transmission did. At 39,304 miles and only 5 years old my transmission went belly up. I used to think that these poor reviews were concocted by GM dealers hoping to ruin Fords credibility.Now I have first hand experience with my own transmission nightmare. Stay away from these vehicles. I wasted my time and money babying this vehicle and maintaining all recommended services, because Ford didnt give a diddly squat about my premature transmission failure. By the way there is no dipstick to check transmission fluid levels. Apparently Ford thinks they are bullet proof. HA HA HA HA !

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By david - April 19 - 2:11 pm

  Bought car new had it 2 years now not one thing has gone wrong. Everyone seems to be going through tires 52,000 and same tires on it and still have a lot of tread great car. Im a auto tech for 26 years take care of it and it will last.

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  First amd last Ford! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mad ford owner!!!! - April 19 - 9:03 am

  Truck was ok till it hit about 100,000 four wheel drive went out, engine blew and rear end shuttered during turns. Every mechanic I talked to said this is not uncommon for the 5.4 after 100,000 the oil pumps quit and the engine self destructs, Ford knows they got a problem and wont fix it sounds like Toyota to me.

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  Now I know - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Nicole - April 19 - 8:49 am

  I purchased this car when it was 4 years old and had 30K miles. It drove nice at first,looked okay,and gas mileage is great.It has been nothing but problems since. The AC has gone out 4 or 5 times,each time Ford sent their dealership defective parts to replace the AC.Finally they sent a part that looks like its going to work.Then the alternator went out at 80,000 miles.It also had to be replaced twice because Ford sent a bad part the first time.Weve put more money into this car than its even worth. The gas mileage is ok. Maybe ford should focus on building quality vehicles.Now I know to NEVER , EVER buy a Ford vehicle again.

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  Lemon Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By shibemw - April 19 - 3:31 am

  Nice styling car and fun to drive when it is not heading back to dealership for unending mystery electrical problems. I have had to many problems with this car to ever want another sports car again. Couple that with a dealership that wants to nickel and dime you on warranty work makes for bad Ford business. Not a practical car to own in the winter time in Colorado Springs.

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  I am really happy - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Ammar - April 19 - 1:43 am

  i am bought my new explorer XLT last month and i am very happy and amazed from overall experience, i am living in Dubai , and the AC is perfect in our hot weather, it offroads better than my jeep wrangler 2007 in the desert .

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  Best Ford Ive ever owned (since 1955) - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Mr.Bill - April 18 - 10:13 pm

  I took delivery on October 1st, I think it was one of the first in Houston. Saw the next one three weeks later. Its the best American car Ive owned, and so far (9,500) as good as my Acura RL, Infinity Q45, and BMW 5 series. It has to be one of the best values in America. Absolutely ZERO problems in 6 months and 9.000 miles. Only complaint is the BIG Ford emblems tattooed all over. Get some class like the Germans and Japanese and use small name badges. Tight body and suspension, plenty of power, Sync system is great. Climate control is fantastic. Huge trunk, plenty of room in interior, and dressed with great accessories. Fantastic car! And its America!

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  Good Safe Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Brain Smith - April 18 - 7:58 pm

  This car is amongst the best in the world. I couldnt imagine having anything else. It is missing some key safety features and luxury features to. The Headrest are plain up retarded though. They are insanely uncomfortable for some people.

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  Fuel economy and safety - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By RK - April 18 - 4:23 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Ford Ranger Sport, 6cyl, auto. Use it for mostly in town driving. Fuel consumption is 20 L per 100 km which equates to less than 14 mpg (CDN gallon). The truck revs at over a 1000 rpm until it has reached max temp. This means on the flat stretch it will do over 20 kph without putting your foot on the accelerator. Extremely hard on the brakes when going through parking lots and down any sort of an incline. I am usually at my destination before the truck has completely warmed up. I brought the matter to Fords attention but they state it is the way these Rangers are built. Personally I find it annoying and dangerous.