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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  Smart Buy - No regrets - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - April 1 - 11:58 pm

  We had a loaded Durango, which we loved, but it was totaled in an accident. Planned to buy a used Durango, but Fords offer was too good. My wife loved the Flex all along, I wasnt thrilled. I felt like I was ditching my "macho" Durango for a boxy station wagon. One year later, I couldnt be happier. Im 64" and we have two young, but tall kids. The Flex has way more passenger room than the Durango and has already payed off in the short and long run. Its also safer and gets way better Hwy and City MPG. At $2.85/gallon, it costs about $44-$45 and drives about 400 miles per tank. Thats better than my wifes Mazda6. We might trade it for a second Flex

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  Beware of spark PLugs - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Kdn - April 1 - 9:49 pm

  Overall great truck. 5.4 has plenty of power. The only thing wrong with the motor is the fact the Motorcraft spark plugs are 2 piece that sit about an inch farther in the head than they are supposed to and break off in the cylinder heads when carbon surrounds them. You can purchase a tool to remove them but beware if something happens its CHEAPER to take it to the dealer to have them changed. Champion makes a one piece plug that isnt supposed to break. Oh, and the plugs run about $20 a piece. Interior is roomy, Seats are normal ford seats. Seemed like i was running through a quart of transmission fluid every 5000 miles after a bottle of Lucas Transmission Conditioner it stopped.

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  Fix or repair daily ( ford ) - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By unhappy ford - April 1 - 8:37 pm

  How can a company like this possibly still be in business? Do they really think that after having a bad experience people are going to keep coming back? They build these vehicles to fall apart so that we will pay them to fix them. I took care of this van and things had to be replaced over and over. Transmission at 110,000 km on its way out again at 124,000 km engine light stays on and I cant even insure it because our aircare program wont test vehicles with an illuminated engine light. Tires wear out quickly. Poor gas mileage. I think the only reason it got a 5 star safety rating is because it spends more time in the shop then it does on the road. I will never buy a Ford again!

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  Escape Limited - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mld4 - April 1 - 6:37 pm

  Have driven 6 weeks and 3,600 miles. So far, the vehicle is terrific. It takes time to fully understand the bells and whistles in the Limited. The "SYNC" is an excellent feature.

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Mike Martins - April 1 - 4:26 pm

  Formerly drove a Mercedes E350. When it came time for a new car, I compared a new E350, BMW530, Caddy CTS, Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, and Audi A6 (AWD and loaded versions of each). After driving them all, there is simply no comparison as to the value and features of the Taurus compared to the other cars. Interior room and quietness are far superior in the Ford. Driving manners for such a large car are superb and the ECO Boost engine provides great power for both accelerating and highway passing. Gas mileage so far has been 24 MPG which is comparable to my old Mercedes however the new Taurus is substantially larger so I feel that the mileage is outstanding. Absolutely a great car.

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  Perfect in every way except one - 2009 Ford Focus
  By carl - April 1 - 1:11 pm

  I purchased my 2009 ses 11 months ago and we LOVE IT! 16,000 miles and average 43 mpg summer and 35 mpg winter (conservative speeds-60mph hwy).Now, here is my complaint: If you look closely at the area down low by the rear wheel wells in front of the wheels you will probably see that your paint is getting "sand-blasted" off the car. This is due to a poor design in the shape of car in this area.Spray from the front wheels is the culprit even after mud guards are installed. Ford/Canada is aware of this and will repair paint and cover the affected area gratis --IF YOU ASK. It is like a silent recall. I had it done and so far so good but like I stated at the top,one great car in every other way!

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  116,000 miles later - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  The driving experience is excellent, the handling, cornering, acceleration and braking are all above average or better. I was aware of several specific shortcomings of the vehicle, and all were solved by add-ons at purchase. For example: Several ford models are known to have transmissions issues at 100,000 miles+. This is solved by purchasing the TOWING package that adds a transmission cooling system & radiator to prevent trans damage. My transmission has never so much as slipped. The soft paint & rust issue is partly solved by a rubberized undercoating and wheel well sheathing. Overall the car is wonderful and would buy it again.

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  Like this car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tg - April 1 - 10:26 am

  Newest car Ive ever purchased. Very comfy for me and gas mileage great. At 30,000 only needs tires (seems too soon) reminder to everyone that the valve stems where a recall. Hood prop too cheap, bent that the first time I used it to jump someones car. Car doors seem cheap and rattle some when music is playing. Trunk room is great. Very peppy but Iv only owned clunkers before this. good on wintry roads.

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  Inexpensive way to drive a sports car. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Utah Mike - April 1 - 9:24 am

  I got mine used at 17,000 miles and have put another 16,000 miles on it. Now its 3 years old and runs great. Nice loud exhaust, and with the top down Im amazed how many people pull up next to me and want to talk about my car. For a V6 its got lots of pep, although if you romp on the gas, it takes half a second to take off.

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  Junk that looks good - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Richard Potter - March 31 - 9:04 pm

  Two weeks after we bought the Explorer the transmission went out. The transmission man who replaced it said it was the worst transmission Ford ever made. Five months later the trans mission went out again and was replaced under warranty. The transmission just went out again. Im going to haul it to the Junk yard. The door locks dont work, the seat is broken, the AC doesnt work, cruise control quit and it is running bad now. It isnt worth the trouble to fix it. I always took care of it and never ran it hard so it shouldnt have had these problems.