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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  Not worth the money or on resale - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ex Shelby Guy - March 25 - 6:11 pm

  The Shelby Ford Mustangs have no resale after two to four years. Over 50% lost value from 2007. Dont waste your time with these cars, everyone wants to sell theirs. Stick to Honda or Toyota, you will be money ahead! Nice job by Shelby to create the fluff for bigger profits. Most Baby boomers are retiring and now need the money not the fluff.

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  What a RIP OFF! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rachael - March 25 - 2:16 pm

  I have had problems for the past 2 years w/ this vehicle. I have replaced 3 wheel bearings w/ in the past year and now they are loose again. I have the infamous rear panel crack, replaced fuel pump, replaced intake manifold, replaced fuel line, had starter problems, rear passenger door does not lock, door ajar light will not stop (WD40 is a temporary fix). I am afraid to drive it because the check engine light is always on. This truck is high maintenance. Ford Motor company does nothing to help. Basically every month I make a payment I feel like I am being robbed. CHECK OUT ALL REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING THIS SUV.

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  Love My Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By sjaj1 - March 25 - 11:47 am

  I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 and the front end is shaking real bad. The steering wheel at 30 mph moves from side to side about a 1/2". I checked for wheel weights, they are all there. I am thinking ball joints, tie rod or tie rod ends. Sometimes in excess of 60 mph feels like wheel may come off.

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  Love My Escape! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - March 25 - 9:48 am

  I just bought a 2010 Escape Limited and I love, love, love it! No regrets, and happy I bought it instead of leasing.

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  Focus SE Review - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dont text and drive - March 24 - 9:04 pm

  In October of 2010 I will have had my four door 2009 SE Focus for two years. Some options I got were cruise control, 5 speed manual transmission, Black cloth interior. The only problem Ive had was that a cheap two dollar spring for the clutch pedal broke, this didnt affect the cars driving ability in any way that I could see and it was a quick fix. Other than that the mechanics of the car are doing great, this car is both a peppy and smooth ride it is very fun to drive. I would very much recommend the Focus to anyone looking for a quality car for a reasonable price!

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  Power steering pump every other oil chng - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - March 24 - 6:03 pm

  Car was perfect til about 110k. Had a few minor issues but nothing out of the ordinary. Then, since 10/07, have only put about 18k on it. 2 racks, 4 power steering pumps, still growls even though new pump. Have had pumps die after just 3 weeks. As far as rest if time, gas mileage on ordinary driving, 20 mpg. This car replaced a 91 caprice which got the same, but had a V8. Have gotten as high as 29 on highway. Adequate power, has gone down since bought car. Tranny--no actual problems except speed sensor a while back. Ride--a little stiff for long trips being the SE, but corners well. Love: fold down rear seats.

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  I love my flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Angela - March 24 - 1:27 pm

  We just purchased the flex it is the best car we have ever owned we have 3 children and everyone is so comfortable and has there own space its just a fun ride, we recently went on a road trip and got 28 mpg of course this just depends on how you drive your vehicle we have never had any problems only routine maintenance for people who have had a lot of brake trouble its probably because they are rough on the brakes I would highly recommend the flex for any family also my husband and we still in our 20s and it doesnt make us feel old like a van does.

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  Great Car, Seats8, Holds More than SUV!! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By triedandtrue - March 24 - 9:03 am

  I purchased this car as an alternative to a minivan or SUV. Loved the fact that it seats 8 (three front row seat belts, three second row, and two more with flip up third row seat.) The wide opening at the back is amazing - held more than our minivan or previous SUV when hauling furniture, kids, building materials, etc. Car was VERY reliable, just oil changes and basic maintenance. This car was an EXCELLENT value for us. Planned to keep it just a couple years but cant bear to part with it - its been a great all-around car!

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  Love the Tarus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tony Joule Williams - March 23 - 5:36 pm

  I love my Taurus. Its fast, comfortable, and affordable. I love the bliss option. Fuel economy could be better

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  RIP Freestyle, you served us well. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Libbygu - March 23 - 3:43 pm

  I LOVED my Freestyle. Ok, we had the issue with the rear brakes in the beginning, going through a set a year which our fabulous dealer replaced, FREE, twice, and then I had my Firestone guy do it right the third time and they have been fine ever since. No other issues. Drove us fully loaded from Seattle to Texas with the AC full blast the summer before last - 24 MPG! Sadly, last weekend, she performed her final duty, crumpling and absorbing the force as my 17 YO son crashed her. TOTALED. Interior of the car looks like NOTHING HAPPENED. Thank you Freestyle, sniff. Youll be missed. Gone, but not forgotten.