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:

• 

  GT Convertible - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By gspfan - March 18 - 7:52 pm

  This is my first Mustang and have enjoyed it so far. Great looking Kona Blue metallic paint, awesome V8 sound, and handles well for its size and weight. Gets lots of looks and compliments. Everybody likes this car. Except remorseful Camaro owners.

• 

  Time to sell it before too late - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By G W - March 18 - 5:28 pm

  We bought it used w/ @ 33,000 mi on it. The drivers side window motor went right away but the dealer fixed it under warranty. Now have @ 77,000 mi on it. Rear vent windows work & then dont, interior lights also flash on for no reason, now the head gasket is leaking- a seemingly common issue. I owned a 96 & it also was plagued w/ electrical glitches. Im very nervous about the multiple listings of tranny failure as it has never seemed well mated to this engine - lots of downshifting when going up just moderate grades, not like the 96 but then Ford made this model @ 1000 lbs heavier. Think its time to sell.

• 

  The best truck ever - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Miller - March 18 - 4:22 pm

  I bought a 1990 ranger ex-cab in 2005 it had 80,000 original miles on it then. I drove that truck in every terrain think able. And it never quit. It was a real nice rig for the price. I bought it for 2500 and sold it in 2009 for 1900 cash. I over 1000,000 miles on it and it only had a few minor hick-ups. Sold it b/c my family out grew it. But I wish I still had it. Best truck ever

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By johnie1 - March 18 - 4:12 pm

  I am getting around 460 miles per tank on the highway. That is doing 70-75 mph w/ ac on. Plus I always keep the maintenance up to date

• 

  Love my Edge but ... - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Bob R. - March 18 - 2:03 pm

  On our annual trip to Florida we traveled over 650 miles each day and were pleasantly surprised at the comfortable ride. Would have driven further but I dont like to drive at night. The seats are great and give excellent support. Getting into and out of the car is easy CLIMB UP to get in, and STEP DOWN to get out. No need to grab the door to pull yourself up (like I did in my Crown Victoria). It responds well when necessary. However, I rated reliability a six. The reason is that my Edge was twice "Found On Road (driveway) Dead", requiring a jump start. The dealer ship may have located the problem as it now appears to be a faulty key pad on the door, as I use the pad to lock the car.

• 

  Tire Problems - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ricky - March 18 - 10:01 am

  I am having the same problem as the other guy. Around 16,000 miles my car started to shake really bad when i drove it so i brought it to the dealership to find out what was wrong.They said that two of my tires are bald and defective so they replaced them for free. So at about 27,000 miles i start having the same problem the bumping while i am driving so i bring it to the dealership again and they say they cant find anything wrong. I told them to do an alignment because there was something wrong. I got the report and the alignment was off and said it wasnt under warranty so i had to pay. Ok so now i am at 34,000 miles with the same problem and they balanced my wheels this time what should i do

• 

  So far, so good - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By annm78 - March 18 - 9:17 am

  Bought this car with 34k miles on it 2.5 years ago. Now has 53k and have had no trouble with it so far. Keep hearing about transmission problems, but havent had any. Hubby wonders if it has something to do with the fact that it takes 3 seconds to shift gears. I try to be really gentle on acceleration and make sure to wait before taking off when shifting out of park or neutral. Interior is roomy - lots of legroom in the front and back. Like the sunroof and the car itself is attractive. I average 20-22 mpg. 18 straight city and ~27 highway. We like the flex fuel option, but lose 25% fuel economy, so we dont use it.

• 

  I love my Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By CJ - March 18 - 9:12 am

  As a mother, this car is so ideal! The seats easy fold down button is a plus gorgeous leather interior satellite radio smooth handling easy acceleration lots of leg room for my 6 foot tall hubby

• 

  Door latch - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tall - March 17 - 9:41 pm

  I got this car for the fuel mileage and looks. Its a fun car to drive and gets around good. I do a lot of driving and now have 160000 miles on it. Im 6 foot 4 inches tall and still have leg room. The first thing that went wrong was the drivers side door latch. The car was locked and there is only one door with a key. So now Im locked out of my car. Now the other door latch dont work so until i get it fixed, i pop the truck open and get into my car. If Im in the car and pass out, heart attack, or stroke you will not be able to open the doors because the door latch wont work from the out side.

• 

  Mustve got the only lemon - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By mooch316 - March 17 - 7:36 pm

  In four months on Limited fully equipped model, have had everything from the automatic air suspension to now the full transmission. Love the looks, comfort, safety, but wished it was in my driveway as much as its at the dealership for major repairs. I wish I wouldve never bought this lemon, its giving me an ulcer.