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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  great van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By AMAZING VAN - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this van back in 2001 and it has ran like a champ since then. It has had no problems in all the years I have owned it. The transmission is very strong I once was going down a hill and bumped it into reverse it shut of the engine but restated and kept on driving. I have put on 50,000 miles since then.

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  Ford USA. Why? - 2004 Ford Focus
  By AufMitterSpiel - March 4 - 6:41 pm

  The review by jonny is spot on I encountered the exact same problems on my SVT. Plus pieces of body trim falling off at random intervals, leaving me with no front splitter and a focus looking like a dump-truck in the front. So I traded it in on a Mazda 3 because ill-witted Ford did not bring the proper Mk. 2 Focus stateside.

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  2006 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ruth - March 4 - 5:16 pm

  Seems to be some defects on vehicle that Ford is not addressing. Already replaced turn signals lights~ 4 times, Replaced all 4 rotors. Inside handles are bubbling,not yet pealing. Biggest thing is the paint is starting to peel off the hood from the underneath with some bubbling around the underneath. Windows dont seal good enough, sounds like air coming in when going down highway.

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  Extremely reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By robt - March 4 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased this car new and have had VERY few problems. Computer went out at 130,000. Bearings could stand to be replaced now (still on original set), I change the oil myself with high grade (purple magic) oil and 10K filter regularly at every 10K miles. Changed differential and coolant for first time last week. I have never serviced the sealed transmission on a mechanics advice. What more can I say. I couldnt kill this thing if i wanted. I would take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  Very Great Truck. - 2007 Ford F-150
  By FordLover1904 - March 4 - 4:29 pm

  The 2007 F150 I have now owned for almost 3 years is one GREAT truck. They are QUIET, the ride is plush and not harsh, and for a 5.4 L V8 they get pretty good mileage. On long drives I have gotten 21mpg and thats actually calculated not the computer readout. On average, I get 16 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving. In almost 3 years of ownership, I have never had 1 single issue. The truck drives like the day I bought it. I almost traded it in recently for a Mercedes C230 (family car) but didnt because my truck rides better/softer and is quieter! Freeway speeds (70-75) are handled with EASE at 2,000RPMs all day with no downshifting to go up hill. (Tons of torque)

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  Ford lover soon to be Chevy Lover - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Debroid - March 4 - 4:03 pm

  Rear view Mirror has exposed wires. Get a chirp/squeak sound when stopped then the accelerate. Annoying!!! Was told that this is a characteristic of vehicle....funny! Noise louder then the radio. Headliner coming off back by hatch. Exposed brakes grab & make noises. Less road noise than the 2006 escape we had. Snyc/bluetooth great. I have been a Ford owner for years. Hope I dont have to crossover to Chevy.

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  Value, man. Value. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jimmy Balmer - March 4 - 2:01 pm

  Ive been very pleased with my Escape. My wife and I put 1,500 miles on an Escape that we rented in Alaska in the middle of the winter. When we got home, we bought one. Its been great.

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  This New SHO Rules the Road - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Oldsalt - March 4 - 11:57 am

  Wow, fantastic performance that just plain embarrasses many so-called performance sedans. More techno gadgets than any car in its class, and more than most luxury brands offer. Modern up-to-date styling that is bold yet still somewhat traditional you wont forget this car five minutes after you get out of it. Ford has hit a grand slam with this vehicle!

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  77,000 and still perfect - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rob3 - March 4 - 9:46 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and have put 77,000 miles on it. Apart for standard maintenance, I have not had to repair anything on this car. I replaced tires and rear brakes at about 60,000 miles. I drive freeway mostly for work and I get about 420 miles to each tank of fuel. The trunk is huge, especially with the rear seats folded down. I love this fusion and when its time, I will purchase another one.

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  I love the beast-ness of it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By L0V3 MY 3XPL0R3R! - March 4 - 9:16 am

  I love my Ford Explorer and the V8 engine! Im capable of going shopping, grocery shopping, moving, or whatever in it without worrying about not having enough room! Im able to travel in snow well without any problems, maybe with ice but who doesnt?! The 4WD is AWESOME! I would love to get the newer Explorer, why wouldnt I love it? The only thing I hate is the minor problems with it...the rear window wiper blade doesnt wipe-it wipes maybe 3 inches of what it should, the gas of course, and just minor things, which have been worked out. Its built to be awesome and have that "Im a bad ass" feel to it. I wouldnt trade it in for anything less- even though gas prices are tempting me :[