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:

• 

  Great Reliable Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By vans_ice - January 28 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car from a private seller with about 42k miles on it. I have only had it for 6months but love it. Its reliable and since it is the 4cyl version I get 27-25mph regardless of where I drive it. The sound system is great stock, no need for additional upgrade. Plenty of leg room for larger drivers (Im 64"). Comfortable and attractive interior. Negatives: Limited sight out of the rear. The view out of the rear of the car is cut by a high trunk and the spoiler doesnt help either. Also in the summer, the A/C draws so much battery power that it hinders the performance of the car. I also have a 6 cd-changer in mine and it doesnt work all the time. Overall, a great commuter car!

• 

  what do you expect? - 1997 Ford Escort
  By joe - January 28 - 1:47 am

  lets be real its a escort. If I had more money Id drive a benz but im a broke loser who flips burgers. If you talk great things about your escort your a loser. It does the job go to work and maybe you can buy a nicer car down the road.

• 

  trouble free - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Kaos_agent1 - January 27 - 11:45 pm

  Bought Dora (The Explorer) in 2004 with 40K miles on her. 4.0l V6. To date I have replaced the thermostat, both radiator hoses (innie and outie), brakes, serpentine belt and tires. She has never let me down and has 150k on her. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. This is one of that last real SUVs - built on a truck chassis (Ranger platform). We lived in mountains of northern New Mexico and spent a lot of time boulder crawling on two-track roads along mountain ridges. Great 4X4 capability as well as highway capability. the ride is a bit bouncy, but I tamed it a bit when I put a set of bilstien shocks in place of the factory ones. The explorer is paid off and still alive

• 

  2006 Freestar Limited (4.2L) - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By SuperOldSchool - January 27 - 9:44 pm

  I love this van and its great family transportation,also very good as a hauler for construction projects. It rides smoothly and has plenty of power. I have 65k on the van. I personally think too many things have gone wrong. Fortunately all covered under warranty: Front brake rotors replaced 2x due to warping. Fuel pump replaced (worked fine but squealed), rear window vent motor replaced, catalytic converter replaced. Funky AdvanceTrak issues sometimes,weatherstrip on windshield was falling off. I know the AX4N trans is known to have major issues so I just hope ours lasts. I do all maintenance myself - full syn fluids, trans every 15k, P/S every year, coolant etc

• 

  WOW! What a surprise...... - 2010 Ford Flex
  By mac - January 27 - 9:18 pm

  We did not intend on purchasing the Ford Flex when we began shopping for SUVs. We had already test drove many others such as th Traverse,Commander, Murano, etc...Finally, we thought we decided on the Ford Edge. Just for kicks we took a look at the Flex and fell in love with it!! The spacious interior is really what sold us on the Flex--it is very roomy and comfortable. Designed very well for a family with kids. For the price you cannot go wrong. The boxiness of the outside did not appeal to me at first but now I think it is very stylish....the kids can comfortably sit in both the second and third rows without feeling cramped. It was a wonderful choice

• 

  traction control - 2009 Ford F-150
  By jason brannen - January 27 - 7:16 pm

  i am a ford man i have owened 6 new f- 150s iam 32 years old.i recently bought a 2009 FX 4x4 i use my truck for hunting and alot of off road use.the traction control has gotten me stuck on 5 different occasions.traction control may be good for the highway use but i cant find anything good while using it off road but stuck.the button on the dash is a joke.my thoughts are when u put a truck 4x4 you shouldnt have to press a reset button every time you back up and go forward it stinks bad.i am really disappointed

• 

  1995 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By farmered3 - January 27 - 7:00 pm

  My grandpa had a 1980 White/Red Bronco he bought new. When I was able to drive (15 years old on the farm), he sold it to me. The memories I had in that old truck will never die. My dad has a 1966 Ford Bronco (Red/White), a fun ride as well, we use it for pushing snow around the farms and for others. Works awesome. I eventually sold the 1980 to my buddy with over 225,000 miles on it! He still drives it today. The only reason I sold it is because I came across a 1995 beautiful deep metallic wine red, and gold metallic trim Eddie Bauer. I use thing daily and Im not easy on it. It pulls everything I hook on (small dozer, backhoes, fertilizer spreaders, etc. No one could buy it from me!

• 

  disappointed - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By redstang - January 27 - 3:20 pm

  Had a 96 Explorer V6 RWD, 185000 miles and ran good. Decided it was time to update, now have an 08 RWD V6, 4 speed auto with O/D. The 96 got 22 mpg highway, 08 lucky to get 20 mpg. The seat/steering is difficult to get in a comfortable position, steering lever knob way down under, tough to find and tougher to set in an exact position. Turn signal lever is high behind the steering wheel, fumble to find it. Idiot light for battery, reset button for mileage, etc is in indiotic position on dash, diappointed obviously with interior design of dash, etc. The 96 egronomically, was much more user friendly. 08 ride is nicer and traction control helpful in winter conditions.

• 

  FORD - fix or repair daily! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Burlington - January 27 - 1:19 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned! I have a leaking PTU that the dealership cannot fix and the car is spewing smoke daily! The dealership suggested I park it until the part comes in (maybe by MArch 31!) Except that this has been a problem for Ford for over 3 years ans now there is a class action law suit in the US. Not sure if and when this will ever get fixed. Trust me save your money and stay away from FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Not bad for a 4 cylinder - 2008 Ford Escape
  By J Ramos - January 27 - 9:01 am

  I bought this car because I was moving upstate. It has been extremely reliable and has handled the 140 miles per day with ease. It has been great in the snow & the rain and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an economical SUV. The engine does have something to be desired when it comes to power but I knew that I had to comprimise on that if I was going for a 4 cylinder - great on gas. So far it has 69,000 miles and I have replaced 1 tire, 1 brake job, and a small transmission coolant leak ($180 to repair)..So feel free to buy it. I planning to give it to my son when he graduates college in 2 years..That is how confident I am in its reliabilty.