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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  Technical Service Bulletin - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By cold - January 5 - 7:12 pm

  Bought this for my wife last year with 50,xxx. Two weeks later had radiator leak. Lucky the dealership replaced radiator at no charge. Here it is less then a year later and radiator is leaking once again. Again lucky the radiator that got replaced had a 1yr warranty. Turns out 2006/2007 4.0L explorers have a tech service bulletin for a PCM (Power Train Module) update calibration. If you have a 2006 Explorer, Mountaineer or 2007 Sport Trac I would get this updated before you have to replace a radiator if you havent already. This TS bulletin was released 5/4/2009 so just a heads up to anyone having trouble with radiators leaking. $100 for software update or $$$$ for a new radiator.

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  Expensive, hard to get-Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Stephanie - January 5 - 6:37 pm

  My transmission went out at 75,100 miles. Ford is the only supplier of that particular CVT transmission. No other company can get it. Its $5000.00

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  still going - 1999 Ford Escort
  By rosa - January 5 - 3:46 pm

  Bought this used, and now has over 200,000 miles on it, and still going strong, absolutly great gas mileage, but the ride is bumpy and noisy, but its basic and cheap transportation, moon roof is neat, body paint still shines, replaced thrmostat, timing belt, rods, battery, tires. will drive it til it dies.

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  New Vehicle - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By kaysam - January 5 - 3:41 pm

  I find that the 2009 fusion is a great car in the summer. I have a long drive to work and only have to put gas in my car once a week. With my other car I was putting gas in twice a week. It saves me money. But if you have winter driving the gas mileage is not so good and it does not handle very well in the snow. I like the car but would like to see it handle better in the winter.

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  1999 Escort 4 Door LX - 1999 Ford Escort
  By MacBob - January 5 - 2:11 pm

  Basic transportation with good gas mileage. Surprised at the cheap plastic trim that breaks easily. My Escort is basic model, 5 speed, with no P/W or Power Locks, but does have A/C. Good handling and decent performance from 2.0 L motor. * I chose this over buying ZX2 because ZX2 motor(Zetec)less reliable than this basic motor. If you can an obtain a used Escort for a good price, buy one. Otherwise buy a Corolla, Elantra, or comparible better car.

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  not bad so far - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Craig - January 5 - 1:55 pm

  I am the 3rd owner of this Focus wagon and bought it for mpg and interior space. Best mileage was 34 hwy and worst was 22 city mpg. I average about 27 mpg. Only problem was a rear door latch failed which was recalled and inspected long before I bought it. Ford refused to reimburse me and it cost me $350 to have it replaced. There are a few interior rattles, especially in winter.

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  Great Auto Built in America - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Rick B. - January 5 - 1:14 pm

  Ford is starting to dominate the US auto market with the Focus, Taurus, & Fusion. The Focus has great acceleration for a 2.0 liter engine because of the over head cam design. It has good lines on the exterior, but I especially love the easy access controls in the interior, with a easy to read info screen on the dash.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Alarcon - January 5 - 1:03 pm

  Had this SUV for 2 yrs until it was stolen a week ago. I would recomend it to anybody specialy if you have kids. Smooth ride quiet and comfortable. Mechanical third row seating is awsome flods all the way flat.

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  2009 Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By dlbailey05 - January 5 - 12:08 pm

  I never would have beleived this would have turned out to be as great a car as it is.Hands down the best riding vehicle Ive ever ridin in.We just returned from a week in the Smokey Mountains and Im even more impressed with the power train and fuel economy got 25.2 on the trip home,the car was loaded down. I cant find a thing bad about the car.=,would love to have waited and got the eco-boost engine but the 3.5 is more than adquit.

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  Extreme dissappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By stretch - January 5 - 11:52 am

  Ive been a Ford man all of my life until now. Should have read the reviews before I bought it. What a mechanical piece of crap. Afraid to even drive it, wondering what is going to need repairs next. Door ajar light comes on for no reason, 4X4 is locked in low. Was going down the road at about 25mph in 4 auto when low locked in. Thought I had dropped the motor and tranny on the ground with the violent shifting that occurred.Im just glad no one was behind me when it happened. Rear axle bearing noise, front wheel bearings bad, broken panel under rear window.It seems my vehicle has all of the problems combined that Ive read on this and similar websites.Ford should be ashamed of themselves.