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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  Extremely reliable, high quality - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - January 5 - 10:34 am

  50,000 miles in 3 years and occasionally the passenger seat creaks. Thats it. Not a single lose screw, repair,rattle. Nothing. This quality is confirmed by Consumer Reports which for a few years has measured this car to be THE most reliable of any car. Its crazy - I bought the V6 for less than the price of a 4 cyl. Honda Accord. Yet, when it comes to resale, this car will be hurt simply because its a Ford.

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  ONE HOT RIDE - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Hot Ride - January 5 - 3:37 am

  Ive been driving this Stand for 1 month now and I get compliments from everyone. Comming from 2008 CIVIC si, This GT got lot muscle under the hood. I love the interior, which is not cheap quality. Exterior Chassis and paint is still in excellent condition. So far Car is running like new. So far I havent spend single dime except oil change.

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  Best CAR for the money!!!! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By bondo - January 4 - 2:39 pm

  My only complaint is the poor view out of the rear window. That being said you cannot find another car with as much power, room, features and comfort at this price point. I am a travelling salesman and have put over 11,000 miles on the car in a little over 3 months. Like 99.99% of Americans I drive on Interstates and suburban roads, not on the autobahn. This is a big, comfortable car that has more than enough power and handling to cope with any driving conditions you will encounter. Do yourself a favor, if you want a car that you can drive for work during the week and then on the weekends take your family for comfortable ride, look at the Taurus.

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  The BEAST! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Raf - January 4 - 1:59 pm

  I bought a 04, Limited, Diesel Excursion. I LOVE IT!! YES the gas milage is bad and Yes it does turn like an aircraft carrier but I knew that going into it. I bought it to pull my 30ft travel trailer and my family of six down to Texas from Alaska. It did it with no problems!! I would recommend this vehicle to any large family (weather they had to travel or not).

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  Not a Rolls-Royce, but gets the job done - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By GatorInTheSnow - January 3 - 11:51 pm

  Have had 4 years, good all-around vehicle. Criticisms of Ford design quality are merited: Found out car had a leaky head gasket when we towed a 3-ton trailer and all the coolant spilled out. $1700 to fix? Poured four cans of goo into radiator that was 30,000 miles ago. Never overheats! Weird self-leveling suspension, air hose broke ($130 at dealer). Auto fulltime 4WD noisy, but helps in stop-n-go when slushy snow. Good steering, tires wear even. Other than that, normal wear - A/C compressor, brakes. Gas mileage per EPA estimate when you obey speed limit. If you were expecting a luxury version of a truck, this isnt it. Satisfies our need for a family car.

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  9 months in on 2005 V6 2wd - 2005 Ford Escape
  By invictarocks - January 3 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car after a lot of research on Subaru Forrester, RAV4, Honda CRV and the Escape. I did some test drives, and the Forrester was the fastest and funnest, but a little small, and my buying decision came right after a bad experience with a Subaru dealership. The RAV4 seat was unbearable in the "fold down, kicking back" position, and sitting on the back with the hatch up was designed OUT of the model years I was looking at. I didnt like the way the RAV4 looked driving down the road from behind, as the rear suspension didnt inspire much confidence. I LOVE my Escape, and its styling. The gas mileage was a little disappointing at 20.

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  Comfort and style - 2009 Ford Flex
  By DanP - January 3 - 7:53 pm

  As an auto repair tech for over 30 years Ive driven a lot of fine vehicles but none have been as nice as the Flex. By the way I currently work in a Nissan dealer. The only issue was brake noise. Ford has a repair avalible. Other reviews that said the dealer wouldnt fix their problems should find another dealer. All good auto dealers take care of their customers. So far the Flex has been a wonderful vehicle. The fuel mileage is good. the ride is smooth and quiet, but best of all love it or hate it the styling turns heads. Nothing generic.

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  5.4L Engine Blown at 57K? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Frankie - January 3 - 5:59 pm

  We bought this vehicle NEW, for the reliability, and safety All services done on time by FORD Spent $800 @ All Star Ford for the 60K major tuneup to insure all was well (car was running great before). 500miles later in Portland lost all oil pressure, off on off on. Tow to Mock Ford Grants Pass, Oregon They said No Oil pressure in Head Galleys that will be $6100 for new engine! Side Note - Manual states 6 qts for all oil inluding filter. All Star used 7qts this time (never before though) Ford Districa Manager says NOTHING FORD did. This was my 5th Ford, last 3 I bought New. NO MORE FORDs in my Familes EVER. Ford Tougth, Quality< ? Sand Behind their prodcuts/custoerms NO

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  Real SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By T. Gregory - January 3 - 4:44 pm

  Bought it used with 28000 miles on it. Was real impressed with the ride, not mushy, felt like a real truck, solid. Handles very well, plenty of power, 4X4 worked perfect everytime, exellent in snow. I sold it with 69000 miles on it, never once had any sort of problem with the vehicle other than replacing the battery. I would definately buy another Explorer, worth every penny I spent for it.

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  Company Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By IndyOkie - January 3 - 4:13 pm

  My V6 SE replaced a 05 Ford Taurus, which replaced a 03 Ford Taurus. This is light years from Taurus in dynamics for handleing and ride control. Also for compairson, a Steller step from what I had with a 98 Ford Contour Sport. I drive this car hard and can only list dealer unable to balance new replacment tires ( same brand and size as stock ) as the only fault in 23 months and 60,500 miles...Quite a car and worth a look over a Camry or Accord