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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  My dream car - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By J.P. Lynch - December 2 - 2:09 am

  Bought a 2008 V6, traded it in for the 45th anniversary 2009 GT. Mustang has always been in my blood and Ive been wanting this car since it debuted in 2005. The 2009 has a cool 45th badge and mine comes with the GT appearance package. I love the retro style more than new 2010. So proud of this car. Amazing fun to drive. ADDICTIVE torque and super fast for the money. I always wished I had been young in the 60s, now being young in the new millenium feels pretty close! Great car great job Ford!

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  Good Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By JC - December 1 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased vehicle with 7.5K, now have near 28K. No issues except windshield washer motor went bad (warranty fix). Good MPG 21 city 26-30 Hwy(60to75mph). Wife says seats and suspension over bumps could be softer. Hwy ride is great! Handles well in mountains. Really like the 3 seats, back rows fold flat. Lots of neat features. Storage in dash is nice. A little noisy on initial acceleration.

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  magic mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mike - December 1 - 5:54 pm

  Only had the car 3+ months and will store it for the winter. Inside and out, this car reminds me of my all- time favorite 67 Mustang. Car has Flowmaster exhaust, sounds great, awesome V8 rumble. Leather seats are very comfortable, Mach 1000 stereo is outstanding. Seriously, 100 mph, top down, tunes sound perfect. Original owner said only issue he had was door covers vibrating with tunes loud. Dealer packed the doors with insulation, no more problem. Quality of interior materials is very good, better than most cars. Fit and finish is excellent. Mileage is fairly good if you behave, but thats tough to do - too much fun. Get one before theyre gone!

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  2007 Ford stinks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By I HATE MY FOCUS - December 1 - 2:14 pm

  I have read all the reviews and i brought this car brand new and I have had many of the same issues with the tires i replaced my tires twice with less than 40,000 miles, my dashboard light went out replace that, my doors are difficult to open but that was still under warranty. i had to purchase a new battery at 37,000 miles.

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  My Ford - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By jerry - December 1 - 1:16 pm

  I was delighted to have purchased a new F150. Shortly after that things started to happen. The computer went, as did the gas consumption. The battery was replaced after a couple tows. side panels between the doors came unglued, handling was boaty.The A/C was unacceptable; wouldnt cool the cab on hot days. I was disappointed with the power when pulling a trailer with the trailer loaded. Overall I had the truck back to the dealership 9 times within 12 months, for some major complaints. The dealership was very responsive, but the problems were not theirs. I have been a 150 fan for many years, not any more.

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  96 Explorer V8 AWD - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Ross - December 1 - 10:40 am

  The 96 Explorer has been an excellent vehicle. Besides a few maintenance issues which were covered under the extended warranty which I highly recommend purchasing, the vehicle has been excellent for me and my family. It is extremely flexible to your needs and is a great vehicle.

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  The Edge has edge - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Lisa B - December 1 - 10:09 am

  I love my 09 Edge Limited AWD. It has great looks, drives well and has its own style. However, Ford needs to add an indicator on the dash to show when the lights are "on". They could have added softer material to the door panels (near windows) so the interior doesnt feel so "plastic"- at least in the Limited model. The on screen buttons need to be larger. Otherwise great car and fun to drive- has great leg room in rear and I can pack a lot of things with the seats folded down flat. Very versatile. I was very surprised how much I enjoy owning and driving my Edge and am not disappointed one bit.

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  dont buy a ford focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rob - December 1 - 7:19 am

  i purchased my focus with 27000 miles on it at 38000 out of warrenty wheel bearing in front was bad,at same time carrier bearing was bad making lould noise,heres the kicker ford wont sell just the bearing you have to buy the whole driveshaft cost to repair 800.00.do yourself a favor buy a honda

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  06 Focus SES ZX5 AT - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Sgeur67 - December 1 - 2:48 am

  Purchased my Focus SES ZX5 new. Love it. getting 25mpg city/30mpg hwy at 70mph. Original Pirelli P6s were super noisy, replaced them after 400 miles with Goodrich TA radials. Quieter than the P6s and far far better traction in snow. After 54K mi brakes are still great, no noise, no squeaks, no dust and still now wore out. AC is always cold when you really need good and cold. This car has all the power you need for every day commuting and quite comfortable on 4hr trip too. I would buy another 4dr hatch if Ford made it. Great little car.

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  Blown Spark Plugs! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Tommy Shaw - November 30 - 10:04 pm

  Thats all I have to say! Blown Spark plugs! Run! Run! Run Away! Will cost $500 min each plug to fix! This is a major problem! They blow up and out of the hole because theres only 4 little aluminum threads holding them in. Then they hit the fuel rail rupturing it and wah lah your car is a BBQ! Ford ignores. Says nothings wrong. Great quality!