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:

• 

  Still Love it after two years. - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Alan - November 19 - 3:53 pm

  Two years and almost 30,000 miles later, Im still lovin my Lariat. The interior is great with the heated seats, auto dimming mirrors and the climate control. Ive been hunting in some pretty rugged terrain, climbed a couple of very steep hills off-road and it does very well in 4 wheel drive. Ive come back with Nevada Pin- Stripe down both sides and I just polish them out with Clear Coat Scratch Remover. My tires are about 1/2 worn, brakes have little wear and no problems. I cant gripe one bit about this truck its about as good as it gets. my wife loves it too. I have high hopes that my Lariat will be as good a vehicle as my 1984 Bronco II was after 10 years and 150,000 miles.

• 

  FORD FUSION - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By MASS - November 19 - 3:41 pm

  We took out ford on vacation last Sept. and drove 3700 miles. At 75 mph we were getting around 29 miles to the gallon. I never got a worry from riding. We use to have a Honda Accord EX and 600 mile trips were hard to handle on comfort. Great car Ford! My wife loves it.

• 

  Lemon - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By alebt - November 19 - 11:00 am

  This is our second Explorer and unless we get one for free, our last. The transmission went out at 35,000. The 4WD computer failed at 40,000. The bearings are bad at 45,000. The back hatch has cracked. It has been a miserable money pit. Had we had much other choice in small V8 we would have selected differently. Ford needs to really upgrade quality and reliability in this model.

• 

  SOME DAY ALL CARS WILL BE HYBRIDS - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BILL S - November 19 - 2:46 am

  Actual mpg is just a little less than EPA estimates,very nice to find a suv with over 30mpg!

• 

  Second vehicle for work - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Randy - November 18 - 10:29 pm

  I wanted something like a station wagon, that I did not have to step down into, and did not want all wheel drive. So far the vehicle has performed well, achieving 30 miles to the Cdn. gallon city, and 40 Cdn. Hwy. Five spd a little tricky at first,a taller 5th gear would be appreciated (2500 Rpm at 60 mph). Clutch is a tad heavy, black interior hard to keep clean. Growls during acceleration but quiets down. Some wind noise at hwy speeds or cross winds.I wish they would seal the seams on the body work like Toyota does to prevent salt accumulation. Wife loves it.

• 

  "Good to Go" - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By GunnyDawg - November 18 - 7:37 pm

  Awesome Truck! Drives and tows excellent. Seat cooler/heater and AC/Heater work fast. I almost pi**ed my pants when I read the "No more Ford" review ) If you read this Tom, re-set your driver/key remote settings (1 and 2) to your personal preferences and the "Side Mirrors will always adjust when unlocking" to your settings,,,LoL.

• 

  A beautiful shift - 2010 Ford Focus
  By c - November 18 - 7:49 am

  Maybe a bit early to write a review, but after having driven a Mazda Miata, manual, for years, it was difficult to find a standard shift that would come close. Coming home to Ford is definitely a pleasure, as the shift is just perfect..what a fun car to drive. Everything fits right - like it was made for me. Thanks for a winner of a car.

• 

  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lani contreras - November 18 - 2:56 am

  I love my Freestyle. I love the AWD.The only complaint I have is that I wish it had a bit more pick up from the take off. The gas mileage is ok not great, but it sure is better than a SUV. Even though it isnt a SUV, it acts like one to me with the AWD. The interior is very comfortable. Very people friendly when it comes to having chldren under the age of ten. I feel very safe and comfortable in my Freestyle just by the fact I sit a bit higher in my car. It is a fun car to drive whether you have to drive far, or just around the corner. All around I feel safe, and I have fun driving my freestyle.

• 

  Must have! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By spydrix - November 18 - 12:04 am

  With my sights set on a Corvette, but the reality of needing a 5 passenger car, I decided to look around and see what was available. I was awe-struck after test driving the 2010 Taurus sho! There was no way that this car could have carried the same name as the Taurus that got me through college in the mid 90s! It was almost as hard to convince my wife to test drive a Taurus as it was to get her out of it once she did! I get comments left and right about the car! I love it! I beat my Father-in-laws mercedes cls 500 from 0-60, has much cooler and practical features, and paid $30,000 less! My gas mileage isnt so great but thats because I cant keep my foot off the gas! Good job Ford!

• 

  Ford escort zx2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By IxLeSsxThNx3U - November 17 - 9:33 pm

  What ever you do, do not buy this car. I have had so many problems with this car. First of all there is a hose that is built too close to the engine so that it will end up burning a hole through the hose in this car. It has done it in my car and had to be replaced. Second they are known for having troubles with their struts.. mine went out. Third these cars are pretty hard to work on since under the hood everything is pretty compact. Fourth, fords during this year are known for having shifting problems due to transmission filters, and they have to be changed often. Fifth I had to replace the whole exhaust system in this car. These cars have a lot of problems. DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!!!