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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  CRAP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mad - October 19 - 2:59 pm

  Week #1 I had to return vehicle to dealer because the tranny slipped. Over the course of 4 years (till the warranty expired) it was back 8 times due to tranny probs. It was not until I got the States Attorneys office involved did Ford repair it. Since then Ive had to have a rear differential/axle seal replaced, the left rear wheel bearing is shot and now I cannot drive it because the harmonic balancer imploded! Ford say that they cannot sell a replacement because there is a National shortage....approx 5,000 suvs need the part and non are avail (manufacter went belly up). I found one in a junk yard! Oh yea, the cruise control was a recalled and replaced. Still doesnt operate.

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  4 a good buy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R. Cornish - October 19 - 2:10 pm

  We researched several different manufacturers and ended up going to the local car show. It was there that my wife drove and liked the car. When we got serious about the purchase of a new vehicle, a month later, we knew that was what we wanted. While we have less than 500 miles on it we constantly talk about all the features it has for the price. The only thing we had to adjust to is the rear window visibility being less than our other car, especially with the spoiler.

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  Tire Noise - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ron - October 19 - 11:44 am

  The Escape has been a great vehicle but I do agree that the tire noise can be terrible. We just put on a new set of tires and had an alignment done and there is a 96% reduction in noise. Original tire lasted 50,000 miles the new ones were only $106.00 plus mounting. We should have been having the alignment done on a regular basis that would have cut down on the noise and stopped the tires from wearing wrong.

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  Great Car for a 19 yr old - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DanoTheMANO - October 19 - 11:03 am

  I was lucky enough to have my parents buy this car for me to replace a vehicle that I actually out grew! I am 6 foot five. I find this vehicle to be very comfortable for my long body. I love the style of this car so much. People often think I am driving a Caddy. I dont get exceptional gas mileage, only averaging close to 25-26 mph, but that is driving back and forth to college going over a lot of hills and mountains. So it probably isnt too bad. I think i have a pretty amazing ride for only being 19 years old. Buy the slush mats, they are like 90 bucks but they keep your carpet protected!

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  Fantastic drive! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Warren Ayen - October 19 - 10:23 am

  Just got the car two days ago and Im still loving it. The V6 has pep but is a tad slow, and the attention to detail is amazing. The car handles very smoothly and responds to my touch when I want it to. The interior accent lighting (user customizable) and touches make it fun to show off, and the heated seats up here in the cold cold north were a great option. I get turned heads everywhere I go with the pony upgrade and racing stripes. The SYNC definitely takes some time to get used to - I still havent figured out how to hang up a call. The Sat. radio, iPod connection, and 6-disc changer means you never run out of music and media. All in all a great car to own.

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  Transmission condensor failure - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Randy Brandeberry - October 19 - 10:15 am

  Leaking transmission fluid at 56,000 miles. Dealer found failure in transmission condensor. Internet search found many people having this failure with 08 Escape. Dealer says Ford will not cover this under powertrain warranty but the dealer will use Customer Loyalty Program to cut repair cost to $100. Typical American car manufactured, spend millions to advertise and tell us how good their product is and then find a way to weasle out of fully covering warranty work. Stay away from the 08 Escape. This is my 4th Ford vehicle but Toyota is looking very good at the moment.

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  F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Diane Morse - October 19 - 9:10 am

  The truck is fun to drive, gas mileage and weight of the vehical could be improved.

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  Shouldve Gone With Lexus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By John Tess - October 18 - 11:25 pm

  This car has had many problems from the start. The ride is stiff, the fuel economy is lousy and the handling is pretty terrible versus the competing vehicles and price points. The motor is also very coarse sounding at open throttle, which is not what I was expecting from such an expensive car. The gauges are also very plain and boring for such a pricey vehicles Buyer Beware.

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  Best Car Ever!!! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lovemyford2 - October 18 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Freestyle!Nothing but luck with Fords! Bought brand new after my husband convinced me to test drive it when I was determined for an Explorer! I dont understand how people can say this car has no go! I am surprised I have not gotten a ticket! It rides so smooth that you look down and realize you are going 15 over the speed limit. Roomy for 6 adults & we use it all the time for camping!Features are great!My husband is a mechanic and checked with other mechanics at the dealership to see if there were major issues. To date we have 47,000 mile with just regular maintenance.Commute 70miles to wk avg 23-25 mpg in stop-go trafficRound town avg 19-22 mpg Long distance hwy 24-27mpg!

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  Excellent car and great mileage - 2009 Ford Focus
  By flrdblnd - October 18 - 7:16 pm

  I recently purchased the 2009 Focus SE and I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. The car has good styling, the interior has enough bells and whistles to keep it interesting and the main thing is the MPG. I traded in my 2005 Ford Escape that on a good day would get 16 in town. The Focus is getting 27.2 MPG, the savings in fuel alone make the car a great buy.