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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  Ok but..... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ann Marie - September 10 - 4:57 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2006 and have loved it but.... at 30,000 the gas pedal kept getting stuck... in the up position so I couldnt step in the gas unless I slammed my foot down. I had it fixed and they told me they replaced the linkage. It was fine after that. 1 year and 2 days later it happened again (2 days past part warranty) and the Ford dealer would not honor that. Low funds makes it hard to fix and Ford will not help. They tell me "its my problem." For a part to go twice really doesnt say much and such an important one.

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  1995 3.8L Fall Apart Mustang - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By McMahon - September 10 - 3:14 pm

  First the paint went bad. Then the air conditioning went bad. Transmission went bad twice and needed replacement. Then the door locks and windows broke. Both windows stopped going up and down within a weekÂ’s time. It wasnt too bad on gas when it was running but overall it was a ford and had many problems. I almost forgot the speedometer was intermittent and the odometer stopped working. I would have been better off scraping it when the first transmission went bad.

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  Wont have another one... - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By ryan - September 10 - 12:57 pm

  Overall, the vehicle has been pretty reliable, but the transmission has been horrible from the get-go. It kicks real hard when going into reverse and response time is super slow at all times. Rear windows stick at times. A crack suddenly appeared next to the ford logo on the back. Have since noticed several other explorers with the same crack. This was my first new vehicle and has not left me with a good impression of American vehicles.

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  Poor components - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Dr. Gonzo - September 10 - 10:19 am

  Bought van new. Main problems have been with poor components. Examples: Have had to replace both front power window motors, driver seat heater, driver seat adjustment motor, and 6CD/radio has been replaced TWICE, fuel pump died on the highway at 60K. Fortunately no problems with engine/transmission not even leaking/burning oil with almost 90K on it. Poor fuel economy as I can only get to 18mpg on highway. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Mazda and Hyundai and this will likely be the last domestic vehicle I ever own.

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  I hate this car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Terrible car - September 10 - 6:16 am

  I was bored with my old car and gas prices were rising. I decided I would go and test some cars out. I ended up getting the Focus. 2 weeks after I bought it my door locks stopped working. 3 weeks after that I had to have the sway bar replaced. Then the motor mount. Then the alternator. Then my electrical system went out. 6 disc cd player broke. I swear it eats tires and headlight bulbs. Up to date I have had the car for almost 3 years. It has 137k miles on it. I have replaced the motor mounts 5 times. I bumped a curb and the side air bag deployed. I have had my car in the shop so many times the car rental people know me by name. Ford makes terrible cars and I would recommend you stay away.

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  1998 Mustang V6 - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By silliwi - September 9 - 10:39 pm

  I have a 1998 Mustang w/ the 3.8 V6. I got it in September 2006 so its been 3 years now. Its a pretty good car. I got it from a family member with only 46,000 miles on it in 2006. Now it has 88,000. Ive had to replace the tires, and the brakes, windshield, along with the rear differential fluid twice. Other than those things the car has been virtually maintenance free. Its by no means a comfortable car. You feel every bump in the road. The seats are uncomfortable for long drives and it doesnt handle that great. I average about 22 miles per gallon mixed use. Im not really a sports car kinda person... I think Ill go with something with four doors and better fuel economy...

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  An oldie but goodie - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Doug T. - September 9 - 9:23 pm

  I bought the car 2nd hand at a used car lot in Pa.($5,000} Made it safe to drive ($2500) and redid all the suspension ($1700). now its all restored it runs great and slightly oversize tires give it a mean look. Its a roomy midsize with the 3.8 v8 gives me 25mpg on the hwy. I work on it as it needs it. I Love My T-Bird.

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  Luv My Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Luv My Truck - September 9 - 1:45 pm

  I love my SUV. I have the Turbo Diesel and I get excellent gas milage. 21 City. When I tow my three horses @ 1200# each plus my 4500# trailer I get less around 15. Still not bad. My kids have plently of room. As my kids are 61, 62 57. So I do not know why Edmunds said leg room is bad for taller people. Not so. My truck has lots of pick up and go. When I need to pull out I do and have no problems doing so. I guess if you are a timid driver and think you can not pull out driving this truck then I say dont buy it. As for me...I will keep my Excursion and continue to haul my kids around and my horses to shows etc. It is very comfortable to drive and Its fun to drive.

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  Ford is Rising - 2010 Ford Flex
  By SS Lover - September 9 - 12:45 pm

  Flex is a my first Ford since 1981. As you can see my display name, Ive been a loyal GM customer. T-Blazer SS(me), Caddy Escalade(my wife), Impala SS and HHR SS(my two college daughters). My first impression was WOW. This Flex is really well made car: good power from ecoboost engine, huge leg room for 2nd raw seats, very good audio system and excellent Nav & Sync system. Fuel economy was also impressive too. I drove about 300 miles on highway.(with about 170 lbs of luggage) Trip computer showed 24.8 mpg between 65-70 mph and 22.4 mpg between 75-80 mph. better than what factory spec says. Only thing Ford need to do is prove reliability. Time will tell.

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  2013 Ford Focus Another unhappy owner..Stay Away - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Randy Ritter - September 9 - 10:32 am

  Terrible transmission (already rebuilt once due to metal in trans fluid) currently at 38K miles, Bluetooth and electronics never worked correctly, full of rattles, terrible Resale value. Transmission was repaired once, shifting is erratic and when you press the gas the response is inconsistent, sometimes it takes off and other times it just creeps forward. Bluetooth wont connect to devices, Microsoft SYNC is atrocious. In less than a year of ownership book value has decreased by half. THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD EVER. This car is a complete lemon that should never have been sold and all FORD will do is extend the warranty, I just want the car fixed but that doesnt happen and I cant get rid of it because it is almost worthless due to the reputation. Gas mileage is nowhere near claimed as well as 24 mpg is about tops compared to the advertised 35+