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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  Great small truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By gen contractor - August 27 - 6:47 pm

  Bought a used xl longbed,2.3with 5spd. manual. As a 60 yr.old man, 6tall, 250 lbs., I find this vehicle a solid buy and a solid performer. Its no frills, but peppy, frugal, and very tight. The design may be old but its sure as hell not dated. A great value.

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  1 Year - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mz.Marina - August 27 - 10:42 am

  I bought my escape a year ago. Have put extensive miles on it without any problems whatsoever. Only regular maintenance which is key to maintaining a vehicle. Will keep an eye on the tranny after reading these reviews...but other than that cute fun suv.

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  Cash for Clunkers purchase - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Suzanne - August 27 - 9:29 am

  I just bought a Ltd AWD. Im very happy with the car. Ive not noticed any of the poor braking distances that consumer reports mentions, but Im not a tailgater either. I am getting about 20mpg on average. I think this is a lot of car for the money. The features, design and comfort are all very high for the money. The next tier choice up in pricing for a crossover just doesnt offer that much more to justify the pricing. This is a lot of car for the money and is solidly built and well designed. You can feel the shifting though when you step on the gas on the highway to pass. Pickup is fine for me, but if you are really into power, the weight is pushing the need for a V8 - but still good.

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  I Love My Blue Baby - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Adgurl - August 27 - 8:27 am

  I bought my Explorer new in 2001 -- started as a lease and I decided to keep. After 208000 miles Ive never had any major problems, until now. Have to get the crankshaft pulley replaced. I plan to keep this car FOREVER. I love my Explorer.

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  Glad to go green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By thor59 - August 27 - 8:20 am

  Traded in a 2005 Turbo Diesel for the Hybrid. Best decision Ive made in a long time. Actually got 41 miles to the gallon in the city yesterday. Quite a difference from fifteen. Ill never buy anything but a hybrid again. Love the Ford, totally impressed, get one.

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  Dont buy!!!! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By frusterated at ford - August 27 - 12:23 am

  Biggest mistake I ever made, was buying a Ford Focus. Its used up 17 tires in 80000 km. 3 of the tires were legit, due to nails found. But the remaining were due to bad alignment, crappy suspension, and dust/dirt in rims. I will never buy a Ford product again. Also, the amount of dust that gets through the stripping around the doors is insane. My car is always filthy but I was told thats just a Ford Focus, its how theyre made. Its fun to drive and good on gas, but its the biggest mistake I have ever purchased.

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  If you love your family DO NOT BUY - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Caligulas Ghost - August 26 - 11:48 pm

  Where do I start? First the A/C went out, then the original tires wore within the first year. I had to replace the battery twice. Alternator was replaced twice. Transmission went out at 40K. Air intake manifold needed to be replaced. Brakes wore earlier. Until the day I last had it there was an issue with the lights flickering (dealer said the alternator/battery were fine). The car made a terrible whirring noise. RPM gauge always fluctuated. I still have nightmares about that car. I spent 5K in one 6 month period to keep it running. Please STAY AWAY from this car!

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  ooops... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ryan - August 26 - 8:24 pm

  I have had my Fusion now for 3 1/3 years. The blinkers lights are always going out. Last year the the AC went out right in the middle of the Texas Summer. Some sensor was out, was still covered under the warranty so didnt cost anything. A year later (the next summer) my check engine light comes on. Yes, I take car in for its regular checkup always. Anyway the car starts to putter act like it doesnt want to go when I hit the gas. I opted to buy the extended warranty. Turns out the fuse coil is burned up and seems to have short someplace, still in shop. Not at all happy. Suppose be fairly new car to have these problems. May not be covered under the extended warranty.

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  Living in the Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Sam Gallucci - August 26 - 7:45 pm

  Excellent vehicle that drives well accelerates well with great comfort.

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  Turned In The Clunker - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By webwandererx - August 26 - 6:12 pm

  We finally traded our Windstar as our clunker. It served our transportation needs over a decade and it protected us through two accidents. Power steering that growled and Ford replacements that growled worse did not give us confidence about Fords. The worst part was that the Ford dealership was essentially telling me that the vehicle was used up well under 100K. The engine blew up at 80K when a non-dealership mechanic was doing a head gasket leakage test didnt help matters. We were nursing a sick transmission when the CARS program came on. We jumped at the chance!