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 I got a Lemon - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Zolar1 - January 12 - 5:08 pm

  I barely get 14-15MPG in the city in the wintertime. Summertime, I can scrape the 18MPG if the A/C isnt on. I have never got anything above 20.5 MPG. I drive with a very very light foot. If I can get 24MPG out of a 4.3L 6cyl GMC pickup, I should be able to do the same with this truck. Vehicle keeps getting leaves in the ductwork, Seriously lacks power, and the A/C is on when you use any setting other than off or vent. Dealer claims it was designed that way. Vehicle still missing a flap in the drivers side fender well. Dealer says its not supposed to have one. Vehicle has peeling painted masking tape on support in front of the radiator.

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  2005 Freestyle DOA - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By brian - January 11 - 6:36 am

  We purchased a 2005 Freestyle new. It is presently broken down at a gas station in CO. My wife barely made it off the road. With less than 50000 miles on it we have had the rear brakes replaced, a throttle body replaced, numerous problems with the rear passenger door seal, gas cap sensor problems. Good luck to anyone who purchases a Ford Freestyle.

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  Cant wait for the Sledge hammer - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By zulubuff - January 8 - 9:34 am

  This car was nice whe we first bought it. First signs of problems came when the check engine light came on and has remained on for 7 years. After 1 year, the paint started chipping. 6 years later, it is nicknamed brown top because of rust. Transmission is bad, replacing brake fluid is hard, cup holder fell off, radio no longer works. Indicator for lights and washer fluid come on for no reason. When it is warm, the guages dart around, so you never know how fast you are going or how much gas you have. Drivers side wiper is junk. Seatbelt didnt latch and had to be replaced. Heater/AC control replaced. Idle is rough, and when I turn or park, every looks because it is so loud.

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  Lemon - 2007 Ford Edge
  By vmorin - January 5 - 7:11 pm

  Vehicle is a lemon. Avoid purchasing. Returned 5 times for ptu unit leak. Oil leak so bad caused engine fire. Back from garage less than a week and leaking again. Transmission needs replacement, shudders and rolls backwards on hills. Rear hatch panels seperated from vehicle- twice before being replaced. Gas miliage not even close to advertised. Worst vehicle I have ever owned (6 prior)

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  I hate this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By adamsracingbaby - January 4 - 8:32 pm

  i have had this car almost two years and have had nothing but problems with it. Within 5 months new brakes and rotors. Dash panel lights have gone out three times. Now battery and alternator problems. Not only that in the last year I have had to replace the tires and rims! And they need to be done again. I will never own a Focus again. Not good for car seats or tall people.

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  one terrible vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By unhappy ford custome - January 1 - 2:00 am

  1) dash board vibration noise 2) loose driver seat track 3) front wheel rubbing on tire right turns 4) hard start when warm 5) cannot read dash board during some 6) day light conditions 7) loud chime ring when oil change not needed 8) loud chime ring when back tail glass open after driving a long time 9) cannot reach into center arm rest while driving-flawed design 10) no place to rest left foot while driving 11) difficult to find power seat switches on driver seat & heated seat button 12) poor gas mileage

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  An Absolute Lemon! I miss my Escape! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By BB - December 24 - 6:10 pm

  I have had the Ford Edge for two months and it only has 22000 km. It has been in the shop numerous times. The drive shaft, a wheel bearing and parts of the Vista roof have all been replaced. I took it in again because there was an odd woooooo noise at exactly 90 km and 40km. Was told its "tire noise" ( Continental Cross Contacts) I was driving yesterday and the vehicle just lost power in the middle of traffic. The ABS , powertrain and anti slip lights all came on. A faulty sensor? I now wait for some part to come up from the US. Numerous unexplained noises, poor braking, Ice builds up on the inside of the vista roof. Its terrible in the snow. I want my Escape back!

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  Not a very good buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bigrobrown - December 10 - 8:30 pm

  Really regret buying this car. It was my first purchase and I was extremely excited about it and didnt think to ask many important questions. To be a V6 it got really bad gas mileage and maintance is insane. Have had it in the shop for serious repairs like two days after the warranty expired. It does look nice in my opinion but thats all this car has. Keep your money and buy something else

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  Junk - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By John - December 10 - 2:25 pm

  I purchased this car new. It is now December of 2008 and this car has seen the dealership more than my driveway. Ford has put a bad car out on this one. I love my dealership, they have done everything possible to make me happy but the product that Ford put out will make me go onto to GMC or other.

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  Ford Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Groverdo - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a station wagon & bought the Ford Focus EXPECTING good gas MPG. The car is noisy to drive due to the wheel well being inside rather than in the trunk. The average MPG has been 25mpg. The plastic fittings inside the car are working loose. Dealer "cant find anything wrong" & said the car gets 40mpg...did "explain how their computer does MPG". NOT pleased with car nor Dealer. Ford does GOOD trucks but NOT the Focus.