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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  This car is JUNK - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jessica - July 24 - 7:36 am

  I have the same problem with the transmission as all the other 2014 Focus owners. I do not recommend this car to anyone! I know two others that have the same car and both had the same problem! I looked it up online and find this.. Seems to be the norm. POS car and very upset customer. Taking my car back to the dealer today for the 5th time!!!! Trading it in as soon as I can!

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  Escape the problems - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Ralph Genova - July 24 - 1:02 am

  Very reliable vehicle. Didnt do anything other than routine maintenance for the entire time I owned the vehicle.

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  I LOVE MY 2008 FORD EDGE!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Annette - July 23 - 8:16 pm

  We purchased our Ford Edge in March 2008 after selling my car. We live in Wyoming where the winter weather can be a challange at times and we wanted something that had higher ground clearance and was AWD or 4WD. We took 2 weekends test driving every crossover vehicle on the market. We kept coming back to the Ford Edge. It is roomy, classy looking, AWD, we have 32,000 miles on it and are getting 23 MPG. I miss my little cars 30 MPG but Im not totally disappointed in my Edges MPG wish it was getting 26-28 but 23 isnt real bad.

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  My second Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Danny J. - July 23 - 1:33 pm

  My first Taurus was a 97 model. It currently has over 215k miles on it with no major issues and is still going strong(we did not trade it in). Thats the main reason we decided on the Taurus when it was time for another vehicle. We have only had it a few months but we are well pleased with the new design. Its comfortable on long trips even for my 6ft frame and is a pleasure to drive. The dual air, multi disk cd changer and other new amenities make road trips much more comfortable. The huge trunk also makes it easier to bring everything we need.

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  Not so good - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jct - July 23 - 1:22 pm

  I bought my car in the fall of 07 6 months after i bought it, it started making a noise when i started it and turned the ac on....well i took it in to the dealer they said it was the belt so they changed it. the noise stopped for a week then came back..i took it in again they told me they couldnt figure out what was wrong...so i took it to another dealer ended up having to leave it for a week to have my tensioner pulley and ac clutch pulley replaced and my motor readjusted....a year later its making the same noise...not please with the vehicle should have keep my 05 altima way nicer car..

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  Dont buy this car. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Samuel - July 23 - 10:20 am

  The car is one issue after another. I have it in the shop every other month. I pay more in repairs than the payments. Im getting ride of it next week for a different car. I will never buy ford again.

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  As Comfortable As Airline Seats - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jcscratch - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We had a 2002 Focus Sedan. There are some nice things about it: lots of power, handles nice, great stereo. But, this car was not meant to be driven by anyone over 510". Im 63" and hated it! The seat is the most uncomfortable thing Ive ever sat in. And when you pushed it back to get leg room, the steering wheel was at a full arms length away! Also: our power steering pump and "rack" were shot after 36,000 miles. Makes me wonder what else is wrong with these cars.

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  Good car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By crazyfocus - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is exactly what i expected for the money i spent. Good looking, fun to drive, enough interior room. No problems to report yet, after 5ooo miles.

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  2000 FOCUS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JACKWARE - July 23 - 10:00 am

  MANY MANY RECALLS. SMALL ANNOYANCES SUCH AS WINDOW OFF TRACK, EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE, TRANS FAILURE AT 32,OOO MILES, TRIM PIECES FALL OFF. THEN TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, MY FORD DEALER OFFERS 4250.00 AS TRADE VALUE ON NEW MUSTANG. THAT IS 278.00 PER MONTH DEPRECIATION. GOING TO HONDA OR TOYOTA. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A NON U.S. BUILT CAR.

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  VERY EXCITING EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rodney Anderson - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles. The ride is superior. The room is immense.