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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  Mixed Review - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By honeybadgeriv - August 15 - 7:22 pm

  As a whole its a very reliable car. I have come across a few issues such as the coolant tanks poor design cracking under Georgia summer heat, and transmission issues. As you might imagine look at any other car review and everyone claims that particular car is plagued. It has a surprising get up and go that you wouldnt expect from grandmas car but Ford seems to pull that off with most of their sedans. I love this car and honestly will be very sad when its gone. Recommended for first car buyers. Since i fixed the first issues Ive had none others... 40k miles ago.

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  Mine is a 3.0 V-6 not 2.5 - 2012 Ford Escape
  By frdrang03 - August 14 - 4:19 pm

  This is my Wifes SUV and she loves everything about it we have put 6000 miles on it since buying new in February. This car is Awesome in the snow and on Ice considering its hard to stop anything on Ice. We tried everything we could to get it to spin out in a snow storm, I know your thinking Idiot, but I wanted to push it limits I Have Road raced cars for 8 years and I couldnt get it to spin out the Advance trac, ABS, and stability would allow me to over accelerate it actually directed me back on the road. I hard to describe in detail but it outperforms my buddys Subaru in AWD performance, and fuel economy. This a great little SUV and it make me proud to see a American

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  Beautiful vehicle, but in the shop on a regular basis - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By jaholmes - August 14 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my 2011 For Explorer Limited for 1 1/2 years. So far I have had to have the following replaced: Air-conditioning unit, back up camera, and a couple of modules (whatever those are.No one could explain it to me) and several trip to update the My Ford Touch (Which is completely unreliable) I just got it out of the shop last week and now my air-bag light is on. The earliest Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield is able to make an appointment for me, is in 10 days! Whenever I have it in the shop, it is there for several days as they seem to have trouble figuring out how to fix it. I have problems with the Ford Touch responding slow. Dont know how much is the car or if its incompetent service

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  Its like buying a hybrid without paying extra - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By raj58 - August 14 - 1:10 pm

  I love the fuel efficiency of Ford Fiesta. It gives me 40-42 mpg on my daily commute and 50-54 mpg on highways. I also like its cute looks, the spacious interior, the safety features like 7 airbags, blind spot mirrors, and capless fule inlet. On negative side, there is no arm rest for the driver, the lights are not automatic and the pick up is somewhat slow.

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  2000 Ford Explorer Limited 5.0L Shocking Still - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ewjayester - August 13 - 11:08 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used, after my Toyota Land Cruiser was totaled. I wanted another SUV/Truck that I could use as a work horse. I had no faith in the vehicle at all, none what so ever. I drove it hard and still do, I didnt wash it, wasnt thinking about its maintenance, and the thing continued to, if I must say, (EXPLORE). No issues with any type of upkeep or problems of service lights, strange noises, anything falling apart, which was my fore thought of Fords all my life. Needless to say it just hit 140k and purrs like a kitten. The engine is super strong, which is one reason my title of the review states shocking, and still going strong. Im now a believer in Ford. A GT40 is next.

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  beware of oil leak!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By fiesta1 - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car yesterday with 20 miles, today at home I woke up and went to see the under of the car and it was leaking oil from the union of the tranny and engine in one of the bolts, so I did research and saw it is a common issue for the fiesta, I got mad and called the dealer and they swap it out for another one which does not leak, make sure to check if it is leaking before you buy, other than that awesome car, also the tranny is very noisy and the automatic shift feels weird. I cant believe a new car can leak oil what a shame ford

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  Most Reliable vehicle Ive ever had!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jimmyz26 - August 10 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned a Nissan, Mitsibushi, and a Pontiac, and have to say Ford is best vehicle Ive had yet! Ive had far less issues with my Ford Explorer and love driving it. I bought it in 2006 and put 37K miles on it. It currently has about 75K miles and only had routine maintenance on it. My only complaint is the crappy gas mileage 15mpg. The rear panel recently cracked, but you can avoid this. I had sprayed winshield washer fluid on it during a very cold Colorado winter day. The repair is outrageous, close to $700. The handling is excellent and the ride roomy and comfortable. Well built inside and out. Engine has plenty of power and 4WD is nice. I plan on keeping my Ford for a while.

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  40 K and going strong - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bobmilan - August 9 - 8:37 pm

  Our Edge is 13 months old and has over 44K miles due to mix of family and business use. Very happy on both long trips and short. Overall mileage is 26+ mpg with 28+ on long drives - impressive. I agree that the ride is a bit harsh, but glad for solid handling when needed for avoidance or quick turns. Glad that I bought extended warranty coverage considering recent reviews but I still hold hope of getting $$ back if not used. Synch phone service works well as does I-phone podcast replays. Agree that system is not ideal, but upgrade has helped. Now pretty intuitive.

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  one of the best cars ive owned - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ford_351 - August 8 - 9:24 pm

  When I was 16 my parents gave me a 2002 Focus Wagon SE they had since brand new at 154k miles. Me being dumb at the time and still in Highschool, I beat the living hell out of it on the back roads like nobody would believe and it just kept going and going. Timing belt finally went and then the motor was toast. Thats the only major problem with these cars if you have the 2.0 DOHC engine, you HAVE to replace the timing belt every 70k miles. 4 1/2 years later Im a mechanic and happend to come across another 02 Focus again for a price I couldnt pass up. With 192k miles this car runs / drives so smooth and quiet I couldnt believe it. Just replaced the timing belt today for peace of mind.

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  WORTH IT! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By jawmonkey1 - August 5 - 8:40 am

  Bought it 3 years ago at an auction for $200 with a badly rebuilt engine. They the put the head gaskets in upside down. Replaced all the rings and the bearings on a fresh block and all new gaskets. Most of the outer engine parts where original. Since then weve replaced water pump, alternator, battery, plugs,plug wires,clutch fan,ball joints,tires,radius arm bushings,door panel,MAF,Fuel filter,and clutch. Much of this was because I wanted it to perform at its best.Would have did just fine without it. The gas mileage on the 5speed manual 4.0V6 is 18/20 City /22/26 Highway. But for 200 bucks this was a deal. Makes it from Phoenix to Denver no problem. Reliable and fun! Great on gas and roomy!