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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  Super Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By nobog - May 4 - 6:27 am

  This was quite a deal. A SES for $14,150! (list was $18,295). Beware, the $500 Ford cash for using their credit will yield you a 10.75% interest rate. I took that deal but will pay it off early so it doesnt matter. Manual trans but with a 4 cyl thats the only way to go. Reasonable quiet and smooth, build quality seems good, even the temp control buttons on the dash have a good feel. No rattles or wind noise. THE deal for 2009.

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  Great until it hits 50k miles - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Samantha - May 3 - 11:31 pm

  Bought this car in 2005 with 48k miles, now has 90k. Got great gas mileage up until about a year ago (avg 32 mpg mixed), now gets 22-24. Auto trans may be dying shifting is labored. Have had to replace ignition lock (50k miles), coil (55k), a drum brake (65k--some kind of part that held it together WENT MISSING and the shoe was scraping the drum), motor mount (85k). Have had to put way too much money into this car since I got it, $1000+ for things that shouldnt break. Very concerned about the poor gas mileage lately mechanics cant figure it out. Have had fuel system flushed but no change. Back bumper also lost a screw and is sagging. Looking for a Civic or Corolla now.

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  Good Value, overall... - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Collin - May 3 - 10:35 pm

  We purchased this vehicle after owning a 2000 Focus LX. Our new coupe looked great in red with black cloth interior. We paid about $16k BUT were very impressed with the improvements made over the 2000 model. The interior quality is much improved, as is the sound deadening, ride, handling, and POWER. The DOHC 2.0L offers plenty of mid-range torque with an impressive intake growl. The brakes are good, but lack anti-lock. The stock sound system is adequate. The vehicle handles VERY well for its class it is difficult to lose grip even in the wet. Replaced alternator at 48,000 miles ($220 from AutoZone), and a front marker lamp at 44,000 miles. Overall, we love the looks and performance.

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  Performance SUV for the family - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GP - May 3 - 10:10 pm

  Bought used with 38K two years ago. 53K now. Love the sound of the V8. Strong acceleration. Surprised by how well it handles. Pretty nimble for its size. Lots of convenient features. My kids love the DVD entertainment system. Rear parking sensor is nice but just went. Need to repair.

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  Problem after problem - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By sadday - May 3 - 5:54 pm

  Bought this car less than a year ago from a dealership, have had nothing but problems for the last six months. Needed a new fuel pump, engine revs itself, overheats frequently, faulty hoses and wiring, doesnt start sometimes for no reason. I was really excited when I first got the car and have been frustrated ever since.

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  Update - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By 2bigfoot - May 3 - 11:00 am

  Did review at 220,000 miles and had few problems, mainly front brake rotors. No matter what brand they still seem to want to warp.This gives pulsation while braking. At almost 275,000 miles had to replace the serpentine belt and radiator hoses. Still getting 27 mpg. A friend of mine has a 2000 model and has had many more repairs than mine with only 120,000 miles.

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  Best auto investment yet - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Joe Sonnier - May 3 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Sport Trac w/ 44k miles on it, outside of routine maintenance the only thing Ive had to replace was a new hub due to off roading. The interior is very comfortable, great for commuting, camping, and overall driving. I live in Alaska and I havent had a vehicle this reliable in the winter (started right up in -20 weather!) It has room for the kids, but extra hauling space in the bed, as well as great towing capacity for its size. Excellent truck for family camping trips and small enough to take on most ATV trails provided theres not too much mud!

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  Good truck, good value - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bill - May 3 - 1:10 am

  I would buy a Sport Trac again. It is a great vehicle, drives and handles well and is perfect for someone who needs a truck only sometimes. HoweverI rated the exterior and interior design below average because the Ford design team missed some simple features that would make the vehicle much more easy to use.For example the storage compartment in the bed is unreachable unless you crawl up on the bed. I’m 6’5” and I cannot open the compartment, you would need to be built like an ape to use this compartment effectively. The other issue with this compartment is it does not lock, but considering how hard it is to access maybe the Ford design guys felt it was too difficult for a thief to access?

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  very satisfied - 2008 Ford Focus
  By bockman - May 2 - 10:45 pm

  Seeing the ever rising gas prices forced me to get rid of my 15 mpg averaging Equinox. I was going to look at the 4 cylinder Escape but the Focus caught my eye. I love the car overall. I took it for 2 long trips already. The gas mileage is phenomenal. The engine is smooth during acceleration and is barely audible at cruising speeds. It also has enough power to keep up with traffic whether it being with one or 5 passengers aboard. Great car overall. The SYNC system is awesome. Its the best feature Ford ever came up with especially with a new cell phone ban while driving law that is coming to Ontario.

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  Fix or repair often - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By scorpio53 - May 2 - 7:32 am

  Ive had my 96 ranger since new and Ive replaced rotors,bearings and calipers twice and I baby this thing,Ive also replace all brakelines mastercylinder powersteering pump and lines.The truck has a mind of its own and the lights inside and outside come on and go off at will as well as the alarm bells ring the motor switch on the interior fan stopped working as well and the radio wont shut off,Ill never own another one!!!