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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  Fast & Fun! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jack198 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  It is fast & fun, a great deal. Great freeway driving, takes the turns well.

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  Amazing little car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ganymede - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought the Focus would be a piece of junk after reading the reviews some people posted. However, I decided to take a chance and buy one. WOW! This car rides well, has great handling and feels more like a sport coupe than a sedan! Very impressive.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Edge
  By bob - April 29 - 9:22 am

  I think Ford hit the jack pot with this one. The engine is a little noisey when starting off or increasing speed on the highway,this should be improved.

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  Needs to be recalled - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Disappointed - April 29 - 8:44 am

  Ive had the van for 4 years now. 3 weeks after purchase there were noises heard while driving under normal conditions. Took it to dealer twice they said they found nothing. Trusted their opinion since they sell. Now a new problem...transmission gave in. Van is sitting in mechanics garage collecting dust until I can come up with at least $3000 for repairs. Also, driver side window motor needs to be replaced. Talked to some other mechanics and theyre baffled why these problems occured on a 5-yr old vehicle under 100k miles. Im not buying a Ford ever again.

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  Great Vehicle, No problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JKT - April 29 - 8:36 am

  Bought used with 33,000 miles a little while ago. Great family vehicle, love the 3rd row seat. Gas mileage for SUV is acceptable, compared to OTHER SUVs. Interior is well appointed, heated seats great, interior os sturdy. love the factory subwoofer. Exterior is fine, but plastic molding around foglights made cheap. Have to replace all 4 disks and pads already. Would buy again.

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  2013 piece of crAP - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Dee - April 28 - 11:45 pm

  Please save yourself a headache stay away from Ford. Have a 2013 Ford fiesta on the 3rd catalyst converter Radio doesnt work had software updated worked 1 day On my 4th set of tires also having throttle replaced who knows whats next. Spare yourself the trouble.

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  Great, Safe Family car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freebie05 - April 28 - 11:35 pm

  No problems after 40K miles. Two repairs in the three years we have owned it: oil pump gear for the AWD mechanism, electronic sensor for the transmission went out. This is one of the safest vehicles on the road. I would only say the CVT is a little noisy around town. Acceleration is OK. It is a versatile family car that seats 7 passengers comfortably.

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  Defective Car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Sandra Cisneros - April 28 - 11:23 pm

  I would not recommend this car to anybody. I bought a ford fiesta 2013 two years ago and since then it has been at the dealership for the transmission clutch. This is the 3rd time the clutch will be replaced. It hesitates and shutters. Overall, I feel like I threw my money down the drain, I bought extended warranty but what if I didnt buy the warranty? I would be paying some dollars to fix it. I dont understand why Is Ford isnt doing nothing to fix this issue. Us consumers are losing money.

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  Mostly Pleased... - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By GuyInIndiana - April 28 - 9:33 pm

  I purchased this used truck for towing, however, my 2000 XLT only has a 5.4L V8. Edmunds says the base engine is a V10 6.? something. I pulled my new camper of 4100# for 280 miles... refueled 32 gallons. OUCH... but... it pulled it very well. I noticed on the main page for the 2000 Excursion, my 5.4 V8 isnt mentioned as an option in the 4 wheel drive, which mine is. Overall, Im happy with it. Its a very solid ride.

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  08 Focus SE - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Justintime - April 28 - 6:06 pm

  Gas milage is great getting 35 to 40 mpg with mostly hwy driving. Sync software works great for the cost of the car its very impressive. Great Daily driver!