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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  great...until - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jenna77 - April 9 - 11:11 am

  Got this car right out of high school in 2005. It had 54k miles at the time. Most the time Ive owned it I worked close to home so in the 6.5 years I owned it I only put 53k miles on it. So I thought it would last me a bit longer still since it had 107k on it. Well it sounded rough recently, then bam broke down. pulled the car apart and the valve seat had come lose and sucked the valve in to the intake. Spreading metal shards all through the cylinders. So its shot. Sold as is for $500 because we needed a 2nd car right away. but at least I got as long as I did out of it. Maybe a lemon?

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  Better real world MPG than our Tahoe - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By rustinn - April 6 - 5:41 pm

  We own an 07 Tahoe alongside an 08 Expedition. I dont know how the EPA got their MPG figures but in the similar driving, I am getting slightly better MPG in the Expedition and I believe it is because of its 6 speed transmission as opposed to the Tahoes abysmal 4 speed. The Tahoe has better off the line torque but its 4 speed logic makes downshifting a "forget about it" scenario. The transmission in this car is beautiful, upshifts/downshifts at precisely the right times and it doesnt quarrel with the driver. This car rockets along at higher speeds but lacks the punch of the Tahoe at low speeds. Interior noise is pin-drop quite at low speeds but picks up a lot of wind noise on the highway

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  great car - 2009 Ford Edge
  By vipkat - April 6 - 3:24 pm

  bought new in 09 and have not had 1 issue and has 40k now, getting 21 or 22 mpg which is ok but not great, love the ride, brakes, and interior , major step up from my jeep that rode like a tractor, was loud and got 15 mpg, suprised other report so many issues with reliability

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  2012 Limited...nice - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By erock901 - April 3 - 12:02 pm

  Coming from a 2003 Acura MDX, this new Explorer handles and performs much better as expected. It does feel a little heavy in the corners but body roll is well controled under normal driving. The 2nd row seating isnt as wide as the MDX. The 3rd row is much more comfortable than the MDX. Acceleration feels a little slower than expected but not bad. MyTouch/Sync is ok. I expected a lot better/more advanced functionallity since I have basically the same features in my 6yr old Lexus. Overall, Im happy with the Explorer because of its handling and saftey features. And it satisfied my desire to buy domestic.

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  Nice truck until March 31, 2012 when it burned completely up - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By pricecat - April 2 - 11:14 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Ford Ranger Super Cap in Mar 2010 and had 18K miles. It was a very nice truck with no problems. This past Saturday (March 31, 2012), while This is a 5 speed automatic. On 3/31/12, while driving, it caught fire and burned up totally. We got out of it before it was engulfed and we did not get hurt. The truck is a total loss. We smelled a burnt-match-like smell and stopped to investigate. The truck was already on fire when we got out and we were not able to lift the hood. There was no warning that something was wrong. . . no light lit up to indicate a problem. Im curious if there are others who have experienced this as well.

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  Surprisingly fun for bare bones car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bugsycat - March 31 - 10:35 pm

  I bought this car a year ago as a third car for my kids to use for work when theyre home from college. I had previously owned a 2001 Focus that I bought new in 2001, which was a loaded model that I was very happy with. This model is a stripper, with tinny doors. The only extras are A/C, CD player, auto trans, and remote trunk release. Despite the fact that I bought this for the kids, I find myself driving it quite a bit. I like the gas mileage and find the power more than adequate, if a bit buzzy. The trunk is huge and the interior is quite roomy for the size. It is a very spartan car, with hard plastics in abundance. Ive put 10,000 miles on it and not had a problem.

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  NOT THE VAN JUST LUCK OF THE DRAW - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By minerissues79 - March 28 - 1:24 am

  me and my wife just had issues with our dodge minivan motor went befor that tranny went 10,000 befor that in total it had 165,000 when it was retired so we were in trouble no 6kids and i was let go from job after 16yrs thanks obama/bush? both did it so no money no car got job at local fast food joint saved and found the windstar at local dealer about 3months ago for 1thousand dollars my wife was worried it needed little rust repair but didnt scare me off dodge had same issue and paid 5times the money for it so got it fixed it runs good for yr drives good to no probs has little tick in motor but all cars seem to over 150,000 oh yeah it had 178tho just miles not b nuyn new soon keep02 4me

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  Reliable 3.0 auto - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By floridaford - March 27 - 11:11 pm

  Very cheap to keep. Bought new in 2000 and now has 99k miles. Parts replaced in last 12 years: Front brakes (rear drums still good), radiator (plastic part of rad cracked at 10 years / 93k) $136 from napa, ball joints (added the type u can grease) forget cost, was not a lot, 2 sway bar end links - $60 installed by shop, cruise control switch $115 installed by ford at 85k, rear door latch cable broke $55 dealer part. Paint on hood and roof just now starting to fade (never garaged and in Florida sun) still looks good - but will be faded by next year. Remote door locks (key fob) and lock switches went bad early, never fixed.

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  NIce - 2011 Ford Edge
  By bigg5512 - March 24 - 8:52 pm

  Bought used 2011 Edge Limited AWD, all the bells and whistles. Traded in 2008 expidition loved expi but needed better gas mileage. In the Edge I doubled my gas mileage and got a better looking and handling vehicle love the ford sync no problems so far. Owned for 5 weeks so far no problems.

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  Fords Character Machine is [non-permissible content removed] - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By ltdslip - March 22 - 8:47 pm

  I wanted a Mustang GT since I was 16. I was taking a walk around at my local dealers lot while my Fusion was being serviced and seen the black on black 5 speed GT. I wasnt planning on buying at the time but with only 10k km (6200 miles) on it and a price tag of half of that of the new Stangs I was sold. This is a dream come true. The car feels very solid and sounds great. There is power in every gear and at any rev. Most importantly, the car has character, which is missing from all these new boring cars rolling out. I chose the 10s over the 11s because the 4.6 is tried and true. Also heard about issues with the new 6 speed. Best bang for the buck I ever spent on a car.