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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  first time mustang owner - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kidkimchie - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have experienced so far is that I do not seem to have a cruise control indicator anywhere that I can see.

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  I Love My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SuzyQ - April 10 - 12:06 am

  All I can say is I love my Freestyle. We are in the construction business and so it is great when I have to load up the car with anything from paint to 2x4s. We also need to haul our daughter & her friends everywhere. It hold 7 easily and they actually love to ride in the very back seats. The DVD player is great for those long trips. We have taken several trips and we get 27mph on most trips. We live in the mountains and it gets 19mph most weeks but 17mph if I am going to work up on the mountain.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Curtis Woods - April 9 - 9:22 pm

  This is it, great truck for the money. Rides like a expensive car, do not even feel the transmission shift.Two years and still get compliments. Powerful V8, pushes me back in the seat. Leather seats are great for long rides, COMFORTABLE. Great sales person at dealership, still checks on me.

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  1998 Ford Contour SE 4 cyl DOHC - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Arthur Blessing - April 9 - 8:57 pm

  Purchased car 1998 thru Hertz- 1998 model w/25,000 miles sale: pleasant experience, price quite reasonable, complete file kept on car by them, kept in like new condition by Hertz. Car has been extremely reliable and durable, similar in build quality to my previous Toyota. Front seats very comfortable (Im 5-11"), a few minor recalls handled well by Ford dealers, no major failures on car, just replaced things that wore out (belts, brakes, rotors, sparkplugs, thermostat, etc.). At 112,000 miles now still has original starter, alternator, water and fuel pumps, and now needs front end bushings and A/C compressor. Very happy with this car, except for mileage: 20-24 mpg for 4 cyl. car.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By JWW - April 9 - 8:00 pm

  I bought a used 08 Taurus with 1K miles. I think that this is a very underrated car. The interior is well finished with lots of features. Power is decent and fuel economy is better than expected. This is a lot of value for a VERY affordable price. It is a better car than Camry and Altima. It is very spacious in both interior and trunk. Drive one before you buy Japanese and you might be in for a surprise.

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  Keep America rolling 911 car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Daryl - April 9 - 3:07 pm

  This little One Owner yellow Focus was well loved from day one. I never lose it in a parking lot. It was purchased just after the attack on 911 to keep America rolling. It still runs great after 162,000 miles. It has had a few expected repair issues over the years. The biggest repair in 2014 the fuel pump was replaced. "Car blows a fuse and stalls when the fuel pump is going bad". 2016 Current known defects - A/C failed for the first time, passenger power window sticks unless you open the driver side door. Small one inch rust spot on the hood and truck edge. Minor oil leak. Otherwise I still love the car. The seats are comfortable. It is a little noisy but it is a small car.

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  Ford Escorts are reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Justin Davis - April 9 - 2:31 pm

  Must say that after 164,000 miles and a whole lot of rust in 16 years of existence,this car is still driving strong. Its fun to drive and it hasnt given the last owner or me any problems. Love this little car!

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  perille tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By eliz3618 - April 9 - 12:00 pm

  we leased a 2007 ford focus and returned it 2 weeks ago to purchase a 2009tord fusion. To our shock, we recd a bill from FMC stating we owe$600.00 for overuse of the perille tires. We have always leased, and never have we recd a bill for anything.,called other ford motor dealers and they stated the perille tires are only warranted for 1 yr..why is FMC putting tires on cars that they know in advance will not hold up.,we turned the car inw/31,000 miles, perille tire is suppose to be good for 40.000 miles. FMC is really shooting themselves in the foot because if we are forced to pay this, it will be the last ford we ever buy. what an insult to the consumer. tires were noisy & poor traction.

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  Bought Used... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JoAnn - April 9 - 11:38 am

  Purchased this used at 44K miles last year after having a 4 cyl Altima. First I would not go back to a car. Sitting this high is awesome. The truck itself is great and I have had no major problems. The tire monitoring system goes off when the car is cold but otherwise no major mechanical issues. DVD is great for my 3 kids and I added XM radio so this is like a home away from home. Owned the lemon Ford Tempo many years ago and vowed that I would never own a Ford again....maybe not a car but the SUVs are great. That is one thing that Ford is good at.

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  Great Value & Performance but... - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Raymondo Galvez - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good value, solid car. I bought one of the first Sport packages and this has definitely improved the overall vehicle. Load leveling and 17" Goodyear LS make for a superior ride with good handeling. Only disappoint was fit of exterior panels.