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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  Do not buy! Terrible transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By T. Walston - March 4 - 6:11 am

  I love the Bluetooth capabilities but this does not outweigh the transmission problems. The car shudders terribly especially upon take off in the city. It never happens on the highway. I bought it in Aug 2014. Since i have taken it to the dealership more than once to fix the problem. The transmission has been reprogrammed multiple times. They told me it is just aggravating and not a safety issue. From some the posts Ive read that is not true. Im trading this in asap!

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  My honest opinion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By StrikeEagle - March 4 - 5:50 am

  I bought the Fusion without ever seeing one in person and I really love this car. Gas mileage has been up to and over 30 MPG from the beginning. I also dont have any problems getting started from a full stop of punching the pedal to get out of a tight situation. The reports of slow response to gas pedal input just arent as bad as they are made out to be. I am also 64" tall and have zero issues with leg and head room. I also have no problems with the turning radius. My previous vehicle was a Ranger which had a larger turning radius, so the Fusions tighter turning is a nice change of pace.

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  stat focused - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Phil - March 4 - 2:56 am

  I was never aware of The transmission issue before I bought the Ford Focus. I enjoy driving the car it is great handling and driving on the highway,with the constant repairs being made. I have informed the dealership and they have ordered the required parts. Lets see if they hold to the workmanship of the repairs. If not the games will start.

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  Nice to have a reliable Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Julie - March 4 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car new in Oct 2005 and it has about 33,000 miles on it now. I am happy to say it has never had a mechanical problem since I have owned it. I use full synthetic oil in it which seems to have improved the mileage. In mixed driving, I rarely get below 30 MPG. I am happy with the performance and mileage and reliability of the Focus. I owned a Taurus previously and it was a nightmare. Recommended as a inexpensive used car purchase.

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  Too many problems - 2000 Ford Contour
  By BradB - March 3 - 9:22 pm

  I bought my SE Sport new in 2000. Performance-wise, it was a fun car: great handling, a reasonably powerful engine, excellent brakes and steering, good 5-spd. I could drive this car fast and whip it around corners with ease. For $15K, it was probably the best handling four door around at the time. However, the car had way too many quality problems: brake hoses cutting themselves, the A/C failing multiple times, strange sounds from the engine, the dashboard warping. I got tired of it-- basically every year I knew something was going to go wrong. This car had a lot of promise but Ford cut too many corners for me to recommend it.

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  Cutting "Edge" - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Coach - March 3 - 8:28 pm

  I was apprehensive about buying the Edge. The first time we drove it, it was noisey and rode real rough (SEL Model) compared to the other vehicles we were shopping. After we returned a second time and drove a Limited with the 20" wheels we changed our mind. Very nice ride and quiet. Sync audio system is awesome as is the Vista Roof. Getting 20-21mpg around town. Not too bad, but better than the estimate given on the sticker. Origionally had some issues with rattles and creeks but were promptly fixed by the selling dealer.

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  Simple Car... Still fun! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By jillybeansalad - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  I have not had any major work done to my car since I bought it early 2004 used. Ive never been stranded anywhere and we have been doing our own usual maintenance ourselves, no professional work other than smog testing, which it passes easily. I have just started feeling the shifting become harder, and as an ex- owner of a 92 hatchback Mustang (both are automatics) its to be expected as my milage is nearing 100,000.

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  great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By trodome - March 3 - 3:50 pm

  this is really a great truck - only had one small problem so far and to replace the fuel pump - other than that not bad does great in the snow and also great for towing - this is my second ranger my other was a 96 which was smaller and had a 4 cylinder - i wanted more power

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  DONT BUY FORD - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dustang - March 3 - 8:25 am

  First and last FORD Ill never buy a Ford again! I agree with everything the editor said in his review about the mustang, its a really nice car for the first 5,000 miles or so. Check out the TSB service bulletins for the mustang before you buy one! Many problems, engine misfire, water leaks by the buckets from dashboard, auto tranny failures,cant fill gas tank,and Ford is the worst at fixing the problems. They give it the sunshine treatment for the expensive problems until your warranty is up. I have replaced the trans, a/c comp, alternator, 3-batteries, power steering pump, and more!

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  I love my car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By KmWorth - March 3 - 4:57 am

  Weve had this car for 7 months now, and are pretty pleased with it, overall. Ours is a 5-Speed. Typically, we can get close to 350 miles per 3/4 tank of gas, because we always fill up before we reach 1/4 tank. My husband and I both commute, so those 350 miles are a combo of highway and city. The only major problem we have had so far was that 6 months into having it, the clutch completely burned out, which was very expensive to repair, not to mention the inconvenience factor. Everyone mentions how smooth the ride is, and its very comfortable. I would reccomend to: Drive gently, get regular oil changes, and visit the gas station before you reach 1/4 tank for best performance!