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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  Could have been a great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - February 22 - 4:26 am

  Mine is actually the SE model not the SEL, I liked the looks and handling of the Fusion, although its a little rough on a bad road, also the price was right, its such a shame that Ford has kept this underpowered engine for so long, it is so slow at take off and merging, I should have gotten the V6, otherwise a nice car and a good value.

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  Its OK - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DrCPsych - February 22 - 12:19 am

  When I purchased this car, I was so excited! But, the ignition gave me problems and Ford kept telling me nothing was wrong with it. Then, the interior headliner was rattling. They fixed it and it kept rattling at high speeds. Then the buttons to open the windows fell through the hole they were supposed to be secured in. Several years later, the DVD player wouldnt work and the CD player didnt work either. The brakes needed changing at 20,000 miles! OK, so we had a great deal of problems but I like this truck. However, I would not buy another one! I will buy a Honda or Toyota SUV next time when the economy is better.

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  Overall Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cretian - February 21 - 10:50 pm

  Bought new, garage kept. Very reliable vehicle. Safe driving, especially in bad weather. Like auto doors but theyve had bugs from the beginning. Very roomy & comfortable for adults & children & nice for long trips of 1000+ miles but very noisy on highway- outside noise and air noise while driving-you think windows are cracked open. Misc repairs during time owned- glad we got extended warranty. Now with 100,000 miles more stuff is breaking & in last 2 months traction bar rusted thru/cracked in half, sway bar links and engine gasket replaced- all normal? Interior leather still in great shape. Overall really like & will keep it for as many years as possible. Still looks good!

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  It just wont die - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By AJ - February 21 - 9:53 pm

  I never thought the thing would be so reliable, but with over 200,000 I keep hoping that the thing will die so that I can get a new ride. It just keeps on running! Ive owned it for 5 years and 60,000 miles and have never had to replace anything major. Ive driven it on several 1000 mile trips. It has lots of little stuff wrong with it like the power windows and oil leak and engine tap (which is at least 5 yrs old too), but it starts up every time even when its 10 degrees. The fuel mileage on hwy is better than most new SUVs (22mpg), and the thing does real nice off road and its only a 2WD. Ive been in and out of many places in this thing that I should never have been it without 4WD.

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  Ill never get rid of it! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Jennie - February 21 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this truck used in 1999 with 19k miles on it. Ten years and 85,000 miles later, I still love my Ranger. Its never left me stranded and its still fun to drive- despite the lack of technology I enjoyed with my Nissan 300ZX and 03 Acura TL. Performed well on my cross-country moves from San Diego to Philadelphia (though doesnt do well in snow). If youre on a budget, definitely consider this car. Its reliable, good MPG, safe, and a much better value than the competition.

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  Solid Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By safetymike - February 21 - 2:53 pm

  Bought new. Has 232,000 miles, mostly over gravel, on the 302. Replaced brakes and master cylinder at 160,000. Dealer wants me to trade in, but the truck still runs great! Burns no oil! Typical squeaks and rattles for this amount of miles.

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  Ford owner-cars and trucks - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Stoney - February 21 - 11:52 am

  My family and sons only use Fords and that goes back more than 40 years. The F150 seems to ride better and gets better gas mileage than the posted numbers. Could be the light foot to get more miles per gallon and no major repairs I recall.

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  You can look, but if you research, you will buy - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - February 21 - 1:51 am

  Look for reviews from owners , research the top 10 used cars list, rent one if you can and drive it for a 1-3 hour trip. Thats what I did over a year ago, 15,400 miles ago and I have no regrets. i have a 2015 SE, leather power seats, moon roof, etc. Two visits to the shop, one for a campaign and another for a front seat belt sticking. Love the car and my wife loves it as well. Traded a vehicle with a V/6 in for this 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. and there is no noticeable difference in power.

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  Love my Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ford 500 Alabama - February 20 - 8:03 pm

  I bought the 2007 Ford 500 and love it. I am a big guy and this car fits all of my safety and room needs. I just cant believe that this car didnt get a lot of press from Ford. It is the best car that I have ever own.

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  Not happy! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Pat B - February 20 - 7:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in Aug 08. In Dec 08 discovered a leak found out that this would be the 3rd time the seal would be replaced. They replaced the PTU-got back after 8 days. In Jan 09 started leaking worse than before, had to drive with the window down the smell was so bad. Finally got it back yesterday after 17 days. Replaced PTU and axle shaft. To make matter worse the gas mileage is "awful. When I first got it best I got was 14mpg - since it got cold try 8-9mpg. Dealer told me there is bad gas around here. Give me a break! I might as well drive our 97 3/4 ton pickup that usually gets around 10-12. I should have spent the extra money and got the GMC Acadia.