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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  Better than the Pilot - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By gbtgd - November 9 - 8:53 am

  I got my 2011 Explorer in June. So far so good. My car is loaded. The only features I dont have on it are the sun roof and the engine upgrade for the class III hitch. In 05 I traded in my Durango (best car I EVER owned) and got a Pilot after ruling out the 05 Explorer. I HATED the Pilot. The Pilot was fairly reliable but it was BORING. Plus going from a V8 to a V6 was a real drop at the time. So when I heard the new Durango was out for 11 I tried it. It was awful. So, I went next door to the Ford dealer and tried the 11 Explorer and liked it a lot. Wish the Explorer was based on a pickup, not a car, and wish it came with a V8 option. The V6, even upgraded, is NOT the same as a V8

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  Great Commuter - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By bjdavis - November 7 - 11:57 am

  We needed a commuter car with better gas mileage. The Ford Fusion was just what we needed. With 3 kids, they fit comfortably in the back and we as parents love that! We feel safe driving our family around in it!

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  not my fav car but she saved my life. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By brit6 - November 4 - 7:06 pm

  for the most part i like this car.. not my fav car ive had but i was recently re-ended in my focus and she did exactly what she was designed to do. adjuster said there is a impact bar behind the bumper. when the guy in the jeep that rear ended me it bent and bounced him back off of me and destroyed his front end but looked like it didnt do a thing to my rear ended besides looking like it got tapped a lil. it hurt.. i will be honest about that but if i was in a different vehicle the outcome would of been different and a lot worse. did about 2300 dollars in damage but is not totaled. for the price.. i will never complain again for my money. does have its issues but what ford doesnt??

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  Rock Solid - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By achau - November 3 - 2:05 pm

  I drove my 2000 Explorer from 140,000 to 201,000 km. It was so reliable. Always started, never got stuck and never in the shop (except for routine maintenance--oil changes, brakes etc). Before I replaced it, it began leaking a bit of oil and the fuel sensor gauge began malfunctioning, but it still drove like a dream. It was an awesome car with lots of utility--it could carry whatever you needed, through whatever conditioned you faced (I live in Canada). This car provided me with excellent value and should be very reliable if you take care of it.

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  I will have a hard time parting with this Contour! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By incaleif - November 2 - 7:30 pm

  I took on this contour when it had 196,000 miles. The seller fixed an exhaust problem. I replaced the upper outer ball joints, had the brakes redone with new fluid, did rear struts, changed the front wheel bearings, changed the transmission fluid, P/S fluid, drained and flushed the radiator, changed the valve cover gasket and I do oil changes every 3000 miles. I get 30 mpg. Just now I may be looking at changing the water pump and timing belt. But this car is worth it! It has 230,000 miles and still running strong.

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  Love my ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mapplema - November 1 - 10:38 am

  I purchased my 97 Ranger in 2004 with 75,000 miles, in 2011 it now has 145,000. The clutch needed replaced when we bought it, also had the slave plate fixed in 2009. Those were the 2 biggest expenses. Being in Ohio, rust has been my only enemy. Ive replaced rusted broken parts as needed, and this thing still runs like a champ. You will be in the shop 2-3 times a year as it gets older, but theyre not expensive trips. Gas mileage is excellent around 23-24 with mostly city driving.

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  Ford Service is a Joke - 2011 Ford Edge
  By calcarnut - October 25 - 10:13 pm

  We purchased our Edge SE 4 weeks ago and have put 1K miles on it. I switched the headlights to "auto" and the first time it activated the driver side low beam popped. I brought the Edge into the dealer. Going on day 3 and they still have not been able to locate the bulb. They gave me a Nissan Altima as rental replacement as they are keeping my vehicle until its repaired - for a headlight bulb.

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  Fun, Fast but squeaky - 2006 Ford Focus
  By nickmbb - October 25 - 12:59 pm

  Its a nice fast city run-around car. Great on gas and is fun to drive. On the highway, it drives smooth at high speeds. Had it for 6 years now and havent had any mechanical problems (except that squeak).

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  Whats not to love! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By krootox23 - October 18 - 11:59 am

  I do not see any flaws in this vehicle whats so ever. It gets great gas mileage, very very spacious. Extremely comfrotable leather interior. Engine is strong and tough. Anyone who says this car sucks or is bad is pulling it out of their a$$. I have owned the escape for nearly five years now and it has 197570 miles on it, I have never had to do any repairs except brakes rotors and oil changes with a few services for recalls.

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  My Fusion - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By jm868 - October 16 - 10:02 pm

  Just got the car 2 months ago, so far, impressed. Great ride, very comfortable, sunroof is a nice addition, thought like many have said, me at 64 has my head exceptionally close to the roof, something I have to adjust to. Also the fuel economy for the four cylinder has been disappointing, believe me I drive maybe 5 or 6 digits above the speed limit like everyone else in the world and yet I find myself getting gas every week like a did with my Dodge Durango. I dont know whats happening there, I hope I just have to break it in more and hope for the best. The power is also a bit subpar. The 12 speaker Sony sound system is absolutely amazing and I would reccomend that to everyone.