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 Buy - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Awad - October 19 - 11:29 pm

  Yes, acceleration has some noise, and the road bumps arent absorbed as nicely as my Explorer, but I just took two long trips, over 1,000mi combined, set the cruise on 57 and get 31.6 mpg. Car is well maintained, clean filters, oil, etc. New Michelins as the Pirellis were loud and awful. I know that Im not driving a Lexus, so some things are to be expected, but 31.6 makes me accept a few flaws. Near 20 city (never accelerate over 2000 rpm, dont rush to the next red light, etc) and mid 20s overall. Plenty of cargo space, handles very well on tight turns, no sway, holds the road well, has good acceleration, a bit weak when you ask it for more on the highway. A real nice car thats underrated.

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  What a joke! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By unhappycamper - October 19 - 10:53 pm

  I have had my Focus for 11 months. During this time, it has been in the shop for a total of 28 days. I had the engine replaced at 8,000 miles because of an internal coolant leak that contaminated the oil. I have had three sets of brakes put on it. The computer solenoids that control the emissions system have been replaced. And last but not least the gas cap was defective and had to be replaced. I am in the process of working with the selling dealer to buy it back as a lemon. This will be my last Ford!!!

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  Bad Investment - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Randy - October 19 - 9:05 pm

  I acquired a F-150 for a heavy work load. Big mistake. This vehicle would be good for occasional work and commuting, but has limited capabilities. It is underpowered, loud, poor gas mileage, and unreliable. I spent a small fortune keeping this truck running. I replaced this truck as quickly as financially possible.

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  Wish wed never bought it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Atlanta - October 19 - 5:57 pm

  I never cared for the car from the first day my husband bought it (I was out of town). It was o.k. for the first few years except the speakers never worked right. Then the rear brakes started chattering and we have spent a lot of time and money trying to fix the problem. Took it to a Ford dealer and they couldnt fix it. Weve have tried to have it fixed several times at different places but the noise always returns within a few weeks. The front end is always going out of alignment and pulls to one side. Last year, all the seals blew and we spent $1,000 to fix it. Weve kept it for our teenagers to drive, but plan to get rid of it next year. It has about 90K miles. CR is right about it.

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  Micheal Myers of trucks--just wont die. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Lil Mule - October 19 - 1:54 pm

  I bought this truck brand new in Feb of 95, and havent looked back since. 335,234 miles (original engine and tranny) its safe to say this truck has paid for itself three times over. With only two clutches replaced (working on my third) and regular maintainence, this truck has never given me a problem- -even after smashing a full grown deer, two rear-end collisions and a steel reinforced pole that inconspicuously jump out in front of me. All this, and doesnt drip any oil.

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  Mustang GT Makes Awesome Daily Driver! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By The Extreme - October 19 - 4:06 am

  This is my second Mustang. My first was a 1997 V6; it was a wonderful automobile and was still running strong and reliable when I parted ways with it at 157,000+ miles. Then came my 2005 Mustang GT. In a word, wow. Twice the horsepower (300 vs 150) of my V6. Retro skinning, but in a real modern package. I drive the car every day to and from work and people constantly comment on how much they like the car. Its remarkably practical and easy to drive given its amazing performance, and gets pretty good mileage for such a hot performing car. I love it!

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  Ultimate Cool - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andy S - October 18 - 11:43 pm

  If you want drive a car that is fun and fast, this is it. Ford hit it perfectly with this car.

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  Good basic truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jrm - October 18 - 2:38 pm

  120k miles, only minor problems. Have replaced the clutch and a set of tires (original brake pads still going strong!). Mazda 5-speed is not a smooth shifter but has been a solid gearbox. V6 is noisy and doesnt have a lot of power but seems to be a solid little engine, no issues with it at all in 7 years/120k miles. Did have a lean condition due to upper intake gaskets, but that was easily fixed in an afternoon with $60 of parts.

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  It doesnt stand for fix or repair daily - 2008 Ford Escape
  By MoRich - October 18 - 10:36 am

  I thought I would never go back to American made cars again. I had a 2001 CRV until the trans died a few months ago. The Escape is rugged looking, sits higher, has a very smooth ride and fun to drive. It has a lot of interior room. Lots of head room and a quiet ride. Love the crome grill and the the keyless doors and back latch. Just gettting 18 MPG in city so far. Also brakes are a bit soft. Hope that will improve. Really enjoying the car.

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  Mom of 2 in MI - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fordwife - October 18 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for 18 months and love most everything about it. With 40,000 highway miles I have had plenty of time to drive it. My biggest complaint is the brakes had to be replaced at 30,000 miles at at cost of almost $400. I was not happy. One minor recall to date and the dash is bubbling a little. This car has been driven from Michigan to Florida with absolutely no problems. Very comfortable in the rear seat for my two children. Gas mileage is respectable and the trunk size is awesome - no more borrowing my husbands F-150. Overall, very nice car.