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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  Red Ford E150 - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Jim - September 27 - 10:43 pm

  We bought this van in winter of 2004 as mainly, a people carrier as there was only a short commute back then. but this van quickly turned into a mainly all purpose car, groceries, long cross-country trips, towing, you name it. For such a giant of a car, it handles well in the (Its not a Subaru) and when we moved and the work commute turned into a hour long one to Chicago, it served very well, although the MPG it delivers convinced us to get a 2007 Toyota Prius. We have logged 111,000 miles on it but with the exception of a starting problem (cant start if the engine is too warm sometimes)we hope to get years more out of it, and has been very reliable. Save your money, I suggest! Get a Ford

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  2003 Ford Explorer NBX - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Herm - September 27 - 3:19 am

  Purchased this vehicle new in November 2002. Currently has 145,000 miles on it. Rear end always had a whine which was especially noticeable around 60 mph, but a few years ago, I changed to more highway friendly tires which reduced the whine. I did not know this model has this issue until I read other reviews here. When the air conditioner is off, it still seems to blow cooler air as I think the way it is designed air flow continues past the coils into the cabin, so you have to have the heat on a low setting to counteract it. Had the transmission rebuilt at 115,000 miles. The dealer wanted over $4,000 for the rebuild, AAMCO did it for $2,600 and gave me a two year warranty. The gas gauge has never worked correctly, but it is intermittent. Took it in years ago under warranty, but the dealer could not find anything wrong with it. I just make sure I gas it up once a week. It has the rear window frame crack like every other NBX/XLT I have seen on the road. This is a design error which Ford should have fixed, but now that the vehicle is 15 years old, who cares (I read on another website some owners are pursuing a class action lawsuit). When the car was new, I used to get 15 mph in town and 21 on the freeway at 70 mph. Nowadays, I get about 17-18 mph for combined driving. My major complaint is the Ford dealership here in Colorado Springs. I do not trust them, so I take my vehicle in for service elsewhere now that it is not under warranty. The dealer here is very high priced, and is ALWAYS suggesting repairs for a couple of thousand dollars (e.g., new Macpherson struts. When I ask what is wrong with the original struts, the answer is nothing, we recommend you replace them based upon mileage. Struts are high tensile steel which should last the life of the vehicle in my opinion). Anyway, I good vehicle. I like to drive it around as it still has pep and power, and has always had a nice sound system. Sits up high too. One more issue. The airbag warning light comes on occasionally, but I think it is because the connection under the seat has come loose over the years, so I reach under there and squeeze it. That seems to take care of it. No body rust, but the paint on the posts did not take long to degrade after only a couple of years. I use Chevron Techron every 6 months, rotate the tires at every oil change, and change the oil every 5,000 miles. And I pretty much follow Fords other recommendations for maintenance.

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  Lots of show, lots of go - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Wendy D - September 26 - 3:46 pm

  I bought my Mustang at the end of March, and I love it. The design is aggressive and stands apart from the rest of the "bubble cars" on the road today. I was surprised at how high the side windows are, giving a "chop top" feel. I cannot get over how much fun this car is to drive. I now look for excuses to drive somewhere or lengthen my trips. My car is sonic blue with white stripes, and it really turns heads. Instant celebrity. Im glad I got the premium model, as I think Id be disappointed with a base model. The car I purchased was special ordered with the My Color dash backlighting, which I think is silly, but fun to play with. The engine is more accessible than other new cars too.

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  Upset about bad keys - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bvivian - September 26 - 8:45 am

  Bought my new 2012 Focus "S" 2 days ago. I pick it up from the repair at the dealer tomarrow. The computer kept saying "No key detected" and wouldnt start after putting only 77 miles on it. The dealer called me today while i was at work and said they found a new key and it works. Still im pissed. IT BETTER WORK ! Ill pick up my NEW car tomarrow ; AGAIN!

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  Life with a Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jersey Dave - September 26 - 8:30 am

  My Focus wagon with automatic transmission has a lot of good qualities. Its spunky, offers great driving visibility and has lots of storage room. Little things like the theater lighting are also nice. But, Im not very pleased with around- town gas mileage in the very low 20s. A 2005 car with a 2.0 liter engine, even with an auto transmission, should do a lot better than that. (My 94 Geo Prizm still gets 25-26 around town). And, I really dont like the European suspension. In New Jersey, we have way too many streets and highways that are in pretty poor condition. I really have fears that my Focus with get beaten or shaken to death way before its time.

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  Chose Fusion Sport over Lincoln MKZ - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By JimHo - September 21 - 4:16 pm

  Oiginally considered a Lincoln MKZ, the same basic car but with fancier options, but it seemed too much like an old man car. Fusion Sport has almost all the same options with a sportier look. Got it with AWD and handling is great. I think I will tear up the factory tires for the next year and then splurge on some nicer ones. Engine has good pickup... doesnt really snarl like a true sports car but acceleration is effortless. In tuxedo black, the car turns some heads and the exterior on the 2010 is a big improvement over the previous Fusions. So far, Im really enjoying it.

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  Revised Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ian - September 17 - 12:23 am

  After a trying three years of ownership with an 02 Focus, I decided to give it another go with an 07. Ive had the car for a day so far. Performance is good, comfort is good, a very good value for the money. Long range reliability isnt promising, so get an extended warranty that covers more than powertrain - you wont regret it. My 02 was great until it 50k - it was all downhill for the last 22k miles of ownership with that car. With the 07s, the SE and SES are the best values if you want A/C.

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  Touring Car (NOT All Weather Car) - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By DBLD - September 16 - 9:30 am

  I purchased this 500 because its AWD...well 2 days after purchase 10" of snow! I was very disappointed in how AWD performed! Ive owned 2 other AWD vehicles and they were flawless...in all types of weather,(100% better in the snow.) The 500 slips and slides all over the place!(even with NEW touring tires!)

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  What 47 mpg ? - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mikeeewags - September 15 - 11:01 am

  I have now put 5500 miles on my 2013 fusion se. I have yet to even get close to 40 mpg, much less 47 mpg. I drove from Florida to Ohio and back last week and the best mileage I got was 35 in the mountains, but only 33 in the flat areas of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. I had the computer upgrade done before I left and that was no help either. Will be contacting the Ford Tech people tomorrow and see what the issue is with the mileage. Other than the mileage it is a most wonderful car, and adding a lot of chrome makes it a real head turner.

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  Mustang 2006 - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Shark attack - September 15 - 3:20 am

  This is the hottest car I have ever owned. It may not be as practical as a Honda Civic, but it makes up for it when youre out and about. Its a head turning gorgeous machine.