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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  Never Again - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By NEVER AGAIN - August 11 - 8:22 am

  This was a great performing car. Fast, handled great and very comfortable. However, after 6 months, the transmission went out. I took it to a Ford dealer in to have it fixed. $2500. They said it would be guaranteed and covered at any Ford dealer in the US. Well, I moved to GA and the transmission went out again. Dealer said it was my fault for not checking the trans fluid. It was a manual and there was no way of checking it. I had it repaired again. $2500 again. 10 miles after the warranty was up, it went out again and they would not fix it unless I paid another $2500. I gave the car away at that point.

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  Thank you Freestyle for 3 great years - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By R.L. Scinto - August 11 - 8:15 am

  My lease is up on my 2006 Freestyle. I found the Freestyle while shopping for a smaller alternative to my Lexus 470 (yes Lexus). I have loved this car everyday. There is nothing and I mean nothing you cannot fit in it within reason. It has been comfortable beyond belief, reliable as ever, my Infiniti M45 had more electrical problems even turning off at 55+ mph. I am now patiently waiting for my new Flex to arrive. I trust and love Ford for building such a great car. It makes me sad to give up my old friend Freestyle. I hope it goes to a good home to someone who will love and embrace it like I did. But with the loss I am gaining what I think will be the most exciting Ford now offered.

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  Poor exterior workmanship - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By mark haslett - August 11 - 5:24 am

  I purchased a performance package GT convertible in January. The exterior body panels were not bonded correctly by the roller at the factory causing noticeable creases at the edges of the trunk, passenger door and hood. The car has been reviewed by the dealer and 2 body shops and all agree this is a factory defect. Problem is that FORD CORPORATE says it is NOT their problem. Dealer is working with me to correct the poor workmanship but I am concerned that after the trunk, door and hood panels are all reworked and repainted that the value of the car will be depreciated. FORD should just take this car back and give me the straight car I paid $44k for.

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  Love My Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By rick88240 - August 10 - 10:25 pm

  I love the way the car handles. It is stylish and sporty looking. I have the light sage Fusion and it is a beautiful car. The car gets 21 mpg in town and on the highway I set the cruise at 60 and get just a little over 36 mpg. The trunk is large which is good for long extended trips. The interior is well designed and the seating is comfortable. The price was fantastic for such an amazing car

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  Swaying Impressions - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WrstPirateever - August 10 - 8:28 pm

  For a 2 door, this thing is fun to drive. Pretty good acceleration, and plenty of trunk space once the back seat is folded down. I couldnt believe it when I fit my new 42 inch TV in there and noone else could either! The back seat is useless for passengers unless they have no legs. Very tight quarters back there. Now for the bad. Ive never had so much trouble with traction especially on wet roads. I also have less than 60,000 miles and Ive already had to have a brand new transmission put in (luckily covered under warranty) and new tie rod ends. Now Im having issues with what I believe is the air intake control. Finally, this thing eats through tires like crazy

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  2 month review - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Biker8 - August 10 - 7:10 pm

  Bought the car for work/commute 2 months ago as gas prices were just eating me alive. Drive about 30k/yr. After ablut 5k mi, Ive had no issues. The car has 29k mi. I do have a wheel bearing noise in front otherwise, everything else works fine. Im actually surprised how comfortable the car rides. Performance is reasonable. Car looks somewhat cheap inside however, its not an expensive car. For the money, its much less expensive than its Japenese counterparts & much better than its American counterparts. Overall, for the money I definintely buy another Focus. By the way, Im getting over 30 mpg combined. I am however, conscious about how I drive it.

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  Good strong truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By teeetertotter - August 10 - 4:26 pm

  Bought this truck because my other 150 has over 300,000 miles on it and I needed a new one. The engine on this truck is very strong. I dont really care for the electronic throttle control. Its rated at towing 9900 lbs but Ive pulled over 14,000 and it pulled it really well. Ive compared this truck with the GM truck and this truck seems to be better built. For example on my Suburban the doors are welded to the body and the weld has started to crack. Where as the Ford is bolted to the body frame. The transmission seems to be a little lose and that is supposed to be normal but it is a little annoying. Overall this is a great truck that has a good engine and is really a real truck.

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  A review to read - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Car buyer - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Explorer a year and a half. Since the day I bought it I have had on going problems. All four of my brake pads were cracked when I got my Explorer. Secondly, the silver paint chipped off the radio and both door handles. Later this year my car wouldnt start due to a faulty part. I have had nothing but problems.

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  Ford Explorer XLT 03 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcbrat - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Noticed fluid leak after one month of driving, turned out to be the rack and pinion. Part has to be ordered/return to shop to replace. They said it was a human error upon assembly and this happens. I hope this isnt going to be a lemon.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Barbara S. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I always owned passenger cars so buying an SUV made me a little nervous, but this SUV is small and drives just like a car, one other advantage is that it is very roomy and comfortable. Takes bumps well and drives smooth and quiet. The tires are my only real complaint, the cheesy cheap tires that the manufacturers put on their cars always disapoint me, but that is just the way it is. Of course its a gas guzzler what do you expect from an SUV?