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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  Nice Auto - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By fusion99 - May 25 - 12:52 pm

  Purchased vehicle new and its a nice riding car. Smooth and hugs the road well. Took a while to obtain the mileage. After jsut over 5K miles its now getting 34-35 mpg. Seating is very comfortable and remarkable pick-up for a 4 cyl engine. Fully loaded with rear view camera and blind spot sensors-these are great!. Also has SYNC which is very useful and safe considering I drive 700 miles per week.

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  So Far High Praise for 2010 Ford Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By lnnyri - May 23 - 2:47 pm

  i traded my 08 Hyundai Elantra for the 06 Toyota Tacoma and then traded that for the 2010 Ford Edge SE. I have driven foreign cars all my life after experiencing bad fortunes with Dodge. I decided to go American this time around. Ive always liked to look. The interior dash of the Hyundai is more modern. The seating comfort of the Edge is better. The Tacoma was outdated and too bouncy. The Edge drives surprisingly smooth. The Edge is roomy. I like the ActiveSync and dual climate control, big wheels, and leather seating. I am back on American, I hope it doesnt fail me or I am permanently back on Japanese

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  Cant complain one bit - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By roller_k - May 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought my 96 in 98 with 14000 miles on it. 12 years and 160,000 miles later and it never had a breakdown. The transmission never gave me problems. Only problem after many years was the link to the auto transmission and the back door lock had problems that I never took it in for. I did most of the scheduled maintenance myself and Im no real mechanic. Great vehicle from Ford.

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  11 Year Review - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By red70 - May 16 - 1:32 am

  2.5L Engine, Manual, 4.10 axle. Actual mileage was 69K last year. I made a typo on my 10 year review, but still low miles for the age of the truck. Most Reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It may be slow, the paint may be pealing off, and the design is 20 plus years old, but I would not own another vehicle for everyday use. I have no worries or concerns with this truck. I expect to get another 10 years out of it. Maintenance cost for the last 11 years has been about $250. Two oil changes, one thermostat, one battery, thats it.

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  2008 Ford Focus SES auto loaded - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mkrahn - May 14 - 11:25 pm

  Bought this loaded SES which is black/black with all options heated leather etc back in December 2008 used, with only 5000 miles on her for only $13,500.00. She listed for around $21,000.00 new. I did my home work as far as price, value, etc. She now has 45K as of 5-14-11. No problems what so ever. The only thing we have done so far as changing the oil and rotating the tires.

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  Best car Ive ever had but..... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By matt2010 - May 14 - 1:35 pm

  This is my second AWD Fusion , had a 2007 ,the car probably saved my life with its 5 star crash rating as some one ran a red light at high speed and hit me in the drivers door (didnt even break the glass or door panel) Went out and purchased a new 2010 AWD SEL , best car Ive ever had . So far the only problem Ive had is the recall for transmission reprogram , but last few days the 6 speed transmission has been slipping or jumping when heavily accelerating , has even popped into neutral once ,it is scheduled to go into dealer in a couple of days any advice ?

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  Love the Edge, Hate SYNC/My Touch - 2011 Ford Edge
  By grylls - May 13 - 1:01 pm

  I have owned a 2011 Edge for 5 months now, and for the most part it is a very good vehicle. Comfortable, well built mechanically, and gets the advertised EPA gas mileage if you take it easy. But as many other reviews have said, the SYNC/My Touch systems and everything connected to it such as Blue tooth, Navigation, etc were apparently released to market with no product testing. My wife and I have nicknamed the voice recognition system the "Voice Nonrecognition System". The navigation system seems to know only places that we would never want to go. I should have not dismissed it as a fluke when the navigation system had no idea where the Ford dealership was when we took it for a test drive.

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  Hmmmmm..... - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By johnp1984 - May 10 - 11:11 am

  I bought my GT with 95k, it currently has 160k and the engine is running strong. Not been as reliable as many here claim. I only see the recall intake manifold mentioned once! That was a pain in the butt to replace. It hasnt been all that bad, just little annoying stuff going wrong here and there, for example.....x4 O2 sensors, all 4 calipers and rotors replaced, new intake manifold(coolant leak), door hinge, cruise control went out, lower control arms, ball joints, and recently the steering column. Like i said not all that bad, but people on here are praising it as being soooo reliable, it is a 3 at best as far as build quality reliablitly people!

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  Impressed - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By shaffzane - May 3 - 7:57 pm

  Only in with 200 miles but Im impressed with the car so far. Averaging about 34 mpg in town. Dual clutch 6 speed is not a slush-box nor a manual so it takes some getting used to. Nice ride and handling.

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  BIG time TRANNY issues/Bearings also - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By tracydeech - April 28 - 9:48 am

  Mine was a demo when I bought with few miles on. Absolutely loved it for the first 6 years. 09 is or 08 is when I saw problems. The heat/AC went out. And then the wheel bearing started going (every 6-8 months one would need fixed) It has around 120k miles on it. Tranny died 3 weeks ago!-and on top of that 2 more wheel bearings need fixed on it plus tie rods. AND it is a gas guzzler! Its paid off but it is still costing me lots to keep it! So I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with my explorer. Goes GREAT in snow(only reason why I would consider keeping).Im going for a more economical vehicle now.