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:

• 

  Ill drive it until the wheels fall off. - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Susan - May 24 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this truck brand new nearly 15 years ago and put every mile on it myself. It will turn to 00000 again for the 2nd time soon. Ive only had to do regular maintenance with one or two rare exceptions over the last 15 years. This is an amazing little truck & still looks great. My car guy tells me I should easily get another 5 years out of it, if not more. Mileage is what they are advertising for "fuel efficient" trucks & SUVs right now. My sister keeps trying to get me to buy a new car so my young niece can have this truck. That says it all.

• 

  Real Safe Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carlover - May 24 - 8:43 am

  A great car. I loved the third row seats and a cargo room is the largest of its kind. I was in a roll over accident and totaled the car however, myself and my three year old walked away with only a few bumps!

• 

  great small truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Laura - May 24 - 4:56 am

  I have owned this truck for over 4 years and it has been reliable, practical and fun to drive. From the cold and snow in Chicago down to the heat and crowded streets of South Beach, the truck handles well in all conditions. I wish they still made them as Id like to get another one when the time comes.

• 

  Miss It More Than I Realized - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By flilguy - May 23 - 11:17 pm

  I liked the look of the 95. The 4.6 V8 had power like a police car. It would go a 110 miles per hour. It could go faster but I was afraid I would blow it up. I bent the antenna driving too fast. It didnt do very well in snow and ice. It got better gas mileage than the V6 I have now.

• 

  Diesel SUVs are priceless - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By lcstech - May 23 - 8:09 pm

  While diesel fuel price is 50 cents higher than unleaded, the EB Excursion diesel still seats 8, pulls 11000lbs and gets an honest 24mpg highway. I wonder why the owners rate it high and the editors do not, both groups must not be rating it on the same scale.

• 

  Ford Ranger Pickup 2001 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Xavier - May 23 - 8:02 pm

  I bought my Ranger new in July 01 and have enjoyed putting 125k on it. some of the repairs I incured were a broken valve stem, transmition work 2X, broken drive shaft parts 2X, front ball goint, 2 batterys. As of now I have replaced the lights in the dash and repainted the grille to its original dark black color. I dont know what to do with my seet, Over time the arm rest broke and the fabric is cracking and terring, dispite the problems the engine runs very smooth and the AC is bitter cold on hot Texas summer days. I am so happy with the styling, I never get tyerd of looking at it. The paint is shiny amd their are no cracks in the rubber or plastic.

• 

  Wheres the beef? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By CJ - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Great all around car, especially for the family. Comfort is more than adequate, trunk is huge and styling is nice. Horribly underpowered and the standard (SEL) sound system stinks. If I had it to do over again, Id look at Nissan Maxima or Volvo S80.

• 

  1st FORD and NEVER again! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jenni - May 23 - 5:46 pm

  Transmission issues just like everyone else! Mine has been replaced 3x and updated 4x... all under 25k miles. It takes a few thousand miles to act up again but it will! If I shifted a manual car the way this car shifts, I should never drive a manual. I just dont feel safe in this car, at times it has a delay in reacting to the acceleration. Other times I can feel a drag in the take off. I currently have a file open with the BBB to get this car bought back or at the very least allow me to pick an other car on the Dealership lot and lets trade keys! Ford offered me 1 month of my car payment. I DO NOT want money.. I just want out of my car! I have a pending appointment with Arbitration on May 6th and I am also taking the car back to dealership to have transmission tested again on April 30th!

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Edwitski - May 23 - 2:22 pm

  Drives great! Very comfortable! Have had very few problems with the car. Very reliable and comfortable. Great to travel in! Still doing a great job for us!

• 

  Good Basic Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By gdub4719 - May 23 - 11:29 am

  I bought this car to reduce car payments after getting married and having a larger family. I knew it would be a basic car with no image boosting credentials. It is not, but then again I am in my 30s and "grown up" now. The car has served its purpose greatly and I have few complaints. It is my daily commuter and does so perfectly for the price. I had a 1994 Honda Accord in the late 90s that was less reliable than this thing has been! It drives nicer, but it isnt as sporty. It has more features than I had expected power seats, puddle lamps, etc. It has a very good ride and is easy to maintain. Cheap, cheap on insurance too.