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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  Absolutely Love my Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By BB - May 23 - 10:52 am

  I purchased my Explorer after my GMC Sonoma was totaled. My back was injured so I was needed something comfortable and reliable. I found it in the Explorer. I have had only two mechanical problems: locking mechanism went out on the drivers door this year ($500incl labor) and the “GEM” module went out so I don’t have washer fluid on the windshield ($300 for part from Ford). Otherwise very reliable. Overall great SUV.

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  Effcient Commuter Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
  By commuter14 - May 23 - 3:51 am

  I drive a Ford Fusion Energi as a commuter car. I drive 16 miles each way in stop and go traffic on surface streets and freeway. I live in a hilly area. Going to work I drive all electric with brake regen down hills. It is very quiet. I dont charge up at work. About half way home it switches over to hybrid mode. After a month of driving 865 miles the dashboard says my avg is 90.4 mpge (less if climate on) I charge it up nightly in my garage using a 110 volt charger. The Adaptive Cruise Control reduces commuter stress. The Sony stereo sounds good using Sirrus or streaming music via bluetooth phone using Spotify. I am enjoying my new tech car. My commute costs are much less.

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  Brakes - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dana - May 22 - 9:53 pm

  Good power at all speeds, brakes too spongy, interior very roomy, ride comfortable.

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  Loving It - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Jim - May 22 - 12:42 pm

  I have driven many differnet trucks but I always come back to Ford, man they did an outstanding job with this truck, 300 HP is plenty for anyone that knows trucks, 365 torque is where its at. It drives awesome like driving a car, 4wd in the snow is great. Think this maybe my last truck for some years to come, very happy

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  Great truck, keeps on going - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - May 22 - 12:10 pm

  I bought this truck new in 94 and I used it every day for 10 years until I got a family minivan. I have towed concrete mixers, hauled scrap and lumber, use it weekly to carry stuff to the dump. I carried the kids in the extended cab (when they were little, not a lot of room there.) The truck never let me down and today I still have it (though its semi-retired)and use it 3-4 times a month to go to the dump. It has 167,000 miles on it and now my daughter just got her lisense and she drives it daily to school and about. It still gets 22+MPG. Never did more than routine maint and replaced the clutch 2x. What a great investment in 1994!

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  I love it! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rookie - May 22 - 10:59 am

  I love the Edge! It is so much fun to drive. I looked at other crossovers but this one is the best in the market. I only have 800 miles on it right now and I am getting 19/20 ish city and 24 hwy. I avg a little over 22. All the features are amazing! I love the Vista roof especially and the Sync!

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  Would buy another - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Chesette - May 22 - 10:47 am

  Coming up on 100k miles in a few months. No real issues to speak of. Hangs up a little when shifting from drive to park. Has been very reliable (minimal repairs & pretty minor at that). Gets about 16 miles to the gallon in town, about 20 on the highway.

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  Living on the edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By RICK - May 21 - 9:55 pm

  The Edge is fun to drive, smooth, quiet and very good looking. We have been in stores and resturants and had people talk about our car. They like it too! I have been buying Fords since 1981 and this Edge is the best yet.

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  98Ford Explorer expensive to maintain. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Michael J. Stancil - May 21 - 12:43 pm

  My SUV is starting to need some major repairs at 100,000 miles. After discovering that it would not pass State Inspection or Emissions Test, I placed it in the shop to fix: O2 sensors, engine oil-leak, engine light on, front-end repair to fix play in front left wheel, and a radio display light thats broke but will not be fixed because the dealer said its a common internal problem and replacing the entire radio is the only option. Total spent to pass Inspection is $2,500. Other recent repairs include: new shocks, new brakes, ball joints at over $2,000, for a total yearly repair bill of $4,500. Also, gas mileage with the V8 is terrible.

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  Never buying a Ford again. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By kevin - May 21 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this thing, I soon realized why Ford is in such a financial slump. People are getting wise and not buying Fords anymore, I unfortunately was one of the few unwise and bought one. After only 15k, a new transmission was needed which Ford had the nerve to blame the failure on me. I had to take them to court the get it fixed under warranty! 5k after that the fuel pump went, leaving me and my family stranded on the side of the road during a trip (Ford refused to pay for the tow) Later my headlights would not turn on, only highbeams worked, which got me a ticket for driving with highbeams on. After 30k, I needed another new fuel pump, washer fluid pump, CD player stopped working.