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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  Best Value Sport/Luxury Sedan - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By tommygunn - April 15 - 5:00 am

  My last two vehicles have been an Infinity M-45 and a Lexus GS-400. I would rate my Taurus right there with these two vehicles for much less money. I admit I drive my vehicles very hard and my Taurus is up for the task. Highway cruising at 75mph plus is a dream with a smooth comfortable ride and enough power to easily overtake slower vehicles when passing. The handling in city traffic is surprisingly good. I prefer a performance/luxury car and my Taurus fits the bill.

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  Will spend huge amount of money on repairs. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By FrustratedFordDude - April 14 - 11:55 pm

  I bought this car at 100,000 from a used car dealership. Everything checked out fine, only 4 years old. My car started shuddering at acceleration, the dealership told me nothing was wrong. Had it for 6 months and my car eventually stopped shifting gears all together. Took it to Ford, they wouldnt cover it. The clutch had failed and the warranty I purchased wouldnt cover it. Costed me $1,800 to fix! Once they took the car apart they found more and more problems totaling another $1,000! Its been 2 months and this car is still being fixed. Ford wont even give me a loaner car. Once fixed, I plan to sell it and buy a non-ford car. Do not buy this car!

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  Ranger Birthday - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas Kenny - April 14 - 11:18 pm

  Bought myself a new 08 Ranger for my birthday. It is the XL Supercab with the 2.3l I4 engine with 5 speed automatic overdrive transmission. I love the torch red color, and I did get A/C, tilt/cruise, stereo with CD player that is MP3 friendly, buddy seats, privacy glass and sliding rear window. I am looking for some good gas mileage and am told that I can get between 24 and 29 mpg on the road after the engine loosens up in 2-3 thousand miles. I love to drive it, it is very quiet, handles predictably with good road feel and steering. This is probably the last year of the Ranger so this truck should keep the Ranger memory alive for many years.

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  So far, great car! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Pete - April 14 - 9:35 pm

  We have put almost 15,000 miles on our Freestyle in less than a year. We just returned from a trip to Florida with 7 passengers (6 adult sized people plus a toddler) and luggage. Maybe it is because I dont test drive sports cars, but the pro reviewers missed the boat on the CVT and power. 25-27 mpg fully loaded and passing other cars going up the mountains. Too bad Ford dropped this powertrain for more horsepower and poorer mileage. The only problems I have heard about are the premature tire wear and rear brakes. Our tires are ok so far, and well see on the brakes. I think the writers did a disservice to this car. The Freestyle is not flashy, but does what it is meant to do.

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  Big Positive Surprises for Me - 2001 Ford F-150
  By MustangGT - April 14 - 8:21 pm

  XLT short box. It just keeps on running. Now past 120,000 miles and I started with 12,000 so I got my moneys worth. One set of tires, another coming up soon, 3 batteries, one super set of brakes, better check on them again too. But thats it, in 108,000 miles except for the 30 oil changes. 17 mpg with the a/c running. 19 mpg driving real nice without the a/c. Great truck that just keeps surprising me overall with reliability. Had one ton in the bed once, the nose was up, but I made it the 12 miles needed. If there is a bad point, I dont like it in the rain. Its a squirrel. As long as its dry, this truck has surpassed my expectations.

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  Silver beauty - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By dk - April 14 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 4th Mustang and first GT. I love the sound, though I wish the automatic shift was a lot firmer. Very difficult to squeal tires. I do have a nagging dash noise, the same problem I had in the 05 V6. The exterior styling is great and the new silver vapour paint looks amazing in the sunlight. Might get some tuning done for some better shifting performance. Gas mileage in the V6 was a little bit better, but then I didnt drive the V6 like I do this one.

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  Love my Harley Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Bennie - April 14 - 7:55 pm

  This is the greatest truck ever. It is so fun to drive. Just sitting in it with the sunroof, leather seats and all the chrome and Harley emblems makes me feel like I am on my Harley Davidson Roadking! The rumble of the stock exhaust just adds to the feeling! Handles great and runs good with the standard 5.4 engine. Everyone gives it a second look on the road. No complaints here. Fuel mileage is not great, but who cares when you feel good about your ride!

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  One Bad Toy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kami Rhodes - April 14 - 7:53 pm

  This car has been the most awesome ride Ive ever owned. Everything about this car is FUN. Not only is the sleek design of this car is attractive but being able to just cruise with all that power under you is great. This car is extremely quick and has great handling.

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  Very Happy with this vehicle - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Jeff - April 14 - 5:12 pm

  I have the Limited version of the vehicle with every option except, the navigation sytem and auto-lift back. Vehicle is very fun to drive, responsive and gets far better gas milage then on the sticker. I am currently getting 30 mpg. This is for the most part highway driving at 70 MPH. So happy with the vehicle my wife bought one 2 weeks latter. Of course her has the navigation and lift-back. I truly believe Ford has a winner here.

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  Much Better than I would have thought... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By hatchback2 - April 14 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had my manual Focus hatchback for more than 18 months and have had zero problems. After 41,000 miles Ive had no problems with tires, brakes, nothing. Maybe the first years stunk but I see no reason to put down this car. No, it isnt a BMW but what do you expect? Very impressive on snow and ice. Just had brakes checked and still well within specs. So far much better than the VW Golf I had before this.