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:

• 

  Defective Transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By M. Ross - April 13 - 12:41 pm

  Ford sold a car with a knowingly defective transmission. I now make car payments of a vehicle that lurches, shudders, jerks and drives like an old jalopy and their is nothing I can do about it. Ford does not have a fix for this issue and will continue to replace parts to keep the customer quiet. Buying this vehicle was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I should have bought a Kia.

• 

  So far, so good - 2007 Ford Escape
  By mfish - April 13 - 9:53 am

  With a new baby on the way, needed to trade our Silverado pickup for a more baby-friendly vehicle. Grew up with the Fords of the late 80s-early 90s and swore I wouldnt drive another Ford, but now I own one--Im surprised at how much I like it. Opted for the 5-speed and can get up to 29 mpg on trips. The four cylinder is so quiet, I sometimes cant hear the RPMs to know when to shift (no idiot shift light to help). The engine is also very spirited that I fins myself speeding without knowing! Im 65" and fit fine in back seat with front seat all the way back. Interior a little plastic-y, but I like the look better than 2008 Escape. Though Ive only had it for a month, I like it.

• 

  Got to Drive One... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By mustangsandygt - April 13 - 12:33 am

  Great sports car. I had a 73 Mach 1 when I was 16. I ordered it from factory. Only wish I still had it. This 2006 Mustang I only drive on special occasions. My teen cant wait to get it.

• 

  Awesome Ride - Dream come true! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kelley Kimball - April 12 - 8:33 pm

  I have always dreamed of owning one of the classic Mustangs since I was 14 years old. I finally have one in the 2005 Mustang. Great car and really fun to drive!

• 

  I discovered why it was so cheap - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By eandatoo - April 12 - 8:05 pm

  We bought this car in 1999 from a Toyota dealer as one of their trade-ins. It was only four years old at the time. Almost immediately, it started having problems. The electric fan for the radiater failed. The power steering leaked. The ignition failed. We had to replace the starter four times! The front struts are failing. Thats just a few items among several others.This car has left us stranded several times. It cost us tons in rapairs, not to mention the missed work from the down time. Only later did we learn from different sources that the 95 was the worse year for the Taurus. Steer clear of this one, folks!

• 

  My Blue Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By myfusion - April 12 - 11:26 am

  I love the performance and handling, great pickup, almost shifts without noticing. The extras are another story, lumbar support broke at 5000 miles, sunroof leaks, brakes grab after letting off petal. Gas mileage is OK but not what stated. If you read the Fusion discussions you will see that there are many problems that need correcting. Overall I love the car but getting a little discouraged on something always going wrong. But 1st year out I guess I am one of the Beta Testers.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - April 12 - 1:23 am

  Great car, drives nice and looks good. when driving down the road I get a lot of looks and have been stopped by people who want to what kind of car it is.

• 

  Almost 300,000 and Still Going - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By philzleads - April 11 - 10:46 pm

  Bought the vehicle new in 1996. Mileage is now at 291,942. Just had the transmission rebuilt. The vehicle miles are mostly hiway miles. I have had the alternator replaced as well as the transfer case. Original exhaust, which needs some work as the bolt-on joints are rusted. Compressor for AC is not working, but I only use the vehicle for truck like duties, I dont mind. Use it mostly in winter/Fall for hunting trips. The temp gauge on the dash no longer works so either full heat or no heat. I have had to replace the bulbs in the dash behind the intrument panel numerous times. The engine, incredibly does not use oil as I have maintained it diligently. 6th set of tires.

• 

  Impressed! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By VTags - April 11 - 10:10 pm

  Narrowed my search down to new Sequoia and the Expedition based on the fold flat 3rd row seats and need for V8 for towing purposes. After comparing the 2 vehicles, I was able to get a comparibly equipped Expy for 12K less than a Sequoia. And, the Expy has a smooth 6 speed transmission and surprisingly I have 2K miles on it and trip computer is saying 16.4 mpg. Hands down the best bang for the buck in the large SUV segment. Buy it and use the extra $12k savings vs the Sequoia to pay for gas for the next 5 years! Also, settle for the smaller standard tires and you will get better gas mileage.

• 

  Last of a breed - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Don - April 11 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this truck used when my beloved 86 F150 finally died. I bought the Ranger as I only have a 6ft garage door on the new house and the new full size trucks just dont fit. I love this truck. No its not flashy like the current trucks out there, but it slugs it out with em all. Fuel mileage imprived by 1-2 mpg when I installed a KN filter. The stepside bed doesnt hold much,but when I need to haul crap I borrow my brothers chevy (afterall isnt that what chevies are for?) It still looks current I dont like the grille setup on the new Rangers. I put Micheleins on it and the wet handling went up a 100%. This truck is gonna stay in the fleet for a long time. A shame Ford is dropping it.