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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  Love The Ecoboost!!!!!!!!!!! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By cpercha - June 23 - 7:04 pm

  I recently purchased a new F150 xlt with an ecoboost and the off road package. I have owned quite a few trucks and this one is in a class of its own. The power from the ecoboost is off the charts I am averaging 19 MPG with most of my driving being around town. Keep in mind this is with 3.73 gears, 32 inch tires and the vehicle has not even been broken in yet. I expect those numbers will be even better once its broken in. The new 6 speed automatic is very smooth and responsive. The steering and handeling are excellent. Its has a great turning radius, is very agile for a truck, and is very easy to control. The build quality is top notch. This is hands down the best truck you can buy.

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  Excellent Fusion - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By fusiondan - June 22 - 9:48 pm

  This is an excellent car. Its a smooth ride and enjoyable to be in. Th only issue I have is the front seats are too narrow but they are comfortable.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By pdxcarguy - June 21 - 9:59 am

  This car is a great value and Ford did a wonderful job merging classic design into a modern world. I get around 20mpg (18 if I rod around) in the city and up to 26 on the hwy. I think that the dark blue version is the best color and while my car has a grey interior and black top, I think that the best color combo is the dk blue with tan interior/top. Nevertheless, I get comments on my car all the time - this car is great for meeting people!! LOL!! I upgraded the lousy tires that Ford ships with the car - I went from being able to take a 45 mph corner at 55 to 80++!! If you test one and question its performance I would suggest checking on the tires . . .

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  Great Fun & Value - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By patmiii - June 20 - 2:15 pm

  We are in our 50s & have had this car 7 mos and cant be more pleased. In the past we have had Japanese vehicles. This time we decided to find an American car that wouldnt be so practical as an SUV or basic sedan. The power & handling of this car is outstanding. The acceleration is so smooth. The overall feel of quality has been a surprise since the test drive. Gas mileage was a big surprise at 29-32 mpg on the highway. We love the manual 6speed tranny. A month ago we rented the automatic for a week & came away knowing the manual trans was best for us. Much more fun. The automatic did not shift exactly when needed. Its still a good car but the manual rocks. No problems so far.

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  The Best American Truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By usmc1371 - June 17 - 11:11 pm

  I have owned this truck for 4 yrs. Now and I love it. NO problems at all. It is a solid fun to drive truck, that has plenty of power to pull and fun to go 4-wheelin her in Utah!

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  4x4 Issue - 2007 Ford F-150
  By gadgetone - June 17 - 12:29 pm

  I bought this truck new.Have only had 2 issues.Brakes needed replaced at only 28,000 miles.Big issue is a loud noise from front left tire that sounds like metal pieces bouncing around a metal drum.Only did it twice.By the time i stop it goes away.Checking into it online i find alot of people with same problem.Mine is getting fixed as i write this.Its the 4x4 system, the vacume line blows and the gears partially connect but it does not happen constantly.Most people think its the brakes.I am totally happy with my truck but am surprised theres so many people out there with this problem.I am at 30,000 miles now.

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  Sweet Car... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tykuen - June 15 - 1:19 pm

  I love this car! Its sporty, fun, and practical. The only problem ive had with this car is the clutch went out at 90,000 miles...bummer, but ill get over it. This car is pretty quick off the line considering what its made for. This car is 100% in every way.

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  Approaching 9 Years and Still Going... - 2002 Ford F-150
  By polarbeartx - June 12 - 9:30 am

  Bought this Supercrew new in the fall of 2002 for a great deal of $21900. They were making room for 2003 models. Had electronic console problem but fixed under warranty. Then later in years had recurrent problem with electronics, that local shops would keep replacing GEM to fix temporarily. Finally took it to dealer and they found a leak in the windshield seal that was allowing water into fuse box and GEM. Once that was fixed, no more issues!! Mechanically, AC, transmission always have worked great. Plan to keep on driving for years to come.

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  This was my dream car! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rachelwmu - June 5 - 10:15 am

  My dream car has always been a red Ford Explorer! I am so happy with my car! My car came from Boston, I live in Detroit. Drove it all the way back from the dealer last summer without a single problem! My Explorer is an V8 XLT 5.0L 4 Door with over 180, 000 miles and still going strong! I would recommend this car to everyone (minus the gas, but oh well)! Ive only had to get the exhaust manifold done. Ive never had any major problem with this truck! Very dependable, I never worry about breaking down. I drive from Kalamazoo to Detroit all the time when I get time from school and I feel very safe driving all that way constantly! Being at 181,127, I fully plan on taking it to 250,000 or more.

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  What a Great SUV...We Couldnt Be Happier - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By larrymcj - June 5 - 8:34 am

  First American car weve owned since 1978 and I cant tell you how impressed I am. Traded in a 2011 Lexus RX 350 (yes, you read that correctly). The cargo space in this vehicle is not only more than adequate, the power-folding rear seats make it configurable for any load...groceries, golf, vacations, etc. As a retired geek from the computing industry, I have to hand it to Ford (or maybe Microsoft) for the SYNC MyFord Touch system. This is hands-down the best navigation and bluetooth device integrated system available on any vehicle or car. The ride and comfort will truly amaze you. It sits high like a truck frame SUV although its now a crossover, so you also get car ride comfort.