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 this tank - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By spidermann59 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Loved it the moment I saw it. I love driving it anywhere, anytime. The v8 is the way to go with the towing package, you can haul anything. Bought the Eddie Bauer with the all the goodies and I drive it with the sun roof open and the stereo blasting with 292 hp available she is the bomb. When my wife lets me drive it.

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  Its my company car - 2011 Ford Focus
  By bashurst - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I was recently forced by my employer to start using their company car. I drive a lot of highway miles and frequently have passengers. My biggest problem with it is the lack of interior room if you have back seat passengers. Its not a comfortable car if youre tall or heavy set. The car is light, gets blown around on windy days and seems to have a tendency to hydroplane if its moderately rainy. I can hear a lot of road noise. But Ive been consistently been getting around 34.5 mpg on the highway. The car is quite zippy, and has good maneuverability. The engine isnt powerful, but the tranny seems to have a lot of torque. Its a good commute car, but not for hauling the kids around.

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  1996 2 dr 4x4 explorer sport - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By steve - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have 200,100 miles on my SUV. I purchased my 1996 with 108,000 miles for $3200.00. I have put 92,000 miles on it. I have had to replace upper ball joints, tires and routine oil changes, battery, alternator. Other than that I got more than my moneys worth still running strong. I purchased 70,000 tires thinking they would outlive the truck. Now I need new tires.

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  Best Car for the Money Invested - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Spuddy - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 49 K on it from the dealer in my home town. I have taken several long trips in it and find it to be comfortable to drive long distances. I have been avg 42 MPG (IMP) with it, on the Hwy with cruise on at 55 MPH. This car is terrific for long trips, loads of trunk space and fairly comfortable when loaded with 4 (adult) passengers.

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  Best Book Hauler in the World - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Road Warrior - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2006 with 38K on the clock, the truck now has 145K with no major repairs to engine, transmission,or 4WD system. Considering that I keep more than 1000 pounds of library book samples and other cargo in the truck on a 24/7 basis, Ive been surprised as to how serviceable it has been. The fold flat third row beats the heck out of the removable seat on my van. The ride and handling lend credence to most of the professional reviews and road tests. In one emergency maneuver, it definitely saved a few lives! I did have trouble with the front rotors warping, but cross drilled rotors on the front solved that problem for good. I have no plans to sell this truck until it hits 300K.

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  Bad electric motors - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Frankfixer - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 expedition on November 9,2009 and on November 15th for the first time for the power window motor, they said it was fine and just greased it up, which was the beginning of my nightmare. Its now a year later n has been in for the same issue 9 times. Still not fixed. Of course when you bring it in for them to fix it the issue goes away and they continue to tell me theres nothing wrong with it cause they dont see what happens. I am a Ford man all my life. Thinking of buying a different vehicle.

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  My dream suv turned nightmare - 2008 Ford Escape
  By marlanea - November 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle ran great until just over 60 k miles, only work needed done was bad transmission cooler (recall) but the transmission in this vehicle number cd4e which is in several ford makes and models is absolute garbage, cheap, poor engineering design and totally unreliable according to many transmission specialists. The shops are full of ford escapes with bad transmissions! they barely make it through warrenty. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY on FORD! I have bought this almost brand new, have had it one year and ten months and the transmision is garbage. You are worthless to them after 60k, sorry charlie, too bad, cant help you, Sucker! I even took it in while in warrenty 58k and complained. tough.

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  Great ride - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Frank - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the 2010 EB/EL model for the extra space and options. This made the 3200 mile trip with golf clubs, tons of people and luggage a piece of cake. The ride was exceptional and the Navigation system is great. Very pleased after three months of ownership. I hope it last.

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  Hope it lives up to its HYPE! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Richard - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking. fairly comfortable, not as smooth of a ride as I expected. Just got back from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 25 mpg on mainly freeway driving.

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  Fun truck - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By matt - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My bronco has 160,000 on it now. It tows my boat like a truck, hauls kids like a station wagon, off-roads like a Jeep and with the top off feels like an American muscle car. A bronco can do many different things that no other vehicle can do. Given its not great at any, but very good at all. I plan to keep mine because it a true sport utility vehicle.