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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  98,000 and still going! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 03FOCUSlx - January 21 - 8:23 am

  I purchased this car 2 years ago with 32,000 miles on it. At 55,00 miles the ignition had to be replaced $150. At 75,000 timing belt and tensioner broke and left me stranded, also needed battery, spark plugs & wires, crank sensor. Repair cost was $1000. Then 95,000 miles and six months later, the tensioner broke again, left me stranded -- $350 more dollars. Then at 97,000 miles the battery cable fell off from the starter, had to be towed, $77. At 98,500 it went back because the check engine light was on, it then needed a, oxygen sensor for $130. Now I guess it is fine, still running good, never put brakes on it yet; just tires and oil changes. Overall for having 100,000 miles on it, it is a pretty good little car!

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  Looks are deceiving - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mike R - January 21 - 5:43 am

  Best looking truck on the road. Probably the worst truck to tow with Ive ever owned. Very dissappointed. I can tell when I have a dirt bike in the bed while driving. Forget pulling a boat or trailer, its horrible.

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  Ex Ford Hater - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Chuck from Kansas - January 20 - 10:56 pm

  I will start by saying that I am a retired automobile salesman. (28 yrs) I have own many new/used cars, mostly foreign. My wife picked the Flex, I reluctantly went along with it. After an 8 week wait for our ordered Flex, it was finally here. It was well worth the wait, and I believe it will certainly change my opinion of Ford products. We ordered a FWD limited with Nav. The Nav system will do everything but cook lunch for you. The SYNC system is surprisingly simple to operate. The second row legroom is outstanding. This car, in my opinion, is a much smoother, quieter ride than the 07 Toyota Sienna we traded in. Dont know about the mpg yet, but should be as good or better than Sienna.

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  Why? - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Justin Walker - January 20 - 12:30 pm

  Everything about my Ford is excellent, everything except the gas mileage. My beautiful blue Ford Ranger Edge, single cab, is the talk of my street, and the chicks dig it. I do not blame them but the only problem is the gas mileage, I am a conservative driver and I only get 13.7 miles to the gallon. Hey ford do you think you could fix this problem, if you can I will have a new Ranger!!!!

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  Second one in four years - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - January 20 - 11:38 am

  I traded in a 2004 Tremor 2 door Supercab for this 2008 Sport 4 door Supercab because getting to the storage behind the seats was such a pain. The 4 door is the way to go! I also wanted the 4.0 V6 engine this time. The 3.0 in the older truck just didnt have any guts for passing on the highway. The reliability is great, not one trip to the dealer in 60,000 miles w/the first one.

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  Waste of time and Money - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Brandon R - January 20 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car new. It had 3 transmissions, headgasket, a wheel bearing, check engine light problems, ABS light problems,and those are just the big ones before 60,000 miles. When I took it too the junk yard at 130,000 miles the cruise control didnt work, the inside lights stayed on and it chimed, the back wiper didnt work, the transmission was going out again, the check engine light never went off(which the dealer never had an explanation for), and it was VERY well cared for. I have never had anywhere near this many problems with any car and this will be the first and last ford I ever buy.

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  Good machine - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Coloradoguy - January 20 - 3:03 am

  Though I have extremely low mileage on my truck, I have been very pleased with it overall. Suspension is very stiff, but that adds to payload capacity and handling, therefore worth it. The rack and pinion steering does require driving proficiency, so not for everyone (I like it). Mileage is better than average in real world use. Mostly city is about 18 and highway I have gotten 21.5 (in mountains), using 85 octane. The five speed manual is a bit on the stiff side, but feels very stout as one would expect for a truck transmission. CD Stereo has amazing sound quality.

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  Enjoying my new Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By LR - January 20 - 12:16 am

  This is the best car I ever bought, so far. It has plenty of get-up and go. It feels like a sports car, (I opted for the sports package with upgraded rims and tires). Great gas mileage. All around, fun and sporty car!

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  disappointed - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Nancy - January 19 - 5:20 pm

  My Escape needed major repairs at 55 miles (cylinder head and gasket) and again at 3,300 (serpentine belt, pulley and bearings) . I do not like the gear transition at low speeds (between 2-3 RPMs), very jerky and a big clank when put into reverse at even a small incline.

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  GT/ CS - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - January 19 - 4:58 pm

  Best Mustang ever. Ride, Hhndling and interior are super -- real bank for the buck when compared to some more refined but much more expensive vehicles. 350Z is nice -- but doesnt have space to put a brief case -- not as much fun and doesnt get the attention that the Mustang draws. V8 Power is fast fast fast -- great powerband -- torque everywhere -- you could practically drive it in 3rd.