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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  Great Little Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By bisjoe - December 12 - 7:42 am

  Very reliable so far, comfortable, plenty of power for hauling yet easy to park. Decent gas mileage getting 16/22 better than advertised.

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  The Legend Lives - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Millzy - December 12 - 3:26 am

  By far the best Mustang ever built. This is the fifth Mustang in my immediate family (88 GT, 96 GT, 99 and 02 V6s) and it far surpasses the performance, style, and quality of the others. This car is an instant classic and it is true what they say...the Legend Lives.

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  Beware-Front End problems - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - December 11 - 8:46 pm

  My new Ranger has been in the shop 13 times in one year - 7 times in the past 2 months-Only has 15,000 km. Problems started first month-serious clunking in the steering in mid-turn & when accelerating from stop.Inner Tie rod ends have been replaced 4 times in 2 monthsc- last ones were Fords new/improved ones, as a result of TS Bulletins and serious problems. Also had intermediate shaft replaced twice and lower steering shaft once. Finally no clunking - only been a week - I am wary. Dealer told me several other owners have the same problem. Ford avoiding a recall? In my mid-40s, owned 28 vehicles all makes...never had such an unreliable piece of metal in the driveway (and I am a Ford fan).

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  My One Regret This Year! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By ItsJustMe - December 11 - 8:37 pm

  I thought I got a great deal, no such luck. Problems with cruise control and the gas pedal sticking, gas tank and fuel shut off, gas wouldnt always ready full until I drove 40 miles, burns oil - bad - at not even 40,000 miles, seals in the windows and doors are poor - lots of wind sounds. Finally, there was a horrible vibration sound coming out of fan/windshield area. Had it to 3 dealerships and nobody could fix it. Got worse with wind direction (sounds like something was stuck). Replaced blower motor and nothing changed. Horrible purchase overall. Its one thing after another. I know many people who love theirs, but please research and test drive until your blue in the face!!

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  4800 miles and still getting 43 mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By burklo - December 11 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my new c-max in October right off the truck. I have been driving a Ford Explorer for 12 years (2000 & 2005) average 30,000 miles per year. I had been looking for a high profile car that would give me 35+ mpg. My C-Max exceeds my expectations. I challenge myself to get the best gas mileage possible. While 62 miles per hour is the limit for running on the battery, I am averaging 43 mpg consistently. In the city, I average 45 mpg. I now have 4800 miles on my C-Max and love the fact that I fill-up once every 10 days versus twice per week with my explorer. I estimate I am saving between $300-$400 p/month in gas.

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  Ford Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By chuck - December 11 - 5:06 am

  The new Mustang is fantastic to drive and turns heads wherever I drive it. Its truly a fun drive and overall well built.

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  05 Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ken James - December 10 - 7:43 pm

  Typical problems with a re-tooled model which one should expect.

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  Taurus nightmare - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By displeased - December 10 - 6:52 pm

  My 2006 Ford Taurus SE has road noise that is almost unbearable even with the windows up and the radio loud. It does not handle well and often hesitates when taking off from a stopped position. Today, I found that on the passenger side, it leaked terribly. My floorboard had about 1/2 inch of water in it and I have no idea how that is happening. The car is too large for my needs. It does average 25 mpg though. This is the only Ford Ive ever owned. I look forward to trading for a GM product or possibly a Honda, Nissan or Toyota.

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  Will never own another Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tara - December 10 - 5:11 pm

  Bought this car brand new off the lot with 79 miles on. Now I know why they were trying to get rid of them. First transmission was put in at 24k miles, second transmission put in at 64k miles and its in the shop again with another transmission problem (second time this year). Im out around $6000 with transmission costs and rental cars. This is really not worth it, stay away. Because of this problem (and a few minor ones) I will not ever own another Ford again.

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  Gas Hog - 2007 Ford Edge
  By thanksohio - December 10 - 4:38 pm

  We have had this vehicle for around three weeks now. We brought a 2007 for the incentives and had an "A" plan, that made the price hard to beat. Problem is, we are averaging 14.1 mpg. My wife drives the car to work M-F 15 miles highway driving. We have asked other Edge owners what their average MPG is and the normal response is "20 - 25." Also, window wipers freeze up and make the blades useless. Where they are located is a collection area for rain and snow. Not very well thought out. Would strongly advise looking at other crossovers as this one cost more in gas than a Suburban would!