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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  My first v6 mustang oh geez! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By NARL3YCHARLIE - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my mustang a year ago as my first car. I gave it a cold air intake as well as the Flowmasters exhaust to give a fine tuned sound. And it sounds great. But this 150 hp car one day fell apart on me. The odometer stopped, it began leaking. Well Everything, it began overheating and timing was off and on top of that later a super duty 4x4 dodge managed to drive up the back of my car at a stop light. Being I fixed only the damages and heating problem this car chugs along showing no weaknesses in this southern Arizona desert heat. If I were to describe this model I would tell you this is a real trooper.

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  Best Car ever owned - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Kenn Sa - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Of all the vehicles Ive owned inn the past 26 years, this is by far my favorite. In the 10 years I have owned it, it has never left me stranded. Ive replaced the tranny and performed routine maintenance and put in almost 190,000 miles. The interior controls are well placed and cabin space is very pleasing. The SUV handles well and still accelerates with verve.

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  Very nice but needs some obvious changes - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By James5567 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very nice car but it could have just been simply amazing with just a few simple and small things to change it. Its a shame really but still a good car. Just sad to see something that could have been amazing reduced to just good when it is so easy to do the few small things

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  Traded 08 for 10, impressed so far! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By BlackHillsf150 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded in an 08 F150 XLT Supercrew with a 5.4, automatic thinking that all I was getting was an updated grill. Found out its a completely different truck. Six speed is a plus, backseat leg room is impressive, more power than the 08, SYNC is nice and all my goodies swapped over (bed liner, cover, tool box). Miss my old back up camera.

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  It never stops - 1995 Ford F-250
  By Sass-quatch - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I brought this truck 2 years old with 30,000 miles on it. Since then Ive put 170,000 miles on it without changing anything other than the battery. I havent even been real good about the maintenance. Tranny fluid changed twice and the oil (only synthetic) every 5-8,000 miles, but I did have dual oil filters on it til the hose burst.

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  Importance of Maintenance - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Richard - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new now have 112,000 miles. Has been excellent mechanically. Got 80,000 miles out of front brakes. Have changed oil 32 times, serviced trans 4 times, changed fuel filter 3 times, tuned it twice, replaced battery twice and Im only on my third set of tires. Only major work 2 oxygen sensors. Its a great workhorse of a car. Not great fit and finish but it runs great. Goes like a bat out of h-e-double hockey sticks, excuse the language.

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  A lot of car for a little $ - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Polyak - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Focus S, 5 speed manual trans. The car is comfortable, it handles securely, fuel mpg so far is averaging 29.1 mpg in a mix of driving, about 50/50 city highway, it keeps going up the more I drive it. It shifts smoothly and the engine has a nice sound when revved. For $12,894 there was nothing even close to it. Honda fit looks like a small clown car for $18- 21k, no thanks. My car seats 4 very comfortably, 5 in a pinch. The trunk is huge. Standard PL,AC,CD,traction control and stability control and keyless entry even on the base S model, all STANDARD. And best of all its American and Ford didnt take the govt extortion $. Looks great in Sangria red. Im pleased for what I paid

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  Very useful little suv - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Bob - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I have 42,000 miles and no problems except for the trans leak recall. I do mixed driving and average 21 mpg with the 3 liter v/6. Twice a year I tow about 3000 lbs of boat, and trailor. The 3500 lbs tow rating is maxed. The newer 3.5 v/6 may tow better, due to more power. I do like the vehicle.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Since buying the truck, I have recorded every gas purchase into an excel spreadsheet. Recording price per gallon, gallons purchased, cost, date of transaction, transaction number, etc. Then calcing mileage of last tank of gas & over all mileage. My overall mileage is very slightly over 16 MPG. I do not drive the vehicle hard and my driving is a mix of highway & city. When I have driven a full tank of almost all highway I only got 15.871 MPG.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sandy Loam - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We had issues the very next day after driving it off the lot. The engine would die while driving. We took it back twice and when I demanded a free loaner while they fixed the problem, they replaced a sensor. At 30,000 miles, the transmission went and it took the Ford dealership in Sierra Vista, AZ 6 transmissions and 3 weeks to get the right one, they finally put in a Mazda transmission. AC went out, 2 dealerships could not find out why, it was never fixed.CD changer stopped working. After that, we had very little problems and we had to get rid of it after I hit a bear and totaled it out. It had well over 230,000 miles on it and was still going strong. Overall, great car & fun to drive.