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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  Amazing Little Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By drdz070 - November 17 - 11:52 am

  I bought my 1996 Ranger a little over a year ago with 113000 miles on it and i have since brought that total up to 143000 miles. The truck has required very little work, other that the basics like oil changes. In fact, the only thing ive had done to it, that was of any consequence, was the replacement of two belts and a tensioner. I would recomend this little truck to anyone and i am saddened that it has come time for a new car. I hope that the next owner enjoys it as much as I have.

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  Now I can be objective - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Craig - November 17 - 10:27 am

  My Edge has the vista roof. Unfortunatly, the headliner was not attached properly and it was haning down and it rattled like crazy. It took four trips to the dealer, but they were really good and finally got the parts. Rattle and sagging are completly fixed. Now, I can drive this car without being constantly annoyed. I get great gas mileage (24 mpg hwy) and the car is very easy to drive and fairly responsive for a SUV. I like the reverse stiching in the seats.

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  Happy so far - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Bob - November 16 - 8:50 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid after 7 years. The gas mileage for the Fusion is a little better in city (41 vs. 35-40), but a little worse on the hwy (38 vs. 45-50), but it has a more room, a lot more acceleration, its much more comfortable, and the handling is much better. Very happy so far. Hopefully it will be reliable. My hybrid battery on the Civic went out at 5 1/2 yrs, but luckily it was covered under warranty. The wouldnt tell me what it would cost, but the service recored printouts I requested when I sold the Civic had a list price of ~ $4,000 for the battery. Hopefully the price will come down before the Fusions goes out.

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  One thing after another - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Go Aces - November 16 - 5:31 pm

  Two weeks after the purchase: Rear wiper no longer works Pax window didnt roll up. 2 coils had to be replaced four weeks after purchase: New battery. New alternator six weeks after purchase: "CD Error" on CD player This truck is more trouble than its worth. Why cant the local dealership fix it right. It seems they plan these breakdowns to get more money. One more thing goes wrong and I am selling the damn thing.

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  Good car but not for big people - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tcumpire - November 16 - 8:36 am

  The 07 Focus is a good little car. It has all the features that you need to have a comfortable ride except for space. If youre a bigger person (Im 64") the leg room up front can be a little cramped.

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  Ford Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By robert george - November 15 - 6:20 pm

  Its a great family vehicle!

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  Prepare to spend on repairs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin - November 15 - 3:07 pm

  Nothing but a money pit to keep rolling down the road. Purcahsed it with 19000 miles and have spent way too much to keep it running. Most problems are major expenses. Major drive train problems $$$$.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Hank York - November 15 - 7:40 am

  I live in the foothills outside Denver Colorado at an elavation of 8600 feet, commuting to Denver. This car is great no matter the driving conditions. I have had to drive thru snow that came up on the hood to get to my house. It gets good gas mileage, drives great and is very comfortable.

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  Better but not perfect - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cwhitford - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Had a 98 XLT V6 and traded for the 02. Much improved ride and handling. Better stock stereo than 98, but an upgrade should have been offered like in the 04s. Transmission filter assembly had to be repaired. still shifts hard at times, bad smell from cat converter after engine pushed hard. dealer says it is normal. Overall happy with truck.

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  Very Satisfied....but - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By betaman - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The EB feels very comfortable...well built vehicle. The acceleration is surprisingly strong for a V6. The stereo/air control on the steering wheel is a plus. My only two complaints are the electronic driver seat...there is a little play in the chair. Its noticiable when you stop and accelerate. Also, there is a whine noise in the rear when the vehicles speed is at 55-60mph.