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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  Everythings Great Except the MPG - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Mark H. - August 25 - 5:49 pm

  Bought a 2008 Fusion SEL V6 used with 30K miles on it (my first American car, only Honda and Toyotas before this). Great looking car, great performance, plenty of power, very nice amenities. Time will tell on the reliability. My only beef with this car is the gas mileage. I dont know how in the world people here are stating they get 25 to 32 MPG out of this V6 unless that is going 65 mph on cruise control without AC running. I am getting a horrible 19- 21 MPG with mixed city/highway driving and I drive it very easily, rarely floor it or fully utilize the V6. I will probably get an accord when I pay this off just because of the poor gas mileage.

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  2006 Focus ZX3 2 dr Hatchback - 2006 Ford Focus
  By starrynight548 - August 24 - 5:33 pm

  I like this car, especially how easy it is to maneuver in tight areas. Brakes are noisy, took it in for check up & was told squeaky brakes were normal for this car. I do wish I got better gas mileage, and wish the back seats would fold down flat (as the dealer assured me they would, but they dont)

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  1994 Bronco XLT, most awesome truck ever - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Jim - August 23 - 6:26 pm

  This was the truck I grew up in, literally. My folks bought it when I was in high school and I inherited it from them. It currently has 214,000 miles on the original engine (5.0) and transmission (E4od). I just finished a 500 mile weekend trip over the weekend for wedding stuff, and it never missed a beat. Ever. Even with all this mileage I set the cruise at 63 mph and it chugged along all night and got 15 mpg too boot! This truck has never been abused, and it shows. Thats NOT too say that it hasnt been worked very hard. I tow crap, carry crap, run crap over, and drive through crap. This sucker is indestructible. You will never go wrong.

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  Ford TaurusGL 1995 - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Calvin P Bear - August 23 - 6:11 pm

  Ive got 225,000 miles, and the car still runs smoothly, getting 27 mpg highway, which is mostly what I do. Over the years Ive replaced most of what was attached to the engine: radiator, alternator, power steering pump, recharged AC. The worst was the paint job which flaked off in several places 5 years ago. Fortunately I can paint cars, and its as shiny as a new car now. Its paid for, looks good, runs quietly and economically. Im going to drive it until it falls apart.

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  New Engine? - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pete - August 23 - 4:56 pm

  For the first 50,000 miles, this truck ran great! Very roomy and comfortable, easy to drive and plenty of power. However, at around 60,000 miles and just 5 years after I drove it off the lot, it suddenly ran terribly and the check engine light came on. The dealer says I need the engine replaced. The warranty has expired and the dealer wanted $9000 to replace the engine! After a phone call to Ford the price came down to $5000. So far, Ive spent about $800 fixing things that might be the problem but unfortunately Im starting to think the dealer is right. I wouldnt think a vehicle with less than 60,000 would need a new motor. Very disappointed!

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  Ford Boy Till The End - 1994 Ford F-150
  By FordBoy1990 - August 21 - 8:53 pm

  i bought this truck from a family friend and i love it! it has a 3in lift sitting on 33 in Kumho tires. I love making heads turn when i drive by. even though Ive only had it a short time, it has been very reliable and yes, FORD TOUGH! only problems Ive had is the brake lines had to be replaced and it makes a squealing noise when i let off the gas to break. of anybody knows what that is please let me know! this is my second f150 but my favorite so far. love my truck!

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  Great car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By garyg - August 21 - 3:39 pm

  I have had my SHO for 7 months and like the car better every day. No defects, no service needed, great performing sedan. Mine has the multi-contour seats with massage which I never thought I would use but have grown to enjoy. The adaptive cruise and blind spot alerts work flawlessly. Originally I bought this as a third car, one that I could trade off with my wife for commuting or go into the mountains for skiing. My main driver was a Porsche. This car is so good on the commute, I am afraid to let my wife try it for her commute. I dont think I would get the car back. Every guest in the car has been equally impressed.

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  Dont Stop! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - August 21 - 11:42 am

  Love at first sight! Loved it even more when I drove it. Fast, fun, and eye catching. But have had to replace the brakes 3 times and have had many braking issues. The emergency brakes sticks and you dont know it until you smell it, then its too late. Back to shop for more brakes! The car has had a rattle since I purchased it. Drives me nuts, passenger seat belt has been replaced 2 times and still locks and latches my passenger in and will not release. I have to warn them not to put it on or put it on at their own risk. Ford sees nothing wrong with this. Brakes are not a issue either, their solution "dont use the emergency brake".

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  Possessed - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bucky - August 20 - 7:04 am

  Within 2 months of driving off the lot abs and brake lights started blinking. Took back to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with the brakes but could not find the problem. Moved to ms took to another Ford dealer and got the same answer. Since then I have all kinds of warning lights and alarms and interior lights that blink and go off when the humidity goes up.

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  Better then a Scooter - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Scooter - August 19 - 5:41 pm

  I was in the market to buy a Scooter to go shopping and run around. My limit was $1,000. I found this little car at a Charity Auction with 40K original miles. I actually outbid someone else with $800. Needed tune-up and headlight bulbs. I decided to drive to work now every day 40 miles round trip, get over 42 MPG on a regular bases. Takes 6 gallon to fill it up once a week. Better then my 350z or my F150. Zip in and around big cars, park anywhere I decide. No fancy toys to break. I took out the back seat, now I have a large cargo space. Better yet, I can drive this all year round. Ill drive this toy till I cant find parts for it. Why buy a Prius?