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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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mauijewels - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new ford escape. I tested the jeep liberty, and the Xtera,the escape definately drives alot better. smooth ride. The All wheel drive (4 x 4) works really good too. It is a very comfortable car. We have a new baby, and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I would have really liked to wait for the hybrid, but I needed a new car for the summer.

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  Not a good truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By w.pratt - August 4 - 9:13 am

  Bought truck at 60000 miles. Looked and ran good but immediately ran into trouble, while on trip left front abs brake failed. Cost 550 bucks at dealer for new rotor pads and wheel bearing because sensor is part of the bearing. 2 years later same scenario on other side. Also front axle stared growling, havent fixed that yet, as need another 12oo bucks for this. Now at 98000 miles relegated to only driving in winter, as it is now a carportqueen. Also inside box rotting out, although plastic outside looks like new.

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  Need some power - look elsewhere! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Mike Keating - August 3 - 9:35 pm

  I bought my 06 F150 Supercrew 4.6 litre in October of 2006. This was the 1st new truck I had ever owned, man have I been disapointed. Under normal driving conditions I suppose for most the power of the 4.6 litre is adequete. As soon as I hooked my 19 ft boat up to it man whered the power go Ford? With my Chevy I never even knew the boat was back there, not with this motor. If you plan to haul even the smallest camper/boat do not get an F150 with the 4.6 litre, its awful! If you are looking for a pickup that drives like a car, buy it. If you need a truck with some power for work/play dont buy an F150 w/ this motor. Overall as soon as I can financially trade this Ford F150 in its gone!

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  Ford Aspire 1995 - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By four wheels - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I had a five speed Ford Aspire and it went about 39-40 mpg. It was peppy in the city and adequate on the highway, also it was fun to drive. Id recommed it to save gas.

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  Beautiful car, worth every penny - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Eric Ricci - August 3 - 7:00 pm

  This is easily one of the best looking and best performing stock Mustang GTs Ford has ever made. The looks you get in this car, and the sound of one roaring by you is breathtaking. With a 0-60 in the 5.1 (manual) / 5.2 (automatic) ranges, it easily blows out most competition in its class and some out of its class. this car gives 80,000 Porsches a run for their money! For 26 grand, its a steal.

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  Not safe. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Clarissa M. - August 3 - 5:30 am

  My grandparents bought the car when it first came out in 2012 so that it would have miles on it by the time I got my license. Before I had inherited the car, they had taken it in for faulty transmission problems (gets caught in 2nd gear, hesitation when accelerating etc) three times with no fix, just a resetting of the computer for it to go back to the same way it was in three days or less. I got it in August of last year, had some jerking after a full stop, rolls back in drive at some stops. I took it into Ford in October, no fix. Now, my heater and defroster have gone out completely, in the mornings if its foggy, I have ask for a ride to school & work. It has been having trouble starting, Ive had to try four times to even get it to start a couple days ago. I am barely pushing 30,000 miles, there is no reason why there should be this many problems with the car, especially it being only 5 years old. This car is not safe to drive. I definitely expected more from a Ford. I can say that I am very disappointed and very hesitant and scared to drive the less than an mile I have between school and home everyday.

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  This is the car of my dreams, - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By t-bird lover - August 3 - 12:02 am

  I am in love with this car!It drives like a dream, yet has the power of a jet planeI have never gone out without at least 2 or 3 people telling me that I have a great car. They yell over to me at traffic lights ,stop signs and parking lots. I feel like a rock star! I think so highly of this car, that I have included it in my will. I never want it to leave the family.

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  Great run around car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Siouxze - August 2 - 11:25 pm

  I think that this is a great little car for getting around in, but not necessarly for long trips. I got good gas mileage, and it always starts every time. The ignition does stay on sometimes even after I take the key out, but then it dings like I left the keys in so I just turn it off. This was my Moms car and she only drove it about 3000 a year, and in the year that Ive had it its held up to two kids, a teen and a toddler and all my running around. At first when she bought it I was mad, but now Im glad, its a great little family car, but I still need my bigger SUV or Mini Van for bigger outings.

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  07 Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By becky norton - August 2 - 5:32 pm

  Really like the AWD. The CVT transmission took some getting used to but satisfied with its performance. The mpg is actually better than estimates

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  Best reliablility - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By 93beast - August 1 - 8:09 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle! I have owned it since it was two years old and have put over 223,000 miles on it since then. With a quarter million miles on it, I am proud to say that it still has its original drivetrain. I have never had any major problems with the vehicle at all. The worst being a water pump that failed. Other than that just some normal maintenance. It is fun to drive and comfortable, mileage has a lot to be desired with todays fuel prices (10 MPG currently). This has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Has never left me stranded. The AC and cruise control still works!