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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  30 days in!!!! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Mike Richardson - July 10 - 5:11 am

  I have only owned this truck for a month this weekend. I was pleased with my experience at Palmetto Ford and would likely go back there should I want another truck. It is very difficult to rate a vehicle after only 30 days. I absolutely love the ford Sync 3 system and for the most part find the vehicle to be more than satisfactory.

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  Ford Focus ZX3. my first brand new car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mini-pearl - July 10 - 12:15 am

  There is nothing bad about this car. Good mileage, economical operation, fun to drive. It has a 5 speed manual transmission. This car gets 27 around town and 30 mpg highway.

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  An excellent small SUV. - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Michael - July 9 - 9:22 pm

  I have had no problems with this vehicle at all so far. It has a lot of power and has very good fuel economy for an SUV. It has very tight and responsive steering. (a lot like a sports car.) It is quite easy to park this thing in tight parking spots. When I drove it from Texas to California in late November of 2006, I was getting 27MPG on the highway. When I took it for a drive in the San Gabriel Mountains, I noticed that it climbed the steep grades and mountain passes with no problem at all. It rides very smooth and quiet. It has lots of room for its size. I can fold down the seats, lay out my sleeping bag and have enough room in the back to stretch out and sleep inside this thing.

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  Brake Problems With Ford Five Hundred! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - July 9 - 4:36 am

  We purchased our Five Hundred in July 06 with 6000 miles. On our first trip I noticed a bad vibration during braking going down hills. I contacted the dealer and they said that a factory brake kit was needed to fix the problem. The kit consisted of new discs and pads. Now after approximately 16,000 miles after the replacement, the rear brake pads were shot and needed to be replaced for $200. I contacted Ford and they will not admit that there is a problem with the brake design. Ive also had to have the gauge cluster replaced. I thought Ford finally had a "Better Idea". I guess I was wrong.

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  Just Say No! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By hrfletch - July 9 - 2:17 am

  I thought I got a great deal on this car. Boy, was I wrong, sensor in tranny went out within 3 weeks of purchase. Ive spent more on this car than I purchased it for. I heard bad things about Fords before, now I understand why. Everything seems to be set up to cost us more money and put more in Fords pocket? Had electrical fire with it the other day for no apparent reason. The air conditioner just shut off and it started smoking under the hood. The relay fuse melted and fried the wires and component that the fuse plugs in to. I wish I wouldve headed advice of friends. This car should have been made more reliable. Ford didnt do a good job on this one. Parts are expensive and are not easily accessible when repairing.

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  I love this car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By John Coseglia - July 8 - 10:09 am

  I didnt realize how much I was going to love this car. It is so comfortable, even for a small person, and I can see out the windows. I feel like I need a booster seat in most cars. We rent a lot of cars on vacation and that is how we discovered the Escape.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rob F - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Ford for one year now, driven it about 14,000 miles and love it. The fuel mileage is fun to watch (I live in NYC and commute to Northern NJ). When the temperature stays below about 40 Deg F I average about 35 MPG, between 40-75 Deg F about 40 MPG, and above 90 Deg F the mileage drops to about 36 MPG. I have the Sony sound system I dont know how I ever lived without the SYNC system. So far I have had no issues with the car.

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  Just Ok - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By RC - July 8 - 6:39 am

  Nice truck for the money. I like the styling and the super cab is great. Lots of nice standard features for a truck in this price range.

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  Could Be Better - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - July 7 - 11:24 pm

  I bought my Taurus in September 06. It has been an OK car, although it has not been trouble free. It has needed a new radiator, rear struts, new speed sensor, and new power steering pump, altough it is not unusual for these kind of things to happen to cars with more than 100k. The 3.0 L V-6 is good but lacks punch. Flimsy, shaky interior but a very comfortable car, runs well.

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  Very nice van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jakers - July 7 - 11:04 pm

  Bought this van after owning many Chrysler vans and like this one much better, has ample power, lots of options and no problems after 55,000 miles (90000 kilometers). Added the center analog clock and it dressed up the interior.