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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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By 2008focusdude - July 13 - 4:50 pm

  I bought a black one with sunroof and it turned out to be one of the best vehicles Ive ever had. Sporty looking with those alloy rims and the car rides well. Ive never had a new car so this was the first, and wow, what a great experience to have this car. I probably will keep it FE because I purchased it brand new and original owner. If youre considering this vehicle, think about all the miles you get with this. That was huge for me, but then again, I love the car.

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  Focus 09 - 2009 Ford Focus
  By FOCUS 09 - July 13 - 12:53 pm

  Good value car but lacks refinement on inside and outside. No 5 or 6 speed auto

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  First Rate! - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - July 13 - 9:08 am

  This is my company vehicle that I got to choose. Prior to this I had a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. This is by far a better vehicle, better style, greater comfort, and a solid build. Ive put on 16,000 miles so far and have had no problems. The 4x4 works great, especially the automatic 4x4, you normally wont feel it engage and the traction control works very well off road. The independent suspension all around does a great job on washboard gravel roads. My trailblazer would be bouncing sideways in the same conditions. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Explorer to anyone needing a capable all road vehicle. Too bad theyre changing it into a crossover soon, what a shame!

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  Jack of all trades - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jackrose - July 13 - 7:06 am

  For those of you who want a sports car, comfy seating for long trips, usable interior space for building materials, good visibility, good winter driving, low entry for older parents and towing capability this it the best there is now. Ive had the Mercedes equivalent and it was quieter, dealt with high snow better, had better seats, but it had less space inside for hauling stuff, too high for grams, was not sporty,and was a lousy tow car (i tow a 4000 lbs load). On the other hand, the flex was great at towing and if you have ever had a highway load sway experience, the built automatic sway correction is a religious experience. The connections are built in for the aftermarket brake control

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  Love this little truck! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By azgirl - July 12 - 5:56 pm

  Bought this truck used with 70k miles on it. It has been a champ. I have only had to replace the fuel pump in 6 years of owning it. It has 153k on it now and its still going strong. Made me a believer in Fords. I really love this little truck. I have the 2 door model, and even after the surprise of a baby, the roominess has served me well. Great car for around town, could do with better gas mileage, but on the highway it does OK. Really the most reliable car I have ever owned. Would recommend to anyone.

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  My best car ever - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sam1174 - July 11 - 9:47 pm

  I bought my 04 Expedition Eddie Bauer about two years ago. When I bought it it had 130,000 miles on it. It seemed to be in excellent condition when I bought it, especially for a vehicle with that many miles on it. Since then I have put another 35,000 miles on it, and every one of them has been completely trouble free. This vehicle has performed flawlessly the entire time Ive owned it. Ive never had a vehicle with this many miles on it. Its still my vehicle of choice for long trips! We recently returned from a 1000 mile trip up to the mountains, and as expected, the Expedition gave us no problems at all. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable, roomy car.

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  Air Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Wolfs Den - July 10 - 11:16 pm

  I brought this vehicle used and I must say im very happy. No problems yet and praying that I dont. Brought it with a 36K service contract and have been driving it like a jet. 80 mph on the highway. GREAT TRUCK!

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  Old sheetmetal, new tech..Love it - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Lenny - July 10 - 2:14 am

  Only had the truck for 2 weeks, so cant comment on reliability. Had an 05 Colorado CC Z71 2WD(poor mileage, jolting ride) an 08 Frontier V6 ext cab(very poor mileage). Got the XLT for the options and the 2.3/5M for mileage. Am very pleased with the ride(much better than Colorado/not quite as good as Frontier)Fit and finish are as good as previous trucks. Brakes(4 wheel disc) are on par with others. Power and acceleration are down from others, but is acceptable.The mileage is light years ahead of others, about 10 MPG better than both previous city and highway. I only tow light loads(flat boat/utility tlr), eng. easily handles Based on build quality, ride, mileage. I highly recommend

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  Great Car, Except for? - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dwight-Moose Jaw. - July 8 - 11:44 am

  I find my 2010 Ford Fucus to be a ver good little car, except fot the Gas Millage. I had a 2006 Chev Optra Wagon, 4 cylinder automatic, & @ about 7->70 miles per hour on the highway got a consistent 38>42 miles per gallon. With my 2010 Ford Focus I only, @ the same speed get @ the most around 34>36 miles per gallon. My mileage in the city is better with the Focus, but still not even close what Ford Motor Company says it should be getting. I was told, & according to what Ford says that I would get 35 miles per gallon in the city & 44>48 on the highway. All in all, it is a real solid little car, & really like it except for the gas millage I am getting.

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  Nice but Vibrates? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Michael - July 8 - 11:01 am

  I just purchased a Platinum Ford F-150 and like the quality for the money, but am already annoyed after 150 miles with the constant vibration I feel when I drive it. I googled the problem and found that I am not by any means alone. There seems to be a big problem with either the drive shaft, tires, or alignment. I am hopeful I will get this fixed but what I read on message boards doesnt have me very excited. If this was fixed, I would be very pleased with the overall experience after just a week of driving the truck.