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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  Horrible quality, Ford refused to fix it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Fordisdead - March 23 - 9:06 am

  Bought a new 06 GT leftover, after only one month and 1k miles the auto transmission started leaking, took it back for repair. A month later the car starts using lots of gas, running rough, no power, gas smell in car, and check engine light comes on. Take it back, dealer says 3 spark plugs are burned up, they give it back "fixed." Leaving the dealership same problems, take it back, they "reflash" the computer, say its fixed. Leave dealer, same problem, now the valves are clattering, take it back, they say "well have to talk to Ford and let you know." I call Ford, they say "well have to talk to the dealer and let you know." The dealer then says the valve racket is "normal" as is the gas smell.

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  STRANDED REPETEDLY! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By kupono - March 23 - 5:07 am

  Everything is great except the quality. We purchased a C-Max for our business and it has been a disaster. When it works we loved it... Is it worth it to have a vehicle that may leave you stranded at any point? "NO." You cannot unlock doors without power. We have had to abandon the vehicle and use an alternate to get our work done on three occasions. I was so pleased to give Ford another chance but what a disappointment. Do not buy this car until they figure out the bugs and fix them. I will never buy another Ford.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Alex - March 22 - 7:03 pm

  It is an excellent car to take my family and relatives to go out or even on a short trip when they are in town because of its capacity for 7 passengers plus luggage.

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  back to Fords - 2004 Ford F-150
  By samson - March 22 - 6:49 pm

  Recently purchased at 1 month, completely satisfied with purchase over Chevy Suburban. Reliable and decent fuel mileage for a truck. I use all my vehicles for intended usage. I may own a truck, however I use it to transport goods from one place to another.

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  I hate Fords but this car is.... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Josh5m - March 22 - 9:50 am

  I hate Fords but this car is amazing. I love the fact that it idles smooth, rides good, and the seats are comfortable. I bought the car in Feb. of 2007 with 39,699 miles on it (roughly). Ive already put 5,000 miles on it in 6 weeks. Changing the oil is easy its nice that it is in the front. The transmission is smooth. The engine is pretty powerful for a 4 banger. The headlights arent bright at all and a lot of the interior is horribly built. but it doesnt stop how fun it is to drive.

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  Ford needs new management - 2006 Ford F-150
  By ac389 - March 22 - 2:53 am

  Poor economy, real bad brakes, very poor ride characteristics, engine is underpowered compared to other trucks, manual transmission shifts poorly, seats are starting to tear at 2500 miles. This truck is very obsolete compared to the competition. This truck weighs 4760 lbs, has 202 hp, gets 13 to 16 mph. Dont waste your money on this truck. For a business buying this vehicle, would be subject to insurance issues from workmans comp due to loading height. Ford is lost when building quality, efficient autos.

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  Best truck I have ever known - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Matt - March 21 - 2:59 pm

  Put 110K miles on it over 5 years and never had a problem. Most of the miles were city miles and the clutch wore out at 165K. The mechanic did a compression check and said it could easily go another 50K before an overhaul. There were some off-road and harsh miles in there too. The 4 cylinder was always great on gas (I routinely averaged about 29 mpg) and was adequate to keep up with traffic but would not win a drag race.

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  Ford Edge rusty - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Alice - March 21 - 2:33 pm

  2007 Ford edge is rusting in most areas of the paint.

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  Good AND BAD - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob K. - March 21 - 11:45 am

  POSITIVES: Great room for a family of 4 or 5. Plenty of luggage room for those long family trips. Eddie Bauers look great with the gold underpackage with pretty much any body color. NEGATIVES: Whats up with the brake dust? Wow, lets not skimp on quality brake pads. Also, middle seat in second row should recline with outside passenger seats. Third row seating leather has come unattached and not sure how to have it fixed. Looks crappy like that. Gas mileage is garbage but what can you expect from that large of a vehicle. The a/c fan inside the dash makes a light squealing sounds periodically and Im sure Ford wont hear it to fix it.

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  great truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By great truck - March 21 - 12:18 am

  Bought the truck a year ago, STX model with no back seat or carpet. Surprisingly, plenty of room with 40/20/40 split. Drove the truck 65000 miles in one year, not a single problem, just maintenance and brakes. Although I do get annoyed with front brake dust on wheels. 4WD works great in snow, nice turning and ride for 4.6 V8. towed 2 cords wood, struggled very little. Nice roomy bed, well designed interior. Seats do stain very easily, I recommend covering them as soon as you buy the truck.