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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  F150 owner x6 over 30 years - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dale - March 12 - 3:43 pm

  My wife drives daily and says its a smooth ride but thirsty. MPG at 14- 15 in town, but +20 hiway. Likes to run at about 80 mph..gets better as it climbs. Good detail, a bit springy ride, inside spacious. Handles very well. Dont lose the key ... big $$$ to replace.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - March 12 - 12:57 pm

  Having already taken a ride in the Toyota 4Runner (small headroom) and the Chevy Trailblazer (engine whine), I decided to hop into an 05 Explorer. And Im glad I did. The driving experience is a remarkable upgrade from the 97 Explorer. Its a very easy vehicle to drive and maintain (cheap insurance compared to 4Runner). Also, Im getting about 19.1 MPG with a 65% highway, 35% city driving experience which is great compared to the Tahoe.

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  AFTER 1 WEEK, LUV IT! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By JOHN - March 12 - 12:23 pm

  Got this fully loaded great on gas, peppy, responsive car for under $11,000 with Fords Family Plan and cash back incentives and a $1,250 trade-in vehicle. Never thought I would buy a Ford Focus, but so far so good. Moving to Spain so need a smaller dependable inexpensive car. Still has lots of trunk space and leg room is not too shabby. Nice sound system. Pirelli tires. I would recommend. Great value for the price!

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  Fun, Flashy, and Practical all in one! - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tena V. - March 12 - 11:56 am

  After looking for about a month at every GM vehicle in the SUV, crossover, and truck category, I found this FORD to be a much better fit for comfort, available features, power, looks, and most importantly PRICE! The Adrenalin packages gives you everything you could want in a stylish, flashy ride. The 4.6L 8cyl engine gives you the power that makes this fast and fun. Gas mileage is typical for an engine this size.

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  DO NOT BUY - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Hatemycar - March 12 - 10:25 am

  I have had such a bad time with this car. I have put two transmissions in it and it had left me stranded numerous times.

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  Great SUV - We love it |8>) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mr P - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  After doing a lot of research, and test driving, we decided on the Escape. The 2005 improvements sold us, but the dealer bent over backwards to make us a deal. Toyota and Honda dealers were not interested!!! With X-plan and rebates - we shaved $3700 off the sticker and then got top dollar for our trade-in. Chose the sport for looks (wheels- tires-steps), but side air bags were mandatory. Mileage is OK, but until engine is broken in, it will be hard to tell the actual MPG. Right now it is about 17 in town. Highly Recommended.

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  Edgy 07 - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Gdaddy - March 11 - 9:26 am

  Has very poor air conditioning especially for rear seat passengers

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  the 5.4 leter engine is trash - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Andre - March 11 - 7:45 am

  MY dad spent 40 grand on this truck and it was great until we got to 27000 miles it was then the back two pistons in our engine blew up. so ever since then ive hated ford if you want a truck that will last long dont byea ford i sugest a toyota or chevy.

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  No problems at 22,000 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joseph E - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded in an Escape for the Explorer. Escape was too small and went through a transmission in 6 months. Build quality of the Explorer was much better and havent had any problems with it. Very smooth ride. Dont recommend long trips if your stuck in the back seat.

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  Problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By William Mitchell - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Since I brought this vechicle, I had to replace the transmission twice (It needs replacing again), I had to replace the struts and brushing twice (It needs replacing again). I only put around 20 somthing thousand miles on it since I had, and it has been the worst vehicle I had ever brought.