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:

• 

  2007 F150 XLT SUPERCAB (4.6L) 4X4 - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Donnyboy - June 22 - 1:29 am

  Bought as a lease back, has 126,000 km. Rides like a dream, smooth at all speeds. Ample room for adults or children. Actually came with a matching topper as a bonus. For our purposes the 4.6 L is plenty. If youre looking for a urban pickup truck this is the one.

• 

  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By mdh5169 - June 21 - 11:17 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for about 6 months. It had 113K miles on it when I bought it. It now has 117K. The vehicle is great. Nice ride, looks good and very comfortable. I wish it was a little more peppy but hey it does weigh 2 and a half tons. Also the fuel mileage could be a little better but factor in the weight, its all wheel drive and it has 22 inch rims on it. Its not so bad. Overall I would buy again. It has comfort and features and may I add, this from someone who has never been much of a Ford fan :)

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By buick muscle - June 21 - 9:52 pm

  Im happy with the escape, I had over 35 cars in my life and I have been happy with Ford, dont buy a Honda what "junks " 2 motors later, any way back to the escape, Im 6 foot 1 and 200 lbs and Im comfortable in it, my wife loves it, it looks tough for a little SUV, no problems, lots of room (Ford, fast, outrageous, raceable, drivable), that is why import sales are going down.

• 

  My 4th Mustang - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Briten88 - June 21 - 2:38 pm

  4th Mustang, 1st V6, disappointing fuel mileage, my 4.6 got better. Big improvement interior and exterior from previous design, fit and finish much better also. Looking forward to trading on a 2011 with the 3.7 L v6.

• 

  Dependable - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Arlene - June 21 - 2:04 am

  When I purchased my Taurus 4 years ago it had 132,000 miles on it. It was a one owner and I purchased it directly from the owner who had kept every receipt for oil changes, tires. They had changed oil every 3000 miles. I change it every 5,000 miles and it uses no oil in between. This has been a very reliable car. All I have had to do was some a/c work $600.00, replace battery and tires. It now has about 186,000 miles and I will keep it until it gives out. The body looks good. I dont feel like I am driving an outdated car (the spoiler makes it). It has been a blessing to me.

• 

  Never ever will I buy a Ford! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wife of a police man - June 20 - 12:24 pm

  I bought my car with only a few miles on it. Fun looking, silver and loaded with black leather, sunroof, v6, very sharp! Rooters have been replaced, another part that i cant remember the name 250.00, and now my air conditioner has went out! it seems as soon as i get one problem fixed, its back at the ford company again! they all know me now by name and my voice over the phone! ugg! very aggravated!

• 

  Happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By new owner - June 19 - 6:52 pm

  Just got the car last week. Love it so far. Havent noticed many problems. Dealer replaced tires when I purchased it, original tires were shot after 44,000 miles. Love the stereo controls on the wheel. Needs a light for the back seat. Needs trunk button inside car. Wish gas cap was on driver side. Trunk is hard to open, seems too heavy.

• 

  Great car, couple of issues - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By kells - June 19 - 12:05 pm

  Dash board rattles, dealer couldnt fix it, filed lemon law got $2000 from Ford. Brake pads & rotors went at 12,000 miles witch is unheard of, $600- $800 job. Replaced bat after 3 yrs which is norm. Replaced fuel filter which is recommended. Rear brake bulbs have been replaced about 4 times (easy to do yourself though) other then that nothing major has gone wrong. I drive 12,000 a year, some highway road trips and still drives great.

• 

  Great Value - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Josh - June 19 - 1:43 am

  This is a great little car, gas mileage is very good. seems to be reliable, 50,000 miles with nothing wrong even using original tires. it did have a lot of squeaking coming from suspension and break lines that i had to lubricate. the options compared to Toyota or Honda is not even comparable, and after test driving all three it wasnt even a question. definitely recommend spending a little extra on the ses or sel.

• 

  A very reliable car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DTMAN - June 18 - 4:51 pm

  While there are some build quality issues, some whistling for example, but not intolerable, this Taurus has over 115K and I have put in a $250.00 coil (was cutting out) and tires, brakes and oil, thats it. Engine is super quiet, runs great and my mechanic says its dry, no leaks, etc. I get 28+ mpg highway and about 19.5 city, great for a car this substantial My first Taurus, a 1987 performed much in the same way.