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:

• 

  Dont Touch - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jason - December 28 - 3:00 am

  Finally bought a car I actually wanted. I lost sleep the 2 days before I picked it up from the dealer. I am still finding myself wanted to go to the store so I can drive it. I even told the wife we need to move further from my work so I can drive it more. I am still getting the occasional "Nice Mustang" when I park it near people. The down side is I have to be selective where I park. I love the sound (engine & Shaker 500). It is sharp inside and out. I was even surprised with the trunk space, bigger than I thought. Love this car!

• 

  Not to Shabby. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CPW - December 28 - 12:48 am

  My first truck, reviews from friends and family helped decide to purchase a Ford. Plenty of power down low, sometime you have to really get on it to get up to speed on the highway. <11mpg in town and 18mpg highway>. Its practical for the region I live in. 4wd. The Goodyears arent too bad but I havent really heard anything good about them. The windows fog up really fast and that disturbs me. Overall I couldnt be happier with my first truck, hope to have it for many years.

• 

  Ford - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nkw1013 - December 27 - 9:19 pm

  Purchased the vehicle for my wife three years ago. Vehicle has not had any problems. Just routine maintenance and fuel, no complaints.

• 

  Still one happy customer @ 90000 miles. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By George - December 27 - 4:29 pm

  Im 55, after lifting the hood, I went for my checkbook. I was looking for a V-8 Mustang but not this orange beast I bought. Looking out from behind the shaker hood in the drivers seat and "feeling" the freaky sound of the machine is the only way to go. The only car worth driving period. I went slow for 100 miles, next few hundred broke it in at many, many, redline shifts to get it used to me. It loves it, nothing has broken and Ive got almost 100K on it now. Why stop driving it at 26mpg? Just put on some Blizzaks! Giddyup.

• 

  Focus Hatch Titanium - 2012 Ford Focus
  By docdsc - December 27 - 7:48 am

  I purchased my Focus after driving many other compact cars. The Focus exceeded all my expectations. I dont think I would have ever considered the Focus, until I started reading the reviews about it. Ford really has done an amazing job building and designing this car. The car feels extremely solid, drives exceptionally well, is very comfortable, and economical. The engine is very smooth, and the auto clutch tranny shifts crisply, especially in the "s" mode. The manual shifting option is on the gear selector, I would prefer a steering wheel mounted paddle.

• 

  Truth Be Told... - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By db13 - December 27 - 3:18 am

  I thought it was the best engineered car around...for the money and its functionality and form. Its simply a beautiful, comfortable, and fun-to-drive car. Untill the power steering pump, and rack went out at only 30k. $1100.00 ouch! Now, at 57K Im hearing howling as I drive to work at night. No, not Halloween warewolves, I wish; wheel (axle), bearing. $360.00 if dearler does the job.

• 

  The Sanders experience - 2007 Ford Escape
  By michaelsanders - December 26 - 6:48 pm

  We love driving around and so far the weather here has been mild, so we cant wait till we get some bad weather to see how it performs under those conditions.

• 

  Poor Brakes, poor quality! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ken - December 26 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this Ranger for almost two years. I have faced continuous problems with the braking system. Continued maintenance required that is charged to "clean, adjust, lubricate, inspect" the brakes. Pad on disc brakes continue to hang up. Too many issues with the entire braking system for me to be satisfied with this vehicle. If you live in a climate where there is snow and/or road salt, do not buy as you will have to pay for the brake service at least once a year ($80+). I have had mine done three times because normal driving on highways with snow, road salt, sand causes brakes to hang up. Would recommend looking at foreign made trucks such as Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma instead!

• 

  Flexible Comfort - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Patrick Colbeck - December 26 - 9:53 am

  My wife and I do not have any kids, but we do have a dog. The fold flat 2nd row bench works out great for us when traveling with our dog. We have also had no problems transporting up to seven friends and family in comfort. The leather seats heat up quickly during the Michigan winter and stay rather cool during the peak of summer. It has been a very enjoyable ownership experience.

• 

  Great small truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Brian - December 25 - 11:05 pm

  I love this small truck. My first tank of gas got 31mpg. My second tank got 34mpg. With a $14,100 drive out price its a great deal.