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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  2008 Focus ses - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jon Baumbach - April 17 - 9:37 pm

  Nice car, great gas mileage, plenty of power, fun to drive, blower speed switch replaced, front brake pads too hard you can feel them through the brake pedal, road noise from tires ( Pirelli brand ), no handle to close trunk lid, no dome light for back seat.

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  I like my car taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By irfan - April 17 - 5:19 pm

  I bought this car in August 2009 with 74,500 miles though its damaged from one side and mechanical problems when i got this car, i just changed the battery and the wheels in winter. Nothing else. Now 86k. No problem at all. Never went to mechanic. Reliable in any weather conditions. Ac works perfectly.

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  Windstar 1996 for sale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Forrest Jeffery - April 16 - 11:10 pm

  This has been a wonderful car to drive. I drove it to the east coast 3 times. It has new tires in the last 2 years, and a recent complete tuneup. It has air conditioning and it gives a smooth ride.

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Robert - April 14 - 6:19 pm

  I owned a Ford Focus in 2002 and wasnt that fond of the car. Since then I had all types of performance cars - Nissan 350z, Mustang GT and Charger R/T. I recently traded in the Charger for the Focus SES 4-door and am pleasantly surprised with the engineering. Ford has come a long way with their quality and "WOW factor." We looked at several Japaneses and Korean compacts for fuel efficiency and none compare

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  high pitched noise 2009 - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By high pithed noise - April 13 - 4:34 pm

  We havent had this new vehicle but 6 month already we hear a high pitched noise that is so loud that everyone stares. You would expect to see a clunker for the noise that is heard. We have taken it to the dealership but the noise goes away. We will soon be driving 2000 miles and am afraid for our safety. The mechanics at Ford simply took off wheels and put them back on only to have the same noise. They should investigate this problem or do more.

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  love it - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MY FIRST CAR - April 12 - 10:16 pm

  My parents got me this car for my first one, and let me say they shouldnt have it has way more horsepower then i need but i dont care i like it. It runs great is very smooth and sounds great. I love the white color it is just a great car. I want to keep it and give it to my son or daughter

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  6 years of reliable performance. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CLB - April 12 - 8:06 pm

  I can only find one negative thing about this vehicle and we all know what it is. With a 5.4L and 300+ hp engine you cant expect to anything better than 18-19 mpg on the hwy or 13-14 mpg. Things I do not think about when pulling a 8000 lbs trailer or loading up the back with over 1/2 ton of "stuff". All these and a very comfortable ride makes this a a great people mover, stuff hauler, trailer tower, etc. Did get better mileage (2-3 mpg) after changing to a high flow air filter.

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  Best used car every bought - 2008 Ford Edge
  By great gas mileage - April 12 - 7:49 pm

  I just got my Ford Edge and purchased from a Chevy Dealer who took it in trade. I recently went on a road trip and got 25 mpg on the trip. I use bp gas as recommended in the manual and find performance gas mileage was improved over the two tanks I got at the local convenient store. Lots of power and handles great in any situation.

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  My Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By copper - April 12 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased the Ford Flex to replace my 1999 Ford F250 SD 7.4 L diesel. My F250 was getting old and starting to give my some problems so decided it was time to get a new vehicle. I looked around at several makes like the Honda Pilot, & Jeep Commander I also attended the Chicago auto show to compare vehicles all in one place. After long hours of looking and many questions asked of show staff I narrowed it down to 4 vehicles. The Jeep was the first to be eliminated to to it being over priced. The second to go was the Chevy Equinox the financing of 6.9% was way too high. After speaking to the well informed sales person at Ford I purchased the 2010 Flex I like the vehicle and it just right.

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  Follow up of initial review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - April 11 - 11:55 pm

  I wrote the review titled by "John" 3rd Ford Ranger. At this point having owned the truck for about 6 months I can give a little better review. The brakes, they have squealed since day one. Fuel economy on this truck is absolutly terrible. The fit and finish of the truck leave a lot to be desired if one cares a lot about such things. For instance my bed is flush on one side when compared to the cab, but protrudes about 3/4" on the other side of the cab. The tailgate is flush with the bed rail on one side, but sits about 1/4" lower then the rail on the other side. Minor things, but obvious if youre looking, but it still gets the job done and is a dependable truck