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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  HOCUS FOCUS WHAT A RELIABLE CAR - 2005 Ford Focus
  By HOCUS FOCUS - September 29 - 12:20 am

  It is very reliable. I bought my 2005 used from a car rental and I have had it for 10 years now. I have 134,000 miles on it and I dont see myself giving it up for a long time to come! I am short and the seat rises up to where your head basically touches the roof! My parents bought one a few years ago because they liked driving in mine and getting in and out was easy for them. I get 35 miles to the gallon even at 10 yrs. old! They arent the most quiet cars but they are a good ride and dependable.

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  Mighty Mustang - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin D. Steel - September 26 - 9:34 am

  I bought this car new, actually drove it off the showroom floor. I now have just over 238,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. The only things I have done to it other than normal maintenance, is a new top after 13 years, (mostly garage kept) a fuel pump, and a distributor stator. What a great car! Its now over 21 years old and I hope to have it for another 21 years.

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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Keith - September 25 - 10:29 pm

  I bought this car at 34,000 in 2009. At the time I was a service technician and had to use my own car. Before the end of the 2 year mark I had put over 100,000 miles on this thing. I live in Ohio and drove this car to the Carolinas and Virginia beach annually, including a 24 hour straight drive to Texas and 24 hours straight back 3 days later and never felt worried about making it home. My point is, I beat up my vehicles and this has been a beast. AC failed around the 140,000 mark (didnt bother fixing it), I replaced the thermostat and drive belt at 150,000, at 210,000 the radiator and transmission cooler lines were replaced, driver side window regulator at 215,000 and now at 217,000 the transmission valve body needs to be replaced so Im reluctantly trading it in before I press my luck any further. I cant talk much about labor cost because I do most of my own work, but replacement part costs arent terrible (except the valve body). And even with the age of the car its still averaging 27mpg! My biggest cons are the cheap plastic door handles and the radio display has bad soldering causing it to blank out. Basically very minor things. Ford bought my favor back from GM with this car.

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  Ford F-150 Supercrew review - 2011 Ford F-150
  By Collin - September 24 - 7:07 pm

  The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular cars or trucks out on the road in the past few years. I was lucky enough to purchase one a few years ago. I am a proud owner of the Ford F-150 Super Crew. The Ford F-150 Super Crew is one of the best trucks I have ever had the chance to drive. The pure size of the truck makes it that much better to haul equipment or even supplies for the job that you are working on. It can hold a lot of equipment for any sport you want to play. When choosing a truck you always need to look at the durability. With the F-150 and its Steel frame it’s durability is top of the class in regards to trucks. Since purchasing this truck in 2011 we have had no issues with it. The only thing we have brought it in for was for its regular oil change. We have a cabin in the North Woods of Michigan and it takes a beating up there but has never failed on us or had anything break because of it. There are many uses for the Ford F-150. I mainly use it for moving around college and hauling my dirt bikes and ATV’s around when trying to find places to ride. My dad, his two brothers, and their uncle use it for hunting when I am not using it. It has done wonders for their hunting trips being able to carry all the decoys and guns that they have when they go. All five of them fit comfortably in the truck and they are all over 6’2”. When hauling a trailer behind it, it feels like there is nothing back there. When looking at the truck one of the bad things about it would be that the fake chrome on the handles is starting to peel off so it looks cheap when it does. Another would be the cost to fill up the massive 32-gallon tank. Some of the pros are that it is the most reliable truck/car I have ever owned. In conclusion the Ford F-150 would get 5/5 stars in my book. For the beating that my family and myself has put it through it has yet to have anything happen to it, which is exactly, what you want in a truck.

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  ownership 2015 Ford Explorer - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Vaughn Vitez - September 24 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased new, a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited. This is my 18th Ford Vehicle, my second Ford SUV. Fords just keep getting better. Im a 64 male driver, and have no complaints with this SUV. Entry and exit is roomy and once inside, seat belted in, Im very comfortable in the leather, air and heated individual seats with great visibility in front, side, and rear windows. Driving position is comfortable and all the limited features are very nice. Climate control, adjustable seat, steering wheel, foot pedals, window controls and center console covered storage bin are well placed and well thought of. The driver position of all controls can be set to three other drivers without having to readjust driver positions from one person to another person. When the engine is shut-off, the drivers seat automatically retracts for easier exiting. The voice activated controls is well received for driver control. The radius monitoring keeps a watch full "eye" of objects surrounding the vehicle. The adaptive cruise control keeps Explorer at a safe set distance between the other vehicle in front. Also, the cross traffic collision avoidance system is a great aid. Entertainment system with either stereo or surround sound is so appreciative of those that enjoy listening to music as music was intended to be heard. Surround sound is the way to go using the benefits of the 12 speakers placed strategy through-out the vehicle. The driver alertness monitoring signal sets off a tone to advise the driver to pull off and take a break when it detects less driver alertness. The new 2015 Ford Explorer is a well defined vehicle for driver and passenger enjoyment. The engineers at Ford have put the driver and safety to the top of the "list" of ownership and drivability of the 2015 family member of Ford. I forgot to mention how quiet the interior is on all types of road pavements. And the automatic windshield wipers adjusting to the amount of wetness and vehicle speed is also a great plus along with the automatic headlight dimming from high beam to low, then back to high beam. Thank-you Ford!!

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  Cherry King Ranch - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Happy So Far - September 22 - 1:44 pm

  Bought in July 15 with 83,500 miles. Ive put 1250 miles on it. Nothing too bad to report. I figured with its age mpg would be a bit below the 14 city/18 highway mileage rating when new. City is right on. Highway its doing a bit better, around 19.5 mpg. Its smoother and quieter on the highway than I thought it would be, even with the Firestone Destination ATs I put on to replace the Continental Contitrac TRs that it came with. All the electronics and bells and whistles work fine. The only negative is that 2006 still suffers from paint bubbling on the front edge of the aluminum hood. Im told this is from a bit of iron corrupting the metal and the paint pops. Doesnt really rust, the paint just bubbles. It may also happen on the lift gate. Not much to do about it but touch up here and there before taking in for a fix. I understand this may be common on early 2000s Expys. As for me I can live with it. Thats the only negative I found so far. Im expecting a few years of good service from the vehicle.

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  Ford Focus Long Term Review - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Jon - September 21 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this car summer of 2013 with 36,200 miles on it. Fast forward over two years later, i am at 90,600 miles and have had absolutely NO issues with this car mechanically! Smooth ride, great on gas, and love the upgraded stereo that my focus has. The only problem I have had are the 17" 16 spoke wheels. The finish is peeling off badly on all 4 wheels. I will soon either have to get them replaced, or paint them myself (though that may go horribly). I also wish my car had the 5 speed manual transmission. The 4 speed auto is just a little sluggish at times. Overall would recommend this car 9.5/10

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  Great not so small car. Great milage - 2015 Ford Focus
  By John - September 21 - 11:26 am

  Love this car. Primary goal was to get a vehicle that got great mileage. Wasnt aware that Focus got this kind of superb mileage until I started researching. LOVE this car. Backup camera, Bluetooth, SYNC hands-free and a really nice sounding radio. The radio gets outstanding long distance reception that surpasses any radio in the past thirty years. Im a very large man and I fit into this car very easily. Drive an hour each way to work and an not cramped up and tired afterwards like I was in a 1998 Nissan Altima. Trunk has more usable space than my Lincoln MKS. Very happy I found the 2015 Focus. I have an Automatic transmission.

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  What a ride! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Chaz - September 20 - 8:35 pm

  Bought this to replace 2012 Chrysler 300. Needed more room on road trips. The ride is excellent and as good as the Chrysler 300 which was great. Drove through driving rain on recent trip and this SUV was solid and no wind buffeting when you pass Tractor Trailers! For a mid size SUV, the ride and lack of wind noise is excellent. The Sync system works great and the Ac configuration is well thought out. The ac will freeze you out. I also own a 2002 Ford a Explorer which still runs great! The 2015 Explorer is a great SUV and will not disappoint you!

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  WOW!!! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Ken - September 20 - 2:25 pm

  This trucks 2.7L twin turbo engine roars with speed and power, its incredibly fast off the line. Considering its power the mpg its good, but in real world not great when compared to other trucks. Supposedly with the 4x4 I should be getting 19 combined, in actuality Im getting 17-18. The computer is showing close to 18.7, but when calculated manually its a mile or more less. That said, by electing the smaller engine it would matter if there was a trade off for mileage vs power, but thats not the case. Im suspecting with a custom tune the shifting would improve and the turbos performance would increase substantially. There is probably no end to what could be done in performance mods. Pros: Fast/Powerful, handles great, very roomy, good gas mileage for a truck, awesome front end look. Aluminum body reduces weight, seems tough and doesnt dent easy. Cons: Front seats not the most comfortable, plastic trim Interior, halogen lights, navigation and leather arent included until you fork out big bucks. Ford makes you pay for options other makers may include. They probably needed to give and take somewhere considering the expense they forked out for the lighter aluminum body. Ford needs a black out option, this truck is black and there is to many emblems colors on it, plus the white lettering on the tires. It weakens its appearance.