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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  Smart Buy - No regrets - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - April 1 - 11:58 pm

  We had a loaded Durango, which we loved, but it was totaled in an accident. Planned to buy a used Durango, but Fords offer was too good. My wife loved the Flex all along, I wasnt thrilled. I felt like I was ditching my "macho" Durango for a boxy station wagon. One year later, I couldnt be happier. Im 64" and we have two young, but tall kids. The Flex has way more passenger room than the Durango and has already payed off in the short and long run. Its also safer and gets way better Hwy and City MPG. At $2.85/gallon, it costs about $44-$45 and drives about 400 miles per tank. Thats better than my wifes Mazda6. We might trade it for a second Flex

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  Beware of spark PLugs - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Kdn - April 1 - 9:49 pm

  Overall great truck. 5.4 has plenty of power. The only thing wrong with the motor is the fact the Motorcraft spark plugs are 2 piece that sit about an inch farther in the head than they are supposed to and break off in the cylinder heads when carbon surrounds them. You can purchase a tool to remove them but beware if something happens its CHEAPER to take it to the dealer to have them changed. Champion makes a one piece plug that isnt supposed to break. Oh, and the plugs run about $20 a piece. Interior is roomy, Seats are normal ford seats. Seemed like i was running through a quart of transmission fluid every 5000 miles after a bottle of Lucas Transmission Conditioner it stopped.

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  116,000 miles later - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  The driving experience is excellent, the handling, cornering, acceleration and braking are all above average or better. I was aware of several specific shortcomings of the vehicle, and all were solved by add-ons at purchase. For example: Several ford models are known to have transmissions issues at 100,000 miles+. This is solved by purchasing the TOWING package that adds a transmission cooling system & radiator to prevent trans damage. My transmission has never so much as slipped. The soft paint & rust issue is partly solved by a rubberized undercoating and wheel well sheathing. Overall the car is wonderful and would buy it again.

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  Like this car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tg - April 1 - 10:26 am

  Newest car Ive ever purchased. Very comfy for me and gas mileage great. At 30,000 only needs tires (seems too soon) reminder to everyone that the valve stems where a recall. Hood prop too cheap, bent that the first time I used it to jump someones car. Car doors seem cheap and rattle some when music is playing. Trunk room is great. Very peppy but Iv only owned clunkers before this. good on wintry roads.

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  great truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By torq - March 31 - 4:14 pm

  I love this truck it 340,000 miles on it I drive it daily and have never had a problem with it. Its lifted with 35" tires. It has great towing. It handles everything I throw at weather it be hauling a load or just playing in the woods. My next 4x4 will be a f150

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  295k review - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By teejay - March 31 - 2:56 am

  Ok so here I am @ 295k. I was going to wait till 300k but I just couldnt. Well my little festy is still going! Still uses almost no oil between the 4k oil changes. Just minor problems with the interior locks and doors. And my after market speakers need to be replaced again. Mechanically she still seemed sound I am beginning to believe that I will really make it to 300k? Well see? Only problem is I am spoiled now in thinking that I should get 300k out of every car and I probably wont. Even the 2009 Toyota Tacoma I just bought. The festivas can teach Toyota a thing or two about durability!

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  Great little Wagon, Very Dependable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dantomfin - March 28 - 6:59 pm

  Had it new since 05. Zippy, handles well, decent gas mileage (around 20 in the city, better than 30 on the highway). Have had NO breakdowns or any mechanical issues - an EXTREMELY dependable car. Good points -Front seats are very comfortable. Lots of pep. Brakes smoothly and the brake replacement intervals are quite long. Heat and A/C work great. Good cargo space in the back, especially for a small wagon. Decent in the snow. Stock sound system is okay. Bad points - not much room in the back seat. Cloth seats stain easily. Some body creaks that drive me nuts. Build quality could be better. Tail and brake light sockets distorted from light bulb heat.

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  4.6 with 6 speed for best mileage - 2010 Ford F-150
  By prius_driver - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  Just bought this truck to replace my 1998 F250, this one is a big step up with a smooth ride and much better gas mileage. Rated 14/20 city/hwy, but the fine print shows drivers will get 17 to 24 on the highway. Took a 100 mile round trip on Thursday and got 23.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Pretty good for a truck, and much better than my 1998 F250 that had the 4 spd auto. with 5.4 liter engine, that one got about 17 mpg on the highway for me.

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  Typical bad Ford Transmissions - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mark - March 28 - 9:55 am

  Bought the car new, at 15,285 miles, complete transmission overhaul, 20,056 miles complete transmission overhaul again. The car is fantastic, but the transmissions are (from what I hear) typical of Ford.

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  Not Bad - 2008 Ford Escape
  By geop - March 27 - 7:46 pm

  Overall its not a bad small SUV. The ride is rough as its on a truck frame and has a small wheel base. The 4 cylinder does OK for a 4cyl. It does need to shift out of over drive climbing up inclines on the highway. The seats are a bit stiff. There is enough room for me as Im 6 ft. I like the fact that you can open the back window without having to open the hatchback to load small items.