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:

• 

  Been a great truck so far - 1996 Ford F-150
  By mizzou - March 22 - 11:01 pm

  I bought this truck with 106 000 miles on it. It has 147,000 now, its never left me stranded and has always run well. The only parts I replaced was a belt tensioner, radius arm bushings {only one was bad, but replaced both anyway} and ball joints just recently. I love the way it handles looks and drives. The fuel mpg could be better but I figure I make up for that with the reliability of the truck.

• 

  Low Gas Mileage in City - only 11 MPG! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By DelawareMan - March 22 - 9:05 pm

  I now have 1100 miles on my new 2010 Ford Flex AWD Limited with EcoBoost. I have taken it for service already for low fuel mileage and dealer claims a break-in period for the low gas mileage but I dont buy it! It should not be getting 11 MPG (well under the 16-22 MPG rating). I find this unacceptable which is a shame as the rest of the car is fabulous but I feel that I was taken given the MPG is well under advertised rating!

• 

  Transmission cooler should be recalled - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Shelby Mustang - March 22 - 3:01 am

  I have a 2008 Ford Escape and enjoy driving it till one day when the transmission cooler decided to leak out all my fluid and leave me stranded. Really Ford let get it together and recall all of these 2008 Ford Escapes. How many upset customers does it take for Ford to save its American name.

• 

  The blue ghost - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By raymondlatulippe@yah - March 21 - 11:12 pm

  My name is rayray I got my ranger in 2002 love at first site xlt supercab 3.0 v6 5 speed automatic bright island blue it is only a4x2 never got stuck. I live in mass how about 6 to 8 inches of snow no problem. I put 20s chromes and a chip but it is very rough on the trany I also put bilstien shocks and fuel injection this truck is a looker i have 66,500 miles on it. Iwant to do a lot more to her. The best way is to buy one stock and do the add-ons yourself. You will glad you did great truck my girl says I spend more time with the ghost than her haha she is right. So go buy a Ford ranger you will be glad you did. Rayray!

• 

  ESC too active - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By bignet - March 21 - 5:30 pm

  Not impressed. Didnt like it after the first month and I was stuck in a lease. When is below 40 deg. the ESC actives on turns even when the roads are dry. Especially frustrating while trying to accelerate on a cloverleaf on-ramp on to highway. The 9V power supply is in a bad spot, near the center console. Radar and GPS power cords have to stretch from the console to the dash. No Ash tray/trash. Eddie Bauer edition doesnt come with steering wheel audio controls

• 

  Wont start - 2010 Ford F-150
  By larry - March 20 - 8:38 pm

  Like the truck a lot. Always been a Chevy man. Please help, truck runs great, and then when you shut off, it wont start. Intermediately. Dealership cant find the problem been in the shop twice, cant find anything wrong. Very disappointed. Anyone else have this happening?

• 

  Sangria Ford Update AWD V6 - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bjc - March 20 - 9:37 am

  Went on vacation and left vehicle with Dealer for a week. Ford has Tech Bulletins on transmission/transfer case noise and vibrating accelerator peddle that the dealer was able to fix. Overall I really like the vehicle, now that the annoying problems have been repaired I can get back to enjoying the commute.

• 

  Disappointment - 2008 Ford Escape
  By unhappy! - March 19 - 8:03 pm

  Just like everyone else bad condenser unit, around 20,000. Also had the throttle cable snap twice at 26,000 and at 58,000. Also had engine mount go bad at 60,000. This thing is a lemon but the throttle needs to snap once more before I have a suit. I love America and thats why I put my family in a Ford but this thing has been a bucket. Ive called Ford but they dont do anything there district manger didnt care that my wife is pregnant and we have 3 children. I will never let myself or my family be in a situation like this again.

• 

  Still a good car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By HHAH - March 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this 2000 ZX2 at Sept. 2009, 140K miles, I spent $1800 and another $800 to maintain it, so for so good. I like it

• 

  I like it somewhat - 1995 Ford Escort
  By i like it some what - March 19 - 2:59 pm

  I have had the car for only a month and the engine ticks and its driving me crazy people say its a wrist pin and then they say its a rocker arm then lifter so I said what ever so Im goin to replace the lifter and I also need to replace the exhaust system to loud but other then that I like it I guess and need to replace the back tire