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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  Will probably never get rid of it - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By zephyr - March 16 - 10:31 am

  Bought this truck used fresh out of college with 16,500 miles on it. It now has over 140,000 and I have loved every mile. Not going to win any races but still a lot of fun to drive. Hated to hear Ford was going to discontinue the Ranger! Great truck for 20 somethings! Dont drive it much now that I have a family but get it out as much as I can. Oil, tires, and brakes are all that I have had to replace. Even the interior still looks good. With proper care it should be good for several hundred thousand more miles.

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  Review - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Warren - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  I love the car except for the uncomfortable seats and headrest. I also have a Taurus and Ford Freestyle and have never had a problem with seat comfort before this. The head rest (for my height at least) creates an uncomfortable angle, have turned the headrest around but this defeats the purpose of having it. Tough on the back after about an hour of driving, great for short trips. Mileage in the city o.k. at around 22.

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  Perfect - well almost - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By UncleTurbo - March 14 - 10:06 pm

  After a deer motorcycle accident I bought my Tbird for the top down experience and sold the motorcycles. While not as fast as my previous sport bike, the Tbird does rip. If you let it rev it will pull like a maniac and is plenty fast. It also corners surprising well, nice and flat and very predictable. Perhaps not a track car, but definitely fun in the mountains. Very quiet ride with the top down, smooth ride on the highway. Just very nice car to drive. Not a big trunk but big enough for weekend bags or picnic stuff. The space behind the seats is a handy space for the dog, or a bag, or a cooler. What keeps it from perfect is bad ignition coils. Bought used at 24K miles, 54K now.

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  AWESOME! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By CustomRanger - March 13 - 8:04 pm

  I bought my 93 ranger in October. Ive made many mods to this truck and the only thing that i found is horrible is the twin i beam front suspension. Other than that its great on gas, looks (with work. mine has a 2.3 engine 5 spd manual.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff in Dallas - March 11 - 2:25 pm

  I bought this car to replace a foreign sports sedan, and had a bit of trepidation because of that. However, the car has great pickup, handles well, and is extremely comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised about the amount of room inside - it is much bigger than it looks. The "SEL" series has enough luxury touches to make this seem like a much more expensive car. The only negative is that gas mileage (with the 6 cylinder engine) is not great - I average about 17 city, 21 mixed, 24 highway (although Ive been told I have a lead foot)

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  Solid car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Tony - March 11 - 9:15 am

  Bought this car with 121,000 miles for 2100. I driven it hard for 2.5 years and now have 191000 miles on it. I have had no major problems with it. Only have had to replace water pump, coolant reservoir, alternator, and lost the a/c. It has been a very reliable car still getting 26mpg on the highway and never once not staring. Best car Ive ever owned. Ive also had a eclipse and a Corolla which i paid an alot more for, though they got better gas mileage, both had serious mechanical problems (lost an engine in the Corolla and an engine, trans, and axles in eclipse)and surprisingly not very reliable. I guess all manufacturers have lemons way not pay less for the chance at a good one.

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  Is it time to trade in? - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Annabella Rosellini - March 11 - 8:07 am

  Bought new in 1996, w/ 5.8L V8. Now has 190,000 miles. Ran relatively well. Replaced rear differential due to gear oil leak. Replaced also: AC compressor (imploded, costing $1400),radiator (leaked), water pump, alternator, cruise control pressure switch, all hoses and belt, master cylinder and brake booster, battery (twice),CD/radio (twice). Truck had a bad oil leak since 60,000 miles. ABS warning light last year resulted in inability to shift from Park to Drive and now has the same trouble and I cant drive it -- probably needs to replace the ABS module(cost over $1000 the 1st time). Got stuck one winter in Donner Pass due to a broken special lug nut key -- Tow man raped my wallet.

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  Escape Front End Clunk! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By ENGINE66 - March 10 - 7:49 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Escape XLT 4cyl/6-speed auto. As soon as I hit a dip in my neighborhood, the right front end clunked very loudly and it could be felt in the steering wheel. The local dealer test drove it and told me they believed the shock piston was extending to its maximum and bottoming out on the shock housing...basically the shock has very weak rebound and this is "normal." I say it is not normal as none of my other vehicles exhibit this clunk including our 2006 Escape. The 2010 Escape has a softer ride, but should not clunk on simple dips or speed "humps" at 15-20 mph. Overall the 2010 Escape has a nice boxy sturdy look which stands out from other foreign SUVs, but look at 2012!

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  Poor mileage/interior cabin noise - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - March 10 - 7:03 pm

  I am flabbergasted, all these people stating outstanding mileage. it doesnt sound like my Ford Taurus SEL 2008. I am a conservative driver and this car has not given me l8mpg in the city I usually get about 14 mpg. When I drive out to Valley Stream (Nassau County) I might get 17 mpg, averaging 55 mph. Did Ford put the wrong nameplate on this car? (Joke) This car is comfortable, the interior and trunk space are great. Regarding the quietness in the cabin, only on pristine roadways. In the Bronx we have many roads that are not too pristine, the roadway bumps and noise invade the cabin mercilessly, which makes listening to the radio next to impossible.

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  Chevy to a Ford - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Vicki - March 10 - 1:11 pm

  I have owned GM products all my life. This Taurus beat the Impala & the Lacerne in terms of ride, quality by miles. Love the ride, handling & power of this car. Reasonable Price too.