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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  Most fun car out there - 2009 Ford Flex
  By sty - December 30 - 11:00 pm

  It reminded me of those "Woody" surfer wagons. Its a perfect combination of all the electronics you can want, plus cargo space. We have an infant and two Jack Russells, and sometimes pack bikes. Traded an Infiniti FX that was loaded and this was 10K less but had virtually everything the FX had, except for the V8. What it did add was space, a retro cool look, the great SYNC system. This was my first American car in 30 years and I would have to say Ford is now up there with the Japanese and Germans. The only option I laid off was the 760 dollar refrigerator, opting instead for a 5 dollar cooler. Great roof windows, too.

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  A Better Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Myers - December 30 - 8:48 pm

  After owning 4 Explorers over the years and living with their poor cornering, I was amazed at driving an All-Wheel-Drive version. No more slowing down in a turn cause you felt the "its gonna tip over!" feeling. What a difference! It felt, and still does, like a big sports car. Very safe and secure feeling. Very well built. My ONLY complaint is the fuel economy! Typically 12-14mpg and 11 if all city. I dont lead foot (remember the Shell Answer Man commercials?). Ill never sell this one as in its extended life it will carry big things till the wheels fall off. I still love it.

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  Great truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By good_truck - December 30 - 4:59 pm

  I have had this truck since new, and abused it a lot. I almost never change the oil (about every 7-8,000 miles), and have done NO other maintenance on it. Brakes lasted over 100,000 miles, clutch is still good, engine runs like a top. The 2.5 is really a strong, bulletproof engine. I have really been impressed with the truck. Its not nice (Sport model with vinyl floorboards - the only option I have is A/C), but great basic transportation. Good thing I like the truck, because I dont think I could kill it if I wanted to!

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  Fords Escape AWD Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rich rice - December 30 - 2:26 pm

  3,789 miles and averaging 30 mpg with awd drive model. No problems what so ever. Interior could use some more padding on door arm rest and drivers seat could use more adjustment for tall drivers. I highly recomend the car. also a bigger battery so the hybrid could run more on battery

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  Ford matches the imports and then some - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Michael - December 30 - 12:50 pm

  Bought the sport after internet research and test drive. The ride is smooth and tight,with a leather interior second to none. Excellent acceleration and braking.The fit and finish is better than the Accord and Malibu which we compared it to. So far we have been averaging 31mpg on the highway and 22.8 in the city(with air on)6sp auto a plus. Backseat room is excellent and instrument cluster sweet.Ths sport is comfortable, spacious and definetly a great ride over the accord and chevy.Sync system puts you cell and i pod at your fingertips with no interference in driving attention. Dual zone air is excellent.

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  So Much for the Japanese! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By TravisP1984 - December 30 - 7:26 am

  I love everything about my Fusion. I ordered the Charcoal Beige with Charcoal cloth interior. Every option but the leather. NO COMPLAINTS. This car is a thrill to drive! I am CONSTANTLY getting stares and rubbernecking everywhere I go. It out-classes everything else in the mid-sized segment. I would recommend this car to anyone with a flair for excitement and the need for a passionate automobile.

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  first new car, 2nd time on a Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By NEW CAR - December 29 - 7:05 pm

  Overall not a bad little car. already replacing right speakers, they went bad. also there is really no power between 3rd and 4th gear on hwy. going like 40 to 60 takes forever. gas mileage could be better. lots of room for tall people. love the lights on mirrors, 4-speaker system not as nice as the 6. only had my 05 SEL for 3 months.

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  Ford - Fix Or Repair Daily Exploder - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By amy - December 29 - 6:49 pm

  We bought our Eddie Bauer used from a pro hockey player who had it garaged with very little miles for its age. He had all records and it seemed to be a great car. We loved it for about a year and then all the bells and whistles fell off. We are now on our 4th transmission. We have almost paid more to fix the car than if we had bought it new. Will never buy another Ford.

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  Good Starter Car - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Adam - December 29 - 5:22 pm

  Great for a light/work truck. Never any mechanical problems in first 60K miles. CD changer went out in first 20K. Some dash instruments cheaply assembled, e.g. knobs broke off/snapped. Fuel economy was not as efficient as expected. Poor for V6.

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  Repeat buyer - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By William C - December 29 - 12:29 pm

  If this is a "tired design" Ill take more. In fact I did, this is my second new Ranger, the first one gave me 18 years of good service. The 2006 XLT is solid and powerful, fun to drive. The Ford OHC 4.0 has plenty of punch and the 5 speed shifts well. The Tacoma and Dakota are too large to be considered a compact truck. I drove a GMC Canyon, its OK but it didnt impress me.