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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  Annoyances - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Lorne - February 7 - 10:53 am

  About my new ford: Seatbelt is really awkward to put on because it is on the rear door. Cannot open the rear door if the front seatbelt is hooked up around someone. Ignition key hole is hard to find because it is way inside the steering column. I get a wind whistle on the highway coming from the windshield somewhere. Tried changing my own oil and could not remove the oil filter with a normal wrench. Have to buy on that fits on the end of the filter. Also a rad hose is designed where it rubs on the hot oil filter. Really do not like the headrests pointing forward.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Antony - February 6 - 6:34 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after having a Jeep Grand cherokee for years. But after test driving the Ford Edge it was like driving a car in an suv body and was surprisingly even larger inside than it looked form the outside. It recently snowed and the AWD feature had be handling the roads like a glove

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  65K Miles and Still LOVE IT! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By FordDriver - February 6 - 11:44 am

  I have had this truck for almost 4 years and have 65K miles on it. The only issues I have had are the F-150 emblems peeling and the 3rd brake light leaking. Brakes are still good and I havent had any maintenance issues at all. The mileage averages about 14-15 and horrible (about 9) when towing, although this is expected for a gasoline engine. The ride is very comfortable and actually quieter and a bit smoother than my wifes Infiniti. I would buy again if asked!

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  Incredible Mileage and Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - February 5 - 12:27 pm

  Can not say enough good things about this car. Very comfortable (but I did get leather seats) and much better mileage than edmunds lists, not sure where edmunds is getting their numbers from but believe me, I have never had such a fuel efficient vehicle. I get 40mpg on highway and 30mpg in city. Super peppy, wheel control feels like a Volkswagen, ride feels like a honda, electronics are impressive, stereo sounds amazing, much more room inside than one would think. Only complaint would be the trunk, it doesnt close correctly if you just casually close it. But that is sooo minor. I never thought Ford would ever make a vehicle this well, and it has changed my impression of Ford forever!!!

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  Been Worth the $ - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By cmd - February 5 - 12:07 pm

  I bought this truck used with 72K, now Im up to 138K and the 2.3L (5 spd Man) engine is running good. During the cold months, I get 20-22 on the Hwy, but when its warm, Ive gotten 27! The body has held up great and Ive had to replace some things like brake lines, Pwr Steering lines, Upper and lower ball joints, e-brake cable and the surprise was the brackets on the rear springs. But overall, Im paying less than a car payment. My boys want me to keep it for when they start driving it. I put some new Cooper ATR tires on it this year and its done pretty good getting up the hill on my drive way here in the CLE area with 200lb of sand in the back.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Cindy - February 5 - 9:40 am

  Love my convertible. Fun to drive and enjoy the power. If you have more than one child, makes for a challenge if they want to take friends somewhere. Not much trunk space. Looks good and sounds even better. Didnt buy the car for fuel efficiency, so gas mileage is not an issue for me. Multiple CD changer and sound system add to its appeal. Convertible top easy to operate.

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  Mostly pretty happy with my Escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Dianne - February 4 - 3:11 pm

  I was excited with the features and design of the 2010 Ford Escape. I am very pleased with the quality of the ride and new technology features. I have not had any luck with the SYNC lady though. She does not understand me when I make my requests to play music from my iPod, the only request I’ve been able to get through to her is “play all”. However, she is great with the phone calls. I was very disappointed to discover the exposed wires for the rearview mirror. Then when I looked closer, I saw the entire front edge of the headliner is detaching. Very poor finish on this part of the interior. Someone else mentioned a chirping noise when accelerating from a stopped positi

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  not if you live where there is snow - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By marie - February 3 - 12:33 pm

  Love my car but if you live anywhere it snows more than an inch get a winter car I get stuck every where I go when there is snow on the ground and I live in Buffalo NY so 7 months out of the year. I but this car brand new I love the way it looks and drives the clutch could be a little more friendly but other then that I think its a great car for anyone who likes a sporty fun to drive car

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  Old and Still Running Great - 2001 Ford Escape
  By PoppyG - February 3 - 12:17 pm

  I bought my 2001, first year model, new in 2001. It has been the best car Ive ever owned. It has done every hauling and snow driving work ever asked of it w/o a problem. With 140,000 miles I still feel good enough about it to send my son to school in snow country with it. Keep up with regular oil changes and service and it will last a very long time. I am buying a 2010 Escape to replace it.

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  A nice all around vehicle. 6cyl 2WD - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Babylou - February 3 - 9:07 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost 3 years now. Note this is the 2WD XLT with 6 cyl. My lease is up in May. Overall the vehicle is a nice equipped ride. Gas mileage as been decent. I have traveled to canada 2X and averaged 26 to 27 mpg at 75mph plus the truck loaded down with fishing gear. Back and forth to work I avg 24 in the summer and 21 om the winter. This is combined HWY and city driving (35 mile commute). Ride noise is a little high but the std tires are not the greatest. I did have to replace a brake sensor ($200 plus) at 30K. Overall I am happy with the vehicle.